Last Updated on May 21, 2022 by Ed Joven
Unique Eateries
If you’re a foodie, there’s no doubt you’re into trying new, exciting, and delicious culinary concoctions from all over the world. Every meal is the chance for a new experience and a fresh combination that’s sure to delight and enthrall your dinner guests.
You’re probably already au fait with every fine dining establishment within a hundred miles of your home and then some, so we thought we’d share some potential foodie destinations with you!
Our list of the seven most unique restaurants in the world covers Michelin-starred restaurants, restaurants in caves, in trees, and underwater. There's something for everyone! Take a look.
Le Jules Verne- Paris, France.
If you’ve ever gone to see the Eiffel Tower, you’ll have noticed that it's more than just steel and bolts; there's a restaurant in there too! Le Jules Verne is open to reservation holders only, but boy is the venue worth the wait. If you want to wine and dine in one of the most well-known landmarks in the world, this is your chance. Le Jules Verne offers a view utterly unrivaled by any in the world. The dining isn't half bad either; refined cuisine is presented in a highly modern and graphic format.
Herb and cheese ravioli rub shoulders with buttery sea bass and meringue at lunchtime, and a five or seven-course tasting menu comes out after the sun goes down. Crab, langoustine, bass, cod, poultry, meringue, and chocolate souffle will sing you to sleep as the lights of Paris glitter seductively in the background.
Grotta Palazzese- Polignano a Mare, Italy.
In a seaside cave that's been hollowed out of a cliff face above the Adriatic Sea lies one of the most deliciously secluded restaurants in the world, Grotta Palazese. Crisp white tablecloths are laid across every table, and sparkling wine glasses glitter from under warm lanterns.
This spectacular location is home to some genuinely exceptional cuisine: choose from the “Essence” and “Instinct” tasting menus or opt for the ala carte one instead. The freshest seafood comes directly from the ocean to your plate. The pasta is delicious in true Italian style. Italian wines perfectly complement every dish on the menu and always leave you wanting more.
The Pearl- Brussels, Belgium.
This one is for the adventurers and water babies among you. Dressing for dinner at the Pearl means grabbing your scuba gear and flippers and leaving the evening dress and diamonds in the cupboard. At the bottom of an incredible deep swimming pool in Brussels sits a two-meter perspex sphere heavily bolted down.
This is not some sort of submarine, nor is it a spacecraft; it’s The Pearl that you'll be eating in. You’ll need weight belts to get down that far, but dump them before you start eating!
Your lobster salad and champagne come down courtesy of waterproof cases ferried by divers in full scuba gear. The environment is as silent as you could ever hope for: the only noise you’ll hear is the water sloshing underneath the bubble.
Piz Gloria- Schilthorn, Switzerland.
If you prefer the mountains to the sea, then Piz Gloria is the place for you. High atop (yes, literally atop) the mountains in Switzerland sits a restaurant that boasts a truly incredible 360-degree view of the exquisite alpine scenery. While you sip on your warming red wine and tuck into your hot goulash, your location revolves so that every member of your party gets to see every aspect of the view.
Thankfully, mountain climbing gear won't be required for your visit: you’ll take a ride on the world’s longest aerial cableway to reach the restaurant.
Soneva Kiri- Koh Khood, Thailand.
Sticking with the high-altitude theme, we head to Thailand to try Soneva Kiri. Though not quite as high up as the mountains, at Soneva Kiri, you can enjoy your meals from the safety of your perch in a deluxe treehouse. “Tree pod” dining, as it's called at the resort, is the perfect way to take in the gorgeous Thai scenery and have a completely unique culinary experience.
Once you’re seated, your bamboo pod will be hoisted by a pulley into the trees, where you’ll be served by a waiter on a zipline. Choose from the gourmet or luxury picnic option and enjoy the experience.
The Rock- Michamvi, Zanzibar
Perched on a rock in the ocean, just off the coast of Zanzibar, sits a little restaurant. Restaurant on the Rock is surrounded by bright turquoise, crystal clear waters. Formerly a prime fisherman’s post, this structure in the Indian Ocean is home to some of the best seafood you’ll ever taste.
Rock lobster and coconut tiramisu (all locally sourced, naturally) will go down a treat along with fresh juices and cocktails. Don't worry about getting seasick on the way back to shore; the ride is only a few meters!
The Jane - Antwerp, Belgium.
Last but certainly not least, have you ever eaten in a military chapel? Well, if you go to The Jane in Antwerp, you will be! An ode to the juxtaposition of modern decor and a retro location, The Jane is a truly unmissable experience. This restaurant is well known for its wine list, serving both new biological varieties and traditional-aged selections.
The original stained glass windows have been preserved in the chapel, adding another unique aspect to this almost holy dining experience. With two Michelin stars to her name, The Jane is well worth a visit.
Wrap Up
Be sure to book a visit to any of these divine locations on your next trip abroad.
You might like these:
Must-Try American Meals for Travellers
Leave a Reply