Eating is one of travel's great pleasures. Some tables have understood this and turn the setting into an experience in its own right, underwater, in the air, deep in a cave or in total darkness. Here are twelve, gathered around four elements.
Underwater1 Ithaa UnderseaMaldives
Ithaa Undersea pioneered the aquarium-restaurant concept, its name means "mother of pearls" in Dhivehi. Five metres below the surface, it offers a 180° view of the ocean, its corals, fish, dolphins and sharks. The cuisine celebrates seafood of exceptional quality.
2 UnderNorway
Under is the first restaurant of its kind in Europe, submerged in the icy waters of the North Atlantic. Listed in the Michelin guide, its menu changes with the seasons to celebrate regional produce. Chef Nicolai Ellitsgaard oversees this two-star table, which also acts as an artificial reef for the surrounding marine ecosystem.
In the Air3 Treepod DiningThailand
In a bamboo pod suspended within the rainforest canopy, this table offers coastal views and gourmet cuisine. Its signature detail: the waiters deliver each dish by zip line.
4 Aurora Sky StationSweden
High on a mountain in Lapland, this gastronomic table builds its whole experience around watching the northern lights, beneath a night sky of rare clarity.
5 Grotta PalazzeseItaly
This restaurant is set within a natural cave, the Grotta di Palazzo. The contrast between the rock and the Adriatic makes for a striking setting, by day or at sunset.
6 The RockZanzibar
Why not dine on a rock? This establishment was built on a rock in the middle of the Indian Ocean, reachable only by boat. Quality cuisine, at reasonable prices.
7 Sounds of SilenceAustralia
This open-air table, deep in the desert, offers aperitifs, a didgeridoo performance, a guided tour of the starry sky and a buffet of local specialities. Far from any city, near Uluru, it offers incredible views of the desert and the heavens.
8 Scarabeo CampMorocco
In the Agafay desert, near Marrakech, this open-air table turns the meal into a suspended moment. The venue is said to have hosted Madonna's birthday.
9 El DiabloSpain
In the Timanfaya National Park, on Lanzarote, El Diablo was built around the crater of one of the park's volcanoes. The lava, at 400 degrees below the surface, serves as a natural cooking source. The view over the park is magnificent.
10 IceRestaurant365Finland
Built entirely of ice, this complex features frozen plates, chairs and tables. Rebuilt each year after it melts, it offers an invigorating atmosphere.
11 The ArchipelagoUnited Kingdom
In London, this gastronomic table serves international cuisine, zebra, python, locusts, alongside vegetarian options. The concept blends travel and culture through lesser-known specialities from around the world.
12 Dans le Noir?France
Plunged into total darkness, you must rely on your sense of taste and smell, and let yourself be surprised by delicious gastronomic dishes. Born in Paris, this sensory concept now exists in several major cities.
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