Sometimes, dressing up formally and sitting down to a meal that is disproportionate to the size of the plate served is not a special enough experience. Sometimes, you look for something much more exciting, more exclusive especially if you spend more money on it.
This is where the unique dining experience comes in. The specialty of this type of restaurant is not only the interesting taste of the food. In fact, it can be said that the complement to the real attraction is the location.
To some extent, it is also an activity served together with the cuisine on offer, such as feeding the giraffe while you enjoy the meal.
However, it is the location that is the ‘main ingredient.’
Whether it’s dining in an extraordinary place (for example, deep under the sea) or with extraordinary company, there’s sure to be something to suit whatever type of experience you’re looking for.
ABOVE THE TREE (THAILAND)
Tilt your head and look at the nest-like structure that hangs 52 meters above the meadow, where you will sit for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Canopy at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort in Chiang Rai is a relatively new dining concept, officially introduced in August, that offers visitors panoramic views of the lush jungles of northern Thailand.
Once you’re seated in the open capsule, and with binoculars in hand, you’ll be mesmerized by the sight of elephants roaming below from nearby camps.
Accompanying this stunning view is a menu to try throughout the day of your choice. Canopy offers three variations: Mekong Discovery to taste the culinary heritage of the region, Culinary Adventure for a fusion of East-West dishes and Gourmet Odyssey for local cuisine created with luxurious ingredients.
UNDER THE SEA (NORWAY)
For those who really like the sea and the ocean, it will be fun when you experience dining 5.5 meters under the waves at this Norwegian restaurant.
Located in the Norwegian town of Lindesnes, the Under restaurant juts out of the icy waters of Bali at an angle that looks like a half-submerged whale. And it’s a big restaurant too, its size prompting it to be dubbed ‘the world’s largest underwater restaurant’ after its opening in 2019.
Up to 90 guests can be accommodated in the 495 square meter dining room, where a large glass wall is installed to offer diners a stunning view of the North Atlantic Ocean and the marine life within.
Awarded one Michelin Star since 2020, Under features a seasonal menu that includes 10 to 12 courses.
ON AN ICE COLD MOUNTAIN (AUSTRIA)
Follow in James Bond’s footsteps at Gaislachkogl, a mountain in Solden, Austria, where Daniel Craig’s 2015 film Specter was filmed.
First, enjoy a meal at the Ice Q Restaurant, so you have the energy to explore 007 Elements, a museum dedicated to the spy movie. The restaurant is technically divided into two main parts, a gourmet restaurant downstairs and a tapas lounge upstairs.
Opening hours vary depending on the season. After a short break following the end of summer service in early October, it will reopen for the winter season from November 2024 to April 2025.
In terms of food, you can order an ala carte menu, or choose a full course meal. There is also a luxury weekly dining option called the Summit Dinner.
Since Ais Q is located at an altitude of 3,048m, you have to take the Gaislachkoglbahn, this cable car stops right next to the restaurant.
ON THE VOLCANO (SPANISH)
Not surprisingly, at El Diablo Spanish Restaurant, you can eat on top of a volcano. Granted, it is inactive it last erupted in 1824. But it still produces enough geothermal heat to grill food perfectly.
The unique cooking method used by this restaurant has made it the focus of eager customers since it first opened its doors in 1970.
However, the reviews received indicate that your experience can either be filled with a perfect volcano barbecue meal and a beautiful view of the garden, or one where you feel constantly rushed so that the wait staff can seat the next customer.
But you may still feel dissatisfied with the expensive price and having to queue for an hour to enter the restaurant.
WITH WILDLIFE (INDONESIA)
No, you don’t have to trek through the wilderness to enjoy this experience. Just visit the Tsavo Lion Restaurant at Bali Safari Park in Indonesia, where you can dine with lions.
As dramatic as it sounds, your safety is assured as the glass wall will keep you separated from the lions lounging in the sun. In addition, there are also meerkats to look out for while you dine.
For extra fun, get the Night Safari Premium package that includes a dinner session with tigers at Ranthambore (a replica of the fort of the same name in India).
But if you are already in Indonesia to see lions, you can go to the Royal Safari Park in West Java next. Dining with giraffes was introduced at the new De’savanna Restaurant last year. – ANN/The Star