Dining on the Edge: 13 Extreme Restaurants You Must See to Believe

Have you ever eaten dinner hanging from a crane or nibbled on a meal underwater with fish swimming by your table?

We’re going to explore some of the world’s most extreme restaurants where adventurous eating takes on a whole new meaning!

Ithaa Undersea Restaurant
Photo by Ithaa Undersea Restaurant

1. Ithaa Undersea Restaurant

Snuggled five meters below the ocean’s surface, Ithaa awaits your arrival. You’ll dine under a curved, glass dome with a spectacular view of vibrant coral gardens and tropical fish.

The ambiance shifts enchantingly from a bright day to a starlit night during your meal. Your dining experience at Ithaa is not just about the sumptuous menu, but also the breathtaking 360° ocean panorama.

Lunch welcomes families, while dinner offers a serene adults-only atmosphere. Make sure to book ahead to secure your spot in this magical underwater setting.

2. Dinner In The Sky

Fancy dining with your feet dangling above the ground? Dinner In The Sky turns an ordinary meal into a thrilling sky-high adventure. Imagine savoring your favorite dishes while suspended up high with breathtaking views all around you.

From the heart of cosmopolitan cities to tranquil seaside escapes, this unique dining concept has you covered. In Belgium, it’s not just about the chocolate — elevate your culinary journey to new heights. Or, let’s soar over Dubai, where the vibrant skyline adds a dash of Arabian magic to your meal.

3. The Rock

Perched on a rock in the Indian Ocean, The Rock is a restaurant in Zanzibar that feels like a scene from a fantasy book. It’s not just a place to eat; it’s a little island you can visit!

When the tide is low, you can stroll across the beach to reach it. As the waters rise, you’ll need a boat to shuttle you back to the main island. Inside, you’re welcomed with a warm atmosphere and an array of seafood dishes, flavored with a touch of Italy.

Sea Underwater Restaurant
Photo by Sea Underwater Restaurant

4. Sea at Anantara

At Sea at Anantara in the Maldives, your lunch comes with a side of stunning ocean views, from the inside out! Nestled underneath the waves, this restaurant isn’t your typical eatery. Pull up a chair and look out at turtles and sharks that call the Indian Ocean home.

Love a good wine? Sea at Anantara boasts one of the world’s first underwater wine cellars, so you can sip on fine vintages while fish swim around you.

5. Cabbages & Condoms

In the heart of Bangkok sits a quirky spot that’s all about safe dining with a message. Cabbages and Condoms is not your average eatery. This restaurant is themed to promote health and family planning in a fun, unique way.

You’ll find mannequins dressed in outfits made entirely of condoms, and yes, they serve up some seriously tasty Thai food. With a name like Cabbages and Condoms, it’s hard not to be curious, and this place lives up to the hype.

It’s about blending advocacy with your appetite, and you get to take home a complimentary condom instead of mints!

6. Ali Barbour’s Cave

At Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant, you can enjoy your meal in an ancient, coral cave with openings that let you gaze at the African sky. This spot at Diani Beach adds a touch of magic to every dish, with soft lighting that enhances the natural beauty.

It’s not every day you get to eat in a setting that took thousands of years to create! Warm breezes from the nearby ocean complete the serene atmosphere.

Ali Barbours Cave Restaurant
Photo by Ali Barbours Cave Restaurant

7. Iris

Iris is a one-of-a-kind restaurant that will stir your sense of adventure – you get to dine in a floating orb with breathtaking views of a Norwegian fjord. The culinary creations crafted by Chef Anika Madsen are inspired by the sea.

At Iris, you don’t just eat; you embark on a journey through flavors and future innovations. Imagine savoring your meal surrounded by art, with the gentle sway of water beneath you.

8. Under

In Southern Norway, as far south as you can go, sits Under, not just a restaurant, but a submerged marvel. Here, you can savor your meal five meters below the ocean’s surface.

Curious about the architecture? It’s designed by Snøhetta, and its grandeur matches the ambition of the dining experience—it’s the world’s largest underwater restaurant.

9. Treepod Dining at Soneva Kiri

Imagine sitting high among the trees, with a cool breeze and birds chirping around. This is what you’ll find at Treepod Dining at Soneva Kiri in Thailand. Your meal comes to you via a zipline, delivered by servers with a flair for the dramatics.

Up in your cozy bamboo pod, you’re lifted into the tropical foliage of Koh Kood. With the ocean in sight, enjoy a meal that’s as much a visual treat as it is a burst of flavors.

soneva kiri treepod dining
Soneva Kiri, teepod dining

10. SnowCastle

Want to dine in a castle made of snow? In Kemi, Finland, this dreamy spot isn’t just a fairytale. Each winter, the town crafts a spectacular SnowCastle, which houses the magical Snow Restaurant.

Savor a hearty meal surrounded by artful ice carvings and snow walls. The menu features Arctic specialties that warm you right up, served on ice plates, no less! You’ll want to bundle up, but don’t worry; the memories are sure to outlast the chill.

11. Huashan Teahouse

At Huashan Teahouse, you’ll be sipping tea with the clouds as your company. Perched atop Mount Hua’s southern peak, a visit to this remote teahouse isn’t just about the drink—it’s a journey.

Your adventure begins with the challenging climb up “The Heavenly Stairs” leading to one of China’s Five Great Mountains. But persevere, and you’ll be rewarded with more than just tea: expect breathtaking views that stretch into serenity.

12. Ristorante Grotta Palazzese

If you fancy dining in a place that feels like a chapter from a storybook, look no further than Ristorante Grotta Palazzese in Puglia, Italy. Carved out of magnificent limestone rock next to the sea, this atmospheric cave restaurant offers a meal backdrop that is simply out of this world.

When the sun dips below the horizon, the cave’s natural beauty is enhanced by clever lighting, making every dish shine both literally and figuratively.

Ristorante Grotta Palazzese
Photo by Ristorante Grotta Palazzese

13. El Diablo

Have you ever had a meal cooked by a volcano? At El Diablo, your dishes are sizzling hot, thanks to the volcano’s natural heat. Found in the heart of Timanfaya National Park, this unique spot turns the Earth’s fiery breath into a natural grill.

Lanzarote’s volcanic energy does all the work, searing steaks and veggies to perfection. With panoramic views of the Martian-like landscape, your lunch comes with a side of spectacular scenery.