A culinary delight is always better when the ambiance of place meets the perfection of gastronomical intent. Dining overlooking awe inspiring scenery, what could be more important to accentuate food art? Here’s a list of restaurants you’ll have to add to your dining bucket list. Portugal to Mother Russia, there’s a foodie world out there where tasting can be a feast for the eyes too.
Jules Verne atop the Eiffel Tower – Courtesy Alain Ducasse
The One and Only Le Jules Verne – Paris
If you seek a journey into the pure ethereal that ends in the literal manifestation of wonder, Le Jules Verne has not only he best view of Paris, but a gourmet richness only French classics reinterpreted with a contemporary flair can evoke. Chef Pascal Féraud has created, among the several, an Experience menu of 5 courses (Fish or meat) for only € 185. The view and the feelings it evokes? These are priceless.
A view from Rossellinis Restaurant – Courtesy Palazzo Avino Facebook
Rosellinis in Ravello, Italy
If accolades tell the character of a dining establishment, the unforgettable cuisine here has been duly certified. What most reviews and awards cannot incaptulate, however, is the soul of such places. Overlooking the Mediterranean, as it is, this Italian quest for culinary perfection has already achieved setting brilliance. It is here Chef Michele Deleo acts out a gastronomical drama with an expert team infusing creative contemporary cuisine with seasonal goodness. Make reservations at least two months in advance here.
Courtesy Hotel Edelweiss Facebook
Hotel Edelweiss in Switzerland
The view from the sun terrace at this secluded Swiss hotel looks out onto Mt. Eiger, Mt. Mönch and the Jungfrau Summits. Understated architecturally, the hotel and restaurant probably never needed to be so impressive anyhow. What would be the point set amid this grandeur? What is impressive however, is the unpretentiousness of this place on Earth. Even the menu speaks of humble (if gourmet) richness. It just goes to show, views were not all meant for the ultra rich to enjoy. The prices do offset the free spectacle of Swiss Alps though, 35.00 Swiss Francs for a filet is a pocketbook gut punch.
Herbs’ Garden top Lato Boutique Hotel in Heraklion
Herbs’ Garden Overlooking the Cretan Sea
Situated atop a family owned hotel in Heraklion, the rooftop panorama of the Venetian Fortress and the sea beyond at Herbs’ Garden is epic. Lato Boutique Hotel is one of those places you know was meant to be a hospitality spot. In the center of Crete’s capital, the terrace restaurant headed by Chef Zinonas Christophidis has a resolute uniqueness, and not simply for the magnificent view. Expect a creative Cretan card here. Tasting Lamb with “mizithra” (Cretan soft white creamy cheese), mango sauce and rosemary with aloe vera, while toasting a loved one at this overlook – here’s an odyssey that should be on everyone’s bucket list. The prices are as unbelievable, the dish described is less than €2o – and for a million euro view.
Courtesy Kempinski Hotel Moika
Bellevue Brasserie in St. Petersburg, Russia
To be honest, it’s a little bit difficult to imagine any city more beautiful and interesting than St. Petersburg. Looking out over some of the most opulent and magnificent architecture in all Europe, Kempinksi’s Bellevue Brasserie could not be more aptly named. Its 360-degree view of Russia’s most picturesque city, makes this place one of those guests hate to stand up and leave. Take my word for it, go here, order the Kamchatka crab, for just once indulge in the caviar only Russia offers, sip Baluga Vodka and reminisce about Czars and Czarinas, Rasputin, just all the things Russian in Russia’s cultural capital – the home of Peter the Great, and Vladimir Putin, as a matter of fact.