Did you know there’s a restaurant located on the ocean floor? Sounds unbelievable, right? But it’s real—you can actually dine while watching exotic fish swim overhead. And that’s just one of the unique restaurants around the world. From ancient Roman dining halls to medieval taverns, we’ve come a long way; restaurants today serve not only food but also unforgettable experiences.
We’ve put together a list of the top ten most unusual restaurants in the world, guaranteed to offer something totally new. Whether it’s perched on a cliff in the Zanzibar sea or floating above Bangkok, these spots will leave you speechless!
1. 5.8 Undersea Restaurant, Maldives
In an earlier version of this article, we ranked the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant in the Maldives as the top choice. Opened in 2005, it was the world’s first underwater restaurant. Today, Ithaa remains an icon of 21st-century travel and one of the most unique dining spots. However, when it comes to two similar restaurants, our choice now leans towards another Maldives spot: the 5.8 Undersea Restaurant.
The 5.8 Undersea opened in late 2016 as part of the Hurawalhi Island Resort. The restaurant got its name from its depth—5.8 meters (about 19 feet) below the surface of the Indian Ocean, nearly a meter deeper than Ithaa, which sits at 5 meters (16 feet) below sea level.
Right now, 5.8 Undersea holds the title of the world’s largest all-glass underwater restaurant. Spanning an impressive 969 square meters, it offers an unparalleled view of the surrounding marine life through 15 cm thick glass, ensuring safety while providing a crystal-clear view.
Despite its size, the restaurant maintains an intimate atmosphere, seating just 10 couples at a time. The dining area is split into left and right sections, with tables positioned right by the glass walls to give each guest an optimal view.
Not only does 5.8 Undersea offer breathtaking views, but it also boasts an exceptional menu focused on fresh, high-quality seafood that highlights its underwater setting. The dishes blend local Maldivian flavors with international ingredients, with wine pairings selected by the sommelier.
Why go? 5.8 Undersea is the world’s largest all-glass underwater restaurant, combining world-class cuisine with breathtaking views of the ocean’s vibrant beauty. It’s an unforgettable dining experience surrounded by colorful fish, sharks, and coral reefs.
2. Grotta Palazzese, Italy
Grotta Palazzese is one of the world’s most unique restaurants, nestled in a cave in Polignano a Mare, Italy. It’s part of the luxurious Grotta Palazzese hotel, set in a natural limestone cave with breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. The cave has a long history, having been used as a natural shelter for thousands of years. In the 17th century, the Palazzese family, who owned the land, built a summer residence on top of the cliff and started hosting parties and banquets in the cave. Over time, Grotta Palazzese evolved from a private entertainment spot to a globally renowned restaurant.
The restaurant’s popularity is all about its one-of-a-kind setting. Built into a natural limestone cave overlooking the Adriatic, it brings together stunning natural beauty with refined dining and an elegant interior. The terrace, which can hold up to 150 guests, is sheltered by vaulted cave ceilings and open to the sea on one side. Diners enter through an unmarked door on top of the cliff and descend winding stairs into the cave, where they’re greeted by the sound of waves crashing against the rocks and the refreshing sea breeze.
Grotta Palazzese is only open during the warmer months, usually from March to October, though it may stay open until mid-November if the weather holds up. The menu features traditional Italian dishes made with fresh local ingredients, with a focus on seafood and classic Italian pasta.
Why go? Grotta Palazzese offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience where natural beauty meets luxury and culinary artistry. Set in a stunning limestone cave overlooking the Adriatic Sea, this restaurant creates an unforgettable atmosphere. Guests can savor creative Apulian cuisine while taking in panoramic sea views and the soothing sound of waves crashing below
3. Sirocco and Vertigo Rooftop Restaurants in Bangkok, Thailand
Dining on a rooftop in Bangkok is among the most unique restaurant experiences you can try. Since we couldn’t choose just one favorite, here are two of Bangkok’s most famous rooftop spots—Sirocco and Vertigo.
Sirocco is the highest outdoor restaurant in the world. Located on the 63rd floor of the Lebua State Tower, it offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Bangkok. Its popularity soared after being featured in The Hangover Part II. The menu focuses on Mediterranean cuisine, and the vibe is lively and bustling. But fair warning—it can get quite packed due to its fame. Sirocco is perfect for travelers looking to capture iconic Instagram shots while enjoying a high-end dining experience.
On the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree hotel, Vertigo offers equally stunning views, though from a slightly lower height. Designed like a stepped tower with low walls, nearly every table enjoys an uninterrupted city view. Compared to Sirocco, Vertigo has a calmer atmosphere, making it ideal for romantic dinners or a quieter night out. The menu centers around top-quality grilled steaks, and they even have a unique “Moon Walk”—a glass-floored platform that lets you feel like Bangkok is right under your feet.
Why go? Sirocco and Vertigo both offer a dining experience that combines stunning views, exceptional cuisine, and a one-of-a-kind ambiance. These rooftop spots provide a rare escape from Bangkok’s busy streets, letting you enjoy world-class dining with panoramic cityscapes.
4. El Diablo, Lanzarote, Spain
At El Diablo restaurant on the island of Lanzarote, food is cooked… on a volcano. Founded in 1974 by famous local artist and architect César Manrique, El Diablo is situated in the dramatic volcanic landscape of Timanfaya National Park, among dormant volcano peaks. Designed to blend with its surroundings, the restaurant is built on layers of basalt rock rather than traditional foundations—impossible here because of the intense heat from the volcano below.
El Diablo doesn’t use electricity or gas for cooking. Instead, the food is prepared using superheated steam from an active volcano. Its open-air grill reaches temperatures of 400-500 °C, thanks to volcanic activity just below the surface.
The menu is pretty compact, featuring mainly grilled meats and seafood. But you can also try traditional Canarian dishes like “wrinkled” potatoes with mojo sauce and a unique Lanzarote volcano dessert.
Why go? El Diablo offers a dining experience that combines gastronomy with the wonders of nature. Here, you can savor delicious dishes cooked with volcanic heat while enjoying the surreal panorama of Timanfaya’s landscape. It’s a rare chance to see the power of nature at work in cooking!
5. Giraffe Manor, Kenya
If you’re looking for the most extraordinary breakfast experience of your life, Giraffe Manor in Kenya has got you covered. At this unique hotel, you can actually have breakfast with… giraffes!
When guests sit down to eat, Rothschild giraffes that live on the property stroll over and stick their long necks through the large, open windows. You can even feed them special dried grass pellets right from your table! It’s a lively experience since several giraffes might pop up in different windows at once. And don’t worry—the giraffes aren’t forced to interact with guests. They roam freely and choose to visit the hotel primarily for the chance to get some treats.
Breakfast is served from 6:00 to 9:00 a.m., and the giraffes are usually most active in the early morning. So, usually, the giraffes get fed first, and then guests can enjoy their meals in a bit more peace.
The breakfast menu offers everything from a full English breakfast to pancakes and avocado toast, with fresh fruits and pastries on the side. The giraffe breakfast experience is exclusive to Giraffe Manor guests.
Why go? There’s no other place in the world like Giraffe Manor where you can have breakfast with giraffes. Along with the rare chance to feed giraffes right from your breakfast table, the hotel also offers luxurious stays, exceptional food, and the opportunity to support giraffe conservation—all while surrounded by the charm of a 1930s colonial manor and Kenya’s breathtaking landscape.
6. Bird’s Nest Restaurant, Thailand
The “Bird’s Nest” restaurant takes dining to a whole new level – quite literally. Located in the Soneva Kiri resort on Koh Kood, Thailand’s fourth-largest island, this unique spot offers you the chance to enjoy a meal right among the treetops.
Diners are seated about 7 meters (23 feet) high in a bamboo capsule nestled in the tropical canopy of the ancient Koh Kood rainforest. The bamboo and rattan structure resembles a giant bird’s nest and comfortably fits up to four people. Waiters deliver food and drinks via a zip line, adding to the adventurous experience.
The “Treepod Dining” menu offers a range of dishes primarily sourced from the resort’s organic gardens and local markets. Guests can choose between two main packages: the Gourmet Picnic and the Luxury Picnic.
Why go? In this “nest” suspended above the rainforest, you can take in breathtaking views of Thailand’s coastline in a private, serene setting. With a maximum of 2-4 guests per capsule, this experience is exclusive to you and your group. Food is served by staff who zip-line to your table, and if you want to capture this unforgettable moment, drone photography is available too.
7. Under, Norway
Under restaurant in Lindesnes, Norway, is Europe’s first and the world’s largest underwater restaurant. Opened in 2019, after construction costing around 70 million Norwegian kroner (about 7 million euros or 8.5 million dollars), it quickly became a worldwide sensation. By opening day, a stunning 7,500 people had already booked tables, and within a year, it earned a Michelin star.
Designed by the famous Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta, Under resembles a giant concrete tube partially submerged in the sea. Its unique structure feels like a whale or shipwreck, and over time, it’s intended to fully blend into the marine environment. The rough concrete exterior will act as an artificial reef, inviting limpets and kelp to settle and grow.
The restaurant sits 5.5 meters (18 feet) below sea level, with a dining area spanning about 500 square meters (5,400 square feet), enough for up to 90 guests. Through its massive window (11 meters wide and 3.4 meters tall), diners get an underwater view of fish schools swirling around the building. Inside, the ambiance shifts with the weather—guests can watch rain pounding the ocean’s surface from below or admire how sunlight paints the water in various shades.
Under celebrates the richness of local ingredients and the diversity of Norway’s southern coast. Head chef Bernt Sætre curates a menu that highlights elements found just outside the window. The tasting menu, consisting of 10–12 courses, changes seasonally based on available ingredients. They also offer an extensive wine pairing chosen by a sommelier. Dining here typically lasts three and a half to four hours, giving guests time to savor each dish in the immersive underwater setting.
Why go? Dining at Under is an unforgettable experience with stunning views of marine life from 5.5 meters below the surface. With stunning architecture and an award-winning tasting menu, “Under” combines culinary excellence with a mesmerizing atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.
8. The Grotto, Thailand
The Grotto restaurant, located on the island of Krabi in Thailand, is one of the most romantic places in the world. Nestled under an ancient limestone cliff at the edge of Phranang Beach, it’s part of the luxurious Rayavadee Resort. Guests can enjoy their meals with their toes in the soft beach sand while taking in sweeping views of the Andaman Sea and nearby islands.
The restaurant is famous for its breathtaking sunsets that create an intimate atmosphere, making it a popular spot for proposals and honeymoon dinners. The menu offers a thoughtful blend of international and Thai cuisine, complemented by special events like grill nights and sunset cocktails.
Why go? The Grotto is one of the world’s most romantic restaurants, set in a natural limestone cave on the edge of Phranang Beach. Here, international and Thai dishes blend perfectly with stunning views and a romantic atmosphere.
9. Labasin Waterfall Restaurant, Philippines
At Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort in Quezon, about a three-hour drive from Manila, you’ll find the most unique restaurant in the Philippines – the Labasin Waterfall Restaurant. The restaurant’s most distinctive feature is its location – guests dine at bamboo tables set right at the base of the Labasin Falls. Diners are asked to take off their shoes, letting the cool water refresh their feet — a perfect way to stay comfortable in the tropical Philippine heat.
The restaurant serves a Filipino-style buffet on banana leaves, with local favorites like grilled chicken, fresh fish, rice, and tropical fruits. And to top it off, the experience is often enhanced with traditional Filipino music and performances by local dancers.
Why go? It’s the only restaurant in the world located at the base of a waterfall, offering a blend of cultural and culinary experiences. Plus, for all the photography lovers out there, it’s the perfect spot to capture some amazing shots right next to a waterfall!
10. The Rock Restaurant, Zanzibar
The island of Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean draws you in with its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear warm water, and perfect weather. Among its many attractions, this island is home to one of the most unique restaurants you’ll find anywhere. Located on the Michamwi Pingwe peninsula, The Rock was founded in 2010 by a group of Italian entrepreneurs. This spot, which was originally a fisherman’s post perched on a small ocean-facing rock, has transformed into a one-of-a-kind dining destination.
The building itself is special—small and set atop a rock, with a traditional Makuti palm roof. Depending on the time of day, getting to the restaurant varies: at low tide, you can walk right up, but at high tide, it becomes an island only reachable by boat.
With just 12 tables, the menu focuses on seafood and local dishes with an Italian twist. The founders are Italian, so expect to see some classic Italian flavors on the menu too!
Why go? This restaurant perched on a rock in the Indian Ocean is an unforgettable spot to enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the ocean and Zanzibar’s coast. During high tide, The Rock seems to float on water. And though it’s a popular spot, the limited seating keeps things cozy for a relaxed, memorable dinner.
