Have you ever wanted to eat inside a cave or on the ocean floor? These are actually possible.
Eating is not always just a necessity, for some, dinner can turn into an unforgettable experience. If you are looking for more than just an ordinary dinner, this list is for you! From the depths of the sea to the top of the sky, from lava tunnels to treetops, these extraordinary dining destinations will not only satisfy your taste buds but also your imagination. If you’re ready, let’s start exploring the most interesting and extraordinary dining experiences around the world! Here are the most interesting food experiences around the world…
Lava tunnels in Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands
We begin our list of the most interesting food experiences around the world. The Galapagos Islands are one of Ecuador’s natural wonders, known for their rich wildlife and diverse landscapes. These islands have a hidden network of lava tunnels that you can explore by going underground. You can even have dinner in these tunnels. Royal Palm Galapagos, Curio Collection by Hilton has the only luxury restaurant on the island located inside the lava tunnels. To reach this restaurant, guests must descend approximately 21 meters underground. The journey starts from a historical building of the Galapagos, followed by a guided exploration of the lava tunnels and finally ending with dinner served in a volcanic dome. The menu always offers flavors that reflect local culture and seasonal ingredients.
A fascinating bridge in South Africa
Victoria Falls is one of the largest and most impressive waterfalls in the world. Located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, this huge natural wonder offers visitors an unforgettable experience. However, it is possible to explore this waterfall in a more special way with Yellow Zebra Safaris. This special experience begins at sunset with a ride on a historic steam train to the Victoria Falls Bridge. This is followed by a five-course gourmet dinner with impressive views of the falls.
Vertical food experience in Australia
Brisbane is home to one of the world’s most unique dining experiences: vertical dining. In this experience, called Vertigo, guests wear safety harnesses as they ascend to a high rooftop. They then descend to their table on the edge of the Brisbane Powerhouse. Here, they enjoy local delicacies for brunch or dinner. After dinner, adventure lovers end the experience by climbing down the building.
Treetop gazebo in Bali, Indonesia
Located in Ubud, Bali, Café Gazebo offers guests a unique dining experience with jungle views. This tree café offers stunning views of a 167-meter deep valley. Early in the morning, you can enjoy a sunrise breakfast with birdsong and the flow of the river below.
Food in Bhutan surrounded by the Himalayas
In Bhutan, visitors to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery have the opportunity to dine by a campfire in a pasture high above the Paro Valley. These private tours organized by Mountain Kingdoms often feature local delicacies such as Bhutan’s national dish, ema datshi (chili with cheese). Guests enjoy these dishes with views of the snow-capped Himalayan mountains and vast terraced fields. It may take several hours of hiking to reach this special spot.
Dining under the sea in the Maldives
The Maldives is known for its overwater bungalows, but its underwater restaurants are also worth exploring. Ithaa Undersea Restaurant at Conrad Maldives, Rangali Island is located about 5 meters below sea level. Here, you can dine amidst sharks, fish, turtles and other sea creatures with a panoramic view of a coral garden. The menus blend Maldivian flavors and Western influences.
Dining in the dark in Denmark
Alchemist is not only a restaurant with two Michelin stars, it also offers a completely immersive dining experience. The restaurant has no windows, the doors are hidden and a huge planetarium-like dome blocks all light. Every meal service is synchronized with images projected on the ceiling. For example, when caviar is served in a giant glass eye, you see thousands of eyes looking up at you from the ceiling. When fish is served, animations of sea animals swim above and accompany you. As a fun touch, dinner ends in a giant ball pool.
A traditional meal in Morocco’s Sahara Desert
Watching the sunset on the back of a camel in the Sahara Desert is a must for visitors to Morocco. But this enchanting desert also offers an unforgettable dining opportunity. Many Intrepid Travel tours stop at restaurants among the dunes of the Sahara. Here, Moroccan cuisine includes delicacies such as tagine, fresh fruit and mint tea.
Dining in the middle of the ice in Antarctica
Antarctica is famous for its stunning landscapes and unique wildlife. On board Lindblad Expedition ships, you can enjoy gourmet meals with 360-degree views of this white continent. As the ship winds through snow-capped mountains and glaciers, guests enjoy an unforgettable dining experience in their glass igloos.
Food on the ocean floor in Canada
New Brunswick’s Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world and this natural phenomenon causes unique rock formations such as the Hopewell Cliffs. At low tide, visitors can dine on the ocean floor. This unique experience includes a special three-course meal paired with wines from a local winery. It also offers the opportunity to learn about local foods from the region during the seafood feast.
Eating inside a volcano in Iceland
We’ve come to the end of our list of the most interesting food experiences around the world. You can experience a unique dining experience by descending deep into Iceland’s Thríhnúkagígur volcano. During the Inside the Volcano experience, visitors descend deep into a dormant lava chamber. To reach the volcano, you can walk over the lava fields or arrive in style by helicopter. Here, explorers are treated to traditional Icelandic lamb soup (or a vegan alternative) and hot drinks. Then, after spending time in this unique environment, it’s back to civilization.