The World’s Most Spectacular Waterfront Restaurants
(photo: Ydo Sol)
Go inside 14 gorgeous waterfront restaurants with views as sublime as the cuisine.
LA SPONDA, POSITANO, ITALY (above)
Set within the legendary Le Sirenuse Hotel, La Sponda offers unforgettable views of the Amalfi Coast and Mediterranean Sea from its dining room and terrace. Michelin-starred chef Matteo Temperini serves modern interpretations of classic Neapolitan dishes in the romantic space, which is lit with 400 candles at night. sirenuse.it.
(photo: Peer Lindgreen)
DOCK KITCHEN, LONDON
When chef Stevie Parle, one of the Bright Young Things of British cuisine, opened his canal-side eatery in 2009, it became a must-visit for foodies and design aficionados alike. Located in a converted Victorian wharf building, the restaurant features furnishings and lighting by Tom Dixon, whose showroom is on the lower level. The menu changes daily and offers a variety of globally inspired experimental dishes. dockkitchen.co.uk
(photo: Henry Hargreaves)
NOBU, MALIBU, CALIFORNIA
While sushi mecca Nobu has been on the Malibu scene for nearly 15 years, its 2012 move to an expansive beachfront space designed by Studio PCH has made the restaurant buzzworthy again. The new location serves chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s signature dishes, such black cod with miso, and offers ocean views from nearly every seat as well as a dining terrace. noburestaurants.com/malibu
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(photo: courtesy of the Red Bicycle)
THE RED BICYCLE, SANTORINI, GREECE
A 19th-century mansion in the small village of Oia is home to the Red Bicycle restaurant, whose elevated takes on traditional island cuisine include tomato fritters soufflé with bisque and feta emulsion, and fava with caper leaves and smoked eel. The cliffside site provides stunning panoramas of the caldera and Santorini’s whitewashed buildings and azure-domed churches. redbicycle-oia.gr
(photo: courtesy of Gritti Place)
CLUB DEL DOGE RESTAURANT, VENICE
Chef Daniele Turco serves Venetian cuisine at the elegant restaurant located in the historic Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection hotel. The ornate dining room overlooks the Grand Canal and was decorated by designer Chuck Chewning during the hotel’s recent renovation. The terrace, open from May to October, offers a particularly memorable dining experience. clubdeldoge.com
(photo: Kodiak Greenwood)
SIERRA MAR, BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA
Located at the Post Ranch Inn, Sierra Mar offers majestic views of the Pacific from its perch atop the cliffs of Big Sur. Executive chef John Cox serves a four-course prix fixe that changes daily, as well as the nine-course tasting menu Taste of Big Sur, which highlights dishes inspired by the region, such as Monterey red abalone or black mussels cooked in embers with native kelp and sea vegetables. postranchinn.com
(photo: Roméo Balancourt)
ON THE ROCKS, ST. BARTS
Overlooking white-sand beaches, St. Jean Bay, and coral reefs, On the Rocks at the Eden Rock hotel specializes in refined island dining. Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and executive chef Eric Desbordes are the masterminds behind the international menu, which focuses on fresh seafood and tropical flavors. edenrockhotel.com
(photo: vivavioletaphotography.com)
RIVER CAFÉ, BROOKLYN
Views of the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty provide a stunning backdrop at the River Café, a Brooklyn institution for nearly 40 years, which sits at the base of the Brooklyn Bridge. Guests dine on chef Brad Steelman’s acclaimed New American cuisine, while a pianist provides a romantic soundtrack to the meal. It’s little wonder that marriage proposals are a frequent occurrence. therivercafe.com
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(photo: courtesy of One&Only Resorts)
TAPASAKE, MALDIVES
Tapasake at the One&Only Reethi Rah serves contemporary Japanese food tapas-style in a stunning overwater location. An outdoor area includes four teppanyaki grill stations preparing fresh fish and Wagyu beef, and the bar is a prime spot for enjoying the spectacular sunset with sake or a cocktail. A private dining pavilion with sunken seating for six is also available. reethirah.oneandonlyresorts.com
(photo: courtesy of La Chévre D’or)
LES RAMPARTS, EZE VILLAGE, FRANCE
While its sister restaurant at La Chèvre d’Or hotel may get all the attention (and Michelin stars), Les Ramparts’ terrace location boasts incredible panoramas of the Côte d’Azur and a relaxed atmosphere. The venue is open for lunch from April through October and features a frequently changing menu of seasonal and local fare. chevredor.com
(photo: courtesy of Ciragan Palace Kempinski)
TUGRA RESTAURANT & LOUNGE, ISTANBUL
An Ottoman palace on the banks of the Bosphorus is the dazzling setting of Tugra Restaurant, located in the Ciragan Palace Kempinski hotel. Chef Hüseyin Ulaş offers classical dishes, created with the help of historical research on the cuisine served to sultans during the Ottoman Empire. Tables on the balcony enjoy beautiful water views, illuminated by the Bosphorus Bridge. kempinski.com
LIDO RESTAURANT & BAYSIDE GRILL, MIAMI
Executive chef Mark Zeitouni serves healthy Mediterranean fare made with organic ingredients and paired with biodynamic wines at his Lido Restaurant & Bayside Grill at the Standard Spa, Miami Beach. The colorful decor adds a fun twist to the spa setting, and the waterfront vistas offer the occasional dolphin spotting. standardhotels.com/spa-miami-beach
(photo: Tuul and Bruno Morandi/Alamy)
THE ROCK, ZANZIBAR
Check the tide schedule before heading to the Rock Restaurant, which is accessible by foot only during low tide. (Boats shuttle dinners to and from land at other times.) Set in a former fisherman’s post off the southern coast of Zanzibar, the 12-table restaurant specializes in fresh seafood paired with panoramic vistas. therockrestaurantzanzibar.com
(photo: Oleg March)
SURF LODGE RESTAURANT, MONTAUK, NEW YORK
This Long Island hot spot is home to beach-chic decor, concerts by the likes of Patti Smith and the Flaming Lips, and beautiful water views. Chef Chris Rendell brings influences from his native Australia to the hotel’s relaxed oceanside restaurant, creating dishes that highlight fresh seafood and other locally sourced ingredients. thesurflodge.com
By Elizabeth Stamp
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