Sky-High Restaurants That Give New Meaning to Upscale
Mixologist Teresa Seong at the Ritz Carlton Hong Kong’s Ozone Bar. (Photo: The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong)
By David Caplan
For a truly gastronomical experience that’s out of this world, aim high — very high.
Here are the world’s top sky-high restaurants, that will please thrill-seeking foodies no matter the meal or time of day, Those with a fear of heights need not apply.
Breakfast: Girandole at Park Hyatt Tokyo
Photo: Courtesy of Hyatt International Corporation
The hotel’s 41st-floor French brassiere, Girandole, soars above other eateries when it comes to breakfast dining in the Japanese capital. Located in the Kenzo Tange tower in Shinjuku, the majestic views of the Tokyo skyline and nearby Mount Fuji are awe-inspiring.
And its interior, featuring a two-story collage of 144 black-and-white photos depicting European café life creates a wonderfully whimsical atmosphere. Choose between standard Western breakfast fare (including egg dishes, waffles, and smoothies) or opt for the Japanese breakfast, which includes grilled fish, pickled vegetables and tofu.
Brunch: Rainbow Room, Manhattan
Photo: Greg Scaffidi
Finicky foodies have a plethora of brunch options in Manhattan, but none are as spectacular as Sunday brunch at the Rainbow Room. Located atop 30 Rockefeller Plaza on the 65th floor, with soaring views of the city, it reopened last fall after five years of extensive renovations.
Chef Jonathan Wright’s drool-inducing $95 prix-fixe brunch, spread out across 14 food stations, spans the culinary spectrum, from herb-roasted Amish chicken to Yorkshire pudding to black truffle pot pies to a raw seafood bar to heavenly pain perdu, aka French toast.
Related: Out-of-the Way Restaurants That Are Worth the Long Trip
Lunch: Signature Room at John Hancock Center, Chicago
Photo: The Signature Room at the 95th
Chicago is the birthplace of the skyscraper, so a visit to the city is not complete without dining on high. Enter the Signature Room, located on the 95th floor of John Hancock Center, situated along the heart of Michigan Avenue.
With jaw-dropping views of both the steel-and-concrete skyline and Lake Michigan, the Signature Room is a must for the Chicago-bound traveler. And in keeping with its Midwest location, the fare is hearty (think New York strip steak, braised lamb shank and angus burgers), although there is plenty of seafood and salads for the diet-conscious.
High tea: At.mosphere at Armani Hotel Dubai
Photo: At.mosphere at Burj Khalifa
When it comes to skyscrapers, Dubai is no wallflower. So it comes as no surprise that the emirate gives new meaning to the concept of High Tea. At.mosphere — on the 122nd floor of the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, soars 1,350 feet above the ground and holds the Guinness World Record for the highest restaurant.
Needless to say, the views of the Arabian Gulf and the city itself are unbelievable. Choose between window-side High Tea for $160 or non-window service for $145 and enjoy a selection of fine teas, freshly roasted coffees, scrumptious fig and raisin scones and mouth-watering petit fours. This is as close to heaven as you’ll get.
Related: It’s No Mirage: There’s a Traditional Arabian Restaurant on a Road Between Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Cocktails: Ozone at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong
Photo: The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong
Rise above the congestion and clutter of Hong Kong and head to Ozone, a bar situated on the 118th floor of the Ritz-Carlton, housed in the International Commerce Centre.
The nighttime views of the city and nearby Kowloon are electrifying. Described as an “Edenic experiment” by the local firm that designed the space, this see-and-be-seen spot is illuminated in deep blue, and features an extensive cocktail menu that keeps patrons hydrated and happy — very happy.
Tip: Order the Hong Kong Rooftop, a delicious mix of salted caramel, vodka, kumquat, grapefruit juice, strawberry juice, and lemon juice.
Dinner: Ray’s Grill at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi
Photo: Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts
Abu Dhabi’s skyline may be a bit less dizzying than its sister emirate, Dubai, but it does not disappoint. For a grand, 360-degree view of Abu Dhabi and the Arabian Gulf— and some serious steak — head to Ray’s Grill on the 63rd floor of the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers.
While the lights of Abu Dhabi sparkle below, sink your teeth into the best beef around, from USDA Prime Beef to Australian Master Kobe to Irish John Stone beef sirloin, all cooked over the steakhouse’s wood-flavored charcoal grill.
Related: Where to Eat with the High-Rollers: World’s Best Casino Restaurants
Dessert: Top of the World at The Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower, Las Vegas
Photo: Francis & Francis Photography
For the ultimate sky-high Sin City sweet tooth experience, cap your evening off with dessert at the appropriately-named Top of the World rotating restaurant. Located more than 800 feet above The Strip on the Stratosphere’s 106th floor, Top of the World revolves 360 degrees every 80 minutes, offering stunning views of the city and desert environs.
Like the view, the desserts are larger-than-life: Popular creations include Bananas Foster in a Florentine Box, Strawberry Romanoff and Vanilla Creme Brulee.
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