Alpino Vino
3,647m above sea level
Nestled into the southern portion of the Rocky Mountains, it’s little surprise that Colorado is home to some of America’s highest altitude establishments. Alpino Vino is a gourmet restaurant set into the gorgeous mountain terrain of Telluride’s ski resort – it’s pretty much only accessible by skiing or the dedicated Snow Cat bus. It offers a menu of fine Italian food and European specialities along with American wine. It’s located at an elevation of 3,647m.
Where: Telluride Mountain Village, Colorado, United States of America
Bookings: telluride.com
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
3,883m above sea level
The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is a viewing platform and venue offering unrivalled views of Switzerland’s most famous peak. In addition to the platform, it’s also home to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, a prize-winning modern restaurant with panoramic windows and a zero energy design. At 3,883m, it’s Europe’s highest mountain restaurant and has capacity for 60 diners. The menu features local specialties and the kind of food you’ll appreciate when you find yourself on top of a mountain.
Where: Matterhorn, Zermatt, Switzerland
Bookings: matterhornparadise.ch
Gustu
3,625m above sea level
We’re classifying Gustu as a mountain top restaurant by the fact that the entire city of La Paz is set into a mountain range. It’s the highest elevation capital city in the world at 3,625m. Gustu itself offers an eight course tasting menu of local Bolivian produce with dishes like lamb tamale, chili cream, and roasted vegetables. There’s also an extensive wine list featuring world class South American wines.
Where: Calle 10 de Calacoto #300, La Paz, Bolivia
Bookings: theworlds50best.com
ICE Q
3,048m above sea level
Ice Q is an Austrian restaurant situated 3,048m above sea level. Unlike many mountain top establishments that are compact to withstand the elements, Ice Q is a glorious glass construction with modern, angular design. You can reserve the chef’s table experience, which comes with the best table in the house, a champagne aperitif, and four course meal, all while overlooking 250 3,000m plus mountain peaks.
Where: Sölden, Austria
Bookings: iceq.at
Heavenly Jin
556m above sea level
Heavenly Jin currently holds the Guinness World Record for being the highest restaurant in a skyscraper, situated as it is on the 120th floor of Shanghai Tower, 556m above the ground. It’s an absolutely stunning dining room with ribbon-like crystal lights and a Silk Road theme. It attracts a revolving range of top chefs from across the world leading to a diverse and frequently changing menu.
Where: J Hotel, Shanghai Tower, Shanghai, China
Bookings: jhotel-shanghai.com
Sky Restaurant 634
345m above sea level
With views stretching from Tokyo all the way to Mt. Fuji, Sky Restaurant 634 inside the Skytree is located 345m above ground. The menu is a fusion of French and traditional Japanese cuisine, cooked in a French style but with flavours common to Tokyo and the surrounding area. There is also signature Japanese cooking on display with their Teppan menu, where food is cooked on a large iron plate in front of customers.
Where: Skytree, Tokyo, Japan
Bookings: restaurant.tokyo-skytree.jp
Atmosphere
442m above sea level
We simply can’t talk about the world’s highest restaurants without talking about one housed in the world’s tallest building. Atmosphere in the Burj Khalifa is an exclusive restaurant and lounge set on the 122nd floor, 442m above the ground. It specialises in French cuisine with a 13-course blind tasting menu, allowing the chefs to take you on a culinary journey with seasonal produce. It’s also won multiple fine dining awards.
Where: Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Bookings: atmosphereburjkhalifa.com
Duck & Waffle
200m above sea level
We couldn’t finish without including at least one from our capital (even though it’s the lowest at approx. 200m). Duck & Waffle is located on the 40th floor of 110 Bishopsgate with views over the iconic London skyline, including the neighbouring Gherkin skyscraper. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the restaurant’s signature dish is their duck and waffle with a crispy leg confit, fried duck egg and mustard maple syrup. It’s pure comfort food, any time of day. It also holds the honour of being London’s highest restaurant, higher even than those of The Shard as they’re on a lower floor.
Where: 110 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4AY, United Kingdom
Bookings: duckandwaffle.com
