I Visited The World’s Highest Restaurants!

 

We love two things: heights and food. So naturally we combined them and set out to eat at restaurants that hang, spin, and perch above the world. The result was equal parts terrifying and delicious. Below are four unforgettable sky-high dining experiences, what to expect at each, and practical tips if you want to try one yourself.

Our sky-high dining tour at a glance

• Dinner in the Sky, Dubai — lifted 165 feet by crane, seats buckle in like a roller coaster, dining platform sways and offers 360 degree views.
• World’s tallest Ferris wheel restaurant — private cabin on an 820 foot Ferris wheel with a chef, waiter, and massive windows.
• At.mosphere, Burj Khalifa — restaurant on the 123rd floor around 1,450 feet above ground, luxe interior and refined tasting dishes.
• Mountain café, Montenegro — a humble café about 6,000 feet up with breathtaking mountain views and seriously good croissants.

Dinner in the Sky, Dubai: extreme, thrilling, and a bit wobbly

Imagine sitting in a row of secured seats and being raised by a crane over the Dubai skyline. Seats are fastened like a roller coaster, there's wind that tugs at your hair, and for the faint of heart the ground is plainly visible under every plate.

Highlights and realities:

• Adrenaline factor: very high. Expect swaying, spinning, and sudden turns that bring skyscrapers eye to eye.
• Practical quirks: restroom breaks are basically impossible while aloft. The staff frankly said, "if you suddenly want to... then pee your pants." Plan accordingly.
• Food: surprisingly good. Courses included salads and salmon served by waiters who hand your meal over while you hang in the air.
• Atmosphere: terrifying at first, then intoxicating as the fear fades and the view takes over.

"This fish is so tasty. This is our most extreme dinner ever."

World’s tallest Ferris wheel restaurant: romantic, private, and very polished

Stepping into a private cabin felt like entering a floating dining room. The ride up takes time because the entrance is a building of its own. Once inside, a table, a private chef, a waiter, and panoramic windows create one of the most romantic dining experiences possible.

Why this one stood out:

• Comfort and safety: far less scary than the crane dinner. The cabin is stable and enclosed, so motion is gentle rather than jolting.
• Food quality: elevated plating and great flavors. Salmon and refined sides appeared again, earning compliments like "probably one of the best restaurants we had so far."
• Cost: premium. This experience pushed the family budget, roughly two thousand dollars for the outing.
• Vibe: romantic and unique. A strong contender for special occasions.

"This is honestly the most romantic restaurant we've ever experienced with all of Dubai at your feet."

At.mosphere, Burj Khalifa: the height of luxury dining

Riding a super fast elevator up to the 123rd floor sets the tone. At.mosphere delivers a classic fine dining experience with an emphasis on presentation and indulgence.

Standout features:

• Interior: luxurious furnishings, a giant chandelier, and golden accents make the setting feel extravagant.
• Culinary highlights: gold-topped soup, foie gras, langoustines, and melt-in-your-mouth wagyu beef. Tiny garnishes and unexpected textures elevated each course.
• View: sweeping city panoramas that pair perfectly with an elevated menu.

"You got gold in your soup. This is amazing."

This is the highest tower restaurant we visited and for those who want a luxurious high-altitude meal without the adrenaline, it delivers.

Mountain café, Montenegro: simple, sky-high, and surprisingly serene

After skyscrapers and enclosed cabins, the mountains offered a different kind of altitude. A tricky mountain road leads to a café perched at about 6,000 feet. The décor is modest, but the view and the croissants steal the show.

• Altitude: highest spot we tried and the most remote feeling. Plan for a multi-hour drive from town.
• Food: croissants and tea. Simple, but excellent and totally worth the trip.
• Scare factor: this was probably the scariest café experience visually. Open edges and sheer drops mean you should avoid looking straight down if heights unsettle you.

"This is probably the scariest cafe I've ever been to. The croissant here is top worth coming all the way up here."

How these experiences compare

• Most thrilling: Dinner in the Sky. If you want adrenaline with your appetizer, this is it.
• Most romantic and comfortable: Ferris wheel restaurant. Private cabin, great service, and safer motion make it ideal for celebrations.
• Most luxurious: At.mosphere. Fine dining, expert plating, and a posh atmosphere.
• Most awe-inspiring altitude: Mountain café at 6,000 feet. Raw nature views and a peaceful vibe.

Practical tips for anyone planning to dine in the sky

• Check restroom policy: some experiences do not allow bathroom breaks while elevated. Go beforehand.
• Dress for wind and temperature: even in warm cities, elevated platforms can be windy and cooler than ground level.
• Book in advance: these are niche experiences with limited seating; reserve early to secure the best time slot.
• Bring motion-sickness remedies if you get queasy: swinging platforms and rotating cabins can be disorienting at first.
• Budget accordingly: expect premium pricing, especially for private cabins and tower restaurants.
• Mind your camera etiquette: wide views are irresistible, but secure your gear so nothing falls.

Final thoughts

Eating hundreds or thousands of feet above the ground turns a meal into an adventure. Some experiences are built for thrills, others for romance or luxury, and one was simply about being higher than the clouds and enjoying a croissant. If you love views as much as food, pick the atmosphere that matches your comfort level and go for it.

Would you dare to have dinner suspended in midair, spin slowly with a city beneath you, or sip tea above the clouds?