For the culinary adventurer, the journey to a remote restaurant is about the food, the experience, the landscape, and the sheer thrill of dining in a location where few have ventured. From icy landscapes near the Arctic Circle to secluded islands in the vast Pacific, these remote eateries offer exquisite meals and an unforgettable journey. This guide explores twelve of the world’s most remote restaurants, where the journey and destination become integral to the dining experience.
1. Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, Maldives
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sven Hansche
Nestled under the crystal-clear waters of the Maldives, Ithaa Undersea Restaurant offers a dining experience like no other. Situated five meters below the surface, diners at Ithaa can enjoy contemporary Maldivian cuisine while surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and marine life. The restaurant’s acrylic dome provides a 180-degree panoramic view of the underwater world, making every meal a mesmerizing spectacle.
Insider’s Tip: Book well in advance, as Ithaa’s intimate setting accommodates only 14 guests. Opt for a daytime reservation to witness the full spectrum of marine life in the sunlit waters.
When to Travel: The Maldives enjoys a tropical climate year-round, but the best visibility for underwater viewing at Ithaa is during the dry season from November to April.
How to Get There: Ithaa is part of the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort. Guests typically fly into Malé International Airport and then take a scenic seaplane transfer to the resort.
2. Faviken, Järpen, Sweden
Image Credit: Pexels / Victor Freitas
Faviken Magasinet, located in the remote Swedish countryside near Järpen, was known for its innovative approach to hyper-local cuisine until its closure in 2020. The restaurant on a 24,000-acre estate offered a unique dining experience emphasizing traditional Scandinavian techniques and ingredients sourced from its immediate surroundings. Though it has closed, Faviken’s legacy inspires food enthusiasts and chefs worldwide.
Insider’s Tip: While Faviken Magasinet itself is no longer operational, culinary tourists can explore other establishments in Scandinavia that are influenced by Chef Magnus Nilsson’s philosophy, focusing on local and foraged ingredients.
When to Travel: To experience the Scandinavian landscape that inspired Faviken’s menu, visit during the late spring to early fall months when the region’s flora and fauna are most vibrant.
How to Get There: The nearest major city to the former location of Faviken is Östersund, which is accessible by train or flight from Stockholm. The beautiful landscapes of Jämtland County continue to attract visitors looking for culinary and outdoor adventures.
3. El Farallon, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Erin Drewitz Photography
Perched on the cliffs of Cabo San Lucas, El Farallon offers a dining experience with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The restaurant specializes in locally sourced seafood, served market-style and perfectly cooked. The sound of waves crashing against the rocks below adds an unparalleled ambiance to the dining experience, making El Farallon a must-visit destination for seafood lovers.
Insider’s Tip: Request a table at the edge of the terrace for the best ocean views and to enjoy the sunset over the Pacific.
When to Travel: Cabo San Lucas is a year-round destination, but for the best weather and dining experience at El Farallon, visit from November to May when the climate is milder.
How to Get There: El Farallon is located within The Resort at Pedregal, accessible from Cabo San Lucas by car. The city is served by Los Cabos International Airport, with direct flights from major cities in the United States and Mexico.
4. The Old Forge, Inverie, Scotland
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Daniel Ares
Touted as mainland Britain’s most remote pub, The Old Forge offers a cozy dining experience in the tiny village of Inverie on the Knoydart Peninsula. Accessible only by boat or a long hike, The Old Forge serves hearty Scottish fare, local ales, and seafood caught in nearby waters. The journey to The Old Forge is an adventure in itself, traversing some of Scotland’s most untouched landscapes.
Insider’s Tip
Plan your visit to coincide with one of the live music nights for a truly local experience, featuring Scottish folk music in a convivial atmosphere.
When to Travel
From June to August, summer is the ideal time to visit The Old Forge, when the days are longest, and the weather is most conducive to hiking or boating to Inverie.
How to Get There
The Old Forge is in Inverie on the Knoydart Peninsula, accessible by a ferry from Mallaig, which is well-connected by train and road to Glasgow and Edinburgh.
5. SnowRestaurant, Kemi, Finland
Image Credit: Pexels / Lina Kivaka
Part of the SnowCastle Resort in Kemi, Finland, the SnowRestaurant is a marvel of ice architecture, rebuilt each winter with a new theme and design. Diners are treated to a menu of Lappish cuisine, featuring local ingredients such as reindeer, wild fish, and cloudberries, all served on ice plates at tables made of ice. The experience is a chilly but unforgettable one, with the restaurant’s temperature kept at a constant -5°C.
Insider’s Tip
Dress warmly in layers, and take advantage of the warm capes and gloves the restaurant provides to stay comfortable during your meal.
When to Travel
The SnowRestaurant is open from January to April, coinciding with the best months to experience the winter wonderland of Finnish Lapland and possibly catch the Northern Lights.
How to Get There
Kemi is accessible by train or flight from Helsinki. The SnowCastle Resort and SnowRestaurant are located on the Gulf of Bothnia, a short distance from Kemi’s city center.
6. Three Camel Lodge, Gobi Desert, Mongolia
Image credit: Shutterstock / Tatiana Volgutova
Nestled in the vast expanse of Mongolia’s Gobi Desert, Three Camel Lodge offers an eco-conscious dining experience that celebrates traditional Mongolian culture and cuisine. The lodge’s restaurant, built in a Mongolian ger (yurt) style, serves dishes prepared with organic, locally sourced ingredients, offering guests a taste of the nomadic lifestyle in one of the world’s most remote settings.
Insider’s Tip: Participate in a traditional Mongolian barbecue called a Khorkhog, where meat and vegetables are cooked with hot stones for an authentic culinary experience.
When to Travel: The best time to visit the Gobi Desert and Three Camel Lodge is from May to September when the weather is milder, and the desert landscape is most accessible.
How to Get There: Three Camel Lodge is most commonly reached via a domestic flight from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad, followed by a drive through the desert. The lodge often arranges the journey as part of the accommodation package.
7. Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island, Australia
Image caption: Shutterstock / LF
Perched on a secluded cliff on Kangaroo Island, Southern Ocean Lodge is an epitome of luxury in the wild. The lodge’s restaurant offers panoramic views of the Southern Ocean and a menu that showcases the island’s rich produce, from Ligurian honey to freshly caught seafood. Dining here is an immersive experience, blending exquisite cuisine with breathtaking natural beauty.
Insider’s Tip: Book the “Table 21” experience for an intimate dining setting that offers the best views of the ocean and the surrounding wilderness.
When to Travel: Kangaroo Island is a year-round destination, but visiting from December to February offers the warmest weather, ideal for exploring the island’s natural attractions alongside your dining experience.
How to Get There: Kangaroo Island is accessible by ferry from Cape Jervis on the mainland, a 90-minute drive from Adelaide. Southern Ocean Lodge offers guests transfers from the ferry terminal or Kingscote Airport.
8. Saffire Freycinet, Tasmania, Australia
Image credit: Shutterstock / del Monaco
Saffire Freycinet in Tasmania is renowned for its luxury accommodations and restaurant, which overlooks the Hazards Mountains and Great Oyster Bay. The dining experience is an ode to Tasmanian produce, focusing on fresh seafood, local meats, and artisanal products. The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability and showcasing the best of Tasmanian cuisine makes it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
Insider’s Tip: Engage in the lodge’s unique “Palate” dining experience, a tailor-made degustation menu that matches your specific taste preferences and is paired with exquisite Tasmanian wines.
When to Travel: Tasmania’s mild climate makes it a great destination year-round, but the spring and summer months, from September to February, offer the best conditions for enjoying the natural beauty of Freycinet National Park and the culinary delights of Saffire Freycinet.
How to Get There: Saffire Freycinet is located within Freycinet National Park, a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Hobart or Launceston. The lodge can arrange for private transfers for guests.
9. KOKS, Faroe Islands
Image credit: Shutterstock / photolike
KOKS is a Michelin-starred restaurant nestled in the dramatic landscape of the Faroe Islands, offering a pioneering take on Faroese cuisine. The restaurant’s remote location complements its philosophy of foraging and sourcing the finest local ingredients, from sea urchins to fermented lamb. Dining at KOKS is not just a meal; it’s an exploration of the Faroe Islands’ culture, history, and environment.
Insider’s Tip: Opt for the full tasting menu to experience the breadth of Chef Poul Andrias Ziska’s creativity and the depth of Faroese culinary traditions.
When to Travel: The Faroe Islands are known for their unpredictable weather. However, the summer months, from June to August, offer the longest days and the best chance for milder weather, enhancing the journey to KOKS.
How to Get There: The Faroe Islands are accessible by flight from Copenhagen, Denmark, or Reykjavik, Iceland. KOKS offers a shuttle service from the capital, Tórshavn, to the restaurant for diners.
10. The Rock, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Image credit: Pexels / Dana Tentis
The Rock in Zanzibar is a unique restaurant perched atop a rock in the Indian Ocean. Accessible by foot at low tide or by boat at high tide, The Rock serves a fusion of Italian and Zanzibari cuisine, emphasizing seafood. The restaurant’s stunning location, surrounded by turquoise waters, and its fresh, flavorful dishes make it a dining destination worth the journey.
Insider’s Tip: Time your visit to coincide with sunset for a spectacular dining backdrop. Be sure to make a reservation, as the restaurant’s intimate setting and popularity make securing a table last minute hard.
When to Travel: Zanzibar is a year-round destination, but the dry seasons from July to October and from December to February offer the best weather for dining at The Rock and exploring the island.
How to Get There: The Rock is located off the southeast coast of Zanzibar, near the village of Pingwe. It’s about an hour from Stone Town, Zanzibar’s historic center. Local taxis or hotel transfers can easily arrange the trip.
11. Gustu, La Paz, Bolivia
Image credit: Pexels / Andrea Piacquadio
Gustu, founded by Claus Meyer of Noma fame, is a restaurant and culinary school in La Paz that has revolutionized Bolivian cuisine. By emphasizing local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, Gustu offers a dining experience deeply rooted in Bolivian culture and biodiversity. The restaurant’s mission to empower local communities and promote Bolivian gastronomy on the world stage makes every meal here meaningful.
Insider’s Tip: Partake in the “full Gustu experience” tasting menu to truly understand the diversity of Bolivia’s produce and culinary heritage. The restaurant also offers cooking classes for those interested in delving deeper into Bolivian cuisine.
When to Travel: La Paz can be visited year-round, but the months of April to October offer drier weather, making it an ideal time to explore the city and enjoy the views from Gustu’s dining room.
How to Get There: Gustu is located in the Calacoto neighborhood of La Paz, accessible by taxi or public transport from anywhere in the city. El Alto International Airport serves La Paz, with flights from major South American cities.
12. Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Tanzania
Image credit: Shutterstock / Kzenon
Perched on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge combines luxury accommodation with a unique dining experience overlooking one of Africa’s natural wonders. The lodge’s restaurant offers pan-African cuisine, prepared with organic local ingredients and served in a dining room with sweeping views of the crater. Dining here promises exquisite meals and the chance to witness the abundant wildlife inhabiting the crater floor.
Insider’s Tip: Request a private dining experience on the crater rim for a romantic and unforgettable meal set against the backdrop of one of the most spectacular landscapes on earth.
When to Travel: The dry season from June to September is the best time to visit for wildlife viewing in the Ngorongoro Crater, complementing your dining experience with spectacular animal sightings.
How to Get There: The Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is accessible by road from Arusha, which is approximately a three-hour drive. Arusha can be reached by flight from Kilimanjaro International Airport, with connections from major international hubs.
The Bottom Line
Embarking on a journey to one of the world’s most remote restaurants is an adventure that feeds more than just the appetite. It explores culture, nature, and the innovative spirit of chefs who create culinary masterpieces in the most unexpected places. These destinations remind us that the best meals are sometimes not just about the food on the plate but about the journey taken and the memories created along the way. As you venture to these remote corners of the globe, let each bite celebrate the beauty of our diverse world and the universal language of food.
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For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.