1. Le Calife — Paris, France
For a meal that floats between fantasy and fine dining, book an evening at Le Calife, a historic barge drifting down the Seine. As you pass illuminated icons like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, you’ll savor French classics like confit duck and perfectly roasted salmon. Velvet banquettes, soft lighting, and a lemon cheesecake that’s rich yet airy round out the experience. Pro tip: reserve a window seat for the ultimate Parisian romance.
2. Pierchic — Dubai, UAE
Pierchic doesn’t just offer dinner with a view; it is the view. Perched at the end of a private boardwalk that juts out into the Persian Gulf, this luxurious overwater restaurant offers panoramic vistas of the Burj Al Arab and a refreshing sea breeze with every bite. Indulge in elegantly plated seabass or hand-rolled pastas, then linger over cocktails as the sky fades to gold.
3. Rustar Dhow Floating Restaurant — Dubai, UAE
Set sail on the world’s largest dhow for a festive buffet cruise packed with flavor and flair. Rustar Dhow floats along Deira Creek, serving a feast of Indian, Arabic, and international dishes, all enjoyed against the backdrop of a glittering skyline. The top deck boasts open-air romance, while the lower level features traditional Tanoura dancers and live entertainment. With unlimited soft drinks and a laid-back vibe, this is a fun and flavorful Dubai night out.
4. Iris — Rosendal, Norway
Accessible only by boat and housed inside the mirrored “Salmon Eye” orb floating in the Hardangerfjord, Iris feels like dining in a dream. This exclusive, 24-seat culinary experience takes you on a 6-hour journey across 18 courses, spotlighting local seafood and Norwegian ingredients with futuristic flair. Between courses, take in the views of misty mountains and sparkling fjord waters through glass-paneled walls.
5. Under — Lindesnes, Norway
Dive into a dining experience like no other, literally. Under is Europe’s first underwater restaurant, sitting 5.5 meters beneath the surface of the North Sea. The minimalist concrete structure fades into the waves, but inside, you’ll find refined Scandinavian luxury. The tasting menu evolves with the seasons, highlighting fresh-caught seafood, earthy root vegetables, and sweet treats like caramel pudding. Panoramic windows let you dine beside sea life drifting through the cold, deep blue.
6. Ithaa Undersea Restaurant — Maldives
Dining under the Indian Ocean is the name of the game at Ithaa, the Maldives’ most iconic underwater restaurant. This intimate, 14-seat, all-glass capsule sits five meters below the surface, where reef sharks, stingrays, and technicolor fish glide past your table. The set menu pulls out all the stops – think Maldivian lobster with vanilla beurre blanc and wagyu tenderloin dressed in truffle jus.
7. DiMillo’s On the Water — Portland, Maine, USA
Once a working ferry, DiMillo’s now anchors the Portland waterfront as a beloved floating seafood spot. Inside the refurbished ship, diners dig into local classics like flaky haddock, lobster mac and cheese, and bacon-wrapped scallops while watching boats drift by. Grab a seat on the open-air deck for salty breezes and harbor views. And whatever you do, don’t skip dessert—the blueberry cobbler, made with wild Maine blueberries, is worth every warm, crumbly bite.
8. Elisa Floating Restaurant — Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Towering above the Saigon River on five levels of floating beauty, Elisa is Vietnam’s largest floating restaurant, and easily one of its most dazzling. Gilded décor, soft lighting, and open-air decks create an unforgettable ambiance as the city lights reflect on the water. Choose the à la carte menu or opt for a Vietnamese tasting experience featuring fresh seafood and delicately spiced soups. Add in the live music, and it’s dinner with a show, Vietnamese style.
