Many of us would go to great lengths to experience unique dining experiences, but what heights would you go to for the best views and great food? Get your head out of the clouds and into one of these five lofty eateries – from mountains to skyscrapers and restaurants to bars.
1. Il Rifugio – Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, United States
Image: Arapahoe Basin Area Prism Cam.
Il Rifugio at the summit of the Colorado’s Arapahoe Basin Ski Area is officially the highest restaurant in the United States, sitting cool at a lofty 3,810 metres above sea-level.
The ‘A-Basin’ is situated in the Rocky Mountains in Keystone, Colorado, and is part of the White River National Forest. Il Rifugio, a European-style bistro at the Snow Plume Refuge ski-stop on the summit, boasts 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding wintry mountain slopes.
The new European-style delicatessen offers antipasto, charcuterie and a selection of imported cheeses, wines and beers.
2. Sky Restaurant – Drakensberg-Maluti Mountains, Lesotho
The Sky Restaurant at the AfriSki Resort in the Lesotho highlands is the highest in Africa and sits at a dizzying 3,222 metres. Open all-year round, the upstairs section offers heady views of the Maluti Mountains as well the ski slopes, and is very child-friendly.
And while you’re in this beautiful mountainous kingdom, it’s definitely worth checking out…
3. The Highest Pub in Africa – Sani Top, Lesotho
Could you say no to this view? Image: @Sanimountain.
This, the highest pub in Africa, is 2,874 metres above sea level and straddles both Lesotho and South Africa at the Sani Mountain Lodge. It’s naturally the perfect spot to grab a drink and relax, but the pub offers meals too, from breakfast right through to dinner.
4. Le 3842 – French Alps, France
Image: @Le3842
Restaurant 3482 high up in the French Alps is accessible via the Aiguille du Midi mountain cable car, which operates in the Chamonix-Mont Blanc area. Its menu offers regional dishes of the savoyard tradition, which features lots of cheese and potatoes, and as the name suggests, the restaurant sits 3,842 metres high.
Image: @Le3842
Space in this special lofty eatery is limited to about 30 diners, so booking is essential to secure a seat and your view at the 3842.
5. Ruski Restaurant and Ice Bar – Moscow City, Russia
Image: @ruski354
On the 85th floor of Moscow City’s OKO skyscraper complex, you can dine at Ruski, the highest restaurant in Europe. The menu offers traditional Russian cuisine, including the popular pelmeni (dumplings) with venison, or herring on malt rye toast.
An ice sculpture commemorating the birthday of Alexander Pushkin. Image: @ruski354.
It may not be up in the snowy mountains, but this cosmopolitan venue is cool in its own way. Ruski also has the highest ice bar in the world, featuring ice sculptures with cool blue backlighting for that extra-wintry atmosphere. The temperature in the bar is maintained at a chilly -15 degrees Celsius, so you might want to don a fab faux fur coat, while enjoying some beluga caviar and vodka, of course.
The ice bar is, surprisingly, child-friendly and even has a playroom for the little ones.
