The World’s Most Beautiful Restaurants: Food for the Eyes or the Palate?
Thought food was just something you eat? Think again! The global restaurant scene has exploded with spectacular places that are a feast for the eyes, not just the palate. Prix Versailles, a prestigious global architecture award, has selected the 16 most beautiful restaurants worldwide, and we bring you a real treat—from cliff tops in Indonesia to the luxury of Dubai.
Dubai Reigns with Elegance and Tradition
Topping the list is “Gerbou” in Dubai, where traditional Emirati cuisine meets modern design. Imagine sofas made of camel leather, wooden chairs, and lighting resembling fish scales—all in an intimate, modern setting. The menu, featuring 70 local ingredients, reinterprets ancestral flavors, with chef Jonel Katau creating a feast for all senses.
Second place goes to “Smoked Room” in Dubai, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its sophisticated and moody atmosphere. With only 14 seats, it offers an exclusive omakase experience in a setting of black bricks, mirrors, and brass mesh.
Mediterranean Paradise in Mallorca
The best European restaurant on the list is “Lobster Club” in Mallorca, embodying the Mediterranean lifestyle. Designed by renowned designers, it features fluid dining zones and a beautiful panoramic terrace that blurs the line between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Finnish Tradition with Modern Charm
At sixth place is “Buscaron Karem” in Helsinki, a modern reinterpretation of a traditional Finnish restaurant. Housed in a historic building with exposed brick and cast iron columns, it offers simple, timeless local dishes in a warm, natural decor.
Parisian Gems and London Decadence
Paris boasts two gems on the list: “Laduree Ru Royal” and “Dikas Bakara.” The former is celebrated for its beautifully restored Belle Époque interior, while the latter masterfully combines raw materials with crystal accents and contemporary art.
In the UK, “Juliers” in Notting Hill has won the hearts of actors, fashion icons, and the wealthy. Once a private gentlemen’s club, it is now open to all, with an open terrace celebrating West London’s rich history and culture.
Why Does This Matter?
This list is not just about food but about an experience that includes a visual spectacle. In a world ruled by Instagram, restaurants compete to be not only delicious but photogenic. But is the food truly up to the ambiance? Is this just another trend or a real revolution in gastronomy?
Conclusion
If you’re a hedonist who loves to satisfy all senses, this list is for you. But remember, a true feast is not just for the eyes but for the taste buds. Next time you choose a restaurant, ask yourself—are you eating for the eyes or the palate?
So, which restaurant from this list would you visit first? Or do you have a favorite that deserves to be on such a list? Share your thoughts—maybe you’ll discover the next gastronomic gem!
Source: B92, Prix Versailles, Instagram posts by Kristina Zanić and others
