You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to appreciate the beauty of a little stargazing. If you fancy your meal with a side of astronomy, you’ll be over the moon with these 24 sky-centric dining destinations. Words by Mariam Digges.
It’s not just three-courses of bush tucker you’ll be feasting on at this spiritual monolith. As darkness falls, 50,000 glass spheres come to life as part of Bruce Munro’s art installation. All this under that sparkling outback sky.
In the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains, you’ll find the luxury Bushman’s Kloof Wilderness Reserve and wellness retreat, home to Embers. Dine on Cape cuisine in a natural sandstone amphitheater lit by hundreds of twinkling lanterns, candles and of course, moonlight.
With stunning views over the sea (opt for a spot the secluded deck for added drama) you’ll enjoy seasonal French West Indian fare celebrating the best of the region, with daiquiris on hand to brighten the mood further. There’s even a champagne zip-line to ferry bubbles directly down to your table.
A 10-minute drive from Port Douglas into the rainforest lands you at this secluded bar and grill. Choose from the Aboriginal Cultural Experience or a more romantically-skewed one as you dine under the canopy of one of the world’s oldest rainforests by candlelight.
An open fire grill, raw bar and traditional kitchen help power this innovative outdoor oasis. They each help deliver Latin-inspired food to those on the terrace: think shrimp ceviche and of course, a couple of caipirinhas, under a canopy of star-shaped lights.
Set high on an escarpment overlooking a floodplain, every meal is a special one at the Sanctuary at Puka Ridge Camp. Each of the seven safari tents boast their own viewing deck and sunken bath, while dinner is served at the outdoor central dining area where game can be spotted at any time.
It’s impossible not to unwind at this torch-lit beachfront institution. The Pan-Asian menu is as far-reaching as its infinity pool, with Indonesian, Vietnamese and Thai flavours on offer.
A table on the wraparound terrace at this award-winning restaurant and bar serves up an all-day menu powered by local ingredients, and panoramic views of Napa Valley vineyards.
Dining at this open-air skyscraper is not for the giddy – it’s perched on the 63rd floor. But the jazz playing out in the background should ease the vertigo. Views, cocktails and an A-list crowd all merge to make a night at the sky-high Sirocco a special one.
Better known to locals as the Pink Palace, Palazzo Avino flanks Amalfi’s dramatic coastline from the hills of Ravello. Rossellini is its onsite Michelin-starred restaurant, where local seafood reigns supreme – after those picture-perfect views, that is.
Take in uninterrupted views of the Acropolis from the GB Roof Garden Restaurant and Bar’s eighth floor position. Housed in Athens’ Hotel Grande Bretagne, the menu features bright Mediterranean plates and Greek wines.
Situated on Auckland’s Waiheke Island, soak up sea and vineyard views at this relaxed dining spot, where wine tasting and accommodation are also on offer.
This open-air restaurant in the coconut grove of a secluded beach serves up fresh local catch; think fresh ahi tuna, mahi mahi and lobster.
Find fresh seafood prepared by the region’s most celebrated chefs at Esperanza Resort’s onsite restaurant. The entire dining room overlooks the Pacific but try to nab a table on the cliffs for a real treat.
Tourists and locals alike come to the waterfront Cip’s Club to enjoy dinner with a view of Venice and Piazza San Marco in the distance. Catch the sun setting over the city with a bellini and plates of Venetian antipasti in tow.
