Salmon Eye (Norway)

Location: Norway’s Fjords

When it comes to dining on the cutting edge of sustainability, Salmon Eye in Norway offers a one-of-a-kind floating restaurant experience. Situated in the picturesque and remote waters of the Norwegian Fjords, this futuristic vessel allows guests to indulge in a fresh, sustainable seafood menu while surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. The restaurant is committed to eco-friendly practices, with a focus on wild salmon, locally sourced ingredients, and a commitment to preserving the pristine environment. The journey to Salmon Eye involves a scenic boat ride through the fjords, making the experience feel like a true adventure in both taste and landscape.

Why Visit?
Aside from its spectacular design and dedication to sustainability, the floating restaurant offers a one-of-a-kind dining atmosphere, where the stunning scenery outside becomes a part of the meal itself.

Website: https://en.salmoneye.no/

Koks (Faroe Islands)

Location: Vágur, Faroe Islands

For those seeking an intimate, yet awe-inspiring dining experience, Koks is a Michelin-starred gem perched in the remote Faroe Islands. Located on the edge of the North Atlantic, this Nordic haven offers dishes rooted in the traditions of the Faroe Islands, with locally foraged ingredients like seaweed, lamb, and freshly caught seafood. Dining here feels like stepping into another world, with the restaurant nestled within the heart of a stunning landscape that is as wild and rugged as the cuisine. Its minimalist decor complements the simplicity and purity of the food, making every bite feel deeply connected to the surroundings.

Why Visit?
The Michelin-starred menu is a tribute to the region’s natural resources, served in an atmosphere that feels like stepping into the wild heart of the Faroe Islands.

Website: https://koks.fo/

El Celler de Can Roca (Spain)

Location: Girona, Spain

One of the most renowned culinary experiences in the world, El Celler de Can Roca is located in Girona, Spain, and has earned three Michelin stars for its boundary-pushing Catalan cuisine. Founded by the Roca brothers, this avant-garde restaurant seamlessly blends art and food. The restaurant’s approach to gastronomy is rooted in creativity, with dishes that offer an exploration of flavors, textures, and presentations that leave diners awestruck. Guests embark on a culinary journey, where each course tells a story and transports them to different cultures and traditions. The wine cellar is a treasure trove, housing some of the finest selections to accompany each meal.

Why Visit?
If you’re a culinary enthusiast with a passion for fine dining, this restaurant represents the pinnacle of modern gastronomy. The experience feels like a sensory immersion in both food and innovation.

Website: https://cellercanroca.com/en/celler/

Ithaa Undersea Restaurant (Maldives)

Location: Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Imagine dining 16 feet below the surface of the Indian Ocean, surrounded by crystal-clear water and vibrant marine life. That’s the magic of Ithaa Undersea Restaurant in the Maldives. A glass-enclosed, underwater restaurant, Ithaa offers guests an unparalleled dining experience where they are literally submerged in an aquatic wonderland. The restaurant serves a multi-course menu that blends European and Maldivian flavors, focusing on fresh seafood, delicate dishes, and fine wines. Dining here is as much about the immersive experience of the environment as it is about the food, with the calm ocean outside providing a mesmerizing backdrop.

Why Visit?
If you’ve ever dreamed of dining underwater, this is the ultimate destination. The panoramic view of marine life offers a truly unique setting that elevates the dining experience.

Website: https://www.conradmaldives.com/dine/ithaa-undersea-restaurant/

Asador Etxebarri (Spain)

Location: Axpe, Basque Country, Spain
For a more rustic and elemental dining experience, Asador Etxebarri offers a deep dive into the world of wood-fired cooking. Located in the Basque Mountains, this unassuming restaurant has become famous for its mastery of grilling over open flames. Chef Victor Arguinzoniz takes simple ingredients — from seafood to meat and vegetables — and elevates them with his signature wood-fired technique. The results are nothing short of magical: every bite brings out an intense depth of flavor that can only be achieved by cooking over live fire. While the food may seem simple at first glance, the artistry and skill behind each dish make it an extraordinary dining experience.

Why Visit?
If you appreciate the power of fire and the beauty of minimalist cooking, Asador Etxebarri delivers an experience where technique and taste collide in a rustic, yet refined setting.

Website: https://www.asadoretxebarri.com/

Final Thoughts

These restaurants do more than just offer exceptional food; they offer a journey — both culinary and experiential. Whether you’re floating in the fjords of Norway, dining under the sea in the Maldives, or savoring wood-fired perfection in the Basque mountains, these eateries prove that sometimes, the meal is just the beginning. For those willing to travel far and wide for an unforgettable gastronomic adventure, these five destinations are more than worth the flight.