There’s nothing quite like touching down in a big city, with its gorgeous buildings, pulsing vibes, and endless shops, cafes, sights and museums to discover. But what happens when you need a holiday from your holiday? These exquisite cafes and restaurants around the world serve up brilliant views, decent food, and the perfect place to grab a time out in the midst of a big city.
Les Ombres, Paris
It’s practically a tourist custom to snap a selfie with the Eiffel Tower or even shoot it from Trocadéro. But if you really want to get away with this iconic city view, head to Les Ombres on the top floor of the Musée du quai Branly. Dining on the terrace is a must and at night, the sparkling tower is worth the feed; though if you can’t afford dinner, the prix fixe lunch is excellent, too.
Marini’s on 57, Kuala Lumpur
It’s Kuala Lumpur’s highest rooftop bar – and it’s also an exquisite Italian restaurant serving both à la carte and 9-course meals. Floor-to-ceiling windows make this one incredible dining-while-viewing experience, especially with the glittering sights of the Petronas Towers and the cityscape below. http://marinis57.com/venue/italian-restaurant/
Strofi, Athens
Want to dine next to the most popular attraction in Athens? The Strofi restaurant rests alongside the Acropolis and offers views of the Parthenon that will take your breath away. The fare (as you would imagine) is Greek and Mediterranean, and visitors will need to climb a set of steep stairs to get to the front door.
The River Café, New York
Under the Brooklyn Bridge, this exquisite café offers magnificent views of the river and the dazzling Big Apple skyline. The place has been going strong since 1977 and the full glass windows make dining unforgettable. Don’t let the ‘café’ title fool you, though; this is an upscale restaurant and dressing up is required, especially at night! That said, the café is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, and meals are meat and seafood-inspired.
Zunfthausrestaurant Pfistern, Lucerne
Wandering through the Swiss city of Lucerne is nothing short of magical. If you’re looking for a place to dine, Pfistern’s outdoor terrace comes with pristine sights of the iconic Chapel Bridge and Water Tower. Situated in an original Guild House, the food here includes regional specialties, local wines and cheese fondue (we highly recommend it!) all year round.
ON19, Cape Town
There’s no denying the coastal city gem of Cape Town and at ON19 (on the 19th floor, obviously) in the Westin Hotel, the views of the city, mountains and ocean are glorious. Food-wise you can expect to dine like a VIP, with everything from ramens and salads to seafood and meat dishes on the menu.
Au Sommet Place Ville Marie, Montreal
It’s brand new (it opened in 2016) and it’s a must-see. Atop the Place Ville Marie mall in central Montreal, is a 360º Observation Deck, 46 floors up. You can pretty much see the entirety of the city from here, and there’s an accompanying photography exhibit on the same floor as well. When you’re done, head down to Level 44 to dine at the newly opened Les Enfants Terribles.
Zirkel Restaurant & Bar, Buenos Aires
A wonderful restaurant find on the Av. Corrientes 327, Zirkel makes the perfect Buenos Aires escape for a deliciously hearty feed and high-rise views of the city, all from the 22nd floor of Club Alemán. The food here is German and European-inspired, sometimes with an Argentine twist. Zirkel is generally open from 9am to late at night, though it’s shut on Sundays.
Capital M, Beijing
Owned by Australian chef and restaurateur, Michelle Garnaut, Capital M’s outdoor terrace is the place to sit and soak up the night-time beauty of Beijing’s Tiananmen Square. Impeccable 5-star service is a signature of the brand, and key dishes to try include the crispy suckling pig and the salt-encased leg of lamb.