When you’re on vacation or out for a night on the town, you don’t want to just hit up any random fast food restaurant. You want a dining experience!
From dining in total darkness to eating underwater, there are many quirky restaurants around the world that offer that memorable experience. Here are 12 restaurants where the environment is even more compelling than the menu.
1. Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, Maldives
Make your reservation at the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant. This establishment is submerged five meters below the Indian Ocean, Fish and sharks float by as you enjoy traditional Maldivian cuisine. Ithaa also boasts 180-degree views of vibrant coral gardens. Dining here is like being on a deep sea scuba diving adventure without even getting your hair wet.
2. Dinner in the Sky, Various Locations
Sightsee while eating by visiting a Dinner in the Sky location. Take in the breathtaking, panoramic views of popular tourist cities like Paris, Las Vegas, and Dubai. The concept originated in Belgium, but has since spread around the world. You’re suspended by a crane over 160 feet into the air while you indulge in gourmet meals like steak or lobster.
3. Modern Toilet, Taipei, Taiwan
A bathroom-themed restaurant might not sound appetizing, but don’t let that stop you from visiting Modern Toilet in Taiwan. The seats are real porcelain toilets (bidet not included), and the dishes are creatively served in miniature toilet bowls. There is even chocolate soft serve ice cream that looks like the poo emoji served for dessert!
4. The Disaster Café, Lloret de Mar, Spain
Earthquakes are terrifying natural disasters to experience in real life, but the theme makes for one of the most quirky restaurants. Visit the Disaster Café to experience a 7.8 magnitude earthquake while you enjoy your meal. Try not to fall over or spill your drink as you navigate this unique restaurant.
5. SafeHouse, Milwaukee, WI
Embrace your inner James Bond by eating at SafeHouse, a spy-themed restaurant located in Milwaukee. You need to know the secret password to gain access, but it’s worth your effort. Dine in an environment of Cold War-era espionage, complete with hidden rooms and secret passages. This quirky restaurant is a must for fans of spy movies or mysteries.
6. Vampire Café, Tokyo, Japan
Fans of horror movies will love visiting the Vampire Café in Tokyo, Japan. Don’t worry. A bowl of blood isn’t on the menu of this unique restaurant. Rather, the gothic vampire theme is found in the spooky dimly lit atmosphere, red velvet curtains, and blood-themed drinks and entrees.
7. BLACKOUT Dining in the Dark, Las Vegas, NV
Who turned out the lights? At this quirky restaurant in Vegas, you wear a blindfold as you eat, which supposedly enhances your sense of taste. BLACKOUT was voted one of the best restaurants and top things to do in Las Vegas, so it’s definitely worth a visit.
8. TreePod Dining, Soneva Kiri, Thailand
Nature lovers will enjoy dining at TreePod in Thailand. Guests are seated in a bamboo pod, which is then hoisted up into the tropical foliage of Koh Kood’s ancient rainforest. Meals and drinks are delivered via zipline. Look for animals and take in the breathtaking views as you eat mouthwatering Thai cuisine.
9. Chillout Ice Lounge, Dubai, India
Put on your gloves, hat, and jacket to visit the Chillout Ice Lounge in Dubai. This quirky restaurant contains 26,900 square feet of pure ice, which makes the temperature inside below freezing. Guests receive a complimentary cup of hot cocoa to heat up before they’re provided with the menu. It’s worth the chills to take pictures with the beautiful ice sculptures waiting inside.
10. Heart Attack Grill, Las Vegas, NV
Sometimes you don’t want to eat healthy foods. You want a meal that’s pure indulgence; something fried and undeniably delicious. The Heart Attack Grill in Vegas plays on this idea with a hospital theme and entrees served with a side of health warnings. You’re given a hospital gown to wear as you eat. Plus, if you don’t finish your meal, you’re reprimanded by servers wearing nursing scrubs.
11. The Lockup, Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is home to many unique restaurants. Tourists should visit The Lockup, a prison-themed restaurant where diners are locked into cells and served by staff in police uniforms. Prison food is known for being less than stellar, but the menu at this unique restaurant is pure deliciousness.
12. Alux Restaurant and Lounge, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Alux is deep underground in a vast cave that’s over 10,000 years old. The inside is decorated with colorful lighting, and real bats swoop around above you as you enjoy your meal. The beautiful interior and rock formations offer one of the most unique dining experiences of all time.
Happy Dining
Whether it’s braving your fear of heights, submerging yourself underwater, or chilling out in an ice lounge, there’s a unique dining experience out there for you to enjoy on your travels. Plan a vacation to these locations, and be sure to visit these quirky restaurants along the way.
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Alyssa Serio has been a writer and editor since graduating from Aurora University in 2014. In her free time, she loves reading, playing volleyball, and watching any horror movie (even the bad ones) with her husband.