Second Edition: Restaurants With Views Worth Dining For

It doesn’t have to be fancy to have great views – and delicious food. This luxury golf resort in Guatemala is surrounded by four volcanoes, two of them being active. While the Sky Bar and the upscale restaurant also have views of the volcanoes, we love the laid-back, al fresco lounge, where diners can grab a burger and sip on a smoothie (the lounge’s specialty). During the weekends, the lounge often hosts Guatemalan buffets and barbecues.

Perched high above the Pacific Ocean, the 60-room La Mariposa’s highlight is the breathtaking coastal views from the pool deck, guest rooms, and restaurant. The open-air restaurant overlooks the ocean and the Manuel Antonio National Park. It’s a particularly romantic spot, as couples enjoy watching the sunset as they dine.

Standing for “point of view,” POV offers some of the best views of the nation’s capital – including a prime location for checking out the Washington Monument. Though it’s a popular nighttime spot for a cocktail (W guests can cross the velvet rope without a problem), POV offers tasty light bites during the afternoons and evenings, as well as a popular 3-course Sunday brunch with one hour’s worth of unlimited pitchers of the diners’ choice: Bloody Marys, mimosas, bellinis, or sangria.

This 50-room luxury inn is one of the most exclusive (and expensive) destinations in California wine country, and its Michelin-starred restaurant is certainly a highlight. Overlooking the vineyard-covered countryside, the restaurant features the most extensive wine list in Napa. Diners can choose a la carte entrees, such as hopper shrimp risotto or veal sweetbreads, or opt for Chef Robert Curry’s six-course tasting menu, complete with wine pairings.

It’s hard to find a bad view at this hotel; even guests who come during the summertime can spot snowcapped mountains from their rooms, as well as from the on-site restaurants. With al fresco dining in the warmer months (and indoor dining with massive windows all year round), the Aubergine Grille has some of the best views in Whistler. Families in particular will enjoy the themed nights, such as lobster Fridays and cheese fondue Saturdays.

Only open from April through October, the Restaurant Prete Rosso is particularly special. Here, guests of the hotel can dine while overlooking the lively city streets, the canals, and even St. Mark’s Campanile across the water. Hotel staff also serves guests drinks on the terrace during the afternoons and evenings.

Sierra Mar serves an eclectic array of California cuisine, and has garnered wide praise for its culinary innovations as well as jaw-dropping views (particularly on a clear day). While guests of the hotel receive a free gourmet breakfast at the restaurant, dinner is open for guests and non-guests, and consists of a four-course prix fixe menu that changes daily. An a la carte option is also available, and diners have access to the hotel's impressive wine cellar, which has over 13,000 bottles.

Located on the 35th floor, the Mandarin Oriental’s lobby lounge offers gorgeous views of Central Park and Columbus Circle. The lounge is a popular spot for afternoon tea and cocktails, but guests can also make a meal out of delicious offerings such as Wagyu beef sliders, served with parmesan fries, and “chicken lollipops,” with tamarind glaze, blue cheese dressing, and crudités.


RELATED LINKS:

• First edition: Restaurants with views to dine for
• Hotel food freebies
• Tons of foodie articles