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The 14 Most Stunning Restaurant Settings in the U.S.

Sierra Mar
Sierra Mar | © Kodiak Greenwood / Courtesy of Post Ranch Inn

From mountains to river bends – and everything in between – these dining spots are truly a feast for the eyes. Here are the 14 most beautiful places to dine in America.

Asiate

Restaurant, Contemporary, American

Asiate, New York
© George Apostolidis / Courtesy of Asiate

Situated on the 35th floor of the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Manhattan, Asiate boasts one of the most unique dining experiences in the city, complete with contemporary American fare, impeccable service, and unequaled views of the New York skyline. Dine on dishes like hamachi crudo or caviar, sip on champagne, and watch the sun go down on Central Park.

Waterbar

Restaurant, Cocktail Bar, Seafood, Contemporary, American

Waterbar
Courtesy of Waterbar

At Waterbar, drawing crowds is easy. Fresh oysters, a stellar happy hour, and panoramic views of the Bay make this Embarcadero hot spot a San Francisco favorite. Nestled below the Bay Bridge, Waterbar is perfect for sipping cocktails on the terrace or dining on seasonal, sustainably sourced seafood al fresco.

'ULU Ocean Grill + Sushi Lounge

Restaurant, Seafood, Sushi

Hawaii is known for its pristine beaches and spectacular sunsets. And so it comes as no surprise that the setting at ‘ULU Ocean Grill + Sushi Lounge is one of the most memorable in the nation. Set on the sandy shores of the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on the Big Island, ‘ULU offers seasonal Hawaiian fare amidst panoramic ocean views. If you’re looking for a truly authentic Hawaiian experience, this is it.

Canlis

Restaurant, American, Contemporary, Seafood

Canlis, Seattle
Courtesy of Canlis

This Seattle landmark has been wowing diners since the 1950s. Set within a midcentury home, Canlis dishes out modern Pacific Northwest fare – Wagyu tenderloin tartare, spot prawns with Vermouth butter – alongside panoramic views of Lake Union. Choose from a four-course menu or nine-course tasting menu, and expect nothing less than perfection.

Elevation 486

Bar, Bistro, American, Cocktails, Wine, Beer

Elevation 486, Twin Falls
Courtesy of Elevation 486

There’s no restaurant quite like Elevation 486. Located on the rocky bluffs of the Snake River, the outdoor patio offers an Idaho dining experience that remains hard to beat. The menu features bistro-style American fare like fire-grilled Oregon quail, Idaho trout, and Idaho pork tenderloin – perfectly accompanied by panoramic views of the New West.

Bearclaw Cabin at Sundance Mountain Resort

Gastropub, American, Fast Food, Pub Grub, Cocktails, Wine, Beer

Bearclaw Cabin, Sundance
Courtesy of Bearclaw Cabin

If you find yourself in Utah, take a ride up Ray’s and Red’s chair lifts to Sundance’s mountaintop lodge. At Bearclaw Cabin, dine on “mountain fast food” – nachos, burritos, sandwiches – while gazing at 360-degree views of the Heber and Utah Valleys and surrounding Wasatch Mountains. Open year-round for lunch, Bearclaw Cabin is mountain dining at its finest.

Flagstaff House

Restaurant, French, American, Contemporary, Vegetarian

Flagstaff House, Boulder
Courtesy of Flagstaff House

Just a five-minute drive from Boulder, find Flagstaff House: a family-owned establishment built into the mountainside. At an elevation of 6,000 feet (1,828.8 meters), views from the window-encased dining room and outdoor patio overlook the city and surrounding mountain scenery. Known for its extensive wine list – Flagstaff House has a 15,000-bottle wine cellar on-site – and French-American cuisine, this Boulder favorite is perfect for special occasions and romantic evenings.

Sierra Mar

Restaurant, American, Vegan, Vegetarian

Sierra Mar, Big Sur
© Kodiak Greenwood / Courtesy of Post Ranch Inn

Perched high above the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Sierra Mar is a stunning restaurant built into the hillside of California’s coastline. This award-winning spot is located at the renowned luxury hotel, Post Ranch Inn – its California-inspired cuisine just as elegant and refined as the grounds on which it was built. The dining room boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, overlooking the sandy shorelines and deep blue waters of Big Sur.

River Café

Restaurant, Cafe, American, Fast Food, Vegan, Vegetarian

River Café
© Shutterstock

This iconic eatery has become a well-known culinary destination across the globe, its beautifully lit gardens and stunning vistas of Manhattan drawing locals and tourists alike for a romantic escape from the city. Located on the waterfront under the Brooklyn Bridge, the newly renovated River Café dishes out modern American cuisine accompanied by sweeping views of the New York skyline and the Statue of Liberty.

Soho House

Nightclub, Canteen, Hotel Restaurant, American, Fast Food, Pub Grub, Cocktails, Wine, Beer, Contemporary

Soho House Club and Garden
Courtesy of Soho House, West Hollywood

This “members only” club represents both the swank and class of West Hollywood. Located on Sunset Boulevard, Soho House West Hollywood is a beautifully designed and decorated space for eating, drinking, and meeting – the most captivating of the few, the Club and Garden. Find contemporary American cuisine, top-notch cocktails, and panoramic views of Los Angeles – the open-air rooftop is perfect for sipping champagne on a bright summer day.

Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge

Hotel Restaurant, Restaurant, Seafood, American, Vegetarian

Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge, Seward
Courtesy of Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge

A 12-mile (19.3-kilometer) boat ride from Seward lies the remote wilderness of Fox Island. On this island, Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge offers unequaled natural scenery: pebble stone beaches, crystal clear waters, and snow-capped peaks. Through the large windows at the on-site restaurant, diners can wine and dine amongst awe-inspiring vistas of Halibut Cove – a popular place for spotting sea lions and humpback whales.

Top of the World

Hotel Restaurant, Restaurant, American

There’s no better space to experience the magic of Las Vegas than at Top of the World. Named for its towering height – 800 feet (243.8 meters) above ground – this New American restaurant boasts panoramic vistas of the city from the 106th floor of the Stratosphere Tower. Top of the World rotates 360 degrees every 80 minutes; therefore, you’ll never miss a thing.

Deck on Laguna Beach

Cocktail Bar, Restaurant, Seafood, American, Contemporary

Deck on Laguna Beach
Deck on Laguna Beach is one of the most popular restaurants in Southern California. A unique waterfront experience, the Deck is a beachside hot spot located on the sands of the Pacific Edge Hotel. This local favorite is perfect for slurping oysters and sipping wine while watching the sun go down on the Pacific.

The Handle Bar

Cocktail Bar, Gastropub, American

The Handle Bar
© Don Riddle / Courtesy of the Four Season Hotel, Jackson Hole
The Handle Bar at Four Seasons Jackson Hole is where hungry skiers and thirsty travelers come for modern American pub grub, beer, and provisions. Relax with whiskey in hand on the terrace where outdoor fire pits set the glow for the breathtaking Grand Tetons surrounding. Teeming with an array of wildlife, scenic vistas from here are unlike any other.

About the author

Born to a Venezuelan surfer and a Napa Valley artist, Alexia has always been an avid traveler and fascinated with culture. After graduating from UC Santa Barbara, she sold every possession and spent nine months traveling around South America, writing about her adventures on a blog. She currently resides in downtown LA, pursuing her quest for all things delicious. She hopes to one day write for Food & Wine magazine.

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