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As anyone who has sat in the famous "tatami room 1" of Hong Kong's Aqua restaurant can attest, there's nothing like a stunning view for turning a great meal into a grand one. The room, pictured right, is one of several private suites at the über-chic Italian-Japanese restaurant, tel: (852) 3427 2288, that capitalize on its magnificent perch atop One Peking Road—a showy new fashion-cum-dining complex with panoramic views of the Hong Kong skyline. With its dramatic corner location, tatami room 1 may be the most spectacular of all, so book well ahead. Been there and done that? Then check out these other sky-high tables.
ASIATE, New York
This intimate restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental, tel: (1-212) 805 8881, features a very creative menu (check out the Caesar salad soup with bacon foam), elegantly simple décor and beautiful Central Park views.
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Want a taste of the new China? It doesn't come any richer than that served at the Cupola, tel: (86-21) 6329 1101, a private dining room atop Shanghai's iconic Three On the Bund building, with sweeping vistas of the Pudong business district.
LE CIEL DE PARIS, Paris
Claiming to be Europe's highest restaurant, Le Ciel de Paris, tel: (33-1) 4064 7764, is on the 56th floor of the Montparnasse Tower and 209 m above the city center. Gaze at the Eiffel Tower far below, as you relish set dinners from around $50.
NEW YORK GRILL, Tokyo
If you want to see Tokyo—and be seen by Tokyo's great and good, for this is without doubt one of the most fashionable restaurants in the city—try doing it from the 52nd-floor grill room at the Park Hyatt, tel: (81-3) 5322 1234. The rotisserie duck is a highlight.
THE SKYBAR, Los Angeles
With its poolside location and gorgeous views of L.A., the Skybar at the Mondrian Hotel, tel: (1-323) 650 8999, is the epitome of laidback Californian style. It's also available for private dinners, with banquet-style seating for up to 60.
VERTIGO, London
OK, so it's more champagne bar than restaurant, but this London night spot, tel: (44-20) 7877 7842, also serves light meals (try the seared scallops). You can also feast on the stunning views from its position on top of Tower42 in the heart of the City.
PICK YOUR PANORAMA
• Foodie website Gayot.com recommends restaurants with the best views in several destinations, including Hawaii, Paris and Miami
• Get a preview: Earthcam.com offers live feeds from around 30 restaurants worldwide. Many are of interiors, but others—from eateries as far afield as the Swiss Alps and São Paulo's Pitangueiras Beach—show views from windows and roofs
- Liam Fitzpatrick
- The world's top spots for dinner with a view