Travel isn’t just about the destinations; it’s also about the incredible food experiences you can have. Imagine meals so unforgettable, they’re worth the trip just to savor them. We’re talking about jaw-dropping, once-in-a-lifetime culinary adventures that deserve a spot on your bucket list. From dining underwater in the Maldives to eating high above Dubai, these experiences are sure to astound you. Here are my top 12 culinary adventures that you simply must try.

Dine underwater at Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, Maldives

Picture yourself having dinner surrounded by the vibrant marine life of the Indian Ocean. Ithaa sits 16 feet below sea level in an entirely glass enclosure, allowing you to literally dine under the sea. The menu is a luxurious six-course affair featuring exquisite dishes like caviar and Maldivian lobster.

Experience multi-sensory dining at Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet, Shanghai, China

Ultraviolet is a dining experience straight out of a sci-fi movie. In this exclusive 10-seat restaurant, each dish is paired with visuals, sounds, and even scents to create an otherworldly dining journey. Chef Paul Pairet expertly blends flavors and sensations, making each course a delightful surprise.

Explore the Andes at Mil, Cusco, Peru

Mil is not just a restaurant; it’s a tribute to the Andes. Located above the ancient Moray Inca terraces, its eight-course menu takes you through the diverse ecosystems of the region. The chefs work with local farmers to source rare ingredients, creating dishes that celebrate Andean culture.

Eat local and foraged at Wolfgat, Paternoster, South Africa

Wolfgat is an intimate restaurant with just 20 seats where Chef Kobus van der Merwe crafts a menu from locally foraged ingredients. Each dish showcases the unique flavors of the Western Cape, offering a deeply personal and immersive dining experience that connects you to the heart of South Africa.

Have a royal feast at La Grande Table Marocaine, Marrakech, Morocco

La Grande Table Marocaine is like stepping into a Moroccan fairy tale. Situated in the luxurious Royal Mansour hotel, the restaurant offers a modern twist on traditional Moroccan dishes. The sumptuous decor, complete with intricate tiles and plush furnishings, makes for a royal dining experience.

Be on top of the world at Atmosphere, Dubai, UAE

Why dine at ground level when you can eat on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa? Atmosphere offers panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline, with a menu that matches its breathtaking setting. The chic, modern interior adds a touch of sophistication, ensuring a dining experience that’s literally above the rest.

Travel back in time at Medieval Tavern, Prague, Czech Republic

Dining at the Medieval Tavern in Prague is like stepping into a different era. With a candlelit setting, servers in period costumes, and a menu based on medieval recipes, it’s a feast for all the senses. Live music and dance performances enhance the experience, making it feel like you’ve traveled back in time.

Chase waterfalls at Labassin Waterfall Restaurant, San Pablo City, Philippines

At Labassin Waterfall Restaurant, you’re not just dining near water; you’re dining in it. Bamboo tables are set in the shallow part of a waterfall, allowing you to feel the cool water flowing over your feet. The menu bursts with traditional Filipino dishes, and the sound of cascading water adds a serene touch to your meal.

Dine in a historic cave at Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant, Diani Beach, Kenya

Ali Barbour’s transforms a 120,000-year-old cave into a unique dining venue. Moonlight filters through natural skylights in the cave’s roof, and the menu features a mix of seafood and international favorites. The cave’s natural acoustics add a magical ambiance to an already extraordinary setting.

Enjoy Spanish creativity at El Celler de Can Roca, Girona, Spain

El Celler de Can Roca is a three-Michelin-star restaurant where the Roca brothers serve innovative dishes that honor Catalan heritage. The wine cellar, boasting over 60,000 bottles, is a spectacle in itself. With its sleek, modern design, the restaurant offers a culinary experience that’s rooted in tradition yet forward-thinking.

Participate in the art of kaiseki at Gion Moriwaki, Kyoto, Japan

At Gion Moriwaki, kaiseki dining reaches its peak. The multi-course meals change with the seasons, each dish visually stunning and packed with flavor. The intimate setting ensures an attention to detail that makes the meal unforgettable and a quintessential Japanese dining experience.

Swing from the trees at the treepod at Soneva Kiri, Koh Kood, Thailand

Imagine dining in a bamboo pod hoisted among the tropical trees of Koh Kood, with waiters ziplining to serve you. The sounds of the jungle create the perfect backdrop for a meal that’s as adventurous as it is romantic. This unique dining experience is a reality at the treepod at Soneva Kiri.

These aren’t just meals; they’re stories you’ll cherish and share for years to come. Which one will be your next unforgettable culinary adventure?