Traveling the world on a journey of culinary exploration is likely on the majority of our bucket lists – especially in remote and beautiful locales. Striking out into the desert, up a mountain, or along a rugged coastline to discover exquisite food and fine dining that expresses the best of local cuisine is an unfettered joy. And while you’ll have to go out of your way to visit some of these restaurants, their remote nature means they often have accommodation on site or nearby, so why not make a whole trip of it and explore the area thoroughly knowing that your food needs are well taken care of.
The Rock – Zanzibar, Tanzania
What must be one of the most photogenic dining spots in the entire world, The Rock is located on the island of Zanzibar off the coast of Tanzania. Well, more specifically the former fishermen’s outpost is located on a small rocky outcrop off the coast of Zanzibar that’s only accessible at low tide or via boat. As you’d expect, the menu consists of fish caught by local fishermen. Definitely worth checking out the catch of the day.
Bookings: therockrestaurantzanzibar.com
La Mare aux Oiseaux – Brière Marshes, France
When we think of French fine dining, we typically conjure images of Provence or Parisian cafes, but La Mare aux Oiseaux bucks the trend. It’s based in the marshes of Brière on the west coast, the largest marshlands in France, full of waterways and flooded meadows. An earthy, peaty haven of wildlife and wetland birds, which is where the establishment gets its name. The restaurant is run by Michelin star chef Éric Guérin and dishes feature local fish, as well as French classics like frogs and black garlic.
Bookings: mareauxoiseaux.fr
Three Camel Lodge – Gobi Desert, Mongolia
Taking the degree of remoteness to the next level is Three Camel Lodge, which is quite literally in the middle of the Gobi Desert. The lodge offers an opportunity to experience the storied history of local nomadic peoples and their cultures with all of the gers and furniture produced by authentic Mongolian artisans. The restaurant, called Bulagtai, is an amazing room traditionally appointed with a menu that is equally traditional with a contemporary spin. Try dishes such as buuz, a meat or vegetable dumpling, and tsuivan which is a noodle dish.
Bookings: threecamellodge.com
Loch Bay – Isle of Skye, Scotland
While I couldn’t in good faith call any restaurant in England remote, I think the Scottish islands and highlands definitely count with their sweeping vistas and challenging terrain. Loch Bay is a small Michelin star restaurant located in Stein on one of the Isle of Skye’s furthest peninsulas. It operates a £145 tasting menu known as Skye Fruits de Mer, which should tell you everything you need to know about the food on offer. Plus, any excuse to visit Skye is welcome because it is one of the most magical places in the UK.
Bookings: lochbay-restaurant.co.uk
Aescher Gasthaus Am Berg – Alps, Switzerland
We wouldn’t be a wristwatch publication without featuring at least one remote Swiss restaurant in this article. The Aescher Gasthaus Am Berg, or Aescher Guesthouse on the Mountain, is exactly what it sounds like – a fabulous Alpine guesthouse tucked away into a cliffside near a series of caves. In fact, traversing through the caves is one of the recommended ways of reaching the spot. This is a back to basics hiking and mountaineering establishment. You’ll find no wi-fi here, but stunning views and hearty, traditional Swiss food and drink more than make it worth a visit.
Bookings: aescher.ch
Saffire Freycinet – Tasmania, Australia
Just look at Tasmania on a map and you’ll understand how truly wild and remote it is. As much as 49% of the island and its waters are protected habitats and national parks. In fact, our next restaurant at Saffire Freycinet can be found in one of those national parks on the east coast of the island. The region’s Mediterranean-like environment makes it a premium wine area and the oysters of Great Oyster Bay are, well, great. There is a choice of dining locations such as the 1950s decorated Lounge or the internationally renowned Palate.
Bookings: saffire-freycinet.com.au
Mil – Urubamba Valley, Peru
Peru is a fascinating country full of ancient ruins and breathtaking landscapes. Mil is a restaurant closely associated with one specific ruin as it’s located only a few metres from the Moray Archaeological Site. The restaurant offers a handful of experiences with the baseline being their $360 tasting menu but if you’re going all that way, you may as well go the full distance and experience the full Mil Immersion. This includes a tour of the Moray site, an exploration of local Andean farms, a botanical walk looking at plants and wildlife, visiting local artists and artisans, and all wrapped up with an eight-course meal at the end.
Bookings: milcentro.pe
