Seven of the World’s Most Expensive Restaurants

Put your money where your mouth is: this statement certainly rings true for guests who are prepared to pay the price to dine at these exclusive eateries. From assembling high-tech avant-garde cuisine in Shanghai to dining underwater in the Maldives, here are seven of the most extravagant restaurants around the world that offer unforgettable dining experiences.

Ithaa – Conrad Rangali Island, Maldives

Dining five metres below the ocean, Ithaa is the world’s first underwater restaurant, featuring panoramic views of coral gardens and marine life in the spectacular Maldives.

The menu is inspired by local flavours with a Western twist. Guests can indulge in dishes such as lobster and snow crab, pan-seared sea scallops, and three-mustard-marinated wagyu beef, with a 7-course dinner priced at around $390 (excluding drinks).

Guy Savoy de Paris – Paris, France

Combine a visit to the city of love with a trip to Guy Savoy. Showcasing the best of French haute cuisine, this award-winning chef leads two flagship restaurants (one in Monnaie de Paris and the other in Las Vegas) along with three other locations throughout Paris.

A 13-course set meal (excluding drinks) will cost €478. Dishes like iced poached oysters, caviar with smoked sabayon, marmite of braised duck foie gras, and fondant carrot with carrot ‘scales’ are among the selections, making it a perfect choice for a special occasion.

Kitcho Arashiyama – Kyoto, Japan

Within this tea ceremony house lies a modernised take on traditional flavours. Kitcho Arashiyama exclusively serves kaiseki cuisine—a Japanese style that involves a carefully curated sequence of courses influenced by seasonal ingredients. Ranging between $380- $570, this family-run establishment has evolved into a three Michelin-star restaurant.

As diners relax on tatami mats, they are treated to a visually stunning series of delicately presented dishes, paired with sake recommendations and views overlooking the gardens of Kyoto.

Ultraviolet – Shanghai, China

Getting a reservation at Ultraviolet is notoriously challenging, and being one of only 10 guests dining here is an achievement. Known as the first ‘experiential eatery’ in the world, French chef Paul Pairet spent 15 years developing this sci-fi culinary concept before its opening in 2012.

For $570 USD, the dining room appears stark at first glance: a table in the center and blank walls. However, technology transforms the room into a dynamic experience featuring a show of simulated scenes (like a rainy day in England and the French countryside) that accompany each of the 20 courses served.

Masa – New York City, USA

Omakase translates to “leave it to the chef,” and at Masa, this is the only option given the absence of an à la carte menu. Three Michelin-starred sushi chef Masa Takayama began his training at the renowned Ginza Sushiko in Tokyo before making his way to the United States to establish his unique venture.

Located in the Time Warner Center, the vibrant energy of Manhattan fades away as guests gather around the sushi bar crafted from rare hinoki wood. With a price tag of $595 USD per person (excluding drinks), Masa is considered the most expensive restaurant in America, with menus changing daily based on seasonal specialties.

Osteria Francescana – Modena, Italy

A 12-course menu that elegantly marries traditional Italian gastronomy with contemporary flair? Now, that’s amore. Named the best restaurant in the world (2016, 2018) in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Osteria Francescana may be located in serene Modena, yet it has gained international acclaim.

Local chef Massimo Bottura blends regional influences with modern techniques. The à la carte menu features a diverse mix of traditional and innovative dishes, including the famous ‘five ages of Parmigiano Reggiano in different textures and temperatures’ and the refreshing ‘we are still deciding what fish to serve!’ There is also a tasting menu priced at €290, with an optional wine pairing for an additional €190.

Sublimotion – Ibiza, Spain

Founded by two Michelin-starred chef Paco Roncero, this exclusive 12-seat restaurant currently holds the title of the world’s most expensive dining experience at €1,500 per head. Located in Ibiza’s Hard Rock Hotel, Sublimotion offers diners an immersive 20-course feast that appeals to all the senses.

In this unique dining experience, award-winning composers and a Spanish illusionist entertain guests, guiding them through a multi-sensory culinary journey that includes DJ sets along with a theatrical show that transcends time and space. The dining room can transform from a VR-simulated aeroplane to a vibrant underwater scene, ensuring that this is a taste of luxury like no other.