Dining Al fresco

Embers at Bushmans Kloof – Image courtesy of Bushmans Kloof

Many would agree that al fresco dining may be regarded as one of the simple pleasures of life. Whether the sun is gloriously beating down, or the stars of the night sky are glittering over-head, indulging in great food and a glass of wine (or two) with stunning surrounds to enjoy, is something that none of us can deny we love. Discover some of Total Management’s top alfresco dining spots from across the globe, from the romantic open-air restaurant at The Leela Udaipur, to Italy’s enchanting cliff restaurant, Grotta Palazzese.

Image courtesy of Belmond Hotel

Situated within one the most historic hotels and on the highest point of the enchanting town of Ravello, Belvedere Restaurant is well-known for its innovative Mediterranean dishes which incorporate the local area’s exquisite seafood and fish.  The restaurant, which sits on the top tier of the Belmond Hotel Caruso, features a picturesque outside terrace, affording stunning views across the sea and the surrounding greenery.

Belmond Hotel Caruso, Piazza San Giovanni del Toro 2, 84010 Ravello (SA), Italy

Image courtesy of Grotta Palazzese

Carved into the limestone cliffs of Polignano a Mare – one of southern Italy’s medieval towns – Grotta Palazzese offers a truly unique outdoor dining experience. This enchanting restaurant enjoys unsurpassed views over the Adriatic Sea from its position of 74 feet above sea level. Since the 18th century, Grotta Palazzese has hosted elegant dinners for Italian nobility, and today, continues to offer a secluded and romantic location from which guests can enjoy a decadent Italian meal.

Via Narciso, 59, 70044 Polignano A Mare (BA), Italy

Image courtesy of Fasano Punta Del Este

Perched above a rocky hill, Fasano is a gastronomic Italian restaurant in the luxury hotel of Fasano Punta Del Este. With its position on one of the country’s highest peak, the restaurant’s spacious outdoor deck allows for spectacular views of the Maldonado River and the exuberant Uruguayan countryside. Creating a memorable dining experience, the natural beauty of the surroundings are complemented by the sophisticated culinary creations of the Fasano family.

Cno. Cerro Egusquiza Y Paso Del Barranco,  S/N  Punta del Este,  Maldonado, Uruguay

Image courtesy of Bushmans Kloof

Feast on the finest, freshest ingredients whilst revelling in the vistas of the spectacular valley which sits below Embers restaurant. South African dishes feature innovative twists, incorporating unique flavours of the Asian and Italian cuisines. The restaurant occupies a unique position on a dramatic cliff, and at night enjoys a multitude of lanterns and candle which makes for a truly enchanting alfresco dining destination.

Clanwilliam, Cederberg Mountains, Western Cape

Image courtesy of Oneandonly Resorts

The signature restaurant of the Maldive’s One&Only Reethi Rah resort, Tapasake features alfresco dining where the irresistible beauty of the Indian Ocean surrounds. A perfect place to admire the sunset, Tapasake offers traditional Japanese dishes which embrace influences from French, Peruvian and other Asian cuisines. Particularly unique are the restaurant’s four semi-circular Teppanyaki stations which sit on the water’s edge, serving both divine menus and cocktails.

One & Only Reethi Rah, Maldives

Image courtesy of Petersham Nurseries

Perfect for those yearning refuge from the busy city life and enjoy countryside charm for an afternoon, The Teahouse at Petersham Nurseries offers rustic, Italian inspired cuisine using the best of British ingredients. There is a farm-to-table nature to this charming restaurant, as some of the herbs, vegetables and edible flowers featured in the dishes are picked from the kitchen garden. Whilst not strictly al fresco, The Teahouse occupies a large glasshouse featuring vintage furniture, greenery and flowers.

Petersham Nurseries, Church Lane, Petersham Road, Richmond TW10 7AB

Image courtesy of The Leela

Dining under the stars and indulging the taste buds in a discovery of the most exquisite Indian flavours is what can be expected at The Leela Udaipur’s open-air restaurant: Sheesh Mahal. With its romantic setting overlooking Lake Pichola and a menu marrying the best of traditional Indian cuisine with contemporary nuances, this two-level fine-dining restaurant is a feast for all senses. Featuring glowing candles, stylish chequer floors and magical views of the city, Sheesh Mahal offers a sumptuous alfresco dining spot.

Lake Pichola, P. O. Box No. 125 Udaipur – 313 001  

Image courtesy of Sawyer

Since its opening just one year ago, Sawyer – the name inspired by the iconic fictional character Tom Sawyer- has fast become a favourite place for alfresco dining in the trendy Silver Lake neighbourhood. This charming eatery offers a mouth-watering seafood menu and incorporates a rustic California feel throughout both the dishes and the space. Encircled in olive trees, birch trees and bourgainvillea, and featuring a striking tile floor, the garden patio is an inviting space to dine away from the hustle and bustle of Sunset Boulevard. A roaring fireplace situated at the rear of the patio means dining alfresco is equally as enjoyable on chilly nights as it is warm days.

3709 W Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Image courtesy of The Cliff at Cap

Dine at one of the Saint Lucia’s most sought after tables in the restaurant of Cap Maison hotel: The Cliff at Cap. Celebrated for its award-winning food and unmatched views, this restaurant offers a unique spot to delight in the cuisine, which, using local produce fuses Caribbean with French to create innovative and contemporary dishes. The delectable menu is enhanced only by the restaurant’s magnificent position on a dramatic promontory, overlooking the Caribbean Ocean, with views of Martinique in the distance to the North and across to Pigeon Island to the West.

Cap Maison Luxury Resort and Spa, Smugglers Cove Drive, Cap Estate, St Lucia, Caribbean

Image courtesy of GB Roof Garden Restaurant

The prime spot to marvel in the beauty of Athen’s historic treasure troves, GB Roof Garden boasts breath-taking views of the Acropolis, the Parliament and Lycabettus hill. A tranquil ambience transcends throughout the space, as the lights of the cityscape begin to glitter in the evening. The spectacular vistas are matched with equally stunning dishes, inspired by modern Mediterranean cuisine.

Hotel Grande Bretagne, Vasileos Georgiou A 1, Athina 105 64, Greece

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