The 22 Most Scenic Restaurants In The Country

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When looking for the perfect place for a special dinner, the surroundings can be just as important as the food. Our friends at Open Table rounded up the most scenic restaurants in the country, and these 20 locations are just a sampling of the stunning spots that made the list. There are romantic restaurants on mountaintops, overlooking cityscapes and even oceanside coastal eateries where you can get a seafood feast. Make a reservation, and definitely bring your camera.

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Middleton Place in Charleston, SC

Visitors of this national historic landmark can dine on traditional Low Country fare with views of the Mill Pond and Azaelia hillside.

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Boat House in Tiverton,RI

The Boat House, on the banks of the Sakonnet river, features fresh, local seafood and meats, as well as organic produce.

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Sunset Terrace in Asheville, NC

At the Omni Grove Park Inn, you can dine al fresco on an outdoor terrace and gaze out at the Blue Ridge Mountains.

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Seven Glaciers in Girdwood, AK

This mountain-top restaurant at The Hotel Alyeska is accessed by an aerial tram, which takes you 2,300 feet above sea level to the dining room. You can sip top-notch wines while enjoying views of the surrounding glaciers and ocean.

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Different Pointe of View in Phoenix, AZ

With floor-to-ceiling windows, this upscale eatery at the Hilton Tapatio Cliffs offers a glimpse of Arizona’s desert landscape, complete with incredible sunsets.

Altius

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Altius in Pittsburg, PA

Get a breathtaking look at the Pittsburg skyline while digging into contemporary American dishes from this elevated Mt. Washington restaurant.

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River’s End in Jenner, CA

It doesn’t get more quintessential Sonoma Coast than this quaint village restaurant that overlooks the Russian River as it spills into the Pacific. At lunchtime you can typically spot osprey and harbor seals, but the main attraction is definitely sunset.

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The Sun Dial in Atlanta, GA

Situated at the top of the Westin Peachtree Plaza, the Sun Dial is Atlanta’s only three-tiered dining complex, offering 360-degree panoramic views of the city below.

The Marine Room

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The Marine Room in San Diego, CA

Pacific Ocean waves crash right up to the windows lining this elegant La Jolla eatery. Make a reservation for their during High Tide Dinner, offered at certain times during the year, for the opportunity to eat with the surf at eye level.

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Salute E Vita Ristorante in Richmond, CA

You get the best of both worlds at this 100-year old Cape Cod Victorian: an outdoor patio overlooking the marina waterfront and an indoor veranda with stunning views of San Francisco.

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Harbor House in Milwaukee, WI

This New England-style seafood restaurant boasts a nautical feel and a prime view of the Lake Michigan waterfront and downtown Milwaukee from two spacious, outdoor patios.

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Bertrand at Mister A’s in San Diego, CA

Hardly anything obstructs diners’ views of the glimmering San Diego cityscape from the top floor of Mister A’s. The massive windows look out over the bay, and guests often see massive jets fly by, just above the buildings downtown.

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Baxter’s Lakeside Grille in Lake Ozark, MO

The top-notch steaks and other American eats are only part of the draw of this lakeside eatery perched on the edge of Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks. Schedule your meal just before sunset to take in the killer views.

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Mesquite Grill at Tonto Verde in Rio Verde, AZ

Dig into Southwest-inspired cuisine on this sprawling patio at major golfing and resort destination, Tonto Verde. The upscale-casual spot boasts views of the surrounding mountains, plus a nearby lake and waterfall.

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Iridescence in Detroit, MI

If you’re visiting Detroit, see the city from a bird’s-eye view at the MotorCity Casino Hotel’s restaurant. You’ll have all of Motor City as a backdrop while you treat yourself to a lobster or steak dinner.

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Bistro at Topsail in Surf City, NC

Diners flock to this beachy-chic restaurant for its farm-to-table menu and stunning ocean views. Make sure to bring your camera to capture the incredible sunset.

15 Point Road

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15 Point Road in Portmouth, RI

The Sakonnet River runs just outside this classy Portmouth establishment. Try the restaurant’s fresh seafood specialties and look out at the calming waterfront.

River Crab

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River Crab in St. Clair, MI

Take in the unexpected beauty of Michigan’s St. Clair River from this relaxed seafood spot. Boaters can even dock their boat the the restaurant or nearby harbor before stopping in for dinner on the patio or in the spacious dining room.

Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck

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Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck in Dallas, TX

This lofty restaurant at the top of downtown Dallas’ Reunion Tower offers a unique look at the city from 560 feet high. If the massive floor-to-ceiling windows aren’t enough, the dining room actually revolves!

Flagstaff House

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Flagstaff House in Boulder, CO

Head to this beautiful mountainside dining room for a French-American meal, complete with panoramic views of Boulder and the surrounding nature from 6,000 feet above it all.

Kemoll's Italian Restaurant

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Kemoll’s Italian Restaurant in St. Louis, MO

Take the elevator up 42 floors in the Metropolitan Square building to reach this St. Louis gem where diners have an uninhibited view of the Arch and Mississippi River below.

X2O Xaviars on the Hudson

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X2O Xaviars on the Hudson

The 25-foot vaulted ceilings in this local food–focused eatery make way for guests to enjoy views of the Hudson River as well as the George Washington and Tappan Zee Bridges from atop a historic Victorian pier.