With One World Trade Center taking over as the tallest building in New York City, it seems only appropriate to take a look at the other skyscrapers that top the list of the tallest in the world — and consider their dining options.
When the planned construction is complete, One World Trade Center will take its place as the third-tallest building in the world. Of course, the widely acclaimed Windows on the World restaurant epitomized skyscraper dining before the events of 9/11, making the news about restaurants opening in the new building even more hotly anticipated.
At.Mosphere, the restaurant located on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai (currently holding first place as the tallest building ever constructed) holds the Guinness World Record for "highest restaurant from ground level." Meanwhile, The Four Seasons Hotel, on floors 74 through 98 of The Guangzhou International Finance Center in Guangdong, China, is scheduled to open in the next few months with several fine dining restaurants.
Take a look through this collection of skyscraper restaurants and fantasize about enjoying a meal while taking in some of the most spectacular views in the world — even if you’re afraid of heights.
At.Mosphere — Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emeriates
Located in the tallest building in the world (standing at 2,700 feet), At.Mosphere sits on the 122nd floor of Burj Khalifa in Dubai — two stories below the observation deck. Guests can choose to relax in the lounge, overlooking stunning views of the city, or enjoy a finer dining experience in The Grill. The restaurant holds the Guinness World Record for "highest restaurant from ground level."
Ding Xian — The Taipei 101, Taipei, Taiwan
On the 86th floor of the Taipei 101 (named after the building’s 101 stories, and standing nearly 1,700 feet tall), is Ding Xian 101, a fine dining restaurant specializing in Taiwanese seafood dishes. The restaurant also includes a banquet hall that’s elaborately decorated with deep red and gold furnishings.
Sixteen Restaurant — Trump International Hotel and Tower, Chicago
This restaurant located on the 16th floor of the Trump International Hotel and Tower offers majestic views of downtown Chicago (the building stands at 1,361 feet and has 92 stories). Sixteen is known for having a lengthy wine list and offering ultra-luxurious new American fare. Or, sip on rum-infused cocktails and enjoy small plates like marinated beef and shrimp skewers, mango-glazed pork belly sliders, and tuna ceviche at the rooftop lounge, The Terrace.
The Metropolitan Club — Willis Tower, Chicago
The Metropolitan Club at Willis Tower is located on the 66th and 67th floors of the building (which stands at 1,450 feet with 110 stories in total). Until very recently, the club was open to members only, but now the public is invited to enjoy a meal at the restaurant and take in the spectacular views of Chicago. The club includes a handful of rooms offering different specialties, from a breakfast room to a banquet hall.
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