Unbelievable Floating Restaurants Around The World That UAE Citizens Will Love

For UAE citizens with a refined taste for luxury, adventure, and unforgettable dining experiences, floating restaurants offer a unique blend of nature, gastronomy, and travel.

Imagine savoring gourmet seafood while drifting along a misty river in Thailand or enjoying Mediterranean cuisine under the stars aboard a yacht in Greece. Floating restaurants aren’t just about the food—they’re about creating stories, embracing new cultures, and adding a surreal twist to dining.

And for globe-trotters from the UAE, who are constantly seeking unique travel experiences, these floating gems across the world deserve a spot on your bucket list.

• 1. Dinner in the Sky – Dubai, UAE

Let’s start close to home. Though not floating on water, Dinner in the Sky redefines the word “floating.” Suspended 50 meters above the Dubai Marina, this is one of the most dramatic dining concepts in the world. The airborne restaurant serves gourmet meals with jaw-dropping views of Dubai's skyline. While it may not float on a river or sea, the sensation of hovering in the sky is enough to give it a rightful place on this list—and it proves that UAE is no stranger to bold dining experiences.

• 2. Veli Lagoon Floating Restaurant – Maldives

Just a short haul from the UAE, the Maldives offers more than just overwater villas and turquoise waters. At Veli Lagoon Restaurant, nestled within Baros Maldives, diners are treated to a candlelit floating deck experience. The ambiance? Ethereal.

Imagine dining on grilled lobster and tropical fruits while floating over a coral-rich lagoon. The restaurant sails slowly during your meal, so every course comes with a fresh view of the Indian Ocean. For UAE citizens looking for a quick yet unforgettable escape, this luxurious floating experience is just a few hours away by air.

• 3. Pontoon Dining at The Raft – Bali, Indonesia

A hidden treasure in the Indian Ocean, Bali remains a favorite among UAE residents for its blend of spirituality and adventure. The Raft, located on a quiet section of the Ayung River, lets you dine on a wooden platform that gently floats with the river’s current. Tiki torches, Balinese flowers, and a gourmet Indonesian tasting menu enhance the setting. The best part? The journey to reach it often involves a scenic river walk or a short raft ride—turning the dining experience into a full-fledged romantic adventure.

• 4. BBQ Donut Boats – Berlin, Germany

Europe meets whimsy in Berlin’s BBQ Donut Boats. Circular floating grills that can seat up to 10 people drift along the Spree River, offering a casual yet utterly novel experience. Guests grill their own sausages and steaks while floating past iconic Berlin landmarks. It's quirky, social, and surprisingly scenic. With Germany now accessible via direct flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, this is a perfect offbeat addition for Emiratis planning a summer escape.

• 5. Jules’ Undersea Lodge – Florida, USA

This one’s not technically a restaurant—but it deserves mention. Located 21 feet underwater, Jules’ Undersea Lodge in Key Largo lets you order pizza... underwater. Accessible only by scuba diving, guests can have meals delivered in watertight containers. It’s perhaps the only place on Earth where you check into your accommodation wearing flippers. For UAE travelers drawn to the extraordinary, this underwater haven offers a story worth telling for years to come.

• 6. The Rock Restaurant – Zanzibar, Tanzania

Perched on a coral rock off the coast of Michamvi Pingwe beach, The Rock appears to float magically during high tide. Accessible by foot during low tide and by boat otherwise, this rustic gem offers fresh seafood in a fairy-tale setting. Guests dine with their toes practically in the Indian Ocean, watching the horizon melt into the sea. A growing number of UAE travelers are discovering the allure of East Africa—and Zanzibar’s surreal culinary experiences are part of the draw.

• 7. Cruise Ship Fine Dining – Worldwide

For those who wish to combine luxury travel and fine dining, international cruises offer an unbeatable combination. Major cruise liners host Michelin-star chefs and floating gourmet restaurants. Whether you're sailing the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, or the Norwegian fjords, you can dine on exquisite dishes while watching the sea roll by. For UAE residents who already enjoy a taste of opulence at home, a luxury cruise adds movement, mystery, and magic to the meal.

• 8. La Barca – Bangkok, Thailand

Tucked away on the Chao Phraya River, La Barca offers a sophisticated yet authentic Thai culinary experience. The antique rice barge-turned-restaurant glides past historical temples and palaces as you dine on green curry, satay skewers, and mango sticky rice. Thailand has always been a favorite destination for UAE citizens, and La Barca offers a fresh perspective—literally—on a well-loved city.

• 9. Marina Bay Floating Platform – Singapore

Though primarily known for hosting events, the Marina Bay Floating Platform in Singapore occasionally transforms into a dynamic dining space during festivals and private events. Overlooking the iconic skyline and Marina Bay Sands, this giant floating platform gives diners a surreal sense of being suspended between water and light. With Singapore being an excellent family-friendly destination for UAE citizens, this is an attraction worth exploring during national holidays or New Year celebrations.

• 10. Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora – Sentosa Island, Singapore

Here’s another gem in Singapore: the Ocean Restaurant at Resorts World Sentosa. Although not technically floating, it gives you the illusion of dining beneath the sea, with giant floor-to-ceiling aquariums full of stingrays and sharks swimming by. Run by Iron Chef Cat Cora, the restaurant offers sustainable seafood and plant-based delights. It’s an educational, exciting, and upscale experience that both adults and kids from the UAE will appreciate.

Dining while drifting across a river, sitting above a coral reef, or hovering under the stars isn’t just about the meal—it’s about creating moments that blur the line between reality and fantasy. For UAE citizens who pride themselves on living life to the fullest and experiencing the extraordinary, floating restaurants offer just the right mix of wonder and flavor.

And with so many of these destinations accessible through major international hubs, planning your next culinary escape is easier than ever. A seamless Emirates Flight Booking ensures you’re not only traveling in comfort but arriving ready to indulge in experiences like no other. Whether you're planning a romantic honeymoon, a family getaway, or a solo soul-searching journey, there’s a floating restaurant somewhere in the world waiting to host your next unforgettable meal.

Ready to dine where the water dances beneath your feet? The world is floating—literally—with possibilities. Where will your appetite take you next?