Wine, Dine, and Views |Part 1

Our guides get to travel to some of the coolest places in the world, and they want to to share them with you! Here are some of Guide Collective’s favorite spots—as recommended by some of our members—to take in spectacular views and settings when you’re looking to grab a drink or dine out.

Draga di Lovrana | Kvarner Region, Croatia
Andrew Villone
The view down to the Gulf of Kvarner and the islands of Cres and Krk was already my favorite dining view in all of Croatia. Then Draga di Lovrana went out and got itself a Michelin star (and without jacking up prices to crazy levels) so yeah, pretty unmissable in my book.

Michelin-star quality with a superb view at Draga di Lovrana Image | Andrew Villone

Michelin-star quality with a superb view at Draga di Lovrana
Image | Andrew Villone

La Cantina Comunale di Castiglione Falletto | Langhe, Italy
Anna Savino

La  Cantina Comunale di Castiglione Falletto is one of my favorite places to eat in the Langhe (Piemonte).  As you walk down the side of the imposing castle you will find just a few tables overlooking the rolling hills of Barolo.

At La Cantina Comunale di Castiglione Falletto, take in the sweeping vistas of the lush hillsides and pair it with a fine glass of Barolo. Image | Anna Savino

At La Cantina Comunale di Castiglione Falletto, take in the sweeping vistas of the lush hillsides and pair it with a fine glass of Barolo.
Image | Anna Savino

Shimmers | Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Daniela Wedel
Want to lose track of time after a busy day visiting the breathtaking sites of Dubai? One of the best places to do this is at Shimmers, a relaxed bar and restaurant on the beaches of Madinat Jumeirah looking over the bay at Dubai’s striking Burj Al Arab tower. It is a charming and modern spot for a pre-dinner Aperitif or some delicious Greek cuisine. 

Beach, bubbles, and beautiful views are yours at Shimmers. Image | Daniela Wedel

Beach, bubbles, and beautiful views are yours at Shimmers.
Image | Daniela Wedel

Piz Gloria | Schilthorn, Lauterbrunnen Valley, Switzerland
Trish Feaster
At 9740 feet (2970 m) above sea level, Piz Gloria treats you to epic 360-degree panoramas of the Swiss Alps. Originally built in the ‘60s, it was featured in the 1969 James Bond flick On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. These days, you can easily take a 30-minute ride on the Schilthornbahn cable car from the valley floor (be sure to check the webcam to see if the current weather merits the price of the ticket) to reach this revolving restaurant and bar for breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails, or just some Swiss hot cocoa. Linger for the views and have fun with their Bond World wonderland of all things Agent 007.

For breathtaking Swiss alpine views, a 360-degree spin in a revolving restaurant, and fun tribute to James Bond,  there’s no place like Piz Gloria. Image |  Schilthorn.ch

For breathtaking Swiss alpine views, a 360-degree spin in a revolving restaurant, and fun tribute to James Bond, there’s no place like Piz Gloria.
Image | Schilthorn.ch

Kubu Bar at Royal Livingstone Hotel | Victoria Falls, Livingstone, Zambia
Reid Coen
With a deck that extends over the Zambezi river, you can enjoy your drink of choice at the Kubu Bar with the misty plume of mighty Victoria Falls in the distance. It’s simply magical!

The powerful Victoria Falls is the backdrop to your visit to Kubu Bar. Image | Reid Coen

The powerful Victoria Falls is the backdrop to your visit to Kubu Bar.
Image | Reid Coen

Stegna Kozas | Rhodes, Greece
Charlie Rawson
Stegna Kozas is a third-generation seafood restaurant that was established in 1932. It is located in the tiny and beautiful village of Stegna on the Greek island of Rhodes. This family-run gem puts you where the food is freshest, the air is salty and the waves almost lap at your feet! Sit out on the balcony and indulge in this outstanding and humbling meal.

When on Rhodes, outstanding seafood with views like this from Stegna Kozas are hard to beat. Image | Charlie Rawson

When on Rhodes, outstanding seafood with views like this from Stegna Kozas are hard to beat.
Image | Charlie Rawson


Ristorante al Castello | Vernazza, Italy
Colleen Murphy
Perched as snug as a seagull on the cliffside just below Vernazza’s ruined Medieval castle is Ristorante al Castello. Centuries ago, the castle watchtower was used as a lookout for marauding pirates. Today, you can visit the watchtower to spy the Ligurian coastline, and if you reserve well in advance at the restaurant, you can snag a table overlooking the water. Pop open a bottle of Cinque Terre wine. Dig into a platter of crispy frutti di mare. Gaze up the coast to the town of Monterosso al Mare as her lights begin to sparkle across the water. If you squint just so as the sun dips into the sea, you might catch a glimpse—of a pirate’s ship. Or perhaps the limoncello digestivo is simply having its warm-you-up post-dinner dreamy way with you.

Ristorante al Castello provides a perfect perch over the Ligurian coastline. Image | Paolo Tonci

Ristorante al Castello provides a perfect perch over the Ligurian coastline.
Image | Paolo Tonci




Agriturismo Alpe Moncerchio | Bielmonte, Italy
Lisa Anderson

The view of Monte Rosa, the second highest peak in the Alps, combined with local specialties (especially polenta), cured meats, cheese and an amazing selection of homemade cakes, makes a visit to Agriturismo Alpe Moncerchio more than worth it.  

Hike to Agriturismo Alpe Mocerchio—replenish your energy with tasty treats and replenish your soul with gorgeous panoramas. Image | Lisa Anderson

Hike to Agriturismo Alpe Mocerchio—replenish your energy with tasty treats and replenish your soul with gorgeous panoramas.
Image | Lisa Anderson

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Hans Christian Andersen and The Little Mermaid