Imagine dining while the world revolves around you. Revolving restaurants, perched atop towering structures, offer a unique and unforgettable experience. These restaurants, often housed in skyscrapers or landmark buildings, boast circular platforms that slowly rotate, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
A Global Culinary Tour: From the Balkans to the East
Revolving restaurants have captivated diners across the globe. From the Radon Plaza in Sarajevo, the first revolving restaurant in the Balkans, to the Henninger Turm in Frankfurt, Germany, these culinary wonders have left their mark on the world.
- Skyway Restaurant, nestled in the Katoomba Scenic World, Australia, ceased its revolving journey in 2012, but continues to enchant during special events.
- The Top of the World Revolving Restaurant in Glenelg, Australia, closed its doors in 2014, leaving behind memories of exquisite dining with breathtaking views.
- The Florianturm, Dortmund, Germany, holds the distinction of being the oldest revolving restaurant in the world, its spinning days ending in 2015.
- In Mumbai, India, the Pearl of the Orient, located within the Ambassador Hotel, offers a glimpse of the city’s dynamic skyline.
- The Pearl of the Orient in Mumbai, India, located within the Ambassador Hotel, offers a glimpse of the city’s dynamic skyline.
Asia: A Legacy of Revolving Restaurants
From Tokyo’s bustling metropolis to the serene shores of Hyōgo, Japan, revolving restaurants have become synonymous with an elevated culinary experience.
- The Sky, at the Hotel New Otani in Tokyo, still welcomes diners, though its rotating days are over.
- The Ginza Sky Lounge in Yūrakuchō, Tokyo, also ceased its rotation in 2021 after an earthquake damaged its machinery.
- Sogo Ōmiya in Saitama, Japan, no longer serves as a restaurant and has stopped rotating.
- Sogo Funabashi in Chiba, Japan, was demolished in 2012, making way for the LaLaport West Wing.
- Hotel New Tsukamoto in Chiba, Japan, keeps its restaurant open, but the rotation has stopped.
- Hotel Empire in Yokohama, Japan, has transitioned into a university library building.
- The Sumaura Revolving Observatory in Sumaurayama, Hyōgo, Japan, is currently out of order.
- Kyoyama Solar Green Park in Okayama, Japan, no longer features a rotating floor.
- The Sun Sky Hotel and Saint City, both in Kokura, Japan, have closed their restaurants.
Africa: A Panoramic Culinary Journey
Across the African continent, revolving restaurants provide a captivating window into the cityscapes.
- The Kenyatta International Conference Centre, located on the 28th floor of the KICC Tower in Nairobi, Kenya, offers breathtaking views of the capital city.
- Koryo Hotel in Pyongyang, North Korea, boasts two revolving restaurants, with only one currently in operation.
- Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang, North Korea, houses five levels dedicated to revolving restaurants, but none are currently open.
- Revolving Restaurant in the CR Swart Building in Bloemfontein, South Africa, is currently closed for maintenance.
Europe: A Touch of Nostalgia and Innovation
From the summit of the Schilthorn to the heart of London, revolving restaurants have left an enduring mark on Europe’s culinary landscape.
- Piz Gloria, perched on the summit of Schilthorn near Mürren, Switzerland, continues to enchant diners with panoramic views of the Swiss Alps.
- Butlins Top of the Tower Restaurant in the BT Tower, London, closed its doors in 1980, leaving behind memories of a bygone era.
- St. John’s Beacon in Liverpool, England, once a revolving restaurant, is now a radio station.
North America: A Culinary Legacy of Innovation and Reimagined Spaces
North America has witnessed a flourishing of revolving restaurants, each with its own unique history and legacy.
- BonaVista Lounge in the Westin Bonaventure Hotel, Los Angeles, still offers stunning views but has stopped rotating.
- The View at CK’s at the Marriott in Tampa International Airport, Florida, is closed.
- La Ronde in Ala Moana Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, opened in 1961, paving the way for revolving restaurants in the United States.
- Ventana’s in Rosemont, Illinois, now only hosts private events.
- Top of the Tower Ballroom in the Holiday Inn Downtown, Des Moines, Iowa, closed in 1988.
- Spire in the Hyatt Regency Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, is only open for special events.
- Skies Restaurant & Lounge in the Hyatt Regency Crown Center, Kansas City, Missouri, closed its doors in 2011.
- Top of the World in The Strat, Las Vegas, Nevada, continues to captivate diners.
- The View in the New York Marriott Marquis, New York City, offers a breathtaking perspective of the city that never sleeps.
- Ventana’s in the Millennium Hotel, Cincinnati, Ohio, closed to the public in 2022 and the building was demolished.
- Top of Carolina, in the University of South Carolina, Columbia, only serves lunch and brunch during the university year.
- Antares, in the Reunion Tower, Dallas, Texas, underwent a major remodel and reopened as Five Sixty in 2009, before closing its doors.
- SkyCity, on the Space Needle, Seattle, Washington, closed in 2017, and was replaced with a bar called Loupe Lounge in 2021.
- The Gobbler in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin, once a revolving restaurant, has been closed since 2021.
- Polaris, in the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, ceased its rotation in 2009 and is now an event space.
- La Vista, in Punta del Este, Uruguay, continues to offer lunch and dinner with panoramic views.
A Glimpse into the Past, a Promise for the Future
Revolving restaurants have graced our cities and offered us a unique perspective on our surroundings. While some have closed their doors, many still continue to spin, offering diners a memorable experience. The future holds promise for new revolving restaurants, inviting us to experience the world from a different angle.
