Nature can be both soothing and stimulating with its freedom of open spaces, hush of the woodlands, and lull of the ocean. The stillness or inspiration can make for a perfect complement to a world-class meal; whether infusing the natural world into an urban venue or designing a dining room that soars above ocean views, here are eight MICHELIN restaurants that prioritize nature.
Le Pavillon, NYC
Chef Daniel Boulud’s Midtown restaurant is deemed “dramatic” for a reason; the biophilic oasis offers a stark contrast to its most unsuspecting locale. Planned to exude the charm of a French pavillon, or a country home, the menu mirrors its surrounds with vegetable-forward cuisine highlighted by fresh and light seafood.
Petersham Nurseries Restaurant, London
It can’t get more verdant than a greenhouse, which is exactly the venue of Petersham Nurseries Restaurant in Richmond. Draped in bougainvillea and fragrant jasmine, the nursery frames the tables centered with wild bouquets or expertly arranged moss and sprigs of berries. The seasonal dishes emphasize provenance as Chef Lorenzo Gagliardi sources ingredients from Petersham’s own farm, Haye Farm Devon in East Devon, to complement their onsite kitchen garden.
Rustique, Lyon
Stone arches, emerald walls, pothos draped over floating wooden shelves that match the wood floor, tables and chairs—Rustique reflects the nuances of its name. The dining room is warm and inviting as a familiar log cabin, with a nature-inspired menu where some dishes are presented on rough stones or dried greens arranged in the fashion of a bird’s nest.
Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Tarrytown, NY
This working four-season farm is only 30 miles from New York City but diners may feel a world away as they breathe in the crisp air of the Pocantico Hills while approaching the wisteria-adorned barn. The rose-lined patio is a requirement in the warmer months but when it’s too chilly, the two-star, one Green Star restaurant, varies its interior centerpieces with glass vases of just-cut flowers and miniature planters filled with herbs while flora dangles above likening a forested chandelier.
Harbor House, Elk, California
Harbor House’s most coveted reservation is undoubtedly one of the 25 seats on their wooden terrace that overlooks the California coast. The uninterrupted vista is better than any painting or mural, offering a true sense of place as the ocean connects the diner to their dinner as well. For guests unable to snag the preferred seating, the restaurant’s interior tables are still permitted a majestic view from the oversized windows and French doors.
L'Effervescence, Tokyo
Harmony is the theme at this Tokyo restaurant as Chef Namae embraces guests to “escape from busy bustling life.” From arriving along the bamboo-lined entrance to settling into a plush leather chair looking out to the Japanese garden of more bamboo and maple trees, L'Effervescence imparts an instant calm. “Feel like you are deep in the forest or in the big ocean as you appreciate the blessings of nature,” the restaurant advises.
Beckon, Denver, Colorado
This Denver restaurant may advertise the kitchen as the main attraction but biophilias will want to reserve the palm-clad garden patio—flourishing with oversized planters, spritely ferns, and a flower-lined wall. If you opt for the chef’s counter, guests dine under a sparkling moon that’s accentuated by mounted rustic floral arrangements.
Art di Daniele Sperindio, Singapore
Another restaurant that evokes an awe-inspiring sense of place is Art di Daniele Sperindio where the rooftop terrace teeters over the gardens of Marina Bay. The view is perfectly juxtaposed by the contemporary construction of Singapore against the 250 acres, home to 1.5 million plant species, throughout the park that’s adjacent to the Marina Reservoir.
Hero image: Thomas Schauer / Le Pavillon
