A Maldivian Deep Sea Spectacle

For those who never quite got their sea legs down pat but still long for the hypnotic views that only the ocean can provide will undoubtedly be enamored with the Maldivian spectacle known as Ithaa, which in the region’s native tongue means “pearl”. Indeed, the $5 million restaurant is an ocean bound treasure, located 15 feet below the Indian Ocean to be precise, but you better be prepared to sell off any spare gold dental fillings you might have or at least a whole bunch of platelets to afford their $120 lunch or $250 dinner. Still, some might feel that it’s an experience well worth the bank account damage. Situated on Rangali Island, Ithaa restaurant is believed to be a one-of-a-kind underwater restaurant encapsulated entirely in very thick clear, aquarium style R-Cast acrylic, enabling patrons to enjoy 270 degree views of coral reefs and the naturally indigenous marine life.

Japan’s Deeply Rooted Eatery

Upon initial review, this novelty restaurant perched atop a rustic looking tree is quite impressive with its 20 foot tall weathered foundation and internal elevator which transports patrons up to the main dining area. The hearty vines ensconcing the trunk add to the overall impression that this is a tree with a storied life, but in actuality, it possesses the heart and soul of plain old concrete. In spite of that buzz kill, the Naha Harbor Diner has earned a reputation as offering an outstanding view of Onoyama Park and the harbor as well as serving up really tasty, locally sourced organic ethnic cuisine running the gamut from Japanese and Indian to Italian.

Germany’s Fully Automated, Quick-n-Quirky Restaurant

Boasting a Wallace and Gromit-like, spiral-configured and entirely automated gravity feed rail system, Michael Mack is the brainchild behind ’s Baggers highly entertaining and quite efficient automated ordering and direct-to-table delivery service. Essentially rendering waiters and waitresses obsolete, his patented, computer-networked process could enable other restaurateurs to focus on the business of serving good food and pass their saved personnel costs onto patrons. Endowing diners with greater control over the pace of their meals, the novelty aspect alone is enough to help Mack gain a devoted following and court fast food chains like McDonald’s, which he is very eager to license the idea to.

Holy Post Cafe – Coffee Shop, Church & Post Office

It’s the trifecta – some might say the holy trinity of cafe combinations. St. Luke’s Church in the tiny village of Kinoulton, England gets potential church-goers in the door by necessity since nearly everyone has to send a letter now and then, and gets them to stay with coffee and scones. Leather sofas and contemporary dining furniture give parishioners a cozy place to chat.

Get a Mocha & A Bike Tune-Up

Dutch Bike Co. in Seattle is another bicycle-themed coffee shop where cyclists can buy a bicycle or accessories, have their own repaired or simply park and drink. The shop also rents 3-speed classic city bikes as well as ‘conference bikes’, where seven riders can sit in a circle and chat (with one steering).

Dental Clinic & Coffee Shop

It may not seem logical to down a sugary drink immedately before heading inncourages it. “We know what you’re thinking – Nobody looks forward in going to the dentist. It doesn’t have to be that way. From the moment you walk though the door, you’ll see that this not your typical dental office. Heavenly Dental Café in the Philippines is a fusion of dental clinic and coffee shop, wherein patient can relax, and have a cup of latte before their procedures begin. Patient are also welcome to enjoy a hearty light snacks, and surf the internet that sometimes it’s easy to forget that you are here for a dental appointment.”

Drink, Shop & Do

Are you enchanted by the cute, creative décor found in many coffee shops? Then you should check out London’s Drink, Shop & Do, where virtually every item you see is on the menu. Including the furniture, vintage tea sets, wall hangings and knick knacks. This set-up gives you a chance to sit and contemplate the items on display. The ‘Do’ part starts at 7:30pm, when the shop hosts crafting events like card-making and paper mache.

Coffee Shop & Florist

Combination florist/coffee shops are also surprisingly common. The Bridge City Florist in South Dakota is one of many that create a tie-in by selling not just coffee and tea, but also chocolates – a logical companion to a fresh bouquet of flowers.