Of glass structures and garden cafés

Blame it probably on Cinderella’s glass slipper, but there’s something about structures made of glass that make them dreamlike and fantastical.

Who doesn’t love a café or a restaurant with floor-to-ceiling glass walls? It makes for a perfect place to eat and lounge, as you’re seated comfortably yet provided with a full view of the outdoors. We take a look at some unique and exceptional cafés and restaurants from around the world, as we imagine these to feel surreal as those glass structures in fairy tales.

Picnic
Copenhagen, Denmark

—Glyptotek Facebook Page

At the heart of Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is Picnic, the museum’s café. It is right beside the art and sculpture museum’s winter garden, which is designed to let visitors and diners enjoy a “picnic” amid lush and verdant greenery, all year round—regardless of the weather outside.

The museum was founded in 1888 by Carl Jacobsen, a Danish brewer, art collector and philanthropist. Instead of keeping his art collection private, Jacobsen chose to share it with everybody else and established the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek.

Pink Mamma

—Pink Mamma Instagram

Paris, FrancePink Mamma is a four-story trattoria on Rue de Douai in Paris, serving BBQ steaks, antipasti, pasta and pizza. Aside from its mouthwatering dishes, what draws people to this Italian restaurant is its eclectic architecture and interiors. It is designed by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. Each level is decorated differently yet offers a cozy vibe.

A grand staircase leads to the topmost floor that resembles a sunroom, with a glass ceiling, an ivy-covered trellis and plants—lots of it. Large windows let diners enjoy sweeping views of the Pigalle neighborhood.

Nuestro Secreto

—Nuestro Secreto Facebook Page

Buenos Aires, ArgentinaNuestro Secreto is a magnificent glass house tucked beside Four Seasons Hotel in Buenos Aires’ ritzy La Recoleta district. The all-glass structure complements the hotel’s early 20th century style architecture. Its walls and roof can be raised, transforming the whole space into an al fresco terrace.

Designed as a secret garden restaurant, it is regarded by many as a hidden gem. The surrounding trees and nearby pool make it the ideal oasis in the heart of a bustling city. Sky Garden

London, United Kingdom

—Sky Garden Facebook Page

Sky Garden is situated at the top of the 38-story 20 Fenchurch Street, one of London’s recognizable skyscrapers. It claims to be London’s highest public garden and includes an observation deck, open air terrace and several restaurants and bars. The garden features drought-resistant Mediterranean and South African species of plants. The space was designed by landscape architecture practice Gillespies.

If 20 Fenchurch Street sounds familiar, it’s the London skyscraper nicknamed the “Walkie Talkie.” It made the news several years ago when it allegedly caused parts of a car, which was parked nearby, to melt. Apparently, light reflected by the building onto the parked car caused some of the vehicle’s wing mirror and badge, among others, to melt. The developer apologized and paid for the repair costs.

Mazel Tov
Budapest, Hungary

—Mazel Tov Facebook Page

Located in the heart of Budapest, in the middle of the historically Jewish quarter, Mazel Tov is an urban garden-cum-restaurant. The building may look inconspicuous from the outside but the interiors are designed to be a delight. It features a big open space teeming with vines, planted herbs and even trees.

The skylight generously provides natural light during the day while fairy lights enliven the space come nighttime. It has been Mazel Tov’s intention to have give its diners an intimate yet casual atmosphere. Dogs are very much welcome here!

Sources:

Squarely-copenhagen.com; Liverpoolglass.com.au; Glyptoteket.com; Bigmammagroup.com, BBC.com, Skygarden.london, Mazeltov.hu