Dining takes flight in these aviation-themed restaurants that celebrate the thrill of flying, the history of air travel, and the nostalgia of vintage aircraft. Whether you’re enjoying your meal in a repurposed airplane or surrounded by aviation memorabilia, these unique spots offer unforgettable culinary experiences for aviation enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
1. Runway 34 – Zurich, Switzerland
- Highlights: Built around an actual Soviet-era Ilyushin Il-14 aircraft, this restaurant features aviation-themed interiors, runway-style lighting, and a pilot’s lounge ambiance.
- Cuisine: Mediterranean and international dishes.
- Why visit: For the immersive experience of dining in a cockpit-adjacent lounge with real aircraft history.
2. The Airplane Restaurant – Colorado Springs, USA
- Highlights: Housed in a fully intact Boeing KC-97 tanker, diners can enjoy their meals inside the fuselage or in the attached aviation-themed dining room.
- Cuisine: Classic American fare.
- Why visit: You can sit in the cockpit and explore aviation artifacts while you eat.
3. DC-6 Diner – Coventry, UK
- Highlights: Located inside a Douglas DC-6 aircraft at the Coventry Airport, this retro-style diner captures 1950s aviation charm.
- Cuisine: American-style diner food including burgers, milkshakes, and more.
- Why visit: For a nostalgic taste of the golden age of aviation.
4. Jumbo Stay – Stockholm, Sweden
- Highlights: A converted Boeing 747-200 jumbo jet that serves both as a hostel and café.
- Cuisine: Light meals, snacks, and drinks served in the cockpit café.
- Why visit: Stay overnight on a plane and grab a coffee in the actual flight deck.
5. Plane in the City – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Highlights: A fine dining experience inside a repurposed Boeing 737 located in the heart of the city.
- Cuisine: Multi-course gourmet meals with in-flight style presentation.
- Why visit: Perfect for romantic dinners and aviation-themed events.
6. Sky Kitchen – Hyderabad, India
- Highlights: A rooftop restaurant designed to resemble a first-class airplane cabin, with window projections and crew-style service.
- Cuisine: Indian and global fusion.
- Why visit: A blend of rooftop dining with in-flight ambience.
7. Take-Off Restaurant – Lahore, Pakistan
- Highlights: Located near the Allama Iqbal International Airport, with aviation-themed interiors and live airplane views.
- Cuisine: Pakistani and Continental dishes.
- Why visit: Popular with aviation fans and families for its runway-facing views.
8. Lily Airways – Wuhan, China
- Highlights: Housed within a retired Boeing 737 aircraft, Lily Airways offers a unique dining experience that simulates being aboard a real flight. The restaurant features authentic airline interiors, with staff dressed as flight attendants, and even includes a cockpit flight simulator for guests seeking an immersive aviation adventure.
- Cuisine: International set menus, including American, German, and French dishes, crafted by a team of foreign chefs.
- Why visit: To enjoy a distinctive dining experience inside an actual aircraft, complete with aviation-themed ambiance and the opportunity to “pilot” the plane via the onboard simulator.
Conclusion
Aviation-themed restaurants offer more than just good food—they deliver a unique atmosphere where aviation history, design, and culture come alive. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or someone who simply admires aircraft, these spots provide a perfect combination of culinary and aeronautical adventure.
