Plane Dining: 7 Airplane Restaurants Around the World
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How does an airplane steer clear of its final destination at the boneyard and take on a second life at a restaurant, or better yet, as a restaurant? How does an airplane become so beloved it inspires two restaurants in its name? From Glatbrugg, Switzerland to Chonquing, China, avgeeks worldwide are sharing their passion for aviation through the dining experience.
Runway 34 | Glattbrugg, Switzerland | Featured Aircraft: 1957 Ilyushin IL-14
Reto Seipel has been a pilot for 15 years, flying for Swissair/SWISS, Emirates and Edelweiss Air, so you can be sure he knows a thing or two about the aircraft hovering over the dining area of his hangar-inspired restaurant. Although he would’ve preferred a Douglas DC-3 or a Convair 440 Metropolitan, those aircraft were too expensive, so he opted for a DC-3-inspired propeller plane – a 1957 Ilyushin IL-14 that was flown by the Soviet Air Force on aerial survey missions. Seipel, who also has an art degree, went through great lengths to secure the license to get the IL-14 out of Russia. And while his restaurant is ideally-situated a short drive from Zürich Airport (ZRH) where diners can admire passing planes, he also spent a lot of money soundproofing the property from the roar of jet engines. Details such as the galley beverage carts, vintage airline posters and tail numbers will not escape the avgeek. And unlike some restaurants that try to mimic the in-flight dining experience, Runway 34 is about honoring aviation.
La Tante Royale DC10 Restaurant | Accra, Ghana | Featured Aircraft: McDonnell Douglas DC10
When Ghana Airways went bankrupt in 2005, one of its decommissioned airplanes sat unused at Kotoka International Airport (ACC) until Ghana Airports, the managing company behind ACC, decided to convert the grounded McDonnell Douglas DC10 into a restaurant. Inside, the cockpit has been completely replaced with a bar and waiting area. Triple rows along the windows remain intact, but the middle aisle now features dining tables and chairs. Designed to be a tourist facility that introduces visitors to Ghanian culture, La Tante showcases local cuisine and produce. Ghana may have lost an airline, but its flag-carrying spirit lives on.
El Avión Restaurant | Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica | Featured Aircraft: Fairchild C-123
In 2000, the owners of El AvÃon purchased a 1954 Fairchild C-123 for $3000 and shipped the cargo plane in pieces from San Jose International Airport to Manuel Antonio to its current cliffside location. Visitors who embark the aircraft are transported to the Cold War era of the plane, but not for long. According to Lonely Planet, the restaurant is a great hangout for “a beer, guacamole and a Pacific sunset” accompanied by the live bands that play on occasion at the restaurant – hardly the ambience during the Cold War.
McDonald’s | Taupo, New Zealand | Featured Aircraft: McDonnell Douglas DC-3
What does a McDonald’s restaurant have in common with a McDonnell Douglas DC-3? Aside from the possibility of a similar nickname, not much. So what gives? Prior to becoming a McDonald’s restaurant, the site was an ironically named car dealership called Aeroplane Car Company that featured the aircraft on its lot like its very own mascot. When the property sold, the aircraft came with it, so McDonald’s gave the livery a brand new makeover and now the single-aisled plane can serve up to 20 customers at a time.
A380 Air Kitchen | Taipei, Taiwan | Airbus A380-inspired
Named after the world’s largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380, Air Kitchen aims to offer its clientele the experience of in-flight dining on the ground. The restaurant may be located inside a drab commercial building in downtown Taipei but the in-flight experience begins immediately when the wait staff chime “welcome aboard.” Airplane references are seen throughout the room – padded seats with headrests, mock passenger windows and food served on galley carts. Some seats even have baggage compartments overhead.
Special Enjoyment | Chongquing, China | Airbus A380-inspired
For those looking for more luxurious airplane-themed dining, there’s another restaurant inspired by the A380, with a bill that may match, or even surpass, the price of an airline ticket. For $1500, “passengers” can choose to be seated in economy – roomy ivory-colored armchairs with LED lighting enhancements that have become popular in many aircraft cabins; or business and first class – at a circular conference table with swivel chairs, or for a more private conversation, in an egg-shaped dining booth for two.
