We're calling it: The world's best revolving restaurants

Revolving restaurants may be kitsch, but if you're in a different city, there are few better ways to see the sights and fill your stomach at the same time. Forget the ubiquitous prawn cocktails and lacklustre buffets of days gone by. What's on your plate at the new breed of revolving restaurant is more than a match for the fabulous views.

Built in the 1960s and topped with a revolving restaurant that resembles a Soviet sputnik satellite, the Berlin TV Tower is still the tallest building in Berlin and one of the highest in the EU. The restaurant is located inside the "sputnik sphere" and revolves twice every hour, a dizzying pace after the three glasses of German wine included with the three-course set menu. Like most revolving restaurants, you don't come here to sample the finest local cuisine, but servings are generous, the multi-lingual waitstaff are delightful and the upmarket retro vibe is irresistible. tv-turm.de

The a la carte menu at the Point Revolving Restaurant combines classic French technique with outstanding local produce and isn't afraid to give a cheeky nod to the halcyon 1970s heyday of this Hobart icon. Back then, the duck liver parfait definitely didn't come with contemporary trimmings like sauterne gel and cipollini onion jam. Dapper waitstaff work the floor with old-style aplomb and specialise in the theatrical art of flambe. If you want "dinner and a show", don't miss the crepes suzette or spectacular flambe prawns, both of which are cooked tableside. wrestpoint.com.au

Queensland's only revolving restaurant offers something for everyone with a buffet that makes the most of the Sunshine State's famous seafood. Lunch or the early-dinner sitting is the best value as both these sessions last slightly longer than the later evening option, plus you can't fully appreciate the impressive ocean and hinterland views after dark. With the restaurant making a full rotation every 45 minutes, you get to enjoy the 360-degree view multiple times. If you're after somewhere on the Gold Coast that's a crowd-pleaser but still classy, this recently renovated classic is a good option. crowneplazasurfersparadise.com.au

Gaze out over the Pyramids, the Nile River and the bustling city of Cairo and enjoy a taste of home thanks to the a la carte menu featuring Australian beef and lamb. Meals favour the familiar - think cream of chicken soup, rack of lamb and lobster thermidor - but the spectacular view is second to none. Time your visit for a Thursday, Friday or Saturday night and you'll get a side order of live entertainment as well. grandniletower.com

Perched atop Auckland's Sky Tower, this revolving restaurant celebrates New Zealand's best produce with a two-course set lunch from Friday to Sunday and a daily three-course dinner, with the latter being cheaper mid-week. Dishes channel Kiwi classics like Akaroa salmon but add a classy contemporary twist, making family dinners equally enjoyable for conservative and more adventurous eaters. Take in the 360-degree views of the city and the Hauraki Gulf from your table or add $10 per person to your booking and access the main observation deck after your meal as well. skycityauckland.co.nz

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Stopping over in Dubai? Al Dawaar Revolving Restaurant is an easy 20-minute ride from the airport, with a delicious lunch or dinner and an overview of the city in less than two hours. Live cooking stations turn this high-end buffet into something special, especially for lovers of Japanese food who can have their favourite sashimi made to order. Other highlights include juicy prime rib from the USA, seafood platters and a dessert bar with traditional Arabic sweets. Decor is elegant and understated, and there's plenty of seating spread over two separate levels; savvy diners opt for the lower tier for uninterrupted views. hyattrestaurants.com

A meal at Top of the World is fun anytime, but this revolving restaurant is best visited at night when Las Vegas is sparkling. Dining here is a memorable experience, especially when a daredevil Sky Jump rider hurtles past the window, but it doesn't come cheap. With most mains costing upwards of $US60 ($90), some say the prices are as high as the tower itself, but large portions help to offset the cost. If you enjoy a tipple, this restaurant is worth the splurge as it's received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. thestrat.com

Take your revolving restaurant dining experience to new heights on Level 81 of the Sydney Tower, with mains such as Rocky Point grouper and elegant fruit-focussed desserts. Infinity offers a dining experience that's worth dressing up for and has long been a local favourite for special occasions. If you're out to impress someone special, this restaurant is easy to get to and showcases the best of Sydney with no need to leave your seat. infinitysydneytower.com.au

The European-style wine cellar at 360 Restaurant has been designated as the world's highest by the Guinness Book of Records and has taken out a slew of awards over the years. Meals focus on local produce, with the likes of Ontario lamb and mussels from the East Coast taking centre stage. Or opt for the indigenous menu featuring dishes like wild dandelion salad dressed with an aged maple vinaigrette. cntower.ca

Traditionalists may disagree, but the Singapore Flyer is a revolving restaurant, albeit one that spins vertically rather than horizontally. Here, the dining experience is private, with dishes served in a Sky Dining capsule that can hold two to 10 guests. Meals are relatively conservative - think beef bourguignon and strawberry mousse cake - but each dish's styling and plating adds to the sense of occasion. If you've ever wanted to pop the question at a revolving restaurant, this one is hard to beat. singaporeflyer.com

Pictures: Sarah Lindemann; Tiana Templemann