I didnt managed to get to the restaurant so far, but the best way to get reeeally high is:
* gain speed with tricks, nice entries and boost-rings
* with about 30 secs left go up @ ~45°
* try to catch a starslide and jump again immediately
* go higher for some planets
* let your dolphin fall until you drop into the water again
* go up again directly (you need to be fast to not hit the bottom)
* star slide and jump again
* ?????
* PROFIT!