Underwater dining has usually been reserved for far-flung destinations such as the Maldives and Dubai, but now Europeans are getting a taste of the action too. Europe's very first underwater restaurant is set to open off the southern coast of Norway – and it looks incredible!
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Called Under, the unique restaurant has been designed by architecture company Snøhetta, and features a striking structure that is half-sunken into the sea at the southernmost point of the Norwegian coastline. And while much of its appeal is the incredible views it offers of marine life from an 11 x 4 metre panoramic acrylic window, the restaurant also provides an educational experience, along with a menu comprised of high-quality, locally sourced seafood.
Under restaurant is located on the southernmost point of the Norwegian coastline
Up to 80-100 guests will be able to dine in Under at any one time, and when they arrive they'll be taken on a journey under the sea as they descend the three levels of the restaurant – from the entrance down into the champagne bar, and then into the seabed level of the restaurant, where tables are placed in front of the huge windows for amazing views out into the sea.
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The menu has been developed by Danish chef Nicolai Ellitsgaard Pederson and will be comprised of locally sourced seafood such as cod, lobster and mussels, along with their speciality 'truffle kelp', which is said to taste like truffles.
The restaurant offers panoramic views of the seabed
Under is the first restaurant of its kind in Europe, but similar dining experiences are available in the Maldives, where there are two underwater restaurants on offer. Located 16 feet below sea level, the 5.8 Undersea Restaurant at the Hurawalhi is truly exclusive, with only 14 tables. The dome-shaped restaurant has a curved glass roof and glass sides, so diners have breath-taking panoramic views of the tropical fish and sea life swimming by. Meanwhile, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is home to the world's first underwater restaurant, Ithaa, which counts Made in Chelsea star Lucy Watson among its former visitors.
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