Safely dine with the fishes at Europe’s first underwater restaurant

Seafood likely on the menu in Norway grotto

Guests at Europe’s first underwater restaurant will be protected from the waves by concrete walls a metre thick. Dubbed Under, Osloand NYC-based architecture firm Snohetta recently announced plans to construct the building at the southernmost point of Norway.

“Under’s namesake holds a double meaning: In Norwegian, ‘under’ can just as well be translated into ‘wonder,’” the firm says.

One half of the structure will sit on the coastline near the village of Baly; the other will sunken under water. A marked trail will lead to the restaurant’s entrance at the water’s edge — the entryway covered in oak panels that extend to the interior.

The restaurant will seat up to 100 guests and span three storeys: a wardrobe area; champagne bar; and restaurant, which is at seabed level. The focal point of the dining room is an impressive 11 x 4-metre panoramic acrylic window, which puts diners face-to-face with local marine life.

Designed with its mollusk neighbours in mind, the exterior of the building features a coarse texture that provides an inviting environment for mussels.

“More than an aquarium, the structure will become a part of its marine environment, coming to rest directly on the seabed five metres below the water’s surface,” Snohetta says.

“Like a sunken periscope, the restaurant’s massive acrylic windows offer a view of the seabed as it changes throughout the seasons and varying weather conditions.”

Danish chef Nicolai Ellitsgaard Pedersen will helm Under’s kitchen, The Daily Mail reports, and seafood will likely feature on the menu.

During off-hours, parts of the structure will function as a marine biology research centre, Snohetta says, and the trail leading to the entrance will include information plaques detailing the biodiversity of local marine life.

“Through its architecture, menu and mission of informing the public about the biodiversity of the sea, Under will provide an underwater experience inspiring a sense of awe and delight, activating all the senses — both physical and intellectual,” Snohetta says.

“On a day of rough sea, you can feel a hint of fresh, salty ocean spray against your face as you enter the restaurant.”

Europe’s first subsea restaurant will feature a giant acrylic window with which diners can view marine life. SNOHETTA