Immerse yourself in a unique culinary adventure where the sea becomes your dining room. From the Maldives to Norway, explore breathtaking underwater restaurants that blend fine dining with stunning ocean views. Delight in exquisite seafood and captivating marine life as you savour unforgettable gastronomic experiences beneath the wave.
Exceptional dining experiences are often defined by both exquisite cuisine and stunning settings. While many restaurants boast spectacular sea views, only a select few offer the chance to dine beneath the ocean's surface, surrounded by a mesmerizing underwater world. From Dubai's opulent retreats to the Maldives' serene escapes, these underwater restaurants combine culinary brilliance with breathtaking marine vistas for an unparalleled dining adventure.
These remarkable underwater restaurants not only offer an extraordinary dining experience but also immerse guests in the beauty and mystery of the ocean, making each meal a truly unforgettable adventure. Whether you're savoring gourmet seafood beneath the waves or enjoying panoramic views of marine life, these dining destinations promise a feast for the senses that goes beyond the ordinary.
ITHAA UNDERSEA RESTAURANT
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Nestled in the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Ithaa Undersea Restaurant stands as a pioneering marvel and the world’s first all-glass underwater dining venue. Opened in 2005, this iconic restaurant offers a 180-degree panoramic view of the Indian Ocean, allowing diners to observe the vibrant marine life that includes everything from graceful rays to majestic sharks. With just 14 seats available, Ithaa ensures an intimate and exclusive experience. The restaurant's four-course lunch and six-course dinner menus feature fresh seafood with a European twist. Diners can enjoy delicacies like foie gras with truffle dumpling, reef lobster pasta, and sous vide Wagyu beef tenderloin. The experience is enhanced by the serene surroundings and the gentle sway of the ocean.
AL MAHARA
Burj Al Arab, Dubai
At the Burj Al Arab, often described as the world’s only seven-star hotel, dining at Al Mahara offers a unique illusion of being underwater. The restaurant’s expansive floor-to-ceiling aquarium, home to a diverse range of marine species, creates an immersive underwater ambiance. Since its opening in 1999, Al Mahara has been celebrated for its luxurious setting and exceptional seafood. Guests can choose from an à la carte menu or indulge in a five-course chef’s selection, which features dishes such as king crab, sea bass, and langoustine, accompanied by premium wine pairings. The restaurant’s opulent interior and high-quality cuisine make it a hallmark of Dubai’s fine dining scene.
SEA
Anantara Kihavah Maldives
Located at the Anantara Kihavah Maldives, Sea restaurant offers a dining experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Designed by the renowned Pool Associates, the restaurant provides diners with a panoramic view of the ocean floor, where they might catch glimpses of passing fish, turtles, and occasionally, sharks. Opened in 2015, Sea features a diverse menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including a four-course degustation menu with marinated tuna, seared seabass fillet, and a shellfish medley. The restaurant also houses the world’s first underwater wine cellar, which boasts an impressive collection of fine wines. This unique feature allows guests to pair their meals with rare and exquisite vintages, adding to the overall dining experience.
5.8 UNDERSEA
Hurawalhi Island Resort Maldives
Claimed to be the world’s largest all-glass underwater restaurant, 5.8 Undersea at Hurawalhi Island Resort offers a truly intimate setting, accommodating only 10 couples at a time. Opened in 2016, the restaurant’s name refers to its location, 5.8 meters below the ocean's surface. The venue serves modern international cuisine, with options for a 5-course lunch and a 7-course dinner, including vegan and meat-based menus. This flexibility ensures that all dietary preferences are catered to. Guests from other resorts and yachts are welcome, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an exclusive dining experience in the Maldives.
OSSIANO
Atlantis The Palm, Dubai
Though not submerged, Ossiano at Atlantis The Palm is situated within the world’s largest open-air aquarium, providing diners with a breathtaking view of over 65,000 marine creatures. Since its opening in 2008, Ossiano has been renowned for its luxurious seafood offerings and sophisticated ambiance. The restaurant’s 13-course set menu includes an array of exquisite dishes, showcasing the finest in seafood and culinary creativity. The vibrant aquatic environment enhances the dining experience, making it a standout destination for seafood enthusiasts and those seeking a lavish dining experience.
KORAL RESTAURANT
The Apurva Kempinski Bali, Indonesia
Koral Restaurant brings a new dimension to underwater dining in Bali with its innovative design and focus on local coastal cuisine. Located at The Apurva Kempinski Bali, the restaurant offers a full bistronomic experience, combining delectable food with a relaxed ambiance. Opened in 2020, Koral serves a variety of seafood dishes prepared with locally-sourced ingredients, including grilled, BBQed, and marinated options. The restaurant’s setting, which features an impressive aquarium, creates a serene and visually captivating dining environment. The menu highlights the best of Balinese and Indonesian coastal flavours, offering a unique culinary experience on the island.
SUBMARINO RESTAURANT
Oceanogràfic, Valencia, Spain
Located within Valencia’s Oceanogràfic Park, Submarino is Spain’s only underwater restaurant and offers an unparalleled dining experience. Opened in 2003, Submarino is situated in the centre of a vast aquarium, providing diners with an immersive view of Mediterranean marine life. The restaurant features a Mediterranean menu with a focus on seafood and Spanish delicacies, including Valencian paella and truffle dauphinoise potatoes. With a selection of fresh seafood and an extensive wine list, Submarino caters to both seafood lovers and those seeking traditional Spanish fare in a stunning aquatic setting.
UNDER
Norway
Under, located in Lindesnes, Norway, is the world’s largest underwater restaurant and a testament to modern architectural and culinary excellence. Designed by local hoteliers Stig and Gaute Ubostad, the restaurant is partially submerged in the North Atlantic Ocean, resting five meters below the surface. Since opening in 2019, Under has garnered acclaim for its Nordic design and exceptional seafood offerings. The restaurant’s menu features locally-sourced fish, seabirds, and wild sheep, showcasing the region’s rich culinary heritage. Under’s design and cuisine have earned it a Michelin star, making it a notable destination for those seeking a unique and sophisticated dining experience.