“The Under” – the underwater restaurant in Norway

Lindesnes is home to one of the most extraordinary gastronomic attractions in the world: the underwater restaurant “The Under” in Norway. This unique restaurant not only offers culinary highlights, but also a visual spectacle beneath the surface of the sea.

Architecture and design of the underwater restaurant

The restaurant “Under” is a masterpiece of architecture, designed by the renowned Norwegian firm Snøhetta, which is also responsible for the Opera House in Oslo and the National September 11 Memorial Museum in New York. The structure of the restaurant resembles a rock that juts out of the sea and stretches 34 meters in length. It is designed to merge with the marine environment over time, and its rough concrete shell serves as an artificial reef for sea creatures such as limpets and kelp(Welcome to Norway!)(The Travel Bible).

A unique underwater experience

The restaurant is located five meters below the surface of the sea and offers its guests a breathtaking view of the underwater world through a large panoramic window. Depending on the season, visitors can observe various sea creatures such as pollack, cod, sea bream, sea urchins, crabs and lobsters(DW). The lighting conditions are artificially controlled to attract plankton and other sea creatures, making the experience even more fascinating(The Travel Bible).

Culinary highlights in the underwater restaurant

Under the direction of chef Nicolai Ellitsgaard Pedersen, who has previously worked in Michelin-starred restaurants, “Under” offers a variety of local dishes. The focus is on fresh ingredients from the region, including fish, seabirds and wild sheep from the surrounding islands. In 2020, the restaurant was awarded a Michelin star, underlining its culinary excellence(DW)(Welcome to Norway!).

Sustainability and research

“Under” is not only a restaurant, but also a center for marine research. Several research projects are conducted in the area surrounding the restaurant to further the understanding of local marine ecosystems. These scientific activities are an integral part of the concept and contribute to the sustainability and protection of the marine environment(The Travel Bible).

Visit and booking

The “Under” restaurant has been open since March 2019 and has quickly become a magnet for tourists from all over the world. It seats up to 100 guests, although on a normal evening it serves around 40. The high demand means that reservations are often required months in advance(Welcome to Norway!).

Conclusion

A visit to “Under” is an incomparable experience that combines architecture, nature and culinary delights in a unique way. It is not only the largest underwater restaurant in the world, but also a symbol of innovative architecture and sustainable tourism in Norway.

For more information and bookings, visit the restaurant’s official website here.

Photo by Tomasz Majewski