The 10 Most Extraordinary Undersea Restaurants
Imagine dining in the company of vibrant marine life as you marvel at the wonders of the underwater world. Underwater restaurants offer a truly unique and unforgettable experience, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of the ocean while enjoying delectable cuisine.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the 10 most extraordinary undersea restaurants, showcasing the incredible culinary and visual experiences that await beneath the waves.
So, prepare to embark on a journey to some of the world’s most captivating underwater dining destinations.
10 Best Undersea Restaurants Around The World
1. Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, Maldives
Plunge into the crystal-clear waters of the Maldives, where the world’s first undersea restaurant, Ithaa, awaits your arrival. Located 16 feet below sea level at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort, Ithaa offers a truly immersive dining experience, surrounded by the vibrant colors and exotic marine life of the Indian Ocean.
The intimate, all-glass dining space provides a stunning 180-degree panoramic view of the surrounding coral gardens, creating the perfect backdrop for the restaurant’s innovative fusion cuisine. Savor the flavors of the Maldives and beyond, as you indulge in a six-course contemporary European menu, featuring delicacies such as Maldivian lobster carpaccio and saffron champagne risotto.
2. Subsix, Maldives
Descend into the depths of the Indian Ocean once again, as we venture to Subsix, a spectacular undersea playground located at the luxurious PER AQUUM Niyama resort in the Maldives. Accessible only by a speedboat and a dramatic three-tiered staircase, Subsix invites you to dine, drink, and dance amid the vibrant marine life of the ocean floor.
The floor-to-ceiling windows provide a breathtaking view of the underwater world, while the playful, coral-inspired design transports you to a realm of fantasy and intrigue. By day, savor the flavors of the Mediterranean with a leisurely lunch, and by night, lose yourself in the pulsating rhythms of the ocean as the resident DJ spins a hypnotic soundtrack for your subaquatic soiree.
3. 5.8 Undersea Restaurant, Maldives
Our underwater odyssey continues at 5.8 Undersea Restaurant, a dazzling culinary gem nestled within the pristine lagoon of Hurawalhi Island Resort in the Maldives. Named for its depth of 5.8 meters below the ocean’s surface, this intimate, all-glass dining space offers a mesmerizing view of the teeming aquatic life that inhabits the surrounding coral reef.
Executive Chef Bjoern van den Oever has crafted a spectacular seven-course tasting menu, showcasing the finest ingredients and culinary techniques from around the world. Each dish is a masterpiece of flavor and presentation, enhanced by the enchanting underwater setting that surrounds you at every turn.
4. SEA, Maldives
Discover a world of unparalleled luxury and refined elegance, as we journey to the heart of the Indian Ocean to explore Sea, the enchanting undersea restaurant at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas. Set within a breathtaking underwater wine cellar, this opulent dining destination offers a unique culinary experience that celebrates the art of fine dining and the magic of the deep blue sea.
With an extensive collection of over 450 wine labels, Sea is the ultimate destination for wine connoisseurs and epicurean adventurers alike. Indulge in a sumptuous six-course degustation menu, expertly paired with hand-selected wines from the restaurant’s award-winning sommelier. Delight your senses with dishes such as seared scallops with Jerusalem artichoke puree, and truffle-infused Wagyu beef tenderloin, as you savor the breathtaking beauty of the ocean floor.
5. Ossiano, Dubai
Experience the fusion of luxury, innovation, and aquatic wonder at Ossiano, Dubai’s first underwater restaurant. Located in the iconic Atlantis, The Palm resort, Ossiano offers a unique dining experience that combines world-class cuisine with mesmerizing views of the resort’s 65,000 marine animals.
The restaurant’s contemporary menu features a tantalizing selection of dishes, crafted from the finest ingredients sourced from around the world. Indulge in dishes such as seared foie gras with fig jam, and pan-seared Chilean sea bass with saffron-infused cauliflower puree, as you gaze upon the captivating beauty of the Ambassador Lagoon.
6. Under, Norway
Venture to the icy waters of Norway’s southern coast and discover Under, Europe’s first underwater restaurant. This architectural marvel, designed by renowned firm Snøhetta, is an awe-inspiring sight to behold. With its massive, 36-foot panoramic window, Under offers diners an unparalleled view of the rugged beauty of the North Atlantic seabed.
The culinary experience at Under is a celebration of the region’s diverse and sustainable seafood, with a strong focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Executive Chef Nicolai Ellitsgaard presents an innovative 18-course tasting menu, featuring dishes such as hand-dived scallops with fermented celeriac and wild garlic, and Atlantic halibut with smoked cream and pickled fennel.
7. Bambu Indah, Indonesia
Nestled within the lush, tropical landscape of Bali, Bambu Indah offers a serene, eco-luxury retreat for the discerning traveler. The resort’s stunning underwater dining pavilion, set amidst a tranquil lotus pond, provides a truly unique and immersive dining experience.
Executive Chef Ben McRae has crafted a tantalizing menu of Indonesian-inspired dishes, using only the freshest locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy dishes such as bebek betutu, a Balinese-style roast duck, and udang sambal matah, grilled prawns with a zesty lemongrass and chili salsa, as you delight in the enchanting beauty of your aquatic surroundings.
8. Cargo Hold, South Africa
Embark on a thrilling culinary adventure at Cargo Hold, a one-of-a-kind underwater restaurant located within the uShaka Marine World in Durban, South Africa. Set within the replica hull of a 17th-century ship, Cargo Hold offers diners an unforgettable journey through the depths of the ocean, complete with a captivating view of the surrounding shark-infested waters.
The eclectic menu at Cargo Hold is inspired by the flavors of the world’s most exotic ports of call, featuring dishes such as peri-peri Mozambique prawns and slow-braised Moroccan lamb shank. As you savor the tantalizing flavors of your meal, marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the ocean’s most fearsome predators as they glide gracefully past your table.
9. Al Mahara, United Arab Emirates
Located within the luxurious Burj Al Arab in Dubai, Al Mahara offers guests an immersive dining experience surrounded by a massive floor-to-ceiling aquarium.
Although not technically underwater, the restaurant’s stunning aquatic setting provides a similar effect, allowing diners to enjoy their meal in the company of exotic marine life.
10. Ocean Restaurant, Singapore
Explore the mesmerizing world of Ocean Restaurant, a spectacular underwater dining destination located within the S.E.A. Aquarium at Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore. With its floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the world’s largest oceanarium, Ocean Restaurant offers diners a captivating view of more than 100,000 marine animals from over 800 species.
Executive Chef Cat Cora, the first female Iron Chef, has crafted an innovative menu that combines the freshest seafood with Mediterranean-Californian flavors. Savor dishes such as pan-seared barramundi with heirloom tomato salad, and wild-caught red snapper with fennel confit, as you marvel at the stunning beauty of the ocean’s most exotic inhabitants.
Conclusion
These extraordinary underwater restaurants provide guests with a truly unique dining experience, combining exquisite cuisine with breathtaking views of the underwater world.
From the tropical paradise of the Maldives to the rugged beauty of Norway, each of these establishments offers a captivating glimpse into the ocean’s depths, creating a sense of wonder and awe.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a dining experience like no other, these undersea restaurants are sure to leave a lasting impression and create unforgettable memories.
