Safe to say I love the ocean. I glow and gleam when visiting aquariums and even want an sea-themed wedding. Scuba diving is at the top of my bucket list, as is staying in an underwater hotel. Thing is, those tend to be pretty costly, like up to $50,000 per night costly. So, while we patiently wait to win the lottery, here are ten underwater restaurants you must “sea” to believe!
Submarino Restaurant
Location: Valencia, Spain
Submarino is most likely Valenica’s most iconic building and resides in the second best aquarium in the world. Each dining experience is nothing short of amazing due to the crystal blue waters and playful fish framing the atmosphere. The set menu is priced at $40 -$50 per person and consists of Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine. Catering to those with a sweet tooth, Submarino is known for their gourmet pastries, French champagnes and dessert liqueurs.
Under
Location: Lindesnes, Norway
Norway’s “Under” proudly became the world’s largest and Europe’s first underwater restaurant when it opened in March 2019. Semi-submerged 16 feet beneath the North sea, your dining backdrop will be panoramic views of natural sea life below the waves. Under, meaning “Wonder” in Norwegian, offers a set 15-18-course menu for $260 per person, which can rise over $400 if you fancy a wine pairing (“I’ll just have water thank you”).
Atrium Bar
Location: Berlin, Germany
So I snuck a bar onto the list but you can surely see why. Atrium is home to the world’s largest cylindrical aquarium known as the ‘AquaDom.’ Located in the Radisson Blu hotel, guests and visitors alike are welcome to stop in for a well crafted cocktail and to gaze upon the 1,500 tropical fish swimming above.
Ithaa
Location: Mandhoo, Maldives
The once in a lifetime dining experience to inspire them all, Ithaa is the world’s very first all-glass undersea restaurant. Like Under, it is submerged 16 feet below sea level and surrounded by panoramic views of the marine world. Ithaa, meaning “mother of pearl,” was built to distinguish the Conrad hotel from other luxurious resorts in the Maldives. In efforts to maintain their leadership status in innovation, the hotel also launched the first Maldives swimming pool to be suspended over the ocean, and a three-person submarine.
Al Mahara
Location: Dubai, UAE
Al Mahara is an exquisite restaurant that lives in the Burj Al Arab, a seven star ultra-luxury hotel and one of the most famous buildings in Dubai. Translating to “The Oyster Shell” in Arabic, Al Mahara boasts a stunning floor-to-ceiling aquarium and the finest seafood menu curated by three Michelin star chef, Kim Joinie-Maurin. If you want to experience the highest level of Arabian luxury, then this gold plated restaurant is the place to be.
Subsix
Location: Huluwalu, Maldives
Facts: If it’s in the Maldives it’s gonna be insane. Subsix is certainly nothing short of amazing. To get there, you must first go by speedboat then descend down an impressive three-tier staircase until you reach 20 feet below sea level. Designed to the nines, this gorgeous restaurant features Italian abstract chandeliers, a clam-inspired bar, soft anemone chairs, and capiz shells displayed along the ceiling. Now don’t expect stuffy dinners here, Subsix offers champagne breakfasts, subaquatic lunches and epic glow parties.
Cargo Hold
Location: Durban, South Africa
Go swimming with the fishes (in a non-mobbish way), as you dine with sharks aboard the Phantom Ship. The exterior design mimics that of a shipwreck, while the interior radiates rustic elegance. As with all the restaurants on this list, make sure you book well in advance and note that the best seat in the house is on the lower level. The menu offers both land and sea dishes, such as braised lamb, peppered beef, king prawns and Patagonian calamari.
Ossiano
Location: Dubai, UAE
Ossiano is a four-time winner of the best seafood restaurant in Dubai. Blending Catalan-inspired cooking and an underwater dream, guests can dive into the country’s finest European cuisine. Surrounded by sophistication, the undersea restaurant exudes romance from the glistening chandeliers to the floor-to-ceiling aquarium, showcasing over 65,000 fish.
Ocean
Location: Southern Islands, Singapore
A whole new meaning has been brought to the term “ocean view,” now with captivating glass walls revealing the fascinating marine world of over 100,000 fish. Ocean is Singapore’s only underwater restaurant and serves Mediterranean-Californian cuisine with an Asian flair. Last year, Celebrity Chef Cat Cora assisted in the curation of an all-new menu featuring local and sustainably-sourced seafood. The upgrade was based on Singapore’s S.E.A. Aquarium’s beliefs in ocean care and conservation.
5.8 Undersea Restaurant
Location: Hinnavaru, Maldives
Bask in wonder as colorful parrot fish and drifting reef sharks swim right up to your seat in the world’s largest underwater glass restaurant. To access, you must walk across a pier and descend 5.8 meters (19ft.) down a winding staircase. A team of seven chefs will prepare an impressive five to seven course meal to ensure what fills your plate is as exciting as the sea life around you.
Would you ever dine underwater? If so, comment your favorite restaurant below!
Can’t believe Coopers in good ole Scranton didn’t make this list!! 😂😂 jk jk but for real when I win the lottery I’m going to the Maldives!!
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hahahaha you’re right I’ll revise the list to include Coopers. Yes! we need a Maldives trip!