Europe's First Underwater Restaurant to Open in Norway

Dreams of dining underwater (overseas) are one step closer to coming true with the announcement of a project from architecture firm Snôhetta. Europe is getting its first underwater restaurant off the southern coast of Norway. The extreme dining destination, which will appropriately be called "Under," will have half its body above the water and the rest slanted below sea level. It is slated to begin construction in February 2018.

The planned structure will go down five meters into the water (approximately 16.4 feet), and will be encased in meter-thick concrete to withstand the underwater environment. In addition to being a restaurant, the submerged structure will serve as a research center for marine life. It will also act as an artificial mussel reef; the building's coarse exterior will invite mussels to attach to it and eventually, the mollusk community will densify and become a reef over time.

Plans for the restaurant include three levels. Guests will enter into the wardrobe area and from there, they will be escorted down one level to the Champagne bar, which is where they will officially be underwater. From here, guests will be able to look down at the seabed section of the restaurant, where the main dining area is located. Tables will be situated in front of a 36-foot wide panoramic window with views into the ocean.

The name Under actually has dual meanings: in addition to its location below the ocean, under can be translated to wonder in Norwegian. Under will be joining several other underwater restaurants from around the world, including four breathtaking spots in the Maldives alone and another in Dubai. Adventurous diners can expect seating for up to 100 guests and local cuisine on the menu; the building has a completion date of early 2019.

Images courtesy of Snøhetta

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