Underwater restaurants around the world

Good food is only part of what makes a perfect dining experience. Another key component is the setting and atmosphere that is created. Have you ever experienced eating a meal underwater? There are a number of spectacular underwater restaurants located around the world, providing truly stunning views as you sit down to enjoy a delicious meal. In this guide, we highlight a handful of these incredible restaurants, letting you know where to go for some of the most amazing dining experiences available.

 

Ithaa Undersea Restaurant – Maldvies

 

 

The Maldives is perhaps the best location in the world when it comes to underwater restaurants and our entire list could have been made up of locations from this beautiful destination. We have settled for just three, however, and the first is Ithaa Undersea Restaurant.

 

This all-glass undersea restaurant is a sight to behold, located 16 feet below sea level, providing glorious 180-degree panoramic views of the ocean as the backdrop of your meal. All parties wait to descend into the restaurant together with Ithaa Undersea Restaurant located at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Hotel. While it’s certainly expensive, if you are looking for a treat, it’s an experience you will never forget. Perhaps something to consider for a special occasion when on one of our Maldives holiday packages.

 

Angie, from the travel blog, Living the Dream, has been to Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, and has described her reaction: “Because we showed up on time while both other parties were late, we actually got to go down to the restaurant by ourselves and take lots of great photos. I have to admit, seeing the space for the first time with sunlight streaming in and hundreds of fish swimming around and overhead was truly magical.”

 

Undersea Restaurant – Maldives

 

 

Another nautical gem to consider in the Maldives is the 5.8 Undersea Restaurant. This is the world’s largest all-glass underwater restaurant and is situated at the luxurious Hurawalhi resort. Submerged 19 feet, or 5.8 metres, below the water’s surface, diners reach this beautiful location by first heading to a pier and then down a long, winding staircase.

 

This is a very intimate dining location, with only a handful of tables available, making for a truly special experience amid the coral landscape. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a multi-course extravaganza as well as the ever-fascinating sight of fish swimming up to the glass, keeping you company while you savour your meal.

 

Amber, from the travel blog, With Husband in Tow, has been to 5.8 Undersea Restaurant and paints a picture of what to expect: “Once I stepped onto the dining room floor, I was mesmerised. Eight two-top tables, four lining each wall. A half-moon shaped ceiling, high enough that Eric cleared it with no problem. And, the most important part, fish as far as the eye could see. On the left was a small coral reef, and a deep ravine that seemed to go on forever. On the right, a small boat, similar to a canoe, with coral and sea life surrounding it. And fish. Everywhere.”

 

Ossiano – Dubai

 

 

Dubai is also home to its own wonderful underwater dining experience. Ossiano is a truly enchanting restaurant, located at Atlantis the Palm, that is renowned for its incredible underwater views thanks to its floor-to-ceiling aquarium.

 

This is one of Dubai’s finest restaurants, serving up some of the best seafood you can hope to find. The restaurant’s magnificent aquarium, called The Ambassador Lagoon, is home to 65,000 fish, making for a spectacular setting for a romantic meal or special occasion.

With stingrays, sharks, and thousands of other fish gliding past your table, Ossiano will compete with the world’s most immersive dining experiences.

 

Under – Norway

 

 

Our next stop is in Norway and the only addition from Europe on our list. In this ancient and beautiful land in the north, you will find the incredible restaurant known simply as Under. This restaurant is submerged 5.5 metres below the water’s surface and provides diners with a wonderful insight into Norway’s marine ecosystem.

Designed with consideration for the surrounding environment and the local marine life, Under fully integrates with its sea setting, acting as an artificial reef. The icy waters of Norway’s Lindesnes are an incredible setting for this half-submerged restaurant, providing an atmospheric location to enjoy beautiful local food.

 

Subsix – Maldives

 

 

Subsix is yet another brilliant underwater restaurant in the Maldives, helping to cement the destination as the world’s capital for underwater dining. Found nearly 20 feet below the tranquil Indian Ocean, Subsix is only reachable by speedboat, adding further to the uniqueness of this dining establishment.

 

Once you arrive, you descend into the ocean’s depths via a three-story staircase and are greeted with magnificent views of the illuminated ocean thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows. You can sit down to breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Subsix, as well as late-night dancing when the restaurant becomes the world’s first underwater club.

If you’ve got a Maldives holiday booked, make note of Subsix and treat yourself to something a little bit special on your well-deserved break.

 

Only Blu – Maldives

 

 

Only Blu is a sophisticated new addition to the Maldives’ collection of underwater dining spots. Opened in March 2022 as part of the Oblu Select Lobigili resort in North Malé Atoll, the restaurant offers dazzling front-row seats to the coral reefs of Lobigili island.

 

A glass of sparkling wine is served on arrival and you’ll be invited to take your seat in the horseshoe-shaped dining area. On every side are mesmerising views of the Indian Ocean and thousands of its colourful inhabitants. A delectable platter of hot and cold appetizers is served as you settle in to your view and appreciate the varied marine life.

 

An open kitchen also allows diners to watch expert chefs at work as they prepare mouth-watering gourmet dishes. Only Blu offers three-course prix fixe menus, allowing dinners to opt for meat, seafood or tempting vegetarian options.

 

The best underwater restaurants in the world

 

• Ithaa Undersea Restaurant – Maldvies
• 5.8 Undersea Restaurant – Maldives
• Ossiano – Dubai
• Under – Norway
• Subsix – Maldives
• Only Blu – Maldives

 

If you fancy a dining experience with something a little bit different, we certainly recommend making a reservation at one of these restaurants. You certainly won’t forget a meal enjoyed at any of these amazing aquatic locations.

 

For more tips, guides, and advice, make sure to visit our news page.