Culinary enthusiasts, mark your calendars. The world's largest underwater restaurant, and the first to open in Europe, will be welcoming their first guests this April for a truly instagrammable occasion. Under, as it's appropriately called, sits off the coast of Båly, on Norway's southern tip and offers unprecedented views of the North Atlantic, from a unique perspective.
Diners interested in being a part of the momentous restaurant opening should book flights immediately as tables are going fast. Reservations are currently open from April to September and at the time of writing there are only a few days left per month, but August is looking most promising.
Designed by the Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta (who also designed the Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Egypt and the Oslo Opera House), the underwater restaurant has a vague resemblance to a sperm whale poking its head out of the water and features a 36-foot-wide floor-to-ceiling window that looks out at the sea.
Diners can watch all sorts of species swim by including huge cod, colorful lip fish, lobsters in gladiator battles, seals, and distinctive seaweed and kelp that change with the seasons.
"I think the most exciting experience will be visiting the restaurant during rough weather," Rune Grasdal, one of the architects of the building, told CNN. "It will be fantastic to see the sea surface broken up by the big waves and the rain, making for a very dramatic view—although you will still feel safe and relaxed inside the restaurant."
According to Visit Norway, researchers will also be working to "train" the fish as well as the small animals eaten by the fish. Lighting, sound, and smell will be used to attract plankton or cod to the area. And then there will be an ongoing feast to the delight of the viewing audience.
It's going to be a feast inside the restaurant too. The "Immersion Menu" created by Danish chef Nicolai Ellitsgaard is comprised of approximately 18-delicacies, seasonally inspired, celebrating Norway’s finest seafood, and takes approximately three and a half to four hours to complete.
Food lovers considering the trip over should fly into Norway's southernmost airport, Kristiansand which is one-and-a-half-hours drive from the restaurant and can stay in nearby Lindesnes Havhotell.
Be warned: there's a $300-per-person cancellation fee for diners whose plans change less than two weeks before their reservation.
