🌊 Dining Beneath the Surface: The Story of Restaurant Under

Imagine descending into the deep blue of the North Sea — not by diving, but by dining.

On Norway’s rugged southern coast, near Lindesnes close to Kristiansand, lies one of the world’s most extraordinary dining experiences: Restaurant Under. As Europe’s first and the world’s largest underwater restaurant, Under is more than a place to eat — it’s a spectacle, a statement, and a story of reinvention.

🐟 A Bold Vision Beneath the Waves

Designed by renowned architectural firm Snøhetta, Under is a monolithic concrete structure that partially submerges into the icy North Sea. Guests enter through a sleek wooden-clad entrance and descend a staircase that leads five meters below sea level, where a panoramic acrylic window opens to an ever-shifting marine landscape. Here, diners gaze out into the Atlantic, watching sea creatures glide by while savoring flavors drawn from the very same waters.

From the beginning, Under embraced a bold concept: combining fine dining with marine research. Marine biologists use the structure to study fish behavior and ocean life, while chefs use the sea as a pantry and a muse.

🌟 The Rise, the Reinvention — and the Return of the Star

When chef Nicolai Ellitsgaard opened Under in 2019, he aimed high — and hit the mark. Within a year, Under earned its first Michelin star, praised for its innovative use of local ingredients, poetic storytelling through food, and seamless blend of architecture, nature, and gastronomy.

But Under was never meant to remain static.

In winter 2023, the restaurant made a daring move: it temporarily closed its doors to rethink everything. When it reopened in March 2024, it had a new concept, new leadership, and a renewed focus on sustainability and accessibility. The tasting menu was shortened to around 11 courses, and a new team took the helm — including Bernt Sætre as head chef and Lill Karina Bøhn as restaurant manager.

As a result of these substantial changes, Under lost its Michelin star — not as punishment, but as Michelin policy. A new concept means a new assessment.

🥂 A Star Reborn

Under didn’t flinch. The goal was never to chase accolades, but to evolve with integrity. And evolve it did — retaining its soul, sharpening its vision, and quickly proving its new concept could match, if not exceed, its former heights.

Soon after reopening, Michelin revisited — and Under earned its star back. The restaurant had transformed, but the excellence remained.

💬 Why You Should Go

Dining at Under isn’t just a meal — it’s a journey into the unknown. You’ll sit face-to-face with the sea, taste the salt and forest of Norway’s wild larder, and witness a story of ambition, change, and triumph. From its concrete skin to its delicate plates, Under tells a tale that’s as deep as the sea it swims in. Michelin-starred again — and stronger than ever.

Are you ready to dive in?

Photo: © Sissy Kramer