Fine dining has gone up a notch with the construction of these amazing underwater restaurants, which are a hit among many tourists who want to experience dining in the middle of a coral garden as they are being watched by curious fish. Should you find yourself in Israel, Maldives or Dubai, be sure to try these underwater restaurants for that out of the ordinary gastronomic experience.
Red Sea Star
This is a sassy restaurant situated 5 metres under the Red Sea in Israel, with its wonderfully designed and decorated dining halls. The curvy windows of plexiglass both at the walls and ceilings of provide diners with a view of the beautiful reef system and some marine animals swimming to and fro. The bright sunlight that passes through to the waters are complimented by the soft light that emanates from the unique, jellyfish like lighting fixtures – one of the items in the restaurant’s interiors that keeps true to its theme. Looking around, one would notice that the restaurant is actually shaped liked a starfish, which is why it is also referred to as “The Star” and can accommodate up to a little over a hundred famished guests and visitors. Despite being an underwater restaurant, the menu is not limited to fish only as they also serve local and international cuisines of meat and others.
Ithaa Underwater Restaurant
Located 16 feet under the Indian Ocean, this underwater restaurant is one that allows visitors to enjoy a 180 degree view of the cool blue waters and the surrounding coral reef garden and aquatic animals. The restaurant is shaped into a semi-circle with clear glass from the floor to the ceilings, offering diners an unobstructed view of all the beautiful marine surroundings. The restaurant opened in 2005 as part of the Hilton Maldives Resort and Spa. Despite the very stunning views, though, the restaurant is pretty small and is able to hold up to 14 guests only. Nonetheless, it is a great dining experience and serves cuisines influenced by both Asian and Western cultures. Ithaa operates from 11 am to 12 am, and serves lunch and dinner only, although breakfasts (and other occasions) can be arranged by contacting the concerned personnel and making reservations. It should be noted though that children are only allowed in the restaurant during lunch hours and not at dinner time.
Al Mahara
While Ithaa means the “Mother of Pearls”, the Al Mahara in Dubai means “The Oyster” and is considered to be the “azure jewel” of Burj Al Arab. First of all though, this restaurant is not situated underwater, but despite this, guests and diners will feel as though they are because of the grand and gargantuan aquarium in the middle of the restaurant. The aquarium that has its own coral reef system and is filled with various marine creatures starts from the restaurant’s floor and reaches up to the ceiling – which makes it another wonderful addition to the amenities of Dubai’s (and the world’s) only 7 star resort hotel.
Most of these restaurants of course can be a bit pricey, but for the lavish interiors, great food and the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, every penny is surely worth it.
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Photo by family-ralph on Flickr
