The wonders beneath the waves contain fascinating and rich ecosystems captivating visitors around the world when scuba diving or snorkeling but what if you could experience the majestic splendor along the seafloor without the need for scuba gear? Several restaurants around the globe have positioned themselves within the gorgeous surroundings of the sea allowing you to dine, drink, and experience luxury underwater. Whether the enchanting setting steeps you in the wonder of passing marine life or has you thinking of an elaborate villain’s lair, you can bask in the pleasures of a gourmet meal focused on accentuating distinct flavors and complimenting the unforgettable scenery.

1. Restaurante Submarino Oceanográfico – Valencia, Spain

The iconic architecture of Valencia’s Oceanography Center captures the imaginations of visitors, but the submarine restaurant located at the center of the park will capture your heart. Restaurante Submarino Oceanográfico overtakes the lower-level of the structure decorated with a glass wall looking into the aquarium running the entire length of the perimeter. The immense blue water of the exhibit hosts more than 10,000 fish while the restaurant offers traditional regional cuisine from land and sea including famous Valencian paella and a wine list curated with celebrated varietals from around Europe. Indulge in a romantic dinner amid the flickering glow of blue water or enjoy a family lunch looking out into the lush marine world.

2. Al Mahara – Dubai

Instead of traveling beneath the water at Al Mahara, you can relax with views beside the extravagant floor-to-ceiling aquarium. Stylish fish scales decorate the walls and gold clam shell chairs wrap around the tables. The light fixtures resemble sprouting coral creating an ambiance of a palace fit for marine royalty. The aquarium acts as an illuminating centerpiece with more than 30 different species of fish. The thick, high glass gives the entire restaurant a marine exhibit ambiance as though submerged in the heart of Dubai. Generous portions, quality ingredients, and a sensational setting add to the luster of the restaurant headed by a celebrated chef.

3. Ithaa Undersea Restaurant – Maldives

The pristine turquoise waters of the Maldives provide the picturesque setting for any tropical getaway with Ithaa Undersea Restaurant providing access to the vibrant life in the Indian Ocean. The dining room is located 16 feet below sea level. Glass walls frame the restaurant providing views to the colorful coral gardens on the sea floor and a panoramic view of the marine life swimming over the ceiling for a 180-degree view. Indulge in a four-course lunch or a seven-course dinner. Do not forget to bring a camera because the views of the wild marine life are stunning.

4. Atrium Bar – Berlin, Germany

While not strictly an “underwater” restaurant, The Atrium Bar in Berlin hosts a freestanding cylindrical aquarium spanning 82 feet long containing 264,172 gallons of water. Guests can travel the height of the fascinating exhibit on an elevator with a remarkable view of the 1,500 tropical fish with more than 110 different species. Instead of the conventional scenery of an underwater restaurant surrounded by the sea, you can sip a tasty signature cocktail at the bar or nibble the sweet treats crafted by the in-house patissier, which enhance the ingenuity of the aquarium’s masterful craftsmanship and the magnificent colors of its tropical inhabitants hovering above.

5. Under – Båly, Norway

Norway’s Under, which in Norwegian can also mean “wonder,” opens in 2019 semi-submerged in the icy waters of the North Atlantic at 18 feet below sea level. The three-level structure becomes a journey to the seafloor with champagne bar transitioning from the shoreline below. The dining room will provide a 36-foot-wide panoramic backdrop of the ocean floor for an immersive experience among the rarely visited marine ecosystem. The architecture blends the harmony of nature’s rugged beauty with the delicate flavors of gourmet dishes with innovated seasonal menus embodying the southern tip of the Norwegian coastline.

6. Cargo Hold Restaurant – Durban, South Africa

The culinary experience on a phantom ship takes your adventure to new heights in Durban amidst the sensational setting preserving exotic elegance mixed with local ingredients. Guests dine with sharks inside the replica of South Africa’s legendary ghost ship with floor-to-ceiling glass walls at the stern. The greater 40-acre uShaka Marine World provides views of the ocean and shark tank. The enchanting combination of historic ambiance and the company of sharks provide a surreal environment in which to enjoy the sophisticated flavors of traditional regional cuisine, as well as elegant international flavors.