Lifestyle
Above & Under
A shared philosophy of depth and detail. At the southernmost tip of the Norwegian coast lies Under, Europe’s first underwater restaurant. This extraordinary place is more than just a restaurant; it tells a story of contrasts. Between land and sea, visible and invisible, above and below.
The creative interpretations of Chef Nicolai Ellitsgaard bring together nature and culinary innovation on the plate.
At the southernmost tip of the Norwegian coast, where powerful sea currents from the north and south converge, lies Under, Europe’s first underwater restaurant and an architectural masterpiece designed by Snøhetta. Partially submerged in the sea, the monolithic structure pierces the water’s surface and rests five meters deep on the seabed. This extraordinary location is more than a restaurant. It tells a story of contrasts between land and sea, visible and invisible, above and below.
Under is a place where the raw force of nature meets refined craftsmanship. Its thick concrete walls withstand the pressure of the sea, while the interior radiates warmth and tranquility through oak wood, custom textile panels, and artisan-designed furniture. From the panoramic window overlooking the ocean floor to the soft lighting and muted tones inside, every detail is crafted to offer a deeper experience, a sensory journey from the coastline into the underwater world.
The restaurant accommodates between 35 and 40 guests each evening. Its menu is a tribute to the sea and the Norwegian coastline, with a focus on sustainably caught wild ingredients and locally produced goods. Chef Nicolai Ellitsgaard, formerly of the renowned restaurant Måltid in Kristiansand, leads an international kitchen team with experience in Michelin starred establishments. His creative interpretations of the ocean bring together nature and culinary innovation on the plate.
The philosophy of duality, working in harmony with both surface and depth, aligns seamlessly with the vision of Craith Lab. Just as Under explores the delicate balance between elements, Craith Lab works both on and beneath the skin’s surface, with formulas designed to protect, strengthen, and regenerate at the cellular level.
They share a strong focus on scientifically grounded innovation and refined design.
While Under, with its raw concrete exterior, forms an artificial reef that attracts marine life, Craith Lab nourishes the skin barrier to protect it from external stressors while stimulating cellular renewal from within. Both brands are driven by a commitment to science-backed innovation and thoughtful design.
Under also serves as a platform for marine biological research, offering live observation and data analysis to better understand and manage ecosystems.
It’s about honoring the intelligence and beauty of nature, not just on the surface, but especially in the layers beneath. Whether it’s the ever-changing sea or the complex biology of the skin, both understand that true transformation comes from working with depth, respect, and care.
It’s about honoring the intelligence and beauty of nature, not just on the surface, but especially in the layers beneath. Whether it’s the ever-changing sea or the complex biology of the skin, both understand that true transformation comes from working with depth, respect, and care.
