Dining under the sea: the world's first underwater restaurant

Activity 1 : Spend 4 minutes reading the paragraph about the first restaurant under the sea.

In 2005, the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant opened at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort, becoming the world's first undersea dining establishment. Located five meters beneath the Indian Ocean's surface, Ithaa offers diners a 180-degree panoramic view of the surrounding marine life through its transparent acrylic arch design. The restaurant accommodates up to 14 guests and is accessible via a staircase from a thatched pavilion at the end of a jetty. The intimate setting provides a unique dining experience, allowing patrons to enjoy their meals while observing the vibrant underwater ecosystem. ​

The construction of Ithaa involved assembling the structure in Singapore before transporting it to the Maldives. The design features a curved acrylic roof, providing diners with unobstructed views of the ocean surroundings. The restaurant's interior is designed to offer a luxurious atmosphere, complementing the stunning external views. ​

Culinary offerings at Ithaa focus on contemporary European cuisine with Asian influences, utilizing local seafood and produce to create a fusion menu. The restaurant offers set menus for both lunch and dinner, featuring dishes that highlight the flavors of the region. The unique underwater setting enhances the dining experience, making each meal memorable.

Environmental considerations were integral to Ithaa's design and construction. The structure was engineered to withstand the ocean's pressure and dynamic conditions, ensuring durability and safety. Additionally, the restaurant's presence has contributed to marine life attraction, with the surrounding area becoming a habitat for various species. This symbiotic relationship enhances the dining experience, as guests can observe a thriving underwater environment. ​

Ithaa Undersea Restaurant has received numerous accolades since its opening, including being named "the most beautiful restaurant in the world" by the New York Daily News in 2014. Its pioneering concept has inspired the development of other underwater dining establishments worldwide, setting a benchmark for luxury and innovation in the culinary world. ​

In summary, Ithaa Undersea Restaurant offers a unique blend of innovative design, gourmet cuisine, and environmental harmony, providing guests with an unforgettable dining experience beneath the sea.​

Activity 2: Complete the True or False below.

• a. The restaurant is located 10 meters underwater.
• b. Ithaa serves only Maldivian cuisine.
• c. The restaurant has glass walls that allow guests to see the marine life.
• d. Ithaa was built with environmental impact in mind.
• e. The restaurant can seat more than 50 people at a time.

Activity 4: Fill the blanks with the vocabulary from Activity 3

1. Marine life continues to __________ around the restaurant, making it a unique attraction.
2. The menu is a __________ of European and Maldivian flavors.

3. The interior follows a __________ style to keep the focus on the underwater scenery.
4. Many businesses try to reach the same high __________ set by luxury restaurants like Ithaa.

5. The restaurant has a __________ view of the ocean, offering a full underwater experience.

Activity 5: Choose one of the following prompts and write a short paragraph (share it below) or record a voice note.

a) Would you like to dine at an underwater restaurant? Why or why not?

b) What challenges do you think exist when building a restaurant under the sea?

c) If you could design a unique restaurant, what would it be like?