Food stories

Insane: this floating restaurant in Norway is now open

Wow, this is definitely bucket-list material; Restaurant Iris in Norway. This restaurant has just opened its doors and is a must-visit for every culinary enthusiast. But it’s not just the food that’s of high quality; the location alone is worth the trip.

Foto van culinair journalist Wieke Veenboer

door Wieke Veenboer

Restaurant Iris is a gigantic floating restaurant, shaped like a sphere, in Norway’s Hardangerfjord.

Fine dining meets sustainability

The floating sphere is called Salmon Eye and opened in autumn 2022. It is a so-called experience center dedicated to the sustainability of marine life. And Anika Madsen, Head Chef and owner of Iris, has now opened her restaurant inside Salmon Eye. A good match, by the way, as she has always paid a great deal of attention to sustainability and is known for her inventive creations featuring all kinds of ingredients from the sea.

As a seafood lover, you’re going to be very happy here. And there’s a good chance you’re already familiar with Madsen’s creations, as she previously headed the kitchen at Fasangården in Copenhagen. The only downside—and this won’t surprise you—is the price tag; a menu at Restaurant Iris costs 3200 Norwegian kroner, which works out to just over 275 euros. A wine pairing is also an option, as is an alcohol-free pairing (which I find very inventive and fun too).

But for that price, you’ll be brought there by boat, make a quick stop on the small island of Sniltsveitøy, and enjoy an eighteen-course dinner. That doesn’t sound so crazy after all, right?