At this floating restaurant in Norway in the middle of a fjord, guests spend up to $560 to dine on an 18-course menu. Here's what the unique experience is like.

Maria Noyen,Anneta KonstantinidesAug 13, 2023, 16:54 IST

Restaurant Iris.Sebastian Lamberg Torjusen

In June, a fine-dining restaurant located in the middle of a Norwegian lake opened its doors.
Based inside a metal structure shaped like a fish eye, Restaurant Iris is run by Chef Anika Madsen.

In June, Restaurant Iris opened its doors in the middle of a Norwegian fjord.

The restaurant floats in the middle of a Norwegian lake.John Asle E. Hansen

The restaurant floats on the waters of Hardangerjord, the third longest fjord in the world.

Hardangerjord is the third longest fjord in the world.Google Maps

Just like in "The Menu," the only way to get to Iris is by boat — and the entire "expedition dining" experience can last up to six hours.

The restaurant from above.Håkon Settemsdal

Iris is led by Chef Anika Madsen, who has worked at several Michelin-star restaurants.

Anika Madsen, the head chef at Restaurant Iris.John Asle E. Hansen

As of August 2023, 17 people work at Iris, including Madsen — who has said she's committed to pushing the boundaries of "sustainability" in food.

Head Chef Anika Madsen and a colleague.John Asle E. Hansen

Before reaching Iris, guests are invited to take a quick pit stop at Madsen's boathouse on a nearby island.

Head Chef Anika Madsen collecting ingredients.Tobias Lamberg Torjusen

Before dinner at Iris begins, guests have a "multisensory underwater experience" in the Salmon Eye.

A blue-lit hallway at Restaurant Iris.Tobias Lamberg Torjusen

The dinner consists of 18 courses themed around the "challenges and threats to the global food system."

A table set for two at Restaurant Iris.Tobias Lamberg Torjusen

Many of the ingredients served at Iris, including the invasive urchins and seaweed, are sourced from the surrounding waters.

Fresh seafood used at Restaurant Iris.Sebastian Lamberg Torjusen

Dishes at Iris playfully reimagine nature, similar to those served at Hawthorn in "The Menu."

A dish named "Feeding the Future" served at Restaurant Iris.Tobias Lamberg Torjusen

Guests typically spend up to $560 at Iris, which can serve up to 24 people a night.

Restaurant Iris at sunset.Tobias Lamberg Torjusen

Those who have been to Iris so far say it's a dining experience like no other. According to Mari Eriksmoen, visiting Iris felt like "going to the moon."

Mari Eriksmoen at Iris.Mari Eriksmoen

Eriksmoen said the view from Iris was "breathtaking."

Mari Eriksmoen on the electric boat on the way to Restaurant Iris.Mari Eriksmoen

Eriksmoen said all the dishes at Iris were composed "in such an innovative way."

One of the dishes at Iris.Mari Eriksmoen

She also said staff at Iris are well aware of "The Menu" comparisons, which they find "hilarious."

One of the dishes that Eriksmoen ate at Iris.Mari Eriksmoen

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