Restaurant Iris: Sustainable Nordic Dining Amidst Norway’s Hardangerfjord

Nestled within the floating art installation Salmon Eye and framed by the breathtaking Hardangerfjord in Norway, Restaurant Iris is a Michelin-starred destination where architecture, design, and gastronomy converge. This exceptional 1000 m² restaurant, completed in 2024, represents a collaboration between Kvorning Design and Norm Architects, creating a space that celebrates sustainability, local craftsmanship, and immersive sensory experiences.

Innovative Architecture Meets Warm Interiors

The building itself is a true architectural marvel. Designed by Kvorning Design, Salmon Eye’s ellipsoid structure mimics the glistening scales of a salmon, its stainless steel façade reflecting the fjord’s changing light throughout the day. The bold, sculptural form, visible from miles away, establishes the restaurant as a prominent landmark in Rosendal, marrying functionality with striking aesthetic appeal.

Inside, Norm Architects crafts an interior that contrasts yet complements the dramatic exterior. The space combines soft curves, bespoke furniture, and natural materials to create an intimate, inviting atmosphere. The undulating interiors feature custom-built service stations, portable lamps, and tailored carpets that follow the room’s flowing geometry, avoiding conventional rectangular layouts.

This dialogue between brutalist steel architecture and warm, tactile interiors offers guests a uniquely balanced sensory experience. Walnut wood finishes, plush carpeting, and upholstered furniture infuse the space with comfort, while the expansive ocean views outside provide a majestic natural backdrop.

Thoughtful Spatial Design

To create intimacy within this extraordinary location, the interior has been strategically divided into smaller, welcoming zones. These subtle partitions guide visitors through the restaurant, revealing its beauty gradually and fostering a sense of discovery. The organic textures, curved forms, and bespoke furniture harmonize with the natural landscape, reinforcing Restaurant Iris’s commitment to sustainability and sensory immersion.

Every element, from lighting to furniture placement, has been curated to enhance the dining experience. The tactile warmth of natural materials connects guests to the surrounding fjord, glaciers, and mountains, allowing the architecture to act as an extension of the Nordic landscape.

A Culinary Experience Rooted in Nature

The Michelin-starred menu at Restaurant Iris emphasizes local ingredients, sustainability, and Nordic flavors. Guests embark on a set tasting menu that celebrates seasonal produce and the vibrant marine life of the fjord below. The table settings—crafted from natural materials in earthy tones—mirror the raw beauty of the Hardangerfjord, creating a dining environment that is both grounded in nature and refined in design.

Salmon Eye: More Than a Restaurant

Beyond serving as a culinary destination, Salmon Eye functions as a floating aquaculture visitor and information center. Covering approximately 1000 m², the structure is clad in stainless steel scales that shimmer in the fjord’s light, symbolizing the silvery skin of a salmon. Its ellipsoid, fish-eye-inspired design makes it a landmark visible from land, sea, and air, attracting visitors not only for gastronomy but also for cultural and environmental engagement.

By combining innovative architecture, sustainable design, and immersive gastronomy, Restaurant Iris offers a truly extraordinary experience where the Nordic landscape, contemporary design, and fine dining meet.

All photographs are works of  Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Restaurant Iris