The Maldives Best Restaurants Guide
From breathtaking settings to first-class food, there’s a lot of variety available in the dining scene of this stunning island destination.
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The best restaurants in the Maldives showcase the amazing luxury and variety this wonderful destination is famous for. Hotel eateries naturally lead the field, with access to outstanding ingredients, exceptional chefs and world-famous settings. However, even the little local joints in the capital city stand out for their charm and innovation. The star attractions are undoubtedly the underwater restaurants, which are almost worth setting sail for on their own. Take a look at what else there is to taste around the Maldives and see what whets your appetite.
Ithaa Undersea Restaurant
Ithaa is undoubtedly the standout restaurant in the Maldives, and can even be the primary reason you visit this fantastic island nation. Who wouldn’t want the opportunity to have a meal below sea level, surrounded by curious fish, rays and reef sharks? The see-through tunnel at a depth of 5 metres below the Indian Ocean isn’t the only string to the award-winning restaurant’s bow, though. The contemporary European dishes available are exceptional, with the likes of yellowtail kingfish with saffron champagne risotto on the menu, among other luxurious items.
Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, Conrad Maldives, Rangali Island, Maldives, +960 668 0629
Subsix
Subsix goes quite literally one further than Ithaa, being one metre further under the water. It takes a boat ride from the Niyama Resort just to reach the entrance, but the reward is an amazing view across a coral reef, with turtles, eels and parrot fish swimming by. The coral theme extends into the restaurant and its remarkable décor.
It’s best to visit for lunch, when there’s enough light to see the reef by and you can enjoy a fantastic four-course set menu. Standout dishes include lobster medallions with heirloom tomatoes and blackberry essence or swimmer crab accompanied by couscous pomelo and ocean foam. The menu generally boasts outstanding seafood and especially shellfish.
If you can’t make it for lunch, there are also champagne breakfasts and romantic private dinners. Two nights per week, the restaurant becomes a nightclub for the very remarkable “glow party” nights. Get things rolling with some of the signature gin-infused cocktails, such as the Swing ’n’ Swim.
Subsix, Niyama Maldives, Huluwalu, Maldives, +960 676 2828
Reethi Restaurant
Reethi is like a temple to the gods of fine food, both in its exquisite setting and the outstanding cuisine. Offerings to emerge from the open kitchen exhibit a unique cross of Mediterranean and Asia-Pacific flavours, but there are also special theme nights dedicated to just one cuisine. Monday’s worship Italian food while Friday’s praise Indian, with outstanding homemade elements prepared at live cooking stations for both. The walk-in wine room at the One & Only Reethi Rha’s restaurant is certainly impressive, though not as much as the breathtaking ocean views.
Reethi Restaurant, One & Only Reethi Rha, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives, +960 664 8800
Kitchen
KITCHEN is a trendy, stylish and innovative hotel bistro. Highly regarded for the supreme quality of its eclectic cuisine, it serves up a semi-buffet breakfast, a first-class lunch and a divine à la carte dinner in subtly elegant surroundings. They’re so proud of their open kitchens and the skilled chefs working in them to put signature twists on classic dishes that they shout it out as the venue’s name. With beautiful sunset views from W Resort & Spa – Maldives, KITCHEN is a top spot for a romantic meal or a casual brunch.
KITCHEN, W Retreat & Spa, Fesdu Island, North Ari Atoll, Maldives, +960 666 2222
Muraka
Dining under the sea is one thing, but dining on the surface is just as enticing a prospect. The main restaurant of the Mirihi Island Resort, Muraka is raised above the waves on stilts at the end of a jetty, so you get the splash of the waves beneath you without the disconcerting motion of the ocean. It also provides a rustic, fisherman’s cottage look – if the fisherman had quite luxurious tastes, an extensive selection of international wines and was exceptionally skilled at preparing local seafood dishes. Each dish is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palette, but the Whole Fish Delight takes some beating.
Muraka, Mirihi Island Resort, South Ari Atoll, Maldives, +960 668 0500
Symphony Lagoon
Perhaps the most family-friendly offering in our list of the best restaurants in the Maldives, Symphony Lagoon is a classy bistro with a beautiful setting. There’s a pleasant choice of dining areas, ranging from a tropical-themed interior to a colourful garden and the beautiful beach. Coming from the oldest restaurant brand in Male, the food features highlights like Lebanese chicken with garlic rice. There’s also quite an extensive desserts menu, which will keep the kids happy.
Symphony Lagoon, Crystal Sands Beach Hotel, Maafushi, Male, Maldives, +960 779 0660
Jazz Café
Jazz Café in Male lives up to its name, with live local bands playing jazz, rock and soul hits most evenings. It makes the fairly modest venue a hit with locals and visitors of any age, as do the tasty local dishes on the menu. The yellow chicken curry stands out as a must-try, as does roast chicken with barbecue sauce. The menu changes a little each day, though, so you be adventurous and try something different.
Café, Haveeree Hingun, Male, Maldives, +960 332 5299
Destinations: Indian Ocean, Maldives
Footnote:
Contact Seal Superyachts Maldives for detailed information about cruising around Maldives, superyacht charter regulations and about how we can support your visit.
Principle agent Abdul Hannan is proud to have worked with many of the World’s largest Superyachts and has extensive knowledge of Maldives and the surrounding area.
Abdul Hannan
Phone: +960 779 1270
Email: maldives@seal-superyachts.com