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10 Best Restaurants in the Maldives
These top 10 best restaurants offer a diverse range of culinary experiences, from fine dining to unique underwater and treetop settings, showcasing the Maldives’ vibrant and innovative food scene. Here is a list of the restaurants.
1. Ithaa Undersea Restaurant
Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, located at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, is a unique dining experience that offers a seven-course tasting menu and panoramic views of coral gardens five meters below the surface. The restaurant is known for its contemporary European cuisine and is the world’s first underwater restaurant, having opened in April 2005. Reservations are essential, and the dress code for dinner is smart. The restaurant is also available for private dining, weddings, and special occasions.
The menu at Ithaa changes periodically, but it typically features a fusion of Maldivian and Western flavors. The restaurant is open for dinner, lunch, and mid-morning champagne hours. The prices for this unique experience are steep, with dinner costing approximately $400 per person. Reservations are required, and on the day of dining, only a few tables are usually filled.
Ithaa is accessible via a spiral staircase in a thatched pavilion at the end of a jetty, and guests are invited to descend 33 stairs into the dining room. The restaurant is encased in R-Cast acrylic and has a seating capacity of 14 people. The restaurant was designed and constructed by M.J. Murphy Ltd. and has been in operation since 2005.
Also read: Where is the Maldives located on map?
2. The Lighthouse Restaurant
The Lighthouse Restaurant at Baros Maldives is an elegant gourmet restaurant known for its stunning location and exquisite dining experience. Situated on a circular dock, the restaurant offers panoramic views of the sea and is described as “legendary” in the Maldives.
The restaurant serves a combination of Asian and Mediterranean cuisine, featuring fresh local seafood, tender steaks, and modern classics infused with exotic flavors. Guests can also enjoy a glass of champagne at sunset in the lounge, which overlooks the lagoon. The Lighthouse Restaurant is praised for its romantic and intimate atmosphere, making it a popular choice for special occasions and fine dining experiences. The restaurant also has a rooftop lounge where guests can relax, enjoy refreshing cocktails, and listen to live music in the evenings.
The Lighthouse Restaurant has received high ratings and positive reviews for its exceptional food, breathtaking views, and top-notch service. In summary, The Lighthouse Restaurant at Baros Maldives offers a unique and memorable dining experience, combining exquisite cuisine with stunning ocean views, making it a must-visit for those seeking a special and romantic dining experience in the Maldives.
3. Muraka
Muraka Restaurant is not a standalone dining establishment but rather a part of the unique Muraka experience at Mirihi Island Resort in the South Ari Atoll, Maldives. Muraka is a two-level luxury residence, with the master bedroom submerged 16 feet below sea level in the Indian Ocean. The upper level of Muraka offers living and dining areas, two bedrooms, and an outdoor deck with an infinity pool.
While Muraka Restaurant is not a separate entity, guests staying at Muraka can enjoy a private dining experience above the live coral reef, which is the perfect setting for a memorable meal. The restaurant is not open to the general public, and the dining experience is exclusively available to guests staying at Muraka.In summary, Muraka Restaurant is not a standalone restaurant but rather a private dining experience available to guests staying at the Muraka residence at Mirihi Island Resort in the Maldives. The dining experience is set above a live coral reef, offering a unique and exclusive dining experience.
4. Feeling Koi
Feeling Koi is a Japanese restaurant located at Amilla Fushi Resort in Baa Atoll, Maldives. The restaurant offers a wide range of fresh sushi and sashimi dishes, as well as other Japanese cuisine options. Feeling Koi is situated over the water, providing a beautiful view of the ocean while dining.
The restaurant is known for its authentic Japanese cuisine and has received positive reviews for its food and atmosphere.In addition to Feeling Koi, Amilla Fushi Resort offers several other dining options, including Barolo, Emperor Beach Club, East, Joe’s Pizza, Fresh Chill’d Café, Sunset Bar, Baa Bar, The Cellar Door, and Mystique Garden. The resort also offers unique dining experiences, such as a floating breakfast, sandbank picnic, and private sandbank dinner.
In summary, Feeling Koi is a Japanese restaurant located at the Amilla Fushi resort in the Maldives, offering a variety of fresh sushi and sashimi dishes and other Japanese cuisine options. The restaurant is situated over the water, providing a beautiful view of the ocean while dining.
5. Azur Restaurant
Azur is a rooftop restaurant located at the JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La, offering stunning views of the Indian Ocean and authentic Maldivian cuisine. The restaurant is known for its unique setting on the 14th floor, providing unparalleled vistas of the sea. Azur serves a variety of dishes, including sushi, fresh Maldivian tuna, and grilled meats. It is a part of the Shangri-La hotel chain and is situated in the capital city of Malé.
The restaurant follows government regulations and does not serve or allow alcohol on the premises. The dress code is smart casual, and it is open from 9 a.m. to midnight. Please note that the search did not return specific details about the Azur restaurant in the Maldives. If you are looking for a different Azur restaurant, please provide additional details for a more accurate response.
6. Edge Restaurant
The Edge is a distinctive overwater fine dining restaurant located in Niyama, Private Islands, Maldives, accessible only by boat. The restaurant offers a 5-course set menu focusing on fresh local seafood, including only local Maldivian reef fish, highlighted with modern techniques.
The Edge is known for its exclusive overwater dining experience, which provides stunning views of the Indian Ocean. The restaurant is open for dinner from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm, and the lounge is open from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm. The dress code is smart casual, including footwear. The Edge is situated next to the ocean, welcoming guests to its modern and open dining space designed to showcase unobstructed views of its scenic surroundings. For more information, Visit Maldives
7. Just Veg
Just Veg is a vegetarian restaurant located at the Atmosphere Kanifushi Resort in the Maldives. It prides itself on redefining contemporary vegetarian cuisine and is the first purely vegetarian restaurant in the Maldives. The restaurant serves delightful vegetarian cuisine from the Mediterranean, Arabic, and Indian regions. Just Veg has received accolades and is recognized as one of the best all-vegetarian restaurants in the Maldives. It offers carefully crafted menus for guests with specific dietary lifestyle choices, including vegan/vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb/keto, or paleo offerings. The restaurant provides a unique dining experience for vegetarian guests, showcasing a diverse range of vegetarian dishes in a picturesque setting at the resort.
8. Aragu
Aragu is a fine-dining restaurant located on Velaa Private Island in Noonu Atoll, Maldives. It offers a contemporary European-Asian menu with a focus on sustainability and artistic presentation. The restaurant is known for its spectacular marine-themed 36-cover dining room, which features dazzling shades of blue and gold.
Chef Gaushan De Silva, who has a career spanning over 27 years, is at the helm of Aragu, and he has made the establishment the first and only in the Maldives to be listed in the extended 51-100 section of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. The average price per person is $210, and a tasting menu is available for $130. Aragu is part of Velaa Private Island’s dining experience, which also includes other venues such as Tavaru, Athiri, and Avi.
9. M6M Restaurant
M6M is an underwater restaurant located on Maadhoo Island in the Maldives, part of the Ozen Life Maadhoo resort. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience. It is submerged six meters below sea level, providing guests with stunning views of the underwater world. M6M serves lunch and dinner, featuring a rich selection of seafood dishes and wine pairings.
Guests aged 12 and above are welcome for lunch and dinner, while younger children are allowed for lunch on specific days. The restaurant’s name, M6M, stands for “minus six meters,” signifying its depth below sea level. The interior design is minimalistic, allowing the underwater spectacle to take center stage. M6M is known for its exceptional dining experience, which includes a fine caviar and champagne pairing in the M6M Lounge upstairs before descending to the underwater restaurant.
10. Hard Rock Cafe, Maldives
The Hard Rock Cafe Maldives is located at The Marina at Crossroads in the Maldives. It offers a taste of life on the red carpet, complete with nightly live music, legendary music memorabilia, classic cocktails, and a full menu of fresh, handcrafted American classics. The restaurant is open from 12:00 PM to 00:30 AM and closed on Tuesdays. It provides an open-kitchen dining experience, borrowing flavors and recipes from around the world. The restaurant also offers a private chef’s studio for 12 guests and a pool bar with an infinity pool that extends into the lagoon. The restaurant is known for its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular choice for both intimate gatherings and larger events.
What is the dress code for restaurants in the Maldives?
The dress code for restaurants in the Maldives varies depending on the establishment. Most hotels and resorts have a dress code for dining at their restaurants, and luxury resorts may have specific dress codes for dining. For example, guests may be asked not to wear beach clothes, and men may be required to wear light trousers that cover the ankles and a short-sleeved shirt. Women may be required to wear a dress or skirt with a light blouse. It is best to check with the restaurant or resort beforehand to ensure that you are dressed appropriately.
In general, it is recommended to dress modestly and avoid revealing clothing, especially when visiting local islands where the locals are Muslim. Light clothing made from natural materials, such as lightweight cotton, is best, as the Maldives can be hot and humid. Comfortable shoes are also recommended for excursions. High heels are not recommended, as many resorts do not have paved paths. In summary, it is best to dress appropriately for the occasion and check with the restaurant or resort beforehand to ensure that you are dressed appropriately.
FAQ’s
- best places to eat in the Maldives
The Maldives offers a diverse array of exceptional dining experiences, such as Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, The Lighthouse, Muraka, Feeling Koi, and Just Veg.
- popular food in maldives
Popular food in the Maldives includes Garudhiya, Kukulhu Riha, Masi Huni, Handulu Bondibai, Rihaakuru, and many more best dishes.
- food lovers resorts in the Maldives
The Maldives offers a plethora of resorts perfect for food lovers, including Cora Cora Maldives, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, Niyama Private Islands, and Anantara Veli Maldives, known for their exceptional dining experiences, diverse culinary offerings, and stunning ocean views.