The Maldives is known for its luxury and also for the best local cuisine, which is served at the many restaurants in the Maldives. Due to this, it is important for many visitors seeking the best food restaurant.
Most travelers like to experience the best food at the top restaurants in the Maldives. The Maldives offer a unique way to enjoy a meal with the most iconic view, making it an unforgettable memory for guests.
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7 Best Restaurants in the Maldives in 2024
The Maldives is home to a variety of exceptional restaurants. Here are some of the best restaurants in the Maldives. These restaurants offer a range of cuisines, from seafood to plant-based cuisine, and some even offer underwater dining experiences.
1. Ithaa Undersea Restaurant
Ithaa Undersea Restaurant is a unique dining establishment located 5 meters below sea level at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island in the Alif Dhaal Atoll. It was designed and constructed by M.J. Murphy Ltd., a design consultancy based in New Zealand, and opened in April 2005, describing itself as the world’s first underwater restaurant. The 5-by-9-meter, mostly acrylic structure has a capacity of 14 people and is encased in R-Cast acrylic.
The restaurant offers a contemporary European menu and is known for its unique underwater dining experience. It has been used for private parties, weddings, and even offered an “underwater suite” promotion, allowing guests to stay overnight. The restaurant has a dress code of smart casual, and the dinner is priced at around US$400 per person. The restaurant offers a unique and memorable dining experience, surrounded by views of coral and marine life. It is known for its contemporary European cuisine and has received positive reviews for its one-of-a-kind ambiance and dining experience.
2. Kaage at VARU by Atmosphere
Kaage at VARU by Atmosphere is a highly acclaimed restaurant located at VARU by Atmosphere in the Maldives. It offers an award-winning epicurean experience, showcasing the rich heritage of Maldivian cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant’s name, “Kaagé,” refers to a traditional Maldivian dining house, and it is designed to recreate the ambiance of a historic Maldivian house.
The restaurant’s architecture, characterized by wooden and floral tones, captures the essence of Maldivian tradition.Kaage has received the ‘Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice—Best of the Best Award’ for the year 2023, winning the title of ‘Best Date Night.’ The restaurant’s culinary team is known for its expertise in curating culinary surprises from the depths of Maldivian cuisine, combining traditional flavors with modern presentations.
The menu features a variety of signature dishes, including Gulha, a deep-fried pastry ball filled with smoked tuna or vegetables, and Kandu Kukhulu, the renowned Maldivian Tuna Curry.The restaurant offers a unique dining experience, allowing guests to savor the cultural authenticity and burst of flavors that define Maldivian cuisine. Kaage is open for lunch on Thursday and Sunday and for dinner on all days except Wednesday. It is a must-visit for those seeking an exceptional culinary journey that celebrates tradition, passion, and innovation in the Maldives.
3. Aragu, Velaa Private Island
Aragu is a fine-dining restaurant located on Velaa Private Island in the Noonu Atoll, Maldives. It is the first and only restaurant in the Maldives to be voted into Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards. The restaurant boasts a spectacular marine-themed 36-cover dining room in dazzling shades of blue and gold, offering a unique and luxurious dining experience.
Aragu’s menu features European-Asian cuisine, and the restaurant is known for its sustainable approach to sourcing high-quality, organic ingredients. The average price per person is around $210, with a tasting menu starting at $130. The restaurant also offers one of the Maldives’ biggest wine collections, curated by the food and beverage director. Aragu is celebrated for its unforgettable dining experience, combining exquisite cuisine with an ambiance that celebrates the ocean. It is a must-visit for those seeking a truly exceptional culinary experience in the Maldives.
4. Subsix
Subsix is an extraordinary underwater restaurant located at the Niyama Private Islands in the Maldives. It is reached by a speedboat and a dramatic three-tier staircase, descending six meters below the water’s surface. The restaurant features unique ocean-inspired decor, including a clam-inspired bar and anemone chairs beneath capiz shells. Subsix offers a range of dining experiences, including champagne breakfasts, subaquatic lunches, and gourmet dinners. Guests can also enjoy “glow party” club nights, where the restaurant’s ambiance is illuminated by the natural theater of the surrounding reef. The restaurant’s menu includes a variety of chef creations, such as lobster medallions, blackberry essence, and swimmer crab, accompanied by couscous pomelo and ocean foam.
5. Mandhoo Restaurant
Mandhoo Restaurant is located on Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. It is set over the lagoon and features specially crafted menus designed to nourish and energize. The restaurant offers a beautiful open-air dining experience on stilts, serving up seafood staples like tiger prawns, fresh sea bass, and crabmeat salad, accompanied by organic produce grown on the island. Guests may also be lucky enough to spot marine life during the daily fish feeding.
Mandhoo Restaurant is known for its stunning location and delectable cuisine, making it a must-visit for those seeking a unique dining experience in the Maldives. The restaurant is part of the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, which also features other dining options such as Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, Ufaa by Jereme Leung, Sunset Grill, Vilu Restaurant & Bar, The Quiet Zone, Rangali Bar, The Cheese & Wine Bar, Wine Cellar, Atoll Market, and Beach Dining Events.
6. The Lighthouse Restaurant
The Lighthouse Restaurant is a renowned dining establishment located in Baros, Maldives. Situated on a circular dock, the restaurant offers an elegant gourmet experience with breathtaking views. The Lighthouse is known for its fine dining menu, which includes local and international delicacies. The restaurant’s intimate and magical ambiance, coupled with its legendary status in the Maldives, makes it a popular choice for visitors seeking a memorable culinary experience. Additionally, The Lighthouse Lounge, located at the same venue, offers fine dining overlooking the la
goon, with a wide array of wines and cocktails served with canapes. The Lighthouse Restaurant and Lounge at Baros Maldives are celebrated for their exceptional cuisine and stunning ocean views, making them a must-visit. For more information, Visit Maldives
7. Shades of Green, Soneva Fushi
Shades of Green is a unique plant-based restaurant located at Soneva Fushi in the Maldives. The restaurant is set within Soneva Fushi’s organic island gardens, offering an immersive culinary journey that celebrates the vibrant colors and fragrant spices of the Maldives and Southeast Asia. The entirely plant-based menu, created by Danish chef Carsten Kyster, features a rotating bistro menu designed for sharing. It showcases the finest seasonal vegetables, salads, fruit, and herbs cultivated at Soneva Fushi.
The restaurant’s focus on organic, plant-based dining is in line with Soneva’s Slow Life philosophy, which promotes holistic well-being and a more sustainable way of living. Shades of Green is open for dinner on select days and invites guests to embark on a pre-dinner tour of Soneva Fushi’s Organic Gardens to discover more about the featured ingredients. The restaurant’s innovative concept and commitment to organic, plant-based dining.
What is the price range of the best restaurants in the Maldives?
The price range of the best restaurants in the Maldives can vary widely, depending on the level of luxury and the type of restaurant. Generally, prices at hotel restaurants and luxury resorts can range from $20 to $300 or more per person for a meal, with some restaurants offering set menus for around $100 per person.
For example, in the Vihamanaa restaurant, lunch for an adult will cost about $45, and dinner about $80, while in the Miss Olive Oyl restaurant, a set with a whole lobster will cost $315. It’s important to note that some resorts offer all-inclusive meal plans, which can be a convenient and potentially cost-effective option. Additionally, there are local eateries and street food vendors that offer more affordable options, with meals at local restaurants costing around $5 to $15 per person.
The Most Popular Dishes you Should try
Some of the most popular dishes served in the best restaurants in the Maldives include:
- Garudhiya (Fish Soup): A fragrant fish soup usually served with lime, rice, chili, and onions.
- Mas Huni (Shredded Smoked Tuna): A prevalent Maldivian dish made of shredded smoked tuna, usually served with coconut, onions, and chili.
- Masroshi (Tuna Stuffed Chapati): Tuna-filled chapati, a popular snack in the Maldives.
- Bis Keemiya (Samosa): A pastry filled with fish, onions, chili, and coconut, either toasted or fried.
- Boshi Mashuni (Banana Flower Salad): A salad made with banana flower, coconut, chili, and lime.
In addition to these traditional Maldivian dishes, the best restaurants in the Maldives also offer a variety of international cuisines, including Norwegian salmon, Japanese wagyu, Australian lamb, Italian, Thai, and Japanese cuisines. Seafood, especially tuna, is a prominent ingredient in Maldivian cuisine, and many restaurants offer a wide range of seafood dishes, including fish curries and barbecued fish.
FAQ’s
- Top 10 best restaurants in the maldives
The top 10 best restaurants in the Maldives in 2024 are Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, Kaage at VARU by Atmosphere, Hard Rock Cafe Maldives, The Red Snapper & Coffee Beans, Only Blu Under Ocean Restaurant, Underwater Restaurant at Anantara Kihavah, Thila by Kurumba, Lighthouse Restaurant, REETHI RESTAURANT, and Bokkura Restaurant.
- ithaa undersea restaurant
Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, located at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, is the world’s first undersea restaurant, offering a contemporary European menu and a unique dining experience 5 meters below sea level, with a capacity of 14 people and a dinner priced at US$400 per person.
- best restaurants in hulhumale
The best restaurants in Hulhumale include Steak & Coffee Bar, Red Snapper & Coffee Beans, The Manhattan Fish Market Hulhumalé, The Chef Mode Badhige, Bombay Darbar, and Tandoori Flames Hulhumale, offering a variety of cuisines such as steak, seafood, and Indian dishes, with ratings ranging from 4 to 4.8.