The Maldives is not just a paradise for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts; it's also a culinary haven. With numerous exceptional dining options available at the finest resorts, choosing where to dine becomes a delightful challenge. To help you savour the best of the Maldivian culinary scene, we've compiled a list of our favourite restaurants and their top dishes.
Milaidhoo
Ba'theli By The Reef, Maldivian Cuisine
Ba'theli offers a unique dining experience on a traditional boat, immersing you in the Maldivian culture. What sets it apart is its focus on Maldivian and Sri Lankan cuisine, making it a rare gem in the Maldives. Don't miss the Maldivian Lobster Curry – it's delicious!
Anantara Kihavah
Sea, International Cuisine
Sea restaurant, located at Anantara Kihavah, boasts an underwater setting with mesmerising views of the house reef. Enjoy an exquisite dining experience with a wine pairing curated by a knowledgeable sommelier. The Mixed Seafood Platter, especially the giant prawns, is a must-try
Alternative Underwater Restaurants:
- Hurawalhi's '5.8'
- Ozen Life Maadhoo's 'M6M'
- Huvafen Fushi's 'Latitude 4°'
- Niyama Private Island's 'Subsix'
Pullman
Phat Chameleon, Vegetarian Cuisine
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort is a haven for vegetarians. Phat Chameleon stands out with its clever and delicious vegetarian offerings. The Mushroom Medley is a flavour-packed dish that you won't want to miss.
Baros
The Lighthouse, Modern Classic Cuisine
The Lighthouse is an intimate restaurant perched over the lagoon, offering a unique and romantic dining experience. The Lobster Bisque, prepared at the table, is a signature dish that’s packed full of flavour.
Kuda Villingili
Mar-Umi, Peruvian-Japanese Cuisine
Kuda Villingili is a resort that offers an exceptional culinary journey, and Mar-Umi is a standout. With delectable sushi and an array of dishes, including Yellow Tiradito and Maki Amarillo, it's a food lover's paradise.
With so many incredible restaurants of all different cuisines in the Maldives, it's hard to pick just 5! So we wanted to throw in some special mentions that we feel just cannot be missed.
Special Mentions:
- 'Tribal' - Niyama Private Islands
- 'Flying Sauces' - Soneva Fushi
- 'Tavaru' - Velaa Private Island
- 'Leaf' - Six Senses Laamu
- 'Saoke' - Joali Maldives
- 'Yapa Sunset Bar' - Raffles Maldives Meradhoo
- 'Tradition Saffron' - Ozen Reserve Bolifushi
The Maldives offers a culinary journey like no other, and these restaurants are the stars of the show. Whether a seafood aficionado, a lover of vegetarian delights, or an enthusiast of international cuisine, the Maldives' dining scene has something extraordinary to offer. Bon appétit!