The Best Restaurants in the Maldives
Food and travel so often go hand in hand, and so when developing our new winter sun Indian Ocean programme, naturally we were keen to find some of the best foody spots. Here are a selection of our favourites in the Maldives, showcasing a global selection of cuisines from crab shack on the beach to fine dining and fine wine.
Anantara Kihavah Sea
Home to the world’s first underwater wine cellar which guests walk through before reaching a dining room totally surrounded by the sea, Anantara Kihavah Sea is spectacular. Diners can watch sharks, turtles and tropical fish swim by while they savour gourmet dining at its finest. The impeccably plated Maldivian lobster makes for a special lunch, while pan-seared Japanese wagyu completes a romantic dinner.
Millaidhoo Bathali
Authentic Maldivian fine dining restaurant over the water on traditional Dhoni Boats. This is a completely magical experience and shows off the best cuisine the Maldives has to offer.
Hurawalhi 5.8
The world’s largest all-glass undersea restaurant. ‘5.8’ dazzles and delights diners with a multi-course tasting extravaganza.
Joali Saoke
World-renowned restaurant architect Noriyoshi Muramatsu designed this distinctly Japanese restaurant. This restaurant specialises in Sake, Sushi, and Teppanyaki.
Finolhu the Crab Shack
This shack is a 20-minute stroll along the sandbank from the main island and is where hungry guests can enjoy shrimp and baked crab with a glass.
Six Senses Laamu Leaf
Perched above an organic garden, in a tree house, here you can enjoy fresh ingredients from the Six Senses Laamu chefs. The team works closely with Maldivian fishermen and farmers to source the freshest and finest local ingredients for inventive dishes.
Niyama The Nest
Explore the surreal six-metre-high treehouse, tucked away in the jungle on a labyrinth of wooden walkways serving Asian fusion. For a theatrical meal, the teppanyaki table is the most desired in the house. Here you can also taste the world’s most expensive coffee, Black Ivory, and experience the sweet finale of Nest’s signature dessert: Luwak Coffee Brûlée.
Waldorf Astoria Yasmeen
Here diners can discover authentic Arabic cuisine with a focus from eastern Mediterranean to Maghreb (northwest African) specialities. Savour piping hot Saj bread, mezze, and succulent charcoal-grilled meat and seafood. The restaurant is adorned with antique decor in an Arabian village setting.
One and Only Reethi Rah: Botanica
Brent Savage is one of Australia’s most respected chefs and has designed Reethi Rah’s signature garden-to-table restaurant which highlights fresh, natural produce in inspired dishes. Placing an emphasis on natural ingredients, much of the menu is sourced from the chef’s gardens. The Gin Bar is worth visiting, housing no less than 34 Gins.
Tapasake
Japanese / Peruvian fusion restaurant, famous for sashimi and nigiri plates, elegant mains and its extensive sake collection. Tapasake offers Japanese dishes with Peruvian influences against a backdrop of panoramic ocean views and the restaurant even has its own exclusively blended limited-edition sake, called Naraman Daiginjo.
Velaa Tavvaru Tower
The Wine Cellar here offers guests a rare opportunity to discover gems such as the 1956 Domaine de la “Romanée Conti”, a rare vintage Salon Champagne, and a centuries-old fortified 1870 Blandy’s “Verdelho Solera”, both treasures from across the globe. Up above the Wine Cellar in the restaurant, you will find amazing views over Velaa, and Tavaru’s brand-new menu celebrating the Teppanyaki grill cuisine. Get a front-row seat as the chefs slice, dice, season and create bespoke menus with particular flair and finesse right under your nose aside the sizzling hot iron plates of the Teppanyaki grill.
Aragu
Modern European Cuisines, culinary art mixed with awareness and sustainability. Chef Gaushan De Silva brings a twist on classic dishes from Europe to bring a lavish experience.
