Top Restaurants in Maldives

The Maldives is a tropical nation in the Indian Ocean, which is surrounded with more than 1,000 coral islands, it’s known for its beaches, busy fish market, restaurants, and shops. Speaking of restaurants, Maldives is popular for the seafood and the sea side view with over 400+ restaurants.

Each and every restaurant is unique and innovative in their own way. Visitors from other continents are to try the variety of Asian cuisines at the island. Most of them are provided with private dining, which is relaxing and romantic as well to spend the evening at the islands. Also the Maldives restaurants here are considered to be most luxurious as well as affordable.

Dining in the Maldives can be a very indulgent experience indeed. Each resort has multiple restaurants concentrating on various types of world cuisine. Not surprisingly, seafood is a prominent fixture. Vegetarians won't go hungry, though! Read on to be tempted by our pick of the best restaurants in the Maldives—many of which are destinations unto themselves.

 

 

• Ithaa Undersea Restaurant

 

To dine below sea level, there’s nowhere like the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant. Part of the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort, this is an exquisite venue specialising in contemporary European dishes of the finest quality. Enjoy a luxurious six-course dinner while revelling in the opportunity to watch reef sharks and manta rays sail past, without the need to don a snorkel. Dishes include delectable malossol imperial caviar and yellowtail kingfish with saffron champagne risotto. Ithaa is a pricey restaurant so for those with a tight budget, enjoy a mid-morning cocktail or a four-course lunch instead of the more extravagant dinner option.

 

• Jazz Café

 

Serving a mix of Maldivian and international dishes in a trendy, low-key setting, the Jazz Café is hugely popular with young and old tourists and locals. The cafe often hosts live music gigs with talented local musicians entertaining dinners with their renditions of great jazz, rock and soul numbers, making this a great choice of restaurant for an enjoyable and relaxing dinner. Dishes on offer include yellow chicken curry, roshi, beef and onion stir fry, and roast chicken with barbecue sauce. The menu varies slightly each day, encouraging diners to return to try something new.

 

• Muraka Restaurant

 

A stunning alternative to the undersea restaurant, Muraka sits atop the sea at the end of a jetty. An open-floor section provides a window into the sea world below as waves lap around the rustic, wooden restaurant, creating the most relaxing and equally luxurious setting. The dishes at Muraka are each presented like works of art, as pleasing to the eyes as to the palate. The restaurant specialises in local seafood complemented by exotic flavours, so opt for the Whole Fish Delight for an extra-indulgent dining experience. With this option, the chef prepares a whole fish selected by the table, right in front of them. Another great dining option is the Maldivian experience menu, comprising four decadent courses of authentic local cuisine.

 

• Reethi Restaurant

 

One of the finest and innovative restaurants in the Maldives, Reethi serves a variety of cuisines. The dining space is split into three areas i.e., Earth, Fire and Aqua. The Maldivian lobster is highly recommended by the visitors at Reethi. So, visit this place for savouring lip-smacking cuisines and spending time with your family!

 

• The Market

 

The Market restaurant that is at the end of the island, offers a sea side view. They also prefer Borderless Dining which allows the guests to dine privately. Their menu is chosen in a way that it suits any occasion. They have 19 years of culinary expertise. For a private holiday, these are to be the best choice for both food and traveling. Do add them on your itinerary to have the most delicious food on your vacay!

 

• Symphony Lagoon

 

Operated by the oldest restaurant brand in the capital, Symphony Lagoon consistently excels in offering family-appropriate bistro-style dining. Choose to dine in the tropical-themed casual restaurant or in the pretty outdoor garden area. It’s even possible to enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner on the beach – complete with soft background music for those extra special evenings. Favourite dishes include vegetable curry, fried noodles, grilled cuttlefish and Lebanese chicken with garlic rice. Be sure to leave room for dessert, as there are always great choices on the menu.

 

• Terra

 

Terra is one of a record 11 restaurants at the swanky new Waldorf Astoria resort, on Ithaafushi Island in South Male Atoll. It has a collection of seven secluded private bamboo dining pods, or nests, strategically layered and tucked into the foliage. Dinner at the restaurant comprises an extravagant multi-course contemporary tasting menu matched with an excellent wine list. The cost of this exceptional experience? About $360 per person for the meal, with taxes included. Alcohol is extra. A 30-minute boat ride from Male will get you to the island.

 

• Seagull Café

 

Leafy and airy, Seagull Café is the best restaurant in capital city Male if you're looking for comfort food. The restaurant started as one of the Maldives' first gelaterias decades ago, before later expanding over two levels. Its spacious top floor overlooks the street and a mosque and is sheltered by a huge tree that grows up through the middle of the property. On the menu are all-day breakfasts, pasta, burgers, soups, salads, sandwiches, curries, noodles, and grills. Of course, gelato is still available, and it makes a great dessert. Do be aware that alcohol isn't permitted in Male. The restaurant does excellent coffee and fresh fruit juices, though. It's centrally located on Fareedhee Magu, a major road in the city.