Learn why the Maldives has been voted as a culinary paradise, with its array of dining options that showcase the rich and diverse flavours of the region.
With locally sourced ingredients, freshness galore and innovative flavour fusions, the culinary arts of the Maldives are world-renowned. Look beyond the turquoise lagoons and white sand beaches of the area and experience the fresh and flavourful side of this famous destination.
From the most exquisite international fine dining to local Maldivian treats served in treetop perches, underwater galleries and everywhere in between, experience island dining at its finest. We’ve narrowed down the top eight best restaurants in the Maldives, all of which offer visitors an unforgettable dining experience.
Koen at Patina Maldives
Koen in Patina Maldives offers a tantalising fusion of Japanese and Nordic flavours, a captivating atmosphere and unique experiences. Experience one-of-a-kind dining with views of the resort’s gorgeous jungle and the surrounding Indian Ocean.
Koen’s menu of inspiring Japanese dishes showcases culinary arts, Scandinavian influences, and high-quality ingredients including fresh seafood, premium meats, seasonal vegetables, as well as exclusive wines and champagnes. The restaurant's skilled chefs use innovative cooking techniques and the freshest local ingredients to create dishes that are both visually stunning and bursting with flavour. The staff’s attention to detail and impeccable service will leave you feeling like royalty. With its exquisite tasting menus and packaged offers, Koen is a must-visit destination for food lovers.
Kai at Ayada Maldives
The delightfully-decorated Kai restaurant is located at the serene Ayada Maldives resort on Magudhuva Island. Nestled between sparkling sea and tropical gardens, Kai is the perfect backdrop for a romantic dinner or special occasion and the interior is reminiscent of a Japanese palace, with reflective pools and a serene ambience.
Kai’s mouthwatering menu combines the inspiring flavours and techniques of Japan, Thailand and China, along with the freshest local and organic ingredients, many of which are sourced from the resort’s own gardens. If you love sushi and sashimi, this is your go-to restaurant. The highly skilled chefs ensure all dishes are both visually stunning and bursting with flavour, while the wait staff are simply charming. Prepare to be wowed by this exceptional restaurant.
Beru Bar at The Standard, Maldives
The gorgeous Beru Bar at The Standard, Maldives is a stunning adults-only bar and restaurant that offers visitors a memorable culinary experience with unparalleled views of the azure lagoon. The restaurant's extensive Japanese menu features amazing fresh seafood dishes, delectable sushi and sashimi, flamed nigiri and comforting hosomaki all lovingly created by masterful chefs using locally sourced ingredients.
The restaurant’s cocktail list features a selection of refreshing classics from around the world, as well as custom cocktails designed by the island’s in-house mixologists. The attentive and friendly service you’ll receive is the icing on the cake, making each dining experience at Beru Bar truly unforgettable.
Just Veg at Atmosphere Kanifushi
Whether you’re vegetarian or not, the superb Just Veg restaurant at the glorious Atmosphere Kanifushi is guaranteed to please. This award-winning culinary experience sits overlooking the turquoise ocean, offering unfettered views of paradise while you enjoy contemporary plant-based cuisine.
The restaurant's creative menu features a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes that are inspired by flavours from around the world, with an emphasis on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Just Veg's talented chefs use innovative cooking techniques to create dishes that are both healthy and flavourful, making it a perfect dining destination for health-conscious travellers. The servers are friendly and love to answer questions about the food and local culture. The restaurant's elegant ambience and attentive service will delight even the most discerning foodies.
Subsix at Niyama Private Islands
The spectacular Subsix underwater restaurant is located at the dreamy Niyama Private Islands in the Dhaalu Atoll. Offering guests an unparalleled dining experience six metres below the ocean's surface, Subsix provides diners with breathtaking floor-to-ceiling views of the colourful corals and sea life while they dine on superb seafood dishes.
Choose from a selection of fresh Maldivian and international dishes, with amazing seafood, prime meat, vegetarian and dessert options perfectly accompanied by refreshing drinks. This exceptional cuisine is prepared to perfection by talented chefs: choose from poached scallops with black truffle, coral lobster tail with verbena foam and A5 Tajima Wagyu Sirloin with black garlic (just to name a few). Lounge in comfortable anemone chairs beneath a sea of capiz shells which dangle from the ceiling. This experience is certain to be unforgettable.
The Lighthouse Restaurant at Baros
Perched high above the water, the Lighthouse Restaurant at Baros Resort offers an unparalleled dining experience in the heart of the Indian Ocean. Here, you can enjoy tempting Maldivian fare, fresh seafood and succulent steaks while admiring panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding islands from the restaurant's elevated position over the water.
The restaurant’s degustation experience includes traditional and contemporary dishes paired with a selection of fine wines and premium spirits. The chefs are exceptionally skilled and the staff are charming. This is the restaurant to visit if you want spectacular food with no frills, accompanied by unmatched views.
Azzurro Restaurant and Bar at Angsana Velavaru Resort
The renowned Azzurro Restaurant and Bar at the regal Angsana Velavaru Resort offers a luxurious dining experience that combines Mediterranean cuisine with the unique flavours of the Maldives. Dine al fresco on the timber veranda and enjoy the occasional ocean breeze, or opt to enjoy your meal inside the restaurant’s sultry dining room. The restaurant's fine-wine cellar is equally impressive, but if you desire a simple beer, you’ll find that here too.
The menu features a range of Mediterranean-inspired dishes that showcase the finest ingredients sourced from around the world, with a particular focus on seafood. From jumbo tiger prawns to Maldivian grilled lobster and Tasmanian salmon, the menu is bound to impress.
Portico at Patina Maldives
Portico is a standout dining venue at the five-star Patina Maldives. This stunning architecturally designed restaurant features unobstructed views of the stunning resort. With sleek lines, hewn wood, spellbinding concrete features and an overwhelming sense of Zen, you’ll be unwinding in style while feasting on mouthwatering dishes.
Portico offers an exquisite dining experience with an innovative take on traditional Maldivian cuisine. Showcasing the freshest, finest ingredients and culinary techniques from around the world, their rotating menu includes flavour inspiration from Southern Indian, Sri Lankan and of course, local Maldivian specialities. The cocktail bar is a lot of fun with expertly crafted drinks to enjoy alongside your meal. You couldn’t ask for a better experience in paradise.
Featured image: Subsix at Niyama Private Islands
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