Unveiling the Best Restaurants in the Maldives: Paradise Found

The Maldives –– a breathtaking archipelago draped across the turquoise canvas of the Indian Ocean –– is a haven for sun-drenched bliss and impeccable luxury. But beyond the sugar-soft sands and swaying palms: typical task is to find the best restaurants in Maldives to stay in peaceful environment with true beauty spirit.

I have explored many restaurants during my several trips to Maldives. I found, Ithaa Restaurant, Miele Restaurant and The Beach Grill some of the best restaurants in the Maldives, where every meal is a symphony for the senses. So, stay with me to further explore these restaurants and knowing about their menus.

Fine Dining on The Best Restaurants in the Maldives

For those seeking an unforgettable epicurean escapade, the Maldives delivers. Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, nestled five meters below the surface at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, offers an unparalleled dining experience. Imagine indulging in Maldivian lobster or Wagyu beef while marveling at vibrant coral reefs and graceful fish darting through the crystal-clear waters. The sensation of being suspended amidst the underwater world is magical, making every bite an otherworldly delight.

Some highlights of dining at this one-of-a-kind restaurant include:

• Panoramic underwater views through the arched acrylic windows
• Locally sourced seafood and prime cuts of meat
• Four to eight-course set menus paired with premium wines
• Intimate atmosphere with seating for just 14 guests
• Attentive yet unintrusive world-class service

“From the moment you descend into this underwater haven, the world fades away. Dining at Ithaa is like entering your private sanctuary where delectable cuisine merges seamlessly with aquatic artistry.”

Reserve your table by emailing [email protected] or calling +960 668 0629. Booking is highly recommended, given the intimate capacity and popularity of this underwater oasis.

Ithaa Restaurant Maldives Menu and Prices

Ithaa is one of the best Maldives restaurants. I strongly suggest you to visit Ithaa whenever you visit Maldives. here is the menu of Ithaa:

Dish	Description	Price (USD)
Appetizers
Tuna Tartare	Diced raw yellowfin tuna, yuzu pearls, avocado cream	$35
Scallop Carpaccio	Thinly sliced Hokkaido scallops, white truffle dressing	$32
Mains
Maldivian Lobster	Butter poached, béarnaise sauce, crispy shallots	$89
Wagyu Striploin	Grade 9+, red wine jus, confit potatoes	$115
Desserts
Chocolate Sphere	Dark chocolate shell, passionfruit cream, tropical fruit coulis	$29
Lemongrass Crème Brûlée	Torch-caramelized sugar crust, fresh raspberries	$19

A Culinary Journey Around the Globe

The Maldives’ culinary scene is a vibrant mosaic of international influences. Miele Restaurant at LUX South Ari Atoll* is also a best Maldives restaurants due to its tantalizes taste buds and innovative fusion cuisine courtesy of award-winning Executive Chef Akmal.

Think Maldivian tuna tartare infused with Japanese yuzu, succulent Australian lamb shank slow-cooked in a Moroccan tagine brimming with spices and prunes, or the signature Miele Chocolate Box featuring rich Belgian chocolate molded into iconic global monuments like the Eiffel Tower.

“Every visit to Miele is a delectable journey across continents without ever having to leave my table. The complex symphony of flavors and artistic plating makes dining here an unforgettable experience.”

Some highlights of the Miele dining experience:

• Breathtaking overwater setting at the end of a jetty
• Locally sourced ingredients fused with global techniques and spices
• Six to ten-course degustation menus changed seasonally
• Impressive wine cellar with over 200 labels
• Warm and welcoming service in multiple languages

Reserve via OpenTable or call +960 676 0112.

Sample Menu Items from Miele Restaurant

Dish	Description
Starters
Tuna Tartare	Diced yellowfin tuna, yuzu pearls, sliced avocado, coriander oil
Burrata Salad	Imported creamy burrata, compressed watermelon, balsamic vinegar pearls
Mains
Moroccan Lamb Shank	Braised New Zealand lamb, prunes, couscous, harissa
Miele Chocolate Box	Belgian milk, white, and dark chocolate molded into global landmarks

• Personalized tasting menus are available
• Wine and drinks pairings tailored for each menu
• Prices starting at $120 per person, excluding beverages

Gourmet Delights on a Secluded Sandbank

For an intimate barefoot-luxury dining experience, look no further than The Beach Grill at COMO Cocoa Island. This beachfront haven specializes in fresh seafood grilled to perfection over smoldering coconut husks.

Savor succulent Maldivian red snapper or tiger prawns, melt-in-your-mouth lobster tails, or the catch of the day, while basking in the golden glow of the setting sun. The gentle rhythm of the waves kissing the shoreline creates an ambiance of pure tropical tranquility.

Some highlights include:

• Idyllic setting on a private sandbank
• Daily rotating selection of freshly caught reef fish and shellfish
• The menu showcases authentic Maldivian dishes
• Bespoke dining experiences for two to four guests
• Stunning views of Mount Kelaa across Cocoa Island Lagoon

Reserve via email at [email protected] or telephone +960 664 1818.

Signature Dishes at The Beach Grill

• Mas Huni – Tuna salad with grated coconut, onions, chilies, and lemon, served on crisp roshi flatbread
• Fihaara filo folhi – White snapper fillet steamed in banana leaf with local spices
• Kulhithi Kukulhu – Tiger prawns with sautéed coconut, chili, curry leaves and onions
• Asaalu filo – Snapper head soup with garlic, ginger, and lemongrass

A Culinary Adventure for Every Palate

Beyond these exquisite fine-dining havens, the Maldives boasts many restaurants to tantalize every palate.

Seafood

The Sea Grill at Anantara Dhigu is a haven for seafood lovers seeking beachfront dining with views over Dhigu lagoon. The extensive menu features an array of the day’s catch from Maldivian tuna to reef fish, prepared à la carte or as part of a Chef’s Choice platter. Signature items include tandoori lobster and Maldivian chili crab.

Local Cuisine

Bokkura at Taj Coral Reef Resort offers authentic Maldivian fare with a modern twist courtesy of its inventive head chef. Highlights include traditional coconut chicken curry, freshly caught reef fish steamed in banana leaf, tuna with grated coconut, and exotic tropical fruits for dessert. The extensive beverage list includes unique cocktails featuring local ingredients.

Italian

Al Bar at Maafushi Island serves up artisanal woodfired pizzas and pasta made with imported and locally sourced ingredients for a taste of Italy under the stars. Their signature pizza pairs tuna, chili flakes, and caramelized onions for a tropical twist on a Neapolitan classic. Fresh linguine tossed with Maldivian lobster is another guest favorite.

More Than Just a Meal: An Unforgettable Maldivian Experience

Dining in the Maldives is not merely about satisfying your hunger but creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Imagine toasting the sunset with your special someone, champagne flutes raised high as the fiery glow dances across the endless horizon.

Or picture yourself sharing belly laughs over delectable bites with lifelong friends and family while gentle ocean breezes brush against your skin.

Here in the Maldives, every meal is an opportunity to connect on a deeper level with those you hold dear, making your holiday even more meaningful.

So as you embark on your Maldivian odyssey, be sure to approach each dining experience as a chance to nourish not just your body but also your heart, mind and soul.

Tips for an Unforgettable Culinary Adventure

As you plan your gastronomic journey through the Maldives, keep these tips in mind:

• Book in advance: Popular restaurants, especially those with breathtaking ocean views or limited seating, tend to get booked up weeks or months out. Reserve your table well in advance to avoid disappointment.
• Dress the part: While flip-flops and swimwear might be acceptable at some casual beachfront eateries, most finer dining establishments encourage smart casual attire in the evenings. For ultimate indulgence, you may don cocktail attire to complement venues with more formal settings.
• Capture the memories: Bring your camera and ask your server to snap some photos of your group with the beautiful Maldivian backdrop. You’ll cherish these visual mementos for years to come.
• Indulge your sense of adventure: Don’t be afraid to try local Maldivian specialties featuring freshly caught seafood, aromatic spices, and tropical fruits. Part of the magic lies in discovering new and tantalizing flavors.
• Make a vacation-long memory: Consider booking a private beach picnic, sandbank dinner or floating breakfast during your stay. These bespoke dining experiences make for unforgettable memories amidst spectacular natural beauty.

I am damn sure if you visit any of the listed best restaurants in the Maldives, your taste buds will surely thank you for an extraordinary epicurean escape.