The Maldives is a truly magical part of the world, with mesmerizing sunsets and pristine beaches that you can’t help but fall in love with. This island archipelago is home to some of the most luxurious resorts in the world, and where there are fantastic resorts, exceptional food is not far behind.
However, with over 1,000 islands making up the Maldives and most islands hosting its own resort, it’s not always easy to find the best places to eat. This is where we come in to provide you with all the essential information about the best restaurants in the Maldives. You will be left in awe, from exotic traditional Maldivian cuisine to the best French gastronomy in this island paradise.
Keep on reading to learn about the best all-inclusive resorts in the Maldives and the fantastic restaurants where you can enjoy a lovely meal during your stay.
The 10 Best Maldives Restaurants
Thanks to its ever-growing popularity as a tourist destination, restaurants in the Maldives have become some of the best fine dining spots in Asia.
Here are our top ten Maldivian restaurants in no particular order, from wholesome Indian cuisine to the culinary delights of American-Asian fusion.
Aragu on Velaa Private Island
If you want the best Maldives restaurant experience, look no further than Aragu at the Velaa Private Island Resort. Aragu Signature Restaurant made it into Asia’s top 50 restaurants, and for a good reason. They provide the best food in the Maldives with unforgettable views of the Indian Ocean.
There are plenty of options on the European-inspired menu, with a touch of Asian flair. You can begin your meal with a succulent yellowfin tuna accompanied by a delicious potato fondant and artichoke truffled teriyaki sauce. You can end your meal with a delicate almond fondant with acacia honey and salted caramel ice cream.
With your choice of a three-course or five-course meal, you are definitely going to have a spectacular dining experience at Aragu.
Ithaa Underwater Restaurant on Rangali Island
The list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the unforgettable Maldives dining experience you will have at Ithaa Underwater Restaurant. The Conrad Resort has one of the most awe-inspiring features in the world with this distinctive restaurant.
Enjoying a delicious meal as schools of colorful fish swim around is one of the most unique experiences in the Maldives. Indulge your senses in this underwater oasis with delicious meals ranging from Maldivian crisp lobster tortellini to smoked mozzarella salads. For the sweet tooths, after a decadent meal, you can polish off a Valrhona Manjari chocolate tart with olive oil cream and lavender marshmallows.
Terra on Ithaafushi Island
If you ever thought a tree-top restaurant was a bad idea, think again. Terra at the Waldorf Astoria Resort proves just how romantic a meal in the sky can be. Resting above the canopy, Terra provides personal bubbles of comfort for indulging in luxurious food.
You can expect only the best Maldives food here, with a memorable journey through a seven-course meal. Dive into a lovely Norwegian poached salmon with a creamy cauliflower veloute before tantalizing your tastebuds on a Miyazaki Wagyu beef tenderloin. End off your culinary adventure with a palette cleansing basil and bergamot sorbet.
Top Tip: With this restaurant above the surrounding treeline, it’s best to visit for dinner, as you can witness spectacular sunset views and mesmerizing stars after dusk.
Al Barakat on Landaa Giraavaru Island
If you want to dive into the delicacies of North African cuisine, look no further than Al Barakat at the Four Seasons Resort. This restaurant floats above the Indian Ocean and provides guests with a heartwarming experience of the flavours of Morocco, Lebanon, and Armenia.
Take your pick from the sophisticated indoor seating or the refreshing rooftop outdoor tables. Either way, you’ll be able to admire the sky as it changes from a brilliant blue to shades of orange and purple during sunset.
Whether you are vegetarian or not, there are plenty of options, from delicious falafels with tahini to Al Barakat’s signature seafood tagine. Once an unforgettable main course is all done, enjoy the sweeter side of life with gourmet desserts, including a delectable Pistachio Anoush.
Baraabaru on Kuda Huraa Island
Baraabaru is quite possibly the best Maldives Indian restaurant in this archipelago. Within one of the Four Seasons Resorts on the island of Kuda Huraa, this classy eatery offers the best of south and north Indian cuisine, all in the comfort of one place.
In the majestic setting of Kuda Huraa’s lagoon, Baraabaru has crystal clear waters that change to beautiful shades of orange and purple as the sun sets. The tandoor tapas are some of the best meals you can eat here, and the masala tea panna cotta is worth every penny for those with a sweet tooth.
Top Tip: If that’s not enough to sway you, Barabaaru also offers cooking classes where you can refine your skills in the art of Indian cuisine.
White Orchid Lounge on Manafaru Island
If you want a calm and casual dining experience amongst the beauty of Manafaru Island, look no further than the White Orchid Lounge at JA Resorts and Hotels. This classy but casual bar and restaurant provides only the best European and Asian-inspired dishes.
Sip on a mojito while soothing live music sets the tone, and the sun slowly dips behind the horizon. At the White Orchid Lounge, classic bar and pub food are brought into the world of fine dining, as dishes like deconstructed nachos and parma ham sandwiches fill your appetite.
Aside from eating the delicious meals on offer, you can always just relax and enjoy a drink in the indoor or outdoor seating that this magnificent restaurant and bar provides.
Le 1947 on Randheli Island
If you are searching for classic French dishes in the heart of the Indian Ocean, then look no further than Le 1947 at the Cheval Blanc Hotel. As far as European cuisine goes, Le 1947 is possibly one of the best places to eat in the Maldives.
Set on Randheli Island, this restaurant is one of the few on this list that doesn’t overlook the ocean. Instead, a lush tropical garden sets the stage for an adventure of the senses. Travel through France on a 12-course gastronomic journey, with each dish especially paired with Le 1947’s signature assortment of vintage wines. You’ll feel as if you’ve just experienced the joys of Paris in the heart of the Maldives.
Top Tip: Le 1947 only serves dinners from Mondays to Wednesdays between 7 pm and 10:30 pm.
Reethi on Reethi Rah Island
If you think you’ve seen exclusivity in the Maldives, just wait until you see Reethi restaurant at the One & Only Resort. This overwater restaurant provides you with three unique dining experiences to choose from.
Earth is a culinary masterclass of French and Asian cuisine where your tastebuds will fall in love with food once again. Aqua provides one of the best Italian experiences in the Maldives, and Fire Grill brings out all the natural flavours of the sea, land and farm in a charcoal oven.
Overall, you are bound to have an eclectic experience at Reethi, one that will live long in your memory.
Flying Sauces on Soneva Fushi Island
If you are looking for an exhilarating dining experience, look no further than Flying Sauces at the Soneva Fushi Resort. Make your way up the winding path to the top of the canopy, where your ziplining adventure will begin. Yes, ziplining and fine dining are a thing.
Once here, you’ll have mesmerizing views of the lush green landscape and crystal clear waters below. Flying Sauces provides seasonal menus, with the majority of the ingredients coming from Soneva Fushi’s organic garden.
This is one of the top environmentally conscious restaurants in the Maldives that also offers an unforgettable zipline dining experience.
The Lighthouse on Maamunagau Island
Last but certainly not least is the elegant Lighthouse restaurant at the Baros Maldives Resort. Despite the name, you aren’t in an actual lighthouse; instead, you are in a contemporary take on what a lighthouse represents.
A beacon of modern design, this restaurant uses warm and cool ambient lighting to create a magical environment where you can enjoy an unforgettable dining experience. The Lighthouse has a wide range of meals and drinks that will have your mouth watering at all the options. Overall, the Lighthouse in the ocean is one of the best restaurants in Maldives, Male.
What is the Best Restaurant in the Maldives?
Although the Maldives is renowned for its pristine white sand beaches and luxury resorts, one thing people tend to overlook is the spectacular restaurants on offer. The Maldives offers a bit of everything, from purely plant-based delights to delicious French cuisine.
With high-end resorts offering you a variety of international cuisines, you will have an unforgettable experience. With more than 1,000 islands in the Maldives with countless restaurants that provide truly unique experiences, you will definitely have a lovely vacation.
To make your time in this archipelago just that bit more memorable, discover the best Maldives attractions that will leave you wanting more.
