When thinking of Maldivian restaurants, there’s normally one in particular that pops to mind ─ the extravagant Ithaa Undersea Restaurant. But the idyllic Maldives islands actually boast many ground-level exquisite eateries worthy of praise too, many of them using freshly caught fish and seafood to make truly divine dishes. Here is our pick of the most stunning restaurants in the Maldives, an update of our previous profile.

Ithaa Undersea Restaurant

Dine five meters below the surface of the ocean, in the world’s first undersea restaurant, with panoramic coral garden views and fusion menus matched with fine wines. Ithaa can be reserved for private dining, weddings and special occasions. The set lunch and dinner menus, matched with a wine concept, showcase local flavors blended with Western influences.

Part of the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort, this is a simply exquisite venue specialising in contemporary European dishes of the finest quality. Guests can enjoy a luxurious six-course dinner whilst revelling in the unique opportunity to watch reef sharks and manta rays sail on past them, without the need to don a snorkel. Dishes on offer include delectable malossol imperial caviar, and yellowtail kingfish with saffron champagne risotto. Ithaa certainly is a pricey restaurant, so for those with a tight budget, enjoy a mid-morning cocktail or a four-course lunch instead of the extravagant dinner option. 

Iberry Café’

The place to go to escape the tourists and dine with locals, the berry café’ is the most popular restaurant in Hulhumale. A small, boutique-style eatery in a residential part of town, the service is swift and friendly, and the atmosphere is always alive with patrons’ chatter. Serving a huge variety of dishes typical of the area, both the fish curry and the shrimp fried rice are great choices. A range of freshly made juices are also on the menu and are an absolute must to cool down on hot, muggy days.

Jazz Café

Located in Haveeree Higun, Maafannu, 20282 Maldives, 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 diners 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, rishi, beef and onion stir fry, and roast chicken with barbecue sauce. The menu varies slightly each day, encouraging diners to return the following day to try something new. 

Kitchen

Located in North Central Province, 9110, Maldives, Kitchen is answer to round-the-clock dining. Open for a semi-buffet breakfast, an exquisite lunch throughout the day, and a highly reputed à la carte dinner menu, KITCHEN is a great place to dine at any time of the day. Serving eclectic cuisine, the restaurant’s top chefs take much-loved simple dishes and give them unique twists to make them extra special. Open cooking stations enable guests to watch the chefs prepare the beautiful dishes, and the restaurant’s setting makes for the best sunset views imaginable. The perfect spot for romantic dinners and brunches.

Muraka

Located in Mirihi Island Resort, South Ari Atoll, Maldives is 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 luxurious setting. The dishes at Muraka are each presented like works of art, as pleasing to the eyes as to the palate. Specialising in local seafood complemented by exotic flavours, guests should 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 to order the Maldivian experience menu, comprising four decadent courses of authentic local cuisine.

Palace Sichuan

Located at H. ALMAAS Villa, Nooraanee Goalhi male Providing the Maldives with high-quality Cantonese cuisine, Palace Sichuan is made up of a main communal dining room and several smaller private rooms named after various Chinese cities, which are available to hire for celebratory group dinners and private lunches. The menu is packed full of flavoursome rice- and noodle-based dishes, with a great choice of jumbo prawns, beef and whole fish entrees from the Sichuan province of Western China to choose from, too. Many of the ingredients used in the dishes are imported directly from China, ensuring that the resulting flavours are true to traditional Sichuan cooking styles.

Reethi Restaurant

The restaurant is located in the main club area of Reethi Rah Resort. There are three restaurants in one. Earth, wind and fire. Each week there are 3 themed night, Arabian, Italian and Asian.

Offering delectable dishes in stunning surroundings, boasts views over the ocean and an open-concept kitchen with floor to ceiling glass screens, enabling guests to watch the renowned chefs at work. The cuisine is a fusion of Asia-Pacific and Mediterranean flavours, with dedicated theme nights to show off the restaurant’s most popular dishes. Every Monday Reethi Restaurant becomes Italian, as the chefs put on an elaborate spread of fine charcuterie, homemade pasta, gnocchi, risotto and grilled treats. Fridays are Indian-themed, with several live cooking stations, tandoors and curries stealing the show. Throughout the rest of the week, breakfast, lunch and dinner are served à la carte, and wine connoisseurs can enjoy browsing the walk-in wine room to choose their favourite bottle.

Sala Thai

Located at Sala Boutique Hotel in Buruneege, Male. The restaurant believes in the saying ‘you are what you eat’, the chefs at Sala thai go to great effort to ensure that they only use fresh, healthy ingredients in their dishes. Every week a new batch of ingredients is flown in fresh from Asia, enabling the chefs to continue serving up generous portions of delicious authentic Siamese dishes. The restaurant makes for the perfect escape away from the bustling streets of Male, for a calm and relaxing lunch or dinner. The traditional Panang curry and the shrimp marinated in a spicy fish sauce are both tasty menu options to be enjoyed in the picturesque outdoor courtyard dining area.

Seagull Café’ House

Situated at Maafannu Male, North Central Province, Maldives , a charming split-level, sandy floored eatery, the Seagull Café’ House is the ideal spot for people- watching, while tucking into a delicious lunch or refreshing ice cream. Offering an eclectic menu of Western, Indian and Maldivian cuisine, guests can enjoy the Seagull’s take on the British classic of fish and chips, Tuscan shrimp with garden vegetables and potato wedges, snapper in a coconut curry sauce, or a dhal and spinach curry, with an ice cold glass of papaya juice. No meal is complete without sampling at least one of the thirty ice cream flavours on offer, from pineapple to coconut, blackberry to bubble-gum.

Symphony Lagoon

Located in Maafushi, North central province, this is the oldest restaurant brand in the capital. Symphony Lagoon consistently excels in offering family-appropriate bistro-style dining. Guests can choose to dine in the tropical-themed casual restaurant or in the pretty outdoor garden area. It is even possible to enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner on the beach, complete with soft background music, for those extra special evenings with loved ones. Favourite dishes include the vegetable curry, fried noodles, grilled cuttlefish, and Lebanese chicken with garlic rice. Be sure to leave room for dessert too, as there are always a couple of great choices on the menu.

Year-round temperature hot tropical climate. The average high temperature is 31.5 degree Celsius and the average low temperature is 26.4 degree Celsius. The Southwest monsoon from May to October brings rain and the Northeast monsoon from November to April is generally sunny.

Maldives in Wet season (May to November)

Temperature – ~31 degrees Celsius by day and ~ 25 degrees Celsius by night 

Weather – The annual rainfall averages 254 centimetres (100 inches) in the north and 381 centimetres (150 inches) in the south. September tends to be the wettest month.

All nationalities receive a 30-day visa on arrival, provided that you have a valid passport, an onward to ticket to continue your journey and a reservation at a tourist facility or enough funds to cover your stay in the country.

PEOPLE

While very little is known about the ancient history of the Maldives scholars and historians believe that the Maldives is an old nation populated well over 2500 years ago. The Maldivian race is the result of several waves of settlement from various parts of the Indian subcontinent and thousands of years of interactions of people of different races and ethnicities that crisscrossed the Indian Ocean over several centuries. The Maldivian language is Dhivehi, an Indo-Aryan language with its origins in Sanskrit.

The most recent census in 2014 enumerated the population at 407,660 people. A third of the population lives in Male’, while the rest live in 200 islands scattered across the length of the country.

The livelihood of Maldivians traditionally depended on the seas, fishery being the main source of stapple food. As fishery contributes significantly to the economy in terms of employment and income, apart tourism is the other main source of income for the Maldivian economy today.

CULTURE

Although home to just over half a million people the Maldives has its own unique culture and traditions. While heavily influenced by various cultures around the rim of the Indian Ocean, the Maldivian culture, craft and traditions have been shaped by the island environment and the seas that surround us.

Dhivehi is the language of the Maldivian people. Maldivians current script, Thaana is unique and was developed from Arabic numerals around the 16th century. Maldivians are master boat builders. The traditional Maldivian boat, dhoni has been shaped over centuries, resulting in a craft that perfectly suits the various conditions of the seas.

FOOD

Being a tourist hotspot aside from Indian and Maldivian options, one can enjoy food styles from across the globe. Traditional Maldivian cuisine is based on coconuts, fish, and starches. Some of the common seafood forming part of the local cuisine includes Skipjack tuna, yellowfin tuna, frigate tuna and wahoo. Given the proximity, one does find a strong Indian influence and hence an abundance of curries and other flavours and spices. 

CLOTHING

Cotton clothes suits well with the hot tropical climate of the Maldives. Tourist are expected to respect local culture and dress modestly when visiting or staying on inhabited islands. Sandals are ideal, as you may often want to slip them off and go barefoot.

One major festival during this period is Mawlid which means the birth of, Prophet Muhamed in November.  It is one of the most famous Maldives festivals which is celebrated carnival style over two days. There are huge street processions and mosque decorations. 

The Maldives is well connected with the rest of the world. Several flights from Europe, Middle East and South East Asia operate to Velana International Airport, the main gateway to the Maldives. The highest international traffic is from Colombo, Sri Lanka, various Indian cities and Dubai, while several scheduled and charter flights bring in passengers from all major European capitals, and South East Asian cities. There are several direct flights from various Indian cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and even Kochi. People from Dubai, Europe and Singapore also fly in here regularly, either on direct flights or chartered flights. 

Numerous airlines serve the country of Maldives including Air India, Air France, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Alitalia and Turkish Airlines to name just a few. Maldives has its own national airline which is Maldivian. It is a domestic and international airline, connecting various countries and cities.

The main airport in Maldives is the Male International Airport, also known as Velana International Airport, which connects the small country to various countries and cities in the world, especially South East Asian countries such as India, China and Sri Lanka. The airport is located in the North Male Atoll on Hulhule Island which is near the capital island of Male. There are  three international airports in the Maldives apart from the Male International Airport, though they are not quite famous.

• Gan International Airport, Gan
• Hanimaadhoo International Airport, Hanimaadhoo
• Maafaru International Airport, Maafaru

There are quite a few domestic airports as well which serve atolls like Laamu, Dhaalu and Gnaviyani to name just a few. 

December to March is the best time to visit Maldives, as this period marks the peak tourist season. On your preferred activity, the best time to visit Maldives could really be any time of the year as there are no winters in Maldives.

Located on the equator, Maldives receives plenty of sunshine throughout the year. Temperatures range from 24 degrees at the lowest in December to an average of 31 degrees at the peak in April.  For a majority of vacationers, the best time to visit is from mid-November to early April when the weather is dry and more welcoming. In other months the country experiences sporadic and sometimes heavy rains when the crystal-clear water also disappears making it unattractive for most water activity aside from surfing.  For those interested in imbibing the culture and witnessing the major festivals though, the wet season mainly from May to November may be the best time to visit.

Maldives in dry season (December to April)

Temperature – ~31 degrees Celsius by day and 24 degrees Celsius by night

Weather – This is the best season to visit Maldives. It is perfect for sightseeing, enjoying cultural activities, water sports and savouring the local cuisine. During these months, the weather is dry, devoid of humidity, pleasant with moderate temperature. The best month to swim in the sea is in April when the average sea temperature is 30 degree Celsius.

Significance – One gets to see and experience the best that Maldives has to offer during this season. All locations are well populated and the environment tends to be celebratory and busy.

Why you should visit now: Clearly the weather and the resultant all round beauty make this season the best time to vacation. Minimal precipitation and warm weather make it an ideal setting. The rainfall too is very light and hence not a hindrance. During the dry season, visibility is also excellent, because of the currents beginning to flow in November from the northeast. This helps you further enjoy the breath-taking view of fabulous lagoons protected by coral reefs and other atolls, and gorgeous beaches.

Things to know before you visit – While the country is crowded during this season, since each resort inhabits its own island and is to an extent detached from the next island, unlike other crowded vacation destinations, you likely will not have to face extremely large crowds.  It may hence be prudent to check out some of the islands and see what you prefer.

Baros, Sun Island, Nalaguraidhoo Island in South Ari Atoll, Banana Reef and North Mal-Atoll are some suggested locations. The HP Reef is also a one of the most highly rated tourist attractions. It is a protected marine location bustling with marine life. 

One major festival during this period is Mawlid which means the birth of, Prophet Muhamed in November.  It is one of the most famous Maldives festivals which is celebrated carnival style over two days. There are huge street processions and mosque decorations. 

Tips – Hotel tariffs and costs towards various activities can be extremely high given this is peak season. For more budget-oriented tourists, a preferred time to visit would be in April which is towards the end of the peak season and entering the lean months. 

Lastly, always compare and check prices for water activities before booking. Season time can see a lot of price spikes.

Maldives in Wet season (May to November)

Temperature – ~31 degrees Celsius by day and ~ 25 degrees Celsius by night 

Weather – The annual rainfall averages 254 centimetres (100 inches) in the north and 381 centimetres (150 inches) in the south. September tends to be the wettest month.

The intermittent and heavy rains make the destination less attractive for most vacationers. However, there are some carefree ones who are more than happy to visit during this time. Venturing into the water however is not often advisable in this season and should be done at one’s own risk.

Significance – This time of year is popular with surfers, because the area sees bigger waves and better swells for surfing during these months. While the waters can be dangerous, the truly adventurous traveller with the right gear can look forward to a whale of a time.  

Why you should visit now – The Holy month of Ramadan which tends to be in May is one of the best times to visit Maldives as you get to savour a lot of traditional delicacies. Experience the restaurants which also offer special iftar meals and rose, apricot and Kamar dine flavoured juices.

Fairly reasonable prices, less crowded resorts and optimal surf and scuba conditions make some of the more adventurous tourists actually prefer this time to travel. In the wet season, the water temperatures are also a couple of degrees lower, which appear to inspire larger numbers of hammerhead sharks and reef sharks to come together, and to do so in shallower waters than in the dry season. Visibility however isn’t as good what is experienced in the dry season as the currents are less.

Things to know before the visit – Eid –ul-Alhaa or Eid al Adha, the festival that commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son to Allah is celebrated during this period. On this day, islanders gather and fishermen catch a big fish made by weaving palm leaves.

The National Day of Maldives officially known as Qaumee Dhuvas falls sometime in November. This is the day when a local revolt forced the colonial Portuguese to leave the land. 

During the wet season, Fihalhohi Island which is rich with shady coconut palm trees, pristine beaches and clear waters is an attractive getaway particularly if you are a honeymooner or looking for a romantic getaway. 

Heavenhood island with its calm water and lustrous greenery is another location recommended for a relaxed and rejuvenating stay. It is known to be a location ideal for families with both kids and adults having a lot to do and enjoy.

Tips – While Ramadaan offers you a great opportunity to savour the best of foods, during this period many services and shops will be shut during the time of prayer. There is also a need to cover yourself appropriately and avoid public display of affection when visiting the local islands. During Ramadan, the government offices work only from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM and private offices shut by 3.00 PM.  Resorts and hotels are however not affected by the holy month.

By Seaplane
If you’re visiting the Maldives, it’s most likely that you’re headed to a resort on one of the many islands there and the best way to reach the island is by seaplane. A rather unique mode of transportation, the seaplane ride can be simply mesmerizing as it flies at a low altitude and the views of the gently swirling turquoise waters can be quite a breath taking as the islands come into view.

Also known as air-taxis, there are two main operators in Maldives – Maldivian Air Taxi and Trans Maldivian Airways which can transport passengers, 15 at one time. The longest seaplane rides are no more than 90 minutes long. However, do note that these seaplanes do not operate at night.  

By Boat
With the many clusters of islands present here, it makes sense to travel by boat whenever you need to travel between different islands. There are a number of different kinds of boats that are used here, from speedboats to the local dhonis. You can charter any of these to travel to nearby islands. Also known as taxi boats, they are often used to transport tourists to the various islands in the north and south atolls. Boats also don’t operate after dark, so do bear this in mind before making sightseeing trips.

By Taxi
Male and Addu are the two cities where you will most likely see taxis on roads. There are several of them plying about and can easily be recognized by the taxi sign on top. Taxi drivers often pick up multiple passengers on the same trip as Male is so small. Do remember to carry cash(smaller change) with you while traveling. Some taxi drivers do take US dollars, they may not give you back your change in dollars. Taxi drivers are also known to charge extra if you’re carrying luggage with you. Since Male is small, most places are within walkable distances.

By Dhoni
If you want to hop between islands, then your best bet is to get on a dhoni, which is the local boat that is used everywhere here. It may not be as fast as a speedboat but it does the job and takes you from one island to the other. It can be a much gentler experience than going on a faster boat, but it’s charming nonetheless, with waves gently lapping against the hull.

The best place to find these dhonis would be at the airport ferry jetty where there are numerous dhonis waiting for passengers. Do remember and bargain before you hire any of these.

When traveling to Maldives you can visit Male, Feydhoo, Hulhumale Island, Utheemu, Maafushi and many other places. Most of the famous beaches include Hulhumale Beach, Vabbinfaru Island Beach, Fulhadhoo Beach, Sun Island Beach and Dhigurah Beach. Depending on the type of vacation you want, you can visit any of these places.  

Crystal clear seas, powdery white sand beaches and indulgence beyond measure are three things that come to mind whenever the Maldives is mentioned. The Republic of Maldives is a nation located in islands in the Arabian Sea of the Indian Ocean, is amongst the most picturesque and scenic nations in Asia,  is an increasingly preferred destination for families and honeymooners.

TIME

5 hours ahead of GMT

INTERNATIONAL TELEPHONE CODE

+960

ELECTRICITY

240 volts

MOBILE SERVICES

Prepaid SIM cards are available from two mobile service providers at the airport. The SIM cards can be used for local and international call and for data.

CURRENCY

The Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is the local currency. All major credit cards are accepted in the country.

VISA

All nationalities receive a 30-day visa on arrival, provided that you have a valid passport, an onward to ticket to continue your journey and a reservation at a tourist facility or enough funds to cover your stay in the country.

TAXES

A Tourism Goods and Service Tax (TGST) of 12% is levied on all goods and services at tourist establishments. A Green Tax of US$ 6.00 per person per day is payable for guests staying at tourist accommodation except guest houses where the Green Tax is US$ 3.00 per person per day.

TRAVEL AND TRANSFER

Speedboat transfer is the norm to resorts close to the International Airport. The rest is covered by seaplane or domestic flight. If you are travelling to Male’ you can take a taxi from the airport. Several daily flights operate from Velana International Airport to the 12 domestic and international airports in the country. Scheduled ferries also operate from Male’ to many of the atolls.

ALCOHOL

Import of alcohol by individuals is not permitted. However, alcohol is available at all the resorts.

WEATHER

Year-round temperature hot tropical climate. The average high temperature is 31.5 degree Celsius and the average low temperature is 26.4 degree Celsius. The Southwest monsoon from May to October brings rain and the Northeast monsoon from November to April is generally sunny.

CLOTHING

Cotton clothes suits well with the hot tropical climate of the Maldives. Tourist are expected to respect local culture and dress modestly when visiting or staying on inhabited islands. Sandals are ideal, as you may often want to slip them off and go barefoot.

MEDICAL SERVICES

The main public hospital Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) and private hospitals ADK and Treetop are located in Male’. Each Atoll has at least one hospital and most resorts have their own clinics and in-house doctors.

How much does a Maldives tour package cost?

Maldives tour packages start from budget tour to high end tour.  There is a wide range of Maldives packages to select from that include flights, hotels, sightseeing and much more. You can select to travel by spending number of nights, season during which you wish to visit, category of resort you wish to stay in etc. depending on the type of holiday you want. Minimum budget for 03 nights stay with breakfast, one can keep as USD 600 -700 per pax without international flights.

What are the most recommended places on Maldives tour package?

When traveling to Maldives you can visit Male, Feydhoo, Hulhumale Island, Utheemu, Maafushi and many other places. Most of the famous beaches include Hulhumale Beach, Vabbinfaru Island Beach, Fulhadhoo Beach, Sun Island Beach and Dhigurah Beach. Depending on the type of vacation you want, you can visit any of these places.  

What should I pack for a trip to Maldives?

The Maldives is a beach destination. This means warm sunny weather and lots of watersports. It is a good idea to pack the following for your trip to the Maldives: light cotton garments - preferable light colors, evening wear, sandals or flip flops, sun hat, swimwear, insect repellant, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

What are the things to do on a Maldives tour?

Apart from beaches and water sports, there are plenty of other things to do on your Maldives tour. The Maldives island nation is a cluster of precious jewels – discovering each of them is a pleasure and delight. Start with Male – the capital city. Thrumming with energy, this is a city filled with beautiful buildings, like the 17th century Friday Mosque, energetic markets like Male Market, and the lovely Mulee’aage Palace. Do make it a point to visit the exciting bazaar of Male on your Maldives tour that sells gorgeous handicrafts, mementos, and more. Pick up packaged sweetmeats, boat souvenirs, seashell home decor, and silky coconut milk. Other places to visit on your Maldives tour are Feydhoo, Maradhoo, Veligandu Island, Banana Reef, Thulusdhoo Island, and more. If you are a nature & wildlife enthusiast, you can spot fruit bats, lizards of every colour, slinky snakes, turtles swirling their way under the water, beautiful pelagic birds, whales and dolphins twisting in the water, hammerhead sharks shyly slipping through the massive coral reefs, stingrays gliding across the ocean floor, thousands and thousands of schools of colourful fish. 

Which is the cheapest month for a Maldives tour?

Months from August to October are the cheapest months for the Maldives tour. The peak season starts in December and lasts till February or March. If you are planning a budget vacation for the Maldives tour, August to October are the best months.

Can Indians visit the Maldives without a visa?

Yes. Indian nationals can enter the Maldives on a free tourist visa for 30 days provided they can declare travel costs of USD 250 per person or an itinerary with arrangements for accommodation and travel, for a Maldives visa on arrival.

Are the Maldives safe for female travellers?

The Maldives recognizes Islam as its official religion, this means women should adhere to dress guidelines while visiting monuments such as mosques and can swim in swimwear and bikinis at specially designated bikini beaches. Apart from this, the Maldives are generally safe for all travellers, especially females.

Can I consume alcohol in the Maldives?

As Islam is the officially recognized religion, sale and consumption in public or private is banned among the local population. However, you can buy and consume alcohol if you are an adult non-Muslim over 18. Also, all resorts and cruises serve alcohol to tourists.

What is the currency of the Maldives?

The Maldivian Rufiyaa is the official currency with INR 4.61= MVR 1

Are Indian rupees accepted in the Maldives?

The Maldivian Rufiyaa is the officially recognised currency in use however, US dollars are also accepted. Indian rupees are not.

How many days are required for a trip to the Maldives?

5 days to a week is sufficient time to explore all that the Maldives has to offer.

Please Do note:

Maldives tourism is absolutely amazing and there are many places to visit in Maldives too. Before you book your resort on the island for a dream vacation, do check if children are allowed, as most resorts don’t allow children under the age of five. In fact, most honeymoon resorts even have an age requirement of at least 10 years.