Dining in paradise: The Maldives' top culinary hotspots

Nestled in the crystal-clear, azure waters of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives stands as a premier luxury destination, offering an unparalleled escape to paradise.

Amidst your adventures of snorkeling, sunbathing, and embracing ultimate relaxation, the crucial question arises: where can you savor the finest meals, and what should you indulge in?

Fortunately, the Maldives exceeds expectations when it comes to culinary offerings. Exclusive resorts invite renowned chefs to turn exquisite ingredients – from the finest global selections to fresh local produce – into unforgettable gourmet creations.

However, with 26 atolls and over 1,000 islands housing numerous resorts spread across 90,000 square kilometers, hopping between properties for meals isn't the most feasible option.

Rest assured, the cuisine at these 10 resorts is just as captivating as the pristine beaches and breathtaking sunsets.

Shades of Green, Soneva Fushi

Favored by A-list celebrities such as Madonna, Paul McCartney, and the Beckhams, it’s no surprise that the dining experiences at Soneva Fushi are regarded as some of the finest in the Maldives.

Dining options on this private island include the exclusive sushi restaurant So Hands On, offering an intimate eight-seat private dining experience, created in collaboration with Michelin-starred Japanese chef Kenji Gyoten.

Then there's Shades of Green. True to its name, the focus is on plant-based dining, where guests begin their culinary journey with chef Carsten Kyster by exploring the lush gardens of Soneva Fushi, with hidden snacks tucked away among the greenery.

The surrounding bounty of fresh produce is transformed into five exquisite gourmet courses, each more impressive than the last.

Soneva Fushi, Kunfunadhoo Island, Baa Atoll, Maldives; +91 124 451 1000

Fenesse, Jumeirah Vittaveli

Among the nine diverse dining options at Jumeirah Vittaveli, Fenesse stands out as a fine dining gem, blending traditional and modern French culinary styles.

The menu offers an array of gourmet delights, including Kobe beef tartare, organic herb-crusted rack of lamb, Lobster Thermidor, and the timeless French fish stew bouillabaisse, all served while dining over the stunning azure waters of the Indian Ocean.

Renowned Michelin-starred chefs from across the globe, including Ollie Dabbous and Anthony Demetre, frequently grace the resort, bringing their distinctive flair and expertise to the dining experience of lucky guests.

South Male Atoll, Maldives 08160, Maldives; +960 664 2020

Manta Ray Treehouse, Joali Maldives

The newly opened Joali Maldives introduces a truly distinctive dining experience.

At the Manta Ray Treehouse, diners enjoy their meals perched in the trees, surrounded by natural materials designed to evoke the shape of two magnificent manta rays.

Each dining area accommodates up to eight guests, who indulge in Maldivian delicacies like tuna with chili and lime, fish curry, and locally sourced lobster.

Joali Maldives, Muravandhoo Island, Raa Atoll, Maldives; +960 658 4400

Le 1947, Cheval Blanc Randheli

Le 1947 at Cheval Blanc Randheli takes its name from a renowned vintage wine produced by Château Cheval Blanc, setting the tone for a restaurant dedicated to refined French cuisine served in a luxurious, haute setting.

Eric Vidal, the culinary director, draws inspiration from local ingredients to create a weekly-changing 12-course tasting menu.

Guests can expect dishes that reflect Vidal's global expertise, including creations like warm king crab with caviar and yuzu, or tuna paired with watermelon foam and basil powder.

Cheval Blanc Randheli, Noonu Atoll, Maldives; +960 656 1515

Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Located at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Ithaa made its mark in 2005 as the first-ever undersea restaurant, situated five meters beneath the ocean's surface. Guests are treated to stunning views of coral gardens and vibrant marine life.

Lunch options may include butter-poached lobster salad with white peach, artichoke and roasted garlic soup, or a honey-roasted pumpkin cheesecake.

Open for cocktails, lunch, and dinner, Ithaa can also be reserved for private events or even a wedding celebration.

Conrad Maldives, Rangali Island 20077, Maldives; +960 668 0629

Aragu, Velaa Private Island

Aragu, meaning 'essence' in the Dhivehi language, is the signature restaurant at Velaa Private Island. Here, Chef Gaushan de Silva allows guests to select their own ingredients, crafting personalized tasting menus tailored to each diner.

Chef Gaushan, whose culinary experience spans the globe, including serving as a private chef to the Jordanian royal family, incorporates exceptional ingredients such as Gillardeau oysters, French pigeon, local lobster, and Japanese tuna into his menus.

Wine connoisseurs with a penchant for luxury can indulge in one of the Maldives' largest and most prestigious wine collections at Velaa.

Velaa Private Island, P. O. Box 2071, Noonu Atoll, Maldives; +960 656 5000

Destination Dining, Baros Maldives

Since opening its doors in 1973, Baros Maldives has evolved from a coconut plantation to a renowned spot for exceptional fine dining, maintaining its allure for over 45 years.

Like many other resorts in the Maldives, there are both classic dining options and exclusive private spots. A favorite among the latter is their remote sandbank, which is available for booking all day long.

This could mean enjoying a breakfast of smoked salmon with champagne, a sushi lunch, or a barbecue dinner. Whatever the choice, the setting is undeniably romantic.

Baros Maldives, Malé 20-02, Maldives; +960 664 2672

Tai, COMO Maalifushi

One of the standout dining experiences at COMO Maalifushi is Tai, an oceanside venue named after the red snapper in Japanese. It offers sustainable fish options, including the signature red snapper, served in their unique sunken sushi bar.

Tai's signature dishes include partially grilled aburi rolls filled with ocean trout or Wagyu beef, alongside toothfish saikyoyaki, marinated in a rich white miso sauce.

A unique attraction at Tai is the frequent appearance of Aki-san, a 1.5-meter wingspan stingray that swims near the restaurant at sunset, delighting in being fed premium sashimi.

COMO Maalifushi, Thaa Atoll, Maldives; +960 678 0008

Baraabaru, Four Seasons Kuda Huraa

Baraabaru, which translates to 'excellent' in the local Dhivehi language, brings the best of South Asian culinary traditions to Four Seasons Kuda Huraa.

The design of the restaurant draws inspiration from the Kerala region of southern India, blending Indian flavors with fresh local seafood.

Baraabaru’s Thali menu lets guests enjoy a variety of traditional home-style dishes served elegantly on a tray. They also offer 'Tandoor Tapas,' modern Indian street food presented on their candlelit deck under the stars.

Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, North Male’ Atoll, Maldives; +960 664 4888

White Orchid Restaurant at JA Manafaru brings a refined dining experience with a focus on Chinese cuisine.

JA Manafaru celebrates the art of fine Chinese cooking through a collaboration with renowned Beijing chef Dong Zhenxiang, also known as DaDong.

At the resort’s White Orchid restaurant, guests can enjoy Chef Dong's modern take on traditional Chinese dishes, all made with locally sourced ingredients.

His innovative menu includes wok-tossed spicy Maldivian lobster, a flavorful Maldives seafood hot pot, and tender Wagyu paired with leek and basil.

JA Manafaru, 2062, Haa Alifu Atoll, Maldives; +960 650 0456