The Best Seafood Restaurants in the Maldives

The Maldives is renowned for its world-class dining experiences. With the Indian Ocean at its doorstep, the Maldives boasts some of the finest seafood restaurants in the world. Here’s a guide to the best seafood dining experiences across the archipelago, where fresh catches are transformed into culinary masterpieces.

Subsix at Niyama Private Islands

Subsix is an underwater marvel, located 6 meters below the surface. By day, this venue serves delectable seafood, featuring dishes such as yellowfin tuna tartare and coral crab salad. By night, Subsix transforms into an underwater nightclub. The restaurant’s ethereal ambiance, complete with views of the surrounding coral reefs, makes it a one-of-a-kind dining destination.

Specialty: Seafood with a Side of Nightlife

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Aqua at Coco Bodu Hithi

Aqua at Coco Bodu Hithi offers a serene overwater dining experience. The restaurant is known for its contemporary approach to seafood, with dishes like tempura prawns with wasabi mayo and black cod with miso. The chefs at Aqua take pride in sourcing the freshest local seafood, which is then prepared with innovative techniques that enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Specialty: Gourmet Seafood with a Modern Twist

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The Reef at Kuramathi Maldives

The Reef at Kuramathi Maldives provides an interactive dining experience where guests can select their favorite seafood from the live cooking stations. The restaurant features an extensive buffet with a focus on fresh seafood, including grilled prawns, calamari, and a variety of local fish. The Reef’s relaxed atmosphere, combined with its beachfront location, makes it a perfect spot for a casual yet indulgent meal.

Specialty: Interactive Seafood Buffet

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The Lighthouse Restaurant at Baros Maldives

The Lighthouse Restaurant is an iconic dining spot in the Maldives, known for its overwater pavilion and striking white sail roof. The restaurant offers an elegant seafood menu, featuring dishes like Maldivian tuna sashimi and pan-seared scallops. The Lighthouse is particularly famous for its signature seafood platter, which includes a selection of the finest catches, all prepared with precision and artistry.

Specialty: Gourmet Dining with Spectacular Views

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Sea.Fire.Salt at Anantara Dhigu

Sea.Fire.Salt at Anantara Dhigu offers a unique dining concept where the elements of the sea, fire, and salt come together to create a multisensory experience. The restaurant features an open grill where guests can watch their seafood being prepared, including specialties like Maldivian lobster and jumbo prawns. A salt sommelier is on hand to suggest different varieties of salt to complement each dish, adding an extra layer of flavor to the meal.

Specialty: Multisensory Seafood Experience

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Ithaa Undersea Restaurant at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Ithaa, meaning “mother-of-pearl” in Dhivehi, is the world’s first undersea restaurant. Located 5 meters below the surface, diners are surrounded by panoramic views of the vibrant marine life of the Indian Ocean. The restaurant specializes in a fusion of European seafood and Maldivian flavors, with dishes like Maldivian lobster carpaccio and caviar-laden sea scallops. Ithaa offers a unique dining experience where the exquisite cuisine is matched only by the stunning underwater scenery.

Specialty: European seafood and Maldivian Fusion Cuisine

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Thila by Kurumba

Thila at Kurumba is known for its contemporary approach to seafood, offering a menu that combines classic techniques with modern flair. Signature dishes include grilled reef fish and seared Maldivian tuna. Thila’s location, overlooking the lagoon, provides a tranquil setting where guests can enjoy their meal while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding waters.

Specialty: Contemporary Seafood in a Tranquil Setting

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Charcoal at Avani + Fares Maldives

Charcoal at Avani + Fares Maldives is a beachfront grill that specializes in charbroiled seafood. The restaurant offers a variety of grilled dishes, including octopus, king prawns, and reef fish, all cooked over an open flame to perfection. Charcoal’s relaxed, rustic atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for enjoying a laid-back meal by the beach.

Specialty: Grilled Seafood Delicacies

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Fish + Sip at W Maldives

Fish + Sip at W Maldives is a vibrant restaurant that offers a creative take on seafood. The menu features innovative dishes like coconut-crusted prawns and miso-marinated black cod. With its lively atmosphere and stunning views of the ocean, Fish + Sip is a perfect place for those looking to enjoy fresh seafood in a fun and stylish setting.

Specialty: Fresh Seafood with a Creative Twist

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Ministry of Crab at Crossroads Maldives

Ministry of Crab, a Sri Lankan import, has found a home in the Maldives at Crossroads. This restaurant is dedicated to serving the finest crab dishes, with a menu that includes the signature Pepper Crab, Garlic Chili Crab, and Baked Crab. The crabs, sourced locally, are the star of the show, prepared with a Sri Lankan twist that adds a burst of flavor to every bite.

Specialty: Sri Lankan-Inspired Crab Dishes

Recommended resort: Saii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton

Conclusion

The Maldives offers a seafood dining experience like no other, where the freshest catches are paired with stunning settings, from underwater restaurants to beachfront grills. Whether you’re indulging in the gourmet offerings at Ithaa or enjoying the laid-back vibes at Charcoal, these restaurants ensure that your culinary journey through the Maldives is as unforgettable as the islands themselves. Each venue brings its unique flair to seafood, making it a paradise for seafood lovers.