Most restaurants are known for their culinary offerings, but Ithaa Undersea Restaurant at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is famous for something else: its unusual setting. This restaurant ranks 1st in our list of the best restaurants in the Maldives. Guests eat on European fare while sitting more than 16 feet below the sea's surface in a glass enclosure, viewing vivid coral reefs, schools of fish, and even sharks quietly swimming overhead. Since its introduction, the peculiarity has won it a spot on must-see lists, making it one of the Maldives' most recognized eateries.

The set menus are available for lunch, dinner, and special events such as weddings, and include fine-dining staples such as caviar, foie gras, and tartare, as well as dishes incorporating local flavors such as calamarata pasta stuffed with reef lobster, crispy plantain chips, and coconut-crusted légine (a local fish). If you want to stay longer, book a stay in The Muraka, the resort's underwater villa.

Rate: 4.4/5.0, 215 reviews (Google.com)

Address: JP8F+6H9, Conrad Rangali Island 20077, Maldives

Contact: +960 668-0629

The Jazz Café, which serves a combination of Maldivian and international dishes in a stylish, low-key ambiance, is a hit with both young and old tourists and locals. This restaurant ranks 2nd place on the top of the best restaurants in the Maldives. The cafe frequently hosts live music performances, with outstanding local musicians delighting guests with their versions of great jazz, rock, and soul numbers, making it an excellent choice for a pleasurable and peaceful evening.

This modest and laid-back central Malé restaurant serves a variety of cheap cuisine ranging from couscous to hamburgers in a comfortable and casual dining ambiance. Yellow chicken curry, roshi, beef and onion stir fry, and roast chicken with barbecue sauce are among the dishes available. Every day, the menu changes somewhat, inviting guests to return to try something new. Besides, the service is very wonderful, the staffs are friendly and professional.

Rate: 4.2/5.0, 129 reviews (Google.com)
Address: Haveeree Hingun, Malé 20282, Maldives
Contact: +960 332-5299

Kitchen, which is in 3rd place on the top of the best restaurants in the Maldives, is a trendy cafe with a Spa Retreat and 24-hour dining. It also serves semi-buffet breakfast and lunch every day, as well as a well-regarded 'a la carte supper menu. Kitchen is one of the greatest restaurants in the Maldives. Their specialty is a team of chefs who prepare the most basic dishes but add their own spin to make them unique and delectable.

Open cooking stations are also accessible, allowing guests to see what the chef is up to. The atmosphere and seating arrangements are designed in such a way that guests may watch the most magnificent sunsets. It is a lovely area for dinner or brunch and one of the best places to eat in the Maldives. If you want to go to this restaurant or if you need any service, you can contact them directly.

Rate: 5.0/5.0, 3 reviews (Google.com)
Address: W Maldives Fesdu Island, 09110, Maldives
Contact: +960 666-2222

Muraka, which sits atop the sea at the end of a jetty, is a magnificent alternative to the undersea restaurant. As waves lap over the rustic, wooden restaurant, an open-floor part provides a glimpse into the marine world below, giving the most soothing yet equally luxurious ambiance. It also gives the impression of a rustic, fishermen's cabin - assuming the fisherman had quite opulent tastes, a large variety of international wines, and was exceptionally talented at creating local seafood delicacies.

Muraka's dishes are presented as works of art, as attractive to the eyes as they are to the palate. The restaurant specializes in local fish with distinctive flavors, so order the Whole Fish Delight for an extra-indulgent eating experience. The chef prepares a whole fish chosen by the table directly in front of them with this choice. The Maldivian experience menu, which includes four delicious portions of real local food, is another excellent dining option.

Rate: 4.5/5.0, 51 reviews (Google.com)

Address: Rangali, Maldives

Contact: +960 668-0629

Reethi Restaurant is an attractive and spacious main restaurant serving Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and International cuisine, as well as a first-rate wine cellar.

Reethi Restaurant serves excellent food in magnificent surroundings, with views of the beach and an open-concept kitchen with floor-to-ceiling glass panels. The food is a mash-up of Asian and Mediterranean flavors, with special nights highlighting the most popular dishes. Every Monday, Reethi Restaurant transforms into an Italian feast, with superb charcuterie, homemade pasta, gnocchi, risotto, and grilled delicacies. Fridays are Indian-themed, with live cooking stations, tandoors, and curries taking center stage. Throughout the week, breakfast, lunch, and supper are offered à la carte, and wine enthusiasts can browse the walk-in wine cellar to select their favorite bottle.

Private banquets, such as Valentine's Day dinners, private yacht dinners, and other customized services, are also available. The Valentine's Day meal includes champagne and lobster, as well as dishes from throughout the world and, of course, their hotel's specialty wine.

Rate: 4.9/5.0, 88 reviews (Google.com)

Address: One & Only Reethi Rha, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives

Contact: +960 664-8800

Sala Thai is by far the most unique restaurant in the Maldives. This restaurant is a great place to unwind and get away from Male's busy streets. This modern and tastefully decorated restaurant is often regarded as the best on the island, and it is frequently booked on most evenings of the week. The Thai menu is lavish and authentic, with a large selection of soups, noodles, and curries. Meals are served either al fresco on a lovely walled terrace or indoors in an opulent dining room.

The chefs here make certain that they use high-quality ingredients and go to great efforts to deliver the greatest possible service to their visitors. They make certain that only fresh and healthful products are used in their cooking. Every week, a new shipment from Asia arrives, allowing the chefs to serve delectable Siamese meals to the guests. One of their most delicious specialties is the classic Panang curry with prawns seasoned in hot fish sauce. Sala Thai's outside eating area, which has a beautiful view, is what makes it one of the greatest locations to eat in the Maldives.

This restaurant also receives a lot of positive feedback for its good ambiance and wonderful service. So if you need any services, you can contact them directly.

Rate: 4.5/5.0, 231 reviews (Google.com)
Address: Buruneege Hithaffinivaa Magu, Malé, Maldives
Contact: +960 334-5959

Symphony Lagoon, operated by the capital's oldest restaurant brand, continually excels in providing family-friendly bistro-style meals. Choose between the tropical-themed casual restaurant and the lovely outside garden area for your meal. For those really special evenings, you may even have a romantic candlelit meal on the beach, complete with quiet background music.

Vegetable curry, fried noodles, grilled cuttlefish, and, especially, Lebanese chicken with garlic rice are all favorites. A massive piece of grilled chicken breast marinated with excellent flavors and spiced to perfection, topped with salad cream, was served with veggie fried rice and a salad. The chicken was delicious and went well with the rice. Also, do not forget to save room for dessert, as there are always delicious options on the menu.

Rate: 4.8/5.0, 20 reviews (Google.com)
Address: Symphony Lagoon, Crystal Sands Beach Hotel, Maafushi, Male, Maldives
Contact: +960 779 0660

Subsix, which is in 8th place on the top of the best restaurants in the Maldives, is one meter deeper than Ithaa. The entrance requires a boat ride from the Niyama Resort, but the reward is an incredible view across a coral reef, with turtles, eels, and parrotfish swimming by. The coral theme continues into the restaurant and its stunning décor.

It's best to go for lunch when there's enough light to see the reef and you can indulge in a delicious four-course set menu. Highlights include lobster medallions with heirloom tomatoes and blackberry essence, as well as swimmer crab with couscous pomelo and ocean foam. The menu features a lot of great seafood, especially shellfish.

If you are unable to attend the lunch service, there are champagne breakfasts and romantic private dinners available. Two nights per week, the restaurant transforms into a nightclub for the unforgettable "glow party" nights. Get the party started with one of the signature gin-infused cocktails, such as the Swing 'n' Swim.

Rate: 4.6/5.0, 46 reviews (Google.com)

Address: Subsix, Niyama Maldives, Huluwalu, Maldives

Contact: +960 676 2828

The Marina Crossroads Maldives' Kalhu Odi Restaurant is a bright and cheerful eatery located directly on the water's edge. For the holy month of Ramadan, culinary experts have created an Iftar menu featuring traditional Maldivian food.

Daily local Maldivian iftar is available for USD 55++, which includes transfer and entrance fees to Crossroads Maldives. Featuring the restaurant's exceptional collection of Maldivian favorites as well as modern classic meals. The expertly curated à la carte menu features a wide range of local tastes and flavors, from Fresh Seafood, crunchy snacks and street foods accompanied by flam grilled chapati bread to complex and deliciously adjustable spicy curries, ceviche style salads, organic garden leaves, and earthy starch combined dishes, authentic Local Tuna steak or curried, desserts that will melt your appetite with truly Maldivian flavors.

The Kalhu Odi's design is influenced by the Maldives' rich tradition and culture. Through the popular folklore of Dhonhiyala Alifulhu, it shows various aspects of Maldivian culture and tradition, from stone art on the walls to guest tables and embroidered on the cushions. Furthermore, the restaurant promotes local artists by showcasing their work.

Rate: 5.0/5.0, 1 reviews (Google.com)
Address: Unit No. 9 The Marina at Crossroads Maldives, 23000, Maldives
Contact: +960 789-7799

You must visit one of Malé's tea shops if you want to have an authentic culinary experience. While there are several bars in the city, nothing beats the energy at Dawn Café. Eating at Dawn Café, which caters primarily to fishermen, is like immersing yourself in the city's working heart. The interiors are simple, with one large communal table, a few smaller tables, and plastic chairs to sit on. Despite the fact that it is not a popular tourist destination, the staff is friendly and will go out of their way to explain every dish on the menu.

When dining at a tea shop, you have the advantage of being able to see the food, which is usually displayed in a glass case. The Maldivian quick bites available here are on the spicier side but ask the staff and they will best guide you based on your preferences. If it's your first time, try the fish balls, samosas, fish curry, and fried rice. And don't be surprised if you end up paying far less than you anticipated at the end of your meal.

Rate: 3.7/5.0, 19 reviews (Google.com)

Address: Kandi Dhon Manik Goalhi, Malé 20186, Maldives

Contact: +960 733-2552