The Maldives, with its azure waters and tropical beauty, has long been a destination synonymous with luxury and indulgence.
Beyond its stunning beaches and overwater villas, the Maldives offers a unique dining experience that takes guests beneath the water to underwater restaurants. Beneath the turquoise water lie some of the world’s most innovative dining experiences: underwater restaurants.
These marvels of modern architecture not only showcase the beauty of marine life but also provide a unique gastronomic adventure like no other. Let’s dive into some of the most remarkable underwater restaurants in the Maldives:
1. 5.8 Undersea Restaurant – Hurawalhi Maldives
Located at the Hurawalhi Island Resort, the 5.8 Undersea Restaurant is named after its depth below sea level, making it the world’s largest all-glass underwater restaurant. Guests are treated to a spectacular view of the lagoon while enjoying a gourmet meal prepared by skilled chefs. It is an intimate and private venue, accommodating no more than 10 couples at a time, and diners are required to walk in barefoot.
The menu features a fusion of international flavors, accompanied by an extensive selection of wines and cocktails. Whether it’s savoring freshly caught seafood or indulging in a multi-course tasting menu, guests at 5.8 are treated to a dining experience that stimulates all the senses.
Dining at 5.8 is not just a meal but an immersive experience where the natural beauty of the ocean becomes part of the ambiance. The venue is also available for special events such as weddings or to have a meditation or yoga session and for work events.
| Food specialties: | Offers contemporary European cuisine with an emphasis on seafood and unique Maldivian flavors. |
| Price: | 7-course dinner wine pairing: USD130 per person 5-course lunch wine pairing: USD80 per person |
| Year of opening: | 2016 |
https://www.hurawalhi.com/dining/undersea-restaurant/
2. Ithaa Undersea Restaurant – Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Ithaa, meaning “mother of pearl” in Dhivehi, is perhaps the most iconic of the Maldives’ underwater dining experiences. Located at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Resort, Ithaa Undersea Restaurant – the first underwater restaurant in the world – stands as an architectural wonder submerged five meters below the surface of the Indian Ocean.
Surrounded by 180 degrees of panoramic views, diners can immerse themselves, 5 meters below the ocean surface, in an underwater realm filled with vibrant coral reefs and an array of marine creatures. The adults-only restaurant, with 14 seats, specializes in contemporary European cuisine infused with Maldivian flavors, ensuring a unique gastronomic journey in an unparalleled setting.
From lunchtime cocktails to gourmet dinners, every meal at Ithaa is an unforgettable experience. The restaurant is also available for weddings and private events while a breakfast can be served following an advance reservation.
| Food specialties: | Known for its fine dining experience featuring European cuisine with Asian influences. Specializes in seafood dishes. |
| Price: | Lunch & vegetarian lunch: USD 270++ per person Dinner & vegetarian dinner: USD 340++ per person |
| Year of opening: | 2005 |
| Opening hours: | Visiting Hours 11 am – 12 pm Four-course Lunch 12:30 – 3 pm Six-course Dinner 6:30 – 9:30 pm Opening days may vary depending on the season. |
3. H²O – You and Me Maldives
H²O at You and Me Maldives is a unique underwater restaurant that combines elegance with an immersive marine environment. In the world’s first underwater restaurant to be led by a Michelin-star chef, guests can enjoy a variety of dishes ranging from Mediterranean-inspired cuisine to Asian flavors, while surrounded by the vibrant underwater world.
The adults-only restaurant H²O offers a serene ambiance for romantic dinners or special celebrations such as weddings and birthdays, making it a must-visit for those seeking a memorable dining experience in the Maldives. This intimate venue with just 20 seats provides a luxurious dining experience, created by four Michelin-star Italian chef Andrea Berton.
| Food specialties: | Features a fine dining experience with a focus on seafood and global cuisines. |
| Price: | (Subject to change) Lunch – 4 course USD 200 per person (excluding beverage) Dinner – 4 course USD 280 per person (excluding beverage) |
| Year of opening: | 2021 |
| Opening hours: | Lunch: 12 pm to 2:30 pm Dinner: 7 pm to 11 pm |
4. Sea – Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas
At Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, Sea restaurant offers diners a captivating view of the vibrant marine life through its glass walls. Guests can indulge in a menu that showcases the best of Maldivian cuisine as well as international favorites. From seafood delicacies to innovative dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients, dining at Sea is an exploration of flavors set against the backdrop of the Maldives’ rich underwater ecosystem.
The restaurant is accompanied by the world’s first underwater wine cellar, with rare and vintage bottles, comprising 384 labels from 23 top wine producing countries spanning and spanning nine decades. This private venue, with only 20 seats, is also available for booking for various types of private events and celebrations such as private breakfasts, weddings and wine tastings.
| Food specialties: | Features a gourmet underwater dining experience with a menu inspired by global flavors, emphasizing seafood and caviar, paired with a selection of award-winning wines. |
| Price: | Dinner Four-course: USD 295++ per person (excluding beverages) Four-course: USD 420++ per person (with wine pairing) Seven-course: USD 345++ per person (excluding beverages) Seven-course: USD 540++ per person (with wine pairing) |
| Year of opening: | 2015 |
| Opening hours: | Breakfast: 8.30 am – 10.30 am (available upon request) Lunch: 12.00 noon – 2.00 pm Dinner: 7.00 pm onwards |
https://www.anantara.com/en/kihavah-maldives/restaurants/sea
https://www.seaunderwaterrestaurant.com/
5. Subsix – Niyama Private Islands Maldives
Subsix, located at Niyama Private Islands, takes underwater dining to a new level of luxury and exclusivity. Originally built as the world’s first underwater nightclub, the venue was revamped to add a restaurant in 2014. Accessible only by speedboat, Subsix, which is 500 meters away from the island’s coast and 6 meters below the sea level, transforms into a chic dining venue in the evening, offering a diverse menu and creative cocktails amidst the coral reef.
The ceiling is adorned with chandeliers resembling corals and capiz shells. Sea anemone-inspired chairs complement the decor. In the center, a bar inspired by clams features changing glowing lights throughout the day. Guests can enjoy live music performances and themed parties, making Subsix a hotspot for both gourmet dining and nightlife beneath the waves.
| Food specialties: | Known for its unique bar concept with underwater views, serving a variety of drinks and light bites. |
| Price: | USD319 without beverages. A special kids’ menu is provided with different prices. |
| Year of opening: | 2014 |
| Opening hours: | Typically opens in the afternoon for drinks and snacks; transforms into a restaurant and nightclub in the evening. |
https://www.niyama.com/en/culinary/subsix
6. M6m – OZEN Life Maadhoo Maldives
M6m (Minus Six Meters) at OZEN Life Maadhoo Maldives is an underwater restaurant that combines luxury with a deep connection to nature. Situated six meters below the ocean’s surface, M6M offers panoramic views of coral gardens and marine creatures.
Before you descend to the underwater restaurant, you are taken to the M6m Lounge where you are served with a fine pairing of caviar and champagne. The restaurant’s menu features a mix of gourmet dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients, ensuring a dining experience that is both indulgent and environmentally conscious. Children are allowed to dine in M6m on special occasions.
| Food specialties: | Offers a blend of Mediterranean and Asian fusion cuisine, including seafood delicacies. |
| Price: | Five course menu including beverages (for guests of the resort) starting from USD190 per person Five course menu excluding beverages (for guests not staying at the resort) starting at USD300 per person |
| Year of opening: | 2016 |
| Opening hours: | Dinner service; typically opens in the evening. |
https://theozencollection.com/ozenlife-maadhoo/exceptional-dine-around/m6m-underwater-restaurant/
7. Only BLU – OBLU SELECT Lobigili Maldives and OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi
The underwater restaurant Only BLU is located in between the two resorts OBLU SELECT at Lobigili and OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi. A wooden jetty provides access to the restaurant from both resorts which are managed by the same company. Only BLU is an exclusive underwater restaurant that caters to guests looking for a secluded dining experience amidst the ocean’s wonders.
The restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring fresh seafood and international dishes, complemented by a selection of fine wines. Only BLU provides four-course meals for lunch and dinner with the option of meat, seafood, vegan, or vegetarian menus along with a special kids menu.Only BLU provides an intimate setting for couples and small groups seeking a romantic evening under the sea.
| Food specialties: | Offers a mix of international cuisines with a focus on fresh seafood and local Maldivian dishes. |
| Price: | Prices start from $125++ per person. |
| Year of opening: | 2022 |
| Opening hours: | Lunch 12:00 – 15:00 Dinner 19:00 – 22:00 |
https://www.coloursofoblu.com/oblu-select-lobigili/dining/only-blu
8. Immerse… Latitude 4° – Huvafen Fushi Maldives
Immerse… Latitude 4° at Huvafen Fushi Maldives offers perhaps the most private and intimate underwater dining experience for discerning guests. After sunset, the resort’s famous world-first underwater spa is transformed into a pop-up restaurant.
Located nine meters below the surface, the restaurant features only one table and boasts panoramic views of the ocean’s beauty while serving a menu that highlights fresh seafood and innovative culinary creations. Immerse… Latitude 4° promises an unforgettable dining experience where tranquility meets culinary excellence.
| Food specialties: | Offers a diverse menu with international flavors and fresh seafood as highlights. |
| Price: | USD495 per person excluding beverages |
| Year of opening: | 2021 |
| Opening hours: | Dinner service; specific hours can be checked with the resort. |
https://www.huvafenfushi.com/dining/immerselatitude-4-underwater-dinner
The allure of underwater dining
Beyond the novelty and luxury, dining underwater in the Maldives offers a profound connection to nature. Guests are not merely spectators but participants in an ecosystem teeming with life. The opportunity to dine amidst schools of fish, graceful manta rays, and even the occasional curious shark creates lasting memories that go beyond the plate. The innovative design of these restaurants also promotes environmental awareness and sustainability, encouraging guests to appreciate and protect the fragile underwater world.
Planning Your Experience
Visiting an underwater restaurant in the Maldives is an experience that requires planning. Reservations are often necessary due to limited seating, and some restaurants have specific dress codes to maintain their elegant ambiance. It’s also recommended to check for seasonal menus or special events that might enhance your dining experience.
While these restaurants are located at luxury resorts of the Maldives, guests who are not spending their holidays at those resorts could also make a reservation and enjoy this unique dining experience, in the case of most restaurants we have featured.
Underwater restaurants in the Maldives represent the pinnacle of luxury and innovation, offering guests an opportunity to dine amidst the natural beauty of the ocean. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a unique culinary adventure, these underwater dining establishments promise an unforgettable experience that combines exquisite cuisine with breathtaking views of marine life.
For travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the magic of the Maldives, dining underwater is an experience that transcends the ordinary and leaves a lasting impression of wonder and delight.
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