Seafood fresh from the Indian Ocean, glorious vistas accompanying every bite, and countless culinary influences from neighbouring countries; these are just a few reasons that dining in the Maldives has such allure.
Find out where to find the finest gastronomy this exquisite archipelago has to offer with our guide to its best dining destinations.
Swarna
Serving Indian cuisine fit for a maharajah, Swarna nestles in its own seafront corner of Bolifushi Island. Swarna translates to ‘gold’ in Sanskrit and it is indeed a regal experience. You’ll dine in a palatial cabana under the stars amid verdant greenery and giant golden elephant statues. Colourful and spice-infused, Swarna’s signature thali plates have won ‘Best Cuisine in Asia’ three years in a row. From tender lobster and creamy paneer, to corn-fed chicken and mutton, each thali is sumptuously presented on a giant copper platter accompanied by fluffy rice, freshly baked bread and sweet desserts.
Fenesse
With cerulean skies above, and the shimmering Indian Ocean beneath as you dine, Fenesse at Jumeirah Vittaveli makes you feel as if you’re floating on Maldivian air. Perfectly plated, French fine dining is on the menu at Fenesse, along with an unforgettable serving of romance. Share a tartare de boeuf for two as you watch the sun slowly disappear beyond the horizon; linger over seared sea scallops with a pistachio crust and zesty lemon emulsion; or bump spoons over a hot chocolate fondant as a blanket of stars appears above you in the night sky.
Samsara
Perched on Bolifushi Island’s northernmost tip, Samsara does all-day dining with an Asian twist. Vast windows offer a 360-degree view of swaying palm canopies, while exotic lamps dangle above. Taking you on a culinary journey across Thailand, Japan, China, India and beyond, Samsara showcases much-loved dishes from across Asia. The chef recommends his healthy tataki; fresh Maldivian yellowfin tuna with sesame wakame, cucumber ribbons and rice vinaigrette. Or, for something more indulgent, enjoy his lamb biryani — an aromatic Indian spice-infused lamb with Adwahi-style basmati rice.
MU Bar & Grill
For the perfect balmy evening, soak up the relaxing ambience over dinner and drinks on the talcum powder sands at Jumeirah Vittaveli’s MU Bar & Grill. Using the freshest, locally caught seafood and the finest cuts of meat, MU’s chefs create dazzling dishes inspired by Asia and Europe. Enjoy fiery Szechuan mud crab or tenderly grilled Australian Black Angus beef to the soundtrack of gently breaking waves. Don’t miss the MU Bar & Grill’s specialty — a hot lava stone that grills your meal at your candlelit table.
Cuvee
Occupying Jumeirah Vittaveli’s imposing wine library with stunning panoramic glass walls, Cuvee presents a lavish, six-course French set menu. In a partnership between chef and sommelier, each intoxicating course is expertly paired with a wine, handpicked from 350 labels sourced from the world’s best vineyards. Bathed in the golden glow of Cuvee’s illuminated wine cabinets, dine on rarefied delights such as fragrant lobster bisque, before tucking in to the real star of the show — dessert, created by the chef at your tableside.
