Dining experiences to take underwater in the Maldives

Underwater restaurants in the Maldives offer the unique experience of dining surrounded by marine life in the coral reefs.

Have you ever wondered about dining underwater? The Maldives is embracing this growing trend, allowing diners to enjoy delicious food while being immersed in breathtaking underwater views. You don't need to be a diver to savor the crystal blue waters of this stunning destination. Luxury underwater restaurants in the Maldives provide one-of-a-kind dining experiences, offering the opportunity to dine alongside the fishes. Imagine indulging in oysters beneath the Indian Ocean's surface or sipping Dom Pérignon in the company of a sea turtle.

1. Only Blu at OBLU SELECT Lobigili & OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi:

Perfect for adults seeking an underwater restaurant experience, diving, various activities, and spa services. Only Blu is accessed through a wooden jetty located between two island resorts: the new adults-only OBLU SELECT Lobigili and the family-friendly OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi. These resorts are nestled near Malé and are just a 15-minute speedboat ride away from Velana International Airport. From unforgettable deep-sea dining to food trucks serving delectable grills on a starlit beach, these OBLU resorts offer endless culinary delights.

2. Ithaa, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island:

Situated five meters below the surface of the Indian Ocean, Ithaa is the world's first undersea restaurant. Located at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island in Alif Dhaal Atoll, it provides 180-degree panoramic views of the vibrant coral gardens surrounding it. The restaurant offers a delightful culinary experience with lunch and dinner menus that combine local spices, produce, and Western influences, complemented by fine wines. Dhivehi for "mother-of-pearl," Ithaa is also open for mid-morning cocktails and can be reserved for private dining, weddings, and special occasions.

3. The (5.8 Undersea), Hurawalhi Island Resort:

The star attraction of Hurawalhi Island Resort is the world's largest panoramic underwater restaurant called "5.8 Undersea." It allows you to dive into a gastronomic adventure at a depth of 5.8 meters. Each dish is a fusion of the finest ingredients, innovative techniques, and stylish presentation. This minimalist restaurant, with its outward focus on the surrounding underwater world, offers only eight tables. The setting provides mesmerizing views, making it a romantic spot exclusively serving two guests per table. The menu offers a tasting extravaganza with several dishes and wine pairings, accompanied by sommelier commentary.

4. SEA, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas:

SEA at Anantara Kihavah offers a distinctive dining experience with a seasonal five-course lunch and a set menu for a four-course dinner served three meters below sea level, surrounded by glittering glass walls. Sit by the window and enjoy exquisite seafood, such as lobsters or a degustation menu, accompanied by a vast selection of 6,500 bottles of wine. The international gourmet menu, along with a choice of wines spanning nine decades, is truly world-class. The restaurant also features a resident Wine Guru to assist with pairings.

5. SUBSIX, Niyama Private Islands:

Subsix, located at Niyama Private Islands, takes guests on an underwater journey for breakfast, subaquatic lunches, gourmet dinners, and glow parties that illuminate the night. Accessible by boat, Subsix is a three-story submarine club, with mirror floors and Italian abstract chandeliers adding a surreal shine to the entrance. Inside, guests relax in anemone-like armchairs under a ceiling adorned with a thousand strings of seashells. The club offers not only weekly Glow Parties and DJ nights but also wine tastings and marine biologist lectures. However, the real attraction is the mesmerizing display of parrot fish, moray eels, and other exotic marine life, surpassing any dance floor entertainment.