5 Best undersea restaurants in Maldives that will leave you in awe

Among Maldives’ many wonders is the world’s most unique dining experience that offers guests an awe-inspiring and exotic culinary adventure.

Undersea restaurants in the Maldives are unmissable and promise the very best in gastronomic delights, served in what is unquestionably a dream-like setting.

Highlighting the closeness that the island nation shares with its surroundings, Maldives’ underwater restaurants not only have an unmatched novelty factor but are also culinary destinations that plate up exquisite gourmet recipes. These dishes, in turn, shine a spotlight on regional as well as international cuisines and ingredients.

Promising a visually spectacular and tummy-filling experience, here is a list of the best underwater restaurants in the Maldives.

1 – Ithaa

Touted as the world’s first undersea restaurant, Ithaa (meaning Mother of Pearl) offers its guests a 270-degree panoramic view of the Indian Ocean. Dining at the submerged restaurant, guests get a glimpse into the surrounding waters, teeming with fish, manta rays, turtles, and sharks.

The magic at Ithaa is not just in its deep blue views, as the specially prepared food is equally appetizing and memorable. Their set lunch and dinner menu feature a fusion of Asian and European recipes and goes rather well when paired with fine wines.

Customers at Ithaa are treated to snow crab served with avocado puree at lunch and strawberry gazpacho during dinner. You can also expect delicious pan-seared sea scallops, nori-crushed linguine, and veal tenderloin with herb crust as your main dishes. To finish off this extravagant event, there is lavender and chocolate mud cake or strawberry mille-feuille.

Ithaa Undersea Restaurant is a popular event space for weddings and anniversaries. Since it can accommodate only 14 guests, the restaurant has a cozy feel and is permanently in demand. A dinner at Ithaa starts at $390, and you should remember to wear smart-casual when planning to descend five meters below water to this amazing space.

Ithaa is located at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Alif Dhaal Atoll.

2 – 5.8 Undersea

Dining at the subversive 5.8 Undersea restaurant means appreciating a colorful coral landscape while sitting in the world’s largest underwater restaurant. Its moniker is taken from its depth, 5.8 meters below the surface. When at 5.8, don’t be surprised to see reef sharks, turtles, spadefishes, manta rays, and angelfishes swim by nonchalantly as you savor the food arriving from the kitchen.

The food is more diverse at 5.8 Undersea, making it easier to pamper your taste buds with local and western flavors. When planning your visit, you can choose between a 5-course set menu at lunch or a 7-course meal during dinnertime. The menus favor vegetarians and non-vegetarians.

While the dishes are typically based on seasons, look out for some lobster claw in an emulsion of beurre blanc, seared wagyu tenderloin, and beef tartare. The dessert menu is equally indulgent and features mango cheesecake served with cocoa cracker soil, honeycomb tuile, and coconut ice cream. A meal at 5.8 Undersea is likely to set you back by around $225 to $280.

5.8 Undersea Restaurant accepts bookings for anniversaries, weddings, and intimate get-togethers. As the largest undersea restaurant, it can accommodate up to 20 guests. The dress code is smart-casual, but you can walk-in barefoot if you like.

5.8 Undersea Restaurant is located at Hurawalhi Maldives Resort, Lhaviyani Atoll.

3 – SEA

SEA doesn’t follow the typical tube and bubble design common among underwater restaurants of the Maldives. Instead, it creates a slightly wider area with chic industrial decor that reflects the contemporary nature of the food that arrives on the table. SEA is also famous for having the world’s first underwater wine cellar.

The real attraction, though, is the glass walls that are windows into a magical world brimming with vibrant tropical fish and multi-colored corals, the perfect background to an unforgettable meal.

The underwater restaurant serves a 4-course menu during breakfast and lunch and a 5-course meal for dinner. Indulging in SEA’s fine wine collection that includes hard-to-find labels is also a must.

When eating at SEA, gourmands will find delight in relishing savory eggs florentine with spinach and béarnaise sauce for breakfast. Lunch has an array of dishes, including marinated crab meat with avocado and sweet mango. Your fabulous dinner will have a chilled foie gras au torchon with fruit purées and chocolate soil, as well as almond chocolate mousseline, among many other pleasures.

SEA accepts bookings for private breakfast, weddings, and wine tasting events.

SEA underwater restaurant is a part of Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, Kihavah Huravalhi Island, Baa Atoll.

4 – Subsix

When the six-meter submerged restaurant opened in 2012, it was hailed as the world’s first underwater nightclub. It has now rebranded itself into an exclusive venue, an aquatic playground for lush and intimate celebrations. Found in the waters around Subsix are groupers, sharks, and turtles, a sight to behold for their culinary guests.

The interiors of Subsix are no less exciting. It has Italian abstract chandeliers, soft anemone chairs, and a clam-inspired bar, roaring with cocktails and spirits. The restaurant’s modern leitmotif makes it ideal for couples and individuals who want a sumptuous take of fine dining.

For lunch, guests get to enjoy marinated salmon, lobster medallion, and pan-seared sea bass, starting from $120 to $165. During their Underwater Glow Party, which happens on Wednesday and Saturday at 9 pm, one can sip mimosas, tequilas, or cognacs happily. Breakfasts and dinners at Subsix are available only through bookings.

Subsix is located at Niyama Private Islands Maldives, Dhaalu Atoll.

5 – M6m

M6m, short for Minus Six Meters, is an undersea restaurant in the Maldives situated in OZEN by Atmosphere resort. The gastronomic escape plates delectable dishes complemented by enthralling views of the coral landscape stretching far and wide. Adding to the uniqueness of M6m is the comfort of having to sit on sofas in place of chairs.

While OZEN Madhoo has a couple more dining options above the shore, M6m provides an intimate getaway for food lovers looking to enjoy an uncommon and private affair.

The restaurant is known for its mouthwateringly good 5-course meal featuring a variety of freshly prepared seafood dishes. The presentation is no less visually stunning, allowing guests to feast with their eyes before they get to savor the deliciousness of the preparations.

For lunch and dinner, guests can choose between Maldivian lobsters, babaganoush, and cured salmon. However, don’t forget their desserts that range from the absolutely divine coconut mango dacquoise to the dramatic chocolate dome.

M6m Undersea Restaurant is located at Maadhoo Island, South Malé Atoll.

N.B.: all information is correct as of the post-publication date, and prices are subject to change.