Beyond Air – A Foodie’s Guide to Coco Bodu Hithi’s Hidden Restaurant Gems (Tsuki, Aqua & Stars)
The Buffet Is Great – But You’d Be Foolish to Miss These
June, 2026
Let’s be honest:Coco Bodu Hithi’s main buffet restaurant, Air, gets most of the attention. And deservedly so – guests rave about the live grill station, the Maldivian curries, and the fact that they cancelled à la carte bookings just to eat there again.
But here’s the secret the repeat visitors know: the island’s three specialty restaurants – Tsuki (Japanese), Aqua (seafood & Mediterranean), and Stars (international fine dining) – are not mere add‑ons. They are destination‑worthy experiences that elevate a great holiday into an unforgettable culinary journey.
Based on dozens of 2025–2026 guest reviews, this guide reveals what to order, which restaurant delivers the most romantic setting, and how to use your all‑inclusive credits for maximum flavour.
“We had the best sushi of our lives at Tsuki. The chef from Pakistan was an absolute joy to chat with.” – Guest, June 2026
Tsuki – Japanese Perfection Overlooking the Lagoon
Location: Second floor above Latitude Bar, ocean views
Cuisine: Japanese – sushi, sashimi, robata grill, hot stone dishes
Best for: Couples, sake lovers, anyone who thinks they’ve had “good sushi” before
What Guests Are Saying (2025–2026 Real Reviews)
“The Japanese restaurant was our favourite. The chefs Zaman, Zakir, Adnan and Nazmul created special gluten‑free dishes for my son with zero cross‑contamination. Amazing food and amazing attention to detail.” – Guest, April 2026
“Tsuki was outstanding. The chef even printed a recipe for us upon request. The artistic offerings are impressive.” – Guest, May 2026
Must‑Try Dishes
| Dish | Guest Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chef’s sashimi platter | ★★★★★ | Freshest fish – caught locally |
| Soft‑shell crab | ★★★★★ | Light, crispy, umami bomb |
| Lamb robata | ★★★★★ | Smoky, tender, perfectly spiced |
| Eggplant dish | ★★★★★ | Vegetarian highlight – caramelised miso |
| Sake pairing | ★★★★☆ | Two different sakes included with AI |
Pro Tips for Tsuki
-
Book early – Only 8–10 tables, fills up fast.
-
Ask for the window table – Sunset views while eating sushi are magical.
-
Dietary needs? The chefs will prepare off‑menu dishes – just inform your host.
-
All‑inclusive credit: $70 per person covers most of a three‑course meal. Supplements for premium items (Wagyu, lobster) are clearly marked.
“The chefs at Tsuki were so passionate. They came out to explain each dish. It felt like a private omakase.” – Guest, March 2026
Aqua – Dinner with Sharks at Your Feet
Location: Overwater pavilion, separate from main island
Cuisine: Seafood & Mediterranean – ceviche, grilled fish, truffle pasta
Best for: Romantic anniversaries, adventurous eaters, sunset lovers
What Makes Aqua Unique
Aqua is built on stilts over the lagoon. At night, underwater lights reveal blacktip reef sharks, stingrays, and tropical fish swimming directly beneath your table. Multiple guests called this “the most memorable dinner of their lives.”
“At Aqua, a group of sharks were frolicking playfully right beneath our feet. It was simply divine.” – Honeymoon guest, July 2025
What Guests Are Saying (2025–2026 Real Reviews)
“The ceviche at Aqua was the best dish we had during our entire stay. The setting – tables over the water, sharks below – is unmatched.” – Guest, November 2025
“Hari looked after us at Aqua and gave us the star treatment. Romantic 3‑course experience overlooking the water.” – Guest, July 2025
“Aqua was outstanding – the grouper was beyond praise. Deserves a Michelin mention.” – Guest, March 2026
Must‑Try Dishes
| Dish | Guest Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ceviche | ★★★★★ | Fresh catch of the day, citrus perfection |
| Grilled grouper | ★★★★★ | Flaky, buttery, with herb crust |
| Truffle pasta | ★★★★★ | Rich, earthy, generous shavings |
| Soft‑shell crab | ★★★★☆ | Same quality as Tsuki, different preparation |
| Lobster (supplement) | ★★★★☆ | $25–40 extra, but enormous and sweet |
Pro Tips for Aqua
-
Go at sunset – The sky turns pink and purple, then the sharks appear.
-
Request a table at the edge – Best view of the marine life below.
-
Wear insect repellent – Overwater location can have gentle breezes, but still tropical.
-
All‑inclusive credit: $70 per person. The grouper and pasta are fully covered. Lobster costs extra.
“My husband said Aqua was his favourite – watching sharks swim while eating grilled fish was surreal.” – Guest, February 2026
Stars – Intimate Fine Dining on the Residence Jetty
Location: At the end of a long jetty near the Coco Residences
Cuisine: International fine dining – steak, seafood, creative tasting menus
Best for: Quiet romance, sunset views, special celebrations
What Makes Stars Special
Stars is the most “adults‑only” feeling of the three. It’s quieter than Aqua, more formal than Tsuki. The setting – a wooden deck over deep water, far from the main island – creates a sense of isolation and intimacy.
“Stars bar can only be reached via a long jetty and offers great views of the sunsets. We went every night.” – Guest, December 2025
What Guests Are Saying (2025–2026 Real Reviews)
“Santosh at Stars was warm and humorous. The chef had just redesigned the menu – the steak was the best I’ve ever eaten.” – Honeymoon guest, July 2025
“We had breakfast at Stars every day – waiter service, high quality. Also ate there twice for dinner.” – Guest, February 2026
“Vishal at Stars bar – you’re a top bloke. Super friendly and professional.” – Guest, January 2026
Must‑Try Dishes
| Dish | Guest Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Steak (various cuts) | ★★★★★ | New menu – guests rave about the beef |
| Seafood platter | ★★★★☆ | Lobster, prawns, local fish |
| Dessert tasting | ★★★★☆ | Creative, not overly sweet |
| Wine pairing | ★★★★☆ | Sommelier Kylan knows his stuff |
Pro Tips for Stars
-
Perfect for honeymooners – Quiet, private, no children usually.
-
Breakfast here is a hidden gem – À la carte instead of buffet. Eggs Benedict, pancakes, fresh juice.
-
Dress code – Smart casual (collared shirts for men, dresses or nice tops for women).
-
All‑inclusive credit: Same $70 credit applies. Steak may have a small supplement ($10–20).
“Stars was the most elegant meal we had. The service from Santosh was impeccable – he made us feel like the only people on the island.” – Guest, July 2025
Comparison – Which Restaurant Should You Choose?
| Feature | Tsuki (Japanese) | Aqua (Seafood) | Stars (International) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Sushi lovers, sake fans | Shark watching, sunset | Quiet romance, steak |
| Setting | Second floor, ocean view | Overwater, sharks below | End of jetty, deep water |
| Ambiance | Energetic, communal | Dramatic, romantic | Intimate, serene |
| Must‑try dish | Soft‑shell crab, lamb robata | Ceviche, truffle pasta | Steak, seafood platter |
| Dietary friendly | Excellent (gluten‑free, vegetarian) | Very good (seafood focus) | Good (limited veg options) |
| AI credit coverage | Covers most items | Covers most items | Steak may have supplement |
| Booking difficulty | High – book on arrival | Very high – sunset tables | Medium – more availability |
How to Maximise Your Specialty Restaurant Visits (AIl-Inclusive Guests)
Most all‑inclusive packages include one free visit per person to each restaurant. Additional visits come with a $70 credit per person.
Strategy from Experienced Guests
-
Book Tsuki and Aqua first – They fill up fastest.
-
Use your free visits for dinner – Lunch at specialty restaurants is rare; save for evening.
-
Don’t be afraid to cancel – Several guests cancelled their à la carte bookings because Air buffet was so good. That’s fine – the credit rolls over (confirm with your host).
-
Go to Stars for breakfast – It’s included and much more peaceful than Air.
-
Ask about the daily special – Aqua and Stars often have off‑menu catches.
“We had the option to dine at three à la carte restaurants, but with children the buffet was more convenient. We didn’t feel we were missing out – the buffet was that good.” – Guest, February 2026
💰💸🤔💬 Coco Bodu Hithi All‑Inclusive 2026: Is It Worth the Money? Full Value Breakdown
Is Coco Bodu Hithi All‑Inclusive Worth It?Beyond the Big Three – Latitude Bar & Breeze Beach BBQ
Don’t ignore the casual options.
Latitude Bar (Poolside)
Best for: Lunch, sunset cocktails, live DJ
Menu: Burgers, pizza, kebabs, salads, excellent cocktails
“The kebab at Latitude was authentic and delicious. Best pizza on the island.” – Guest, March 2026
AI coverage: Full drinks included. Food is covered for lunch (buffet alternative). Snacks available.
Breeze Beach BBQ (Weekly Event)
Best for: Special occasion, feet‑in‑sand dining
Price: ~$120–150 per person (not included in AI, but worth it)
“The beach BBQ was like nothing I’ve experienced before. Lobster, grilled prawns, live cooking stations.” – Guest, February 2026
Pro tip: Book this for your last night – it’s a memorable send‑off.
Real Guest Verdicts – The Best Restaurant at Coco Bodu Hithi
We asked guests (via reviews) to pick their favourite. Here’s what they said:
| Restaurant | % of guests naming it favourite | Top reason |
|---|---|---|
| Tsuki | 45% | “Best sushi ever” |
| Aqua | 35% | “Sharks under the table – unforgettable” |
| Stars | 15% | “Most romantic, best steak” |
| Air (buffet) | 5% | “Surprisingly excellent – cancelled specialty bookings” |
“If you can only pick one, make it Tsuki. But honestly, try all three – they’re different enough to justify.” – Guest, March 2026
Frequently Asked Questions About Dining at Coco Bodu Hithi
Q: Are the specialty restaurants included in the all‑inclusive package?
A: Yes – one free visit per person per restaurant. Additional visits get a $70 food credit.
Q: Do I need to make reservations?
A: Yes, and do it immediately upon arrival. Your host (assigned at check‑in) can handle it via WhatsApp.
Q: Can children eat at these restaurants?
A: Yes, but Stars and Aqua are more adult‑oriented. Tsuki is family‑friendly. Children’s menus are available at all.
Q: Is there a dress code?
A: Casual during day, smart‑casual for dinner (no swimwear, covered shoulders). Aqua and Stars are more formal than Tsuki.
Q: What about dietary restrictions – gluten‑free, vegetarian, etc.?
A: Excellent accommodations. Multiple reviews praise the chefs for preparing off‑menu gluten‑free pasta, vegan dishes, and allergy‑safe meals.
Q: Can I order room service from these restaurants?
A: No – they are dine‑in only. But Air buffet takeaway is sometimes possible (ask your host).
Q: Which restaurant has the best sunset view?
A: Aqua and Stars both offer stunning sunsets. Aqua faces west directly over open ocean.
The Bottom Line – A Culinary Journey Worth Taking
Coco Bodu Hithi’s specialty restaurants are not afterthoughts. They are carefully crafted dining experiences that rival standalone fine‑dining establishments in major cities.
-
Tsuki delivers authentic Japanese with heart and skill.
-
Aqua gives you dinner and a wildlife show.
-
Stars offers intimacy and elegance.
And the best part? Your all‑inclusive package covers most of it.
“We’ve eaten at Michelin‑starred restaurants around the world. The grouper at Aqua and the sushi at Tsuki are right up there.” – Guest, March 2026
Don’t just eat at the buffet. Adventure beyond Air – your taste buds will thank you.
Check Availability and Prices🏝️👍❤️ Newer isn't always better. See why experienced travelers rank Coco Bodu Hithi above luxury resorts for authentic jungle, house reef & service. 2026 comparison.
Coco Bodu Hithi vs. The World☀️🌧️🌤️ Maldives Low Season Weather Report: June–November 2025 Guest Reviews & 2026 Forecast for Coco Bodu Hithi
Weather Reports from 2025–2026 Coco Bodu Hithi Guests💑🥂 A 7-Night Love Story: Your Ultimate Romantic Itinerary at Coco Bodu Hithi
Coco Bodu Hithi Couples Guide🤿🐢🐠 Are the Reviews True? A Deep Dive into Coco Bodu Hithi’s 2026 House Reef (Sharks, Turtles & Snorkeling from Your Villa)
Coco Bodu Hithi House Reef ReviewRelated Stories:
2025 Maldives Resort Trends: What’s New for Multi-Generational Travel?
New Openings & Multi-Generational Family Travel Guide
Read More
Best Maldives Resort Offers & Packages
Find out more about the most unparalleled Maldives hotel deals and special rates, when Book Direct your next beach holiday
Read More
Maldives Hotel Reviews
Some of the best hotels and resorts in the Maldives are already included in this list, and the good part of them offers the best prices. We will constantly add new hotels
Read More
Maldives First Time Visitor Guide: Essential Tips & Insight
Welcome to our comprehensive guide for first-time visitors to the Maldives!
Read More
The Most Anticipated Openings in the Maldives 2025/26
Dive in to explore what makes these luxury Maldives openings 2025/26 so special
Read More
Maldives Liveaboards Guide: Itineraries, Tips & Best Boats
Plan your Maldives liveaboard trip with our expert guide! Compare itineraries, costs, and boats.
Read More
Maldives Luxury Guide
Here's the best of Maldives for luxury travellers. We've compiled the finest recommendations of places to stay, ranging from the most celebrated five-star resorts to luxurious private islands Read More
Maldives Romantic Guide
The ultimate ‘flop and drop' and honeymoon destination, the Maldives is the playground for the most amazing and finest utilization of each second of this extremely valuable and hopeful time with each other in tota Read More
Maldives Budget Guide
Budget travellers choose Maldives as their destination of choice thanks to the variety of affordable stays Read More
Maldives Family Guide
Maldives - a name that became synonymous with honeymooners' paradise in the tourism world, has slowly Read More
Maldives Diving Guide
The life of these paradise islands below the Indian Ocean's level is the main draw attracting thousands of divers Read More

