Sun Siyam Vilu Reef Dining Guide: Aqua, Spice & Well Done Restaurants

Aqua Restaurant: The Heart of Vilu Reef Dining

Aqua is the resort’s main buffet restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But calling it a “buffet” barely does it justice. Guests consistently describe it as serving “culinary masterpieces every meal time”, with one reviewer noting the buffet is “huge, with circa 30+ food stations”.

What’s on the Menu?

The variety is staggering. Each day brings a new theme, with a rotating selection of international cuisine—European dishes alongside regional specialties from the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and India. You’ll find:

• Freshly cooked omelettes every morning from Chef Younos, who greets guests with a smile and a friendly “Hawi-dere” (hello)

• BBQ options with fresh meat and fish cooked to order

• Local Maldivian meals and authentic Sri Lankan curries

• Extensive salad bars, fresh breads, and decadent desserts

• Themed nights like Thali Night and Lobster Feast Night that add extra excitement

The Chefs Behind the Magic

The culinary team at Aqua is led by Executive Chef Nittin Jain, who guests describe as “so friendly and offered to make anything we wanted that wasn’t already on offer”. He’s frequently seen in the restaurant ensuring everything meets his exacting standards.

Chef Chaminda is the undisputed star of the kitchen. A Sri Lankan culinary master, he surprises guests daily with complimentary treats and special seafood curries. One reviewer wrote: “Chef Chaminda was amazing, on our last night he cooked us a lovely dinner to make our last night so special”. Another guest noted that he “even shared the recipes with us, adding a personal touch to our dining experience”—a gesture that turns a holiday meal into a lifelong memory.

Chef Faruk works alongside Chaminda, creating “different curries and baked whole fish” with nothing ever being too much trouble. Chef Younos brightens every morning with perfectly cooked eggs and warm conversation. Chef Akram makes “amazing omelettes”, while Chef Manish welcomes every guest with a smile.

The Service Team

The front-of-house team at Aqua is just as exceptional. Vijay is mentioned in review after review for his positive attitude and attentive service. Shayan, Asmita, Rita, Shakil, Sagar, and many others make guests feel “right at home” with their warmth and professionalism. One family with a baby noted how the staff “always welcomed us with a huge smile that made our baby so happy, everyone served with a smile and so much energy, engaging and playing with our baby while we eat”.

“The main restaurant Aqua served up culinary masterpieces every meal time.” — Guest review

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Spice Restaurant: Italian by Day, Indian by Night

Located on the beach near the overwater villas, Spice offers one of the most unique dining concepts at Vilu Reef.

Lunch: Italian Comfort Food

By day, Spice transforms into an Italian trattoria serving pizza, pasta, and fresh salads. One guest called it “the place to go” for pizza and pasta cravings.

Dinner: Authentic Indian Cuisine

As the sun sets, Spice reinvents itself as an Indian restaurant showcasing “aromatic curries and freshly baked flatbreads”. The quality is exceptional—one reviewer noted: “We loved all 3 but especially The Spice as we love Indian food. The quality of the food was excellent”. Another guest called it “a highlight for us” and ended up coming back most days.

For those with dietary needs, Spice shines. A guest with coeliac disease noted: “On our first day whilst re-exploring the island, we met Chandan, a chef at the Spice restaurant. Despite being alone and preparing for the evening service, he took the time to explain what she could eat and reassured us with, ‘I will make anything you want on the menu and make it gluten free.’ True to his word, his freshly made gluten-free naan brought a huge smile to her face.”

Standout Staff

Reddy is frequently mentioned for his excellent service at Spice. Kushal made sure one couple had “an amazing experience every time”. The team also includes Tharina, Shepia, Nizam, and Naseer, all of whom contribute to the restaurant’s warm, welcoming atmosphere.

“A highlight for us was The Spice restaurant… we ended up coming back here most days!” — Guest review

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Well Done Restaurant: Beachfront Elegance

Well Done sits “perfectly on the beach opposite the jetty”, offering a more sophisticated à la carte dining experience focused on meat, fresh seafood, and grilled specialties.

The Menu

As the name suggests, Well Done specializes in expertly grilled steaks and seafood. One reviewer—a self-described meat lover—called it “a standout”. The food is “to die for as is the wine”. Another guest noted that while it’s “not super luxurious, you will struggle to find anything better for this price”.

The Team

Dilshad and Chris at Well Done receive special praise. Puran is noted for being “very knowledgeable about wines and paired some excellent ones with our food”. Guests consistently describe the service as attentive and the atmosphere as perfect for a romantic evening.

Lunch Option

Well Done is also open for lunch, offering a lighter à la carte selection for guests who prefer an alternative to the Aqua buffet.

“The Well Done restaurant sits perfectly on the beach… food is to die for as is the wine.” — Guest review

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The All-Inclusive Dining Experience

One of the biggest draws of Sun Siyam Vilu Reef is its 24-hour all-inclusive dine-around package. Guests can choose where to eat each day, with both Spice and Well Done included in the package.

What’s Included?

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Aqua (buffet)

• À la carte dining at Spice and Well Done (bookable through the resort app)

• Unlimited alcoholic and soft drinks at the bars and restaurants

• Afternoon snacks at Positive Energy pool bar

Booking Through the App

The resort’s app makes dining reservations seamless. Guests can book Spice and Well Done directly through the app, and if a restaurant appears fully booked, hosts like MO have been known to secure tables anyway.

Special Dietary Needs

The culinary team goes above and beyond for guests with dietary restrictions. Vegetarians are “well catered for”, and gluten-free guests consistently report feeling safe and well looked after. One reviewer noted: “My wife has coeliac disease, and she consistently had plenty of safe options. She wasn’t glutened once, which shows the team’s strong control over cross-contamination.” Chefs regularly check in with guests personally to ensure their needs are met.

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Special Dining Experiences

Beyond the three restaurants, Vilu Reef offers several unforgettable dining experiences:

Romantic Beach Dinners

For honeymooners and anniversary couples, the staff can arrange intimate candlelit dinners on the beach. One couple received “a romantic meal on a table set up in our preferred location on the beach”—a gesture that made their 20th anniversary truly special.

Floating Breakfast

Guests can order a floating breakfast served in their private pool—a picture-perfect start to any day. One reviewer called it “amazing… served in our own pool while looking out at white sand and turquoise water.”

Saturday Gala Dinner

Every Saturday evening, the resort hosts a Gala Dinner featuring traditional Maldivian entertainment and an extravagant buffet. One guest admitted the $500 per person fee initially shocked them, but after experiencing it, they realised “it was worth the money… the buffet was just wow!”

Thali Night and Lobster Feast

Themed evenings at Aqua add variety to longer stays. Guests particularly enjoy the Thali Night (showcasing Indian platters) and Lobster Feast Night.

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What Guests Are Saying

“The food is wonderful we found it so hard to choose between the Aqua, the Well Done and the Spice.” 

“Chef Chaminda stands out for his delicious cuisine and attentive service to every guest, ensuring a memorable dining experience.” 

“We liked the variety and quality of food, making it a highlight of the stay.” 

“The food was exquisite; we loved all three restaurants, especially The Spice and Well Done, where we could sit on the beach—perfect.” 

“The staff at Aqua always welcomed us with a huge smile that made our baby so happy.” 

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Practical Tips for Dining at Vilu Reef

1. Book à la carte restaurants in advance through the resort app—they fill up quickly

2. Don’t be afraid to make special requests—the chefs love to accommodate dietary needs and personal preferences

3. Try the curries—Chef Chaminda’s Sri Lankan creations are legendary

4. Ask for recipes—multiple guests have returned home with Chef Chaminda’s secrets

5. Save room for dessert—the pastries are beautifully presented and delicious

6. Check your bill—service charge (10%) and tax (16–17%) are added to all prices

7. Consider all-inclusive—guests consistently say it’s “fantastic value for money”

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Final Verdict

At Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, dining is far more than sustenance—it’s an experience. Whether you’re enjoying the “culinary masterpieces” at Aqua, the authentic Indian flavours at Spice, or the elegant beachfront dining at Well Done, every meal is crafted with passion and served with genuine warmth.

But what truly sets Vilu Reef apart is the people. As one guest put it: “The food is wonderful… but what makes this resort truly unique is the staff. These people didn’t just make us feel like guests on this island, but like part of their own family.”

For anyone dreaming of the Maldives, Vilu Reef delivers a dining experience that’s every bit as unforgettable as its turquoise waters and powdery white sands.

Check Availability and Prices

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