Where to Find the New Cuisine in Maldives

Caravela: A Voyage‑Inspired Fine Dining Experience at NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort

The Maldives is home to some of the world's most extraordinary culinary destinations, but every so often, a new concept emerges that elevates the art of island dining to an entirely new level. NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort, a newly-opened sanctuary in the UNESCO-protected Baa Atoll, has introduced a groundbreaking fine dining concept, and it’s quickly becoming a highlight for luxury travelers exploring the Indian Ocean.

Caravela is not just another signature restaurant. Designed as an immersive culinary journey inspired by the great maritime expeditions that shaped global gastronomy, it blends Spanish culinary heritage with authentic Maldivian provenance, offering a multi-sensory experience that connects history, culture, and cuisine in a truly unforgettable way.

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ONDA Restaurant: A New Wave of Mediterranean Dining at The Standard, Maldives

The Standard, Maldiveshas once again flipped the script on conventional island luxury with the debut of ONDA, a vibrant new Mediterranean dining destination that officially opened its doors on April 5, 2026. Located on the private island of Huruvalhi in the Raa Atoll, ONDA is more than just a restaurant—it is an immersive experience designed to be the social and culinary heartbeat of the resort .

Named after the Italian word for "wave," ONDA captures the rhythm of the ocean, bringing a sophisticated yet playful energy to the Maldives dining scene. It represents a bold new chapter for the resort, moving away from rigid formalities to embrace a "come-as-you-are" philosophy where bold flavors and sun-drenched enjoyment take center stage .

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Savor the Soul of the Maldives: NH Kuda Rah Launches Malaa – The Maldivian Café

The Maldives’ newest luxury resort, NH Kuda Rah, has elevated the archipelago’s culinary scene with the debut of Malaa – The Maldivian Café, an immersive dining experience celebrating the soulful flavors and cultural heritage of the islands. Nestled in the pristine South Ari Atoll, this innovative outlet isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a portal to the heart of Maldivian tradition.

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Underwater 'Caviar Indulgence' at SEA, Anantara Kihavah

Already regarded as the finest underwater restaurant and wine cellar in the Maldives, SEA Underwater Restaurant is taking its discerning guests on a gustatory journey of discovery six metres beneath the waves as it seeks to elevate the dining experience at Anantara Kihavah to new levels with the launch of 'Caviar Indulgence' at SEA on 18 June 2024. Signature dishes curated by Executive Chef Joachim Textor includes the Chilled Champagne Soup with Caviar, Fresh Lobster Ceviche, Australian Wagyu Striploin, Greek Kataifi, Hokkaido Scallop Tartare, and desserts such as the Mango Crème Brûlée and Pistachio Praline Cheese Tart.

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COMO Cocoa Island launches Seven-course Sardinian tasting menu

To savour a Sardinian-Maldivian fusion cuisine on private island resort COMO Cocoa Island has unveiled a new seasonal culinary experience: A Taste of Sardinia—a thoughtfully curated seven-course tasting menu by Executive Chef Federico Tidu.

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Discover best of Japanese-Peruvian haute cuisine at Niyama Private Islands Maldives

In 2025 Niyama Private Islands unveiled a new culinary innovation, introducing an exquisite tasting menu at its newly renovated underwater restaurant, Subsix. This latest offering brings the unique fusion of Japanese-Peruvian haute cuisine, known as Nikkei, to the Maldives.

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The Indian Thali Experience at Ifuru Island

Nestled in the turquoise waters of the Raa Atoll, Ifuru Island Maldives is not just a sanctuary of luxury and adventure—it’s also a destination where global flavors converge. Among its newest offerings, the Indian Thali at Social House stands out as a vibrant celebration of India’s culinary heritage, reimagined with Maldivian elegance. Here’s why this dining experience deserves a spot on your Maldives itinerary.

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The newest French La Belle Vie bistro at Kuramathi

Designed to evoke the charm of a traditional Parisian bistro in Maldives, La Belle Vie at Kuramathi offers a warm and cozy environment where guests can savour classic French cuisine. The focus is on homemade dishes prepared from traditional recipes, ensuring every meal delivers an authentic taste of France. The menu at La Belle Vie features a variety of dishes, and guests who have booked the Select All-Inclusive package at Kuramathi Maldives will find this delightful dining experience included in their stay.

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SALA, Vegan restaurant at Dusit Thani Maldives

Dusit Thani Maldives elevates its menu with the launching of SALA, a new vegan restaurant with a dazzling array of plant-based offerings made from premium locally sourced ingredients and produce grown in the resort’s own organic gardens. The new restaurant offers a carefully curated ‘plant-powered’ menu, with standout dishes like Greek orzo salad, baked spiced pumpkin, and eggplant steak a la plancha. A variety of salads, soups, and mains are also thoughtfully crafted to provide a delightful culinary experience for vegan and vegetarians in Maldives.

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Michelin-starred Japanese cuisine at JOALI BEING

JOALI BEING, the first wellbeing destination of its kind in the Maldives, has unveiled a new Japanese restaurant conceptualised by the Michelin-acclaimed talents of Chef Hidemasa Yamamoto. The menu, crafted with the finest ingredients from both land and sea, aligns with the wellbeing island’s Earth-to-Table and Ocean-to-Table culinary philosophy. Guests can indulge in a variety of gastronomic delights, ranging from Zensai appetisers, Sashimi, Sushi, and Temaki hand rolls to sensory salads, Robata grills such as Charcoal-grilled Wagyu and Seafood Toban Yaki, and exquisite desserts of Japanese heritage.

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Olives & Vines at Furaveri Maldives

With an open-air terrace, and a menu inspired by Mediterranean flavors Furaveri Maldives has elevated the island’s dining scene with the opening of Olives & Vines restaurant this August. The restaurant’s menu promises a culinary journey through the Mediterranean, showcasing an array of fresh meats and the finest global produce, each dish crafted with top-tier ingredients and expert skill. The guests can enjoy a curated set menu featuring Seared Scallops, Steamed Scampi, Raspberry Sorbet, Butter Poached Lobster Tail, a selection of fine cheeses, and a delightful Berry Mille-Feuille for a harmonious blend of flavours and textures.

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A New Maldivian Restaurant at Siyam World Maldives

Siyam World, Maldives has introduced “back to the roots” cuisine and opened a signature Maldivian restaurant showcasing delicacies and dishes from different atolls of the Maldives. The menu includes local white fish soup, Tuna carpaccio, 3 Varieties Of Mashuni, Creamy Spicy Curry Risotto, Black Angus Sirloin Steak, Pumpkin Ravioli Dhonriha Velouté and much more. Included in the resort's unbeatable WOW! 24-hour premium all-inclusive plan the Kaage restaurant boasts a menu that pays tribute to the time-honored recipes passed down through generations.

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Madi Hiyaa at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru proudly presents its latest architectural gem, Madi Hiyaa, an exceptional standalone overwater Yakitori Restaurant and Bar, featuring an incredible sea saltwater infinity pool, breathtaking sunset panoramas, and offering an authentic Japanese culinary experience with a Maldivian influence, all crafted from locally-sourced ingredients. Guests can satisfy their palates not only with diverse selections of sushi rolls, sashimi, and Madi Hiyaa’s signature yakitori creations but also with authentic Japanese classics.

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An Update on Gili Lankanfushi' dining scene 2024

Gili Lankanfushi resort, the pioneer of sustainable, barefoot luxury in the Maldives, is serving up a series of gourmet additions in 2024. From a delicious new menu for the recently refurbished Overwater Bar to the appointment of F&B Manager Shawwaf Ismail, epicurean adventurers are in for a treat at Gili this season.

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The Nest at Niyama

A multi-island destination in the Maldives, Niyama Private Islands reopens its tree top restaurant, Nest, with reimagined jungle dining reinforced with bold, new flavours. With a relentless pursuit of the novel and intriguing, a new menu boasts with flavours of the avant garde by new Executive Chef Thierry Vergnault. Highlights include the wagyu and sea urchin tataki (Japan), sizzling bo lok lak (Vietnam), and chilli reef lobster from local waters (Singapore). Hard-to-find Asian herbs and spices come from the island’s own garden, which also inform the experimental cocktail list by consultant Mathew Atkinson of Bruff Drinks.

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New Plant-based menu at vegan-friendly Flames, Nova Maldives

The bright new star resort Nova presents a tempting new menu of delicious plant-based dishes for guests who are determined to be healthier and happier in 2024. How about Pumpkin Salad to start with, featuring grated coconut, Maldivian spinach, lime dressing and pumpkin seeds, followed by Kofta Quinoa, a quinoa dumpling with Maldivian spiced rich tomato sauce served with saffron rice? To finish, guests can choose a Coconut Tasting Platter of young coconut mousse, coconut candy and coconut truffle…

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Celebrate fresh, local ingredients with Le Meridien Maldives’ new menu

Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa has announced its brand-new menu, crafted with passion, precision, and a sprinkle of innovation. The culinary team has been hard at work, sourcing the finest ingredients and experimenting with flavours to bring guests an unforgettable dining experience. The new menu is a celebration of ingredients, where European classics with a local twist take centre stage.

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White Orchid at JA Manafaru

JA Manafaru has announced the launch of its refreshed menus at White Orchid Restaurant. This revamped dining experience is set to combine modern Japanese cuisine with a firm commitment to sustainability. For entrées, guests can indulge in the Reef Octopus, prepared with ginger, scallion, lemon, soy, mirin salmon roe, chili crisps, sesame, and microgreens freshly harvested from the on-site garden.

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Kurumba Maldives revamps Hamakaze Menu with Authentic Japanese Cuisine

To enhance its culinary offerings, Kurumba Maldives has introduced a new menu for Hamakaze, its renowned Japanese restaurant, giving you an expanded choice of authentic dishes that reflect the artistry of Japanese cooking.

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Teien at Cora Cora Maldives

Teien®, the award-winning Japanese Restaurant in the Maldives at Cora Cora resort, has unveiled its eagerly anticipated new menu, promising an unparalleled dining experience for guests seeking the epitome of Japanese cuisine infused with innovation and tradition. Exciting new additions include Wakame & Edamame, variety of Japanese soups, enhanced kushiyaki selection, and exclusive special menu options. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, pork-free, low-salt, low-carb and alcohol-free options are always available at Teien®.

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Shoreline Grill Chef’s Table at Milaidhoo Maldives

As a premier culinary destination in Maldives Milaidhoo Island has unveiled a new dining concept, 'An Evening with the Chefs'. This exceptional gastronomic event allows guests to enjoy a bespoke five-course gourmet dinner, carefully curated by the island’s talented chefs and paired with fine wines selected by the resident sommelier. Throughout the event, guests are encouraged to ask questions, share stories, and explore the rich culinary traditions and innovative techniques that set Milaidhoo’s cuisine apart.

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Vista restaurant at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort

An adults only island Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort has announced the reopening of Vista restaurant after an extensive renovation. The newly launched menu celebrates the rich and diverse flavours of authentic Italian cuisine, curated to perfection by the expert chefs. Highlights from the new menu: antipasti, insialate & zuppe, a variety of pastas, classic pizzas, secondi and dolci.

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Social House Theme Nights at Ifuru Island resort

Newly opened Maldives all-inclusive resort Ifuru Island has unveiled its latest culinary offering: Social House theme nights, inviting guests to indulge in a gastronomic journey inspired by the world’s oceans. Each night of the week, guests can immerse themselves in a feast of flavours, expertly curated to showcase the diverse cuisines found along the shores of the Indian Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, South China Sea, Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Oceans, and beyond.

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Jumeirah Olhahali Island Welcomes Renowned Culinary Expert as Executive Chef

Jumeirah Olhahali Island is delighted to announce the appointment of Chef Nurmaningsih Tejapermana, known as Chef Nonky, as the Maldivian resort’s new Executive Chef. At Jumeirah Maldives, Chef Nonky will lead the culinary vision across the resort’s four waterfront dining outlets. Guests can look forward to a reimagined experience at the award-winning Kayto, where Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei cuisine is presented in a relaxed setting. Shimmers, known for its Mediterranean and Greek flavours, will delight diners with its homemade artisan pizzas served in a blissful beach club atmosphere, while Glow will continue to offer global flavours with a focus on health- conscious options for all-day dining.

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RAAYA by Atmosphere expands dining options with sustainability-focused Seb’s Farm

RAAYA by Atmosphere has unveiled its latest addition, Seb’s Farm, an outlet inspired by the castaway adventurer Seb and rooted in sustainability. Set amidst lush greenery and organic herb garden beds, this new dining experience promises to captivate guests with its culinary offerings and sustainable approach, crafted for those who crave authentic flavours and genuine connections with nature.

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Angsana Velavaru Updates Dining Scene

Angsana Velavaru is ushering in a new era of culinary discovery in the Maldives with refreshed dining spaces and reinvented gastronomic offerings. The resort now features three distinctive restaurants and two vibrant bars, inviting guests to indulge in global flavours while enjoying reimagined settings designed for relaxation and indulgence. If you’re passionate about good food, whether it’s gourmet dining or creative fusion, embark on culinary voyage on symphony of flavours at Angsana Velavaru, Maldives in 2025.

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Alila Kothaifaru Maldives expands Dining Options with opening Pibati Italian Restaurant

Renamed Pibati Sul Mare—Italian for “by the sea”—the restaurant serves lunch, specialising in artisanal pizzas and handcrafted pastas. Its menu features a harmonious blend of Italian classics and island-inspired flavours, such as the Margherita pizza and the exquisite Linguini allo Scoglio di Panna, a mixed seafood dish in a garlic cream sauce. These dishes are crafted with high-quality ingredients, including fresh, homegrown herbs cultivated on the island, creating comfort food that captures the island’s vibrant essence.

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Take a new look on culinary excellence at One&Only Reethi Rah with Tapasake concept

One&Only Reethi Rah unveils the upgraded restaurant to its collection of eight distinctive culinary options with the renew of Tapasake in the Maldives. The new concept offers Japanese cuisine with Mediterranean influences – a fresh take on culinary excellence. With breathtaking views of the crystal-clear Indian Ocean and the venue’s unique style, the new experiential gastronomic destination delivers a truly unforgettable experience to its One&Only' guests.

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