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The Maldives, a paradise of sun, sand, and sea, is also a culinary haven. The archipelago is home to various restaurants that serve a blend of local and international cuisines, focusing on organic, farm-to-table, and vegan options. Here are some of the best places to eat in the Maldives.
RAW at Huvafen Fushi
The Raw restaurant at Huvafen Fushi is a unique dining destination that offers a 100% raw and organic culinary experience. Set over a tranquil lagoon with stunning ocean views, the restaurant provides a relaxed bistro-style setting where guests can enjoy invigorating juices and dishes made from fresh, handpicked ingredients from the chef’s garden.
The menu at Raw is designed to offer lean cuisine that’s perfect for a healthy lunch, paired with the natural beauty of sunlight glinting on the water and distant views of nearby islands. It’s an ideal spot for those seeking balanced, wholesome, and fresh food in an overwater organic bistro setting.
Raw at Huvafen Fushi is not just a place to eat; it’s a destination that offers a feast for the senses, where the food is as much a part of the experience as the breathtaking surroundings.
The Organic Farm at Vakkaru Maldives
In the heart of Vakkaru Maldives, amidst the lush tapestry of greenery, lies a dining retreat that is a celebration of nature’s bounty: the Al Fresco Organic Farm Restaurant. This is a place where the air is perfumed with the scent of fresh herbs and ripening fruits, a hidden gem where the dining experience is an intimate dance with the elements. Guests are invited to wander through the verdant rows of the garden, handpicking ingredients that will soon grace their plates.
The cuisine here is a testament to the purity of nature, with dishes crafted from the freshest of harvests paired with the day’s catch from the surrounding azure waters. The farm-to-table concept is redefined as guests sit under the shade of towering palms, savoring nourishing creations that the private chef conjures up, tailored to the individual palate.
This is not just a meal; it’s a journey of flavors, a culinary adventure that engages all senses. The Al Fresco Organic Farm Restaurant at Vakkaru Maldives is more than a place to eat—it’s a multisensory experience that fosters a deep connection with the environment, offering a tranquil setting for laidback lunches that are as delightful as they are wholesome.
Botanica
Botanica at One&Only Reethi Rah is a dining experience that truly embodies the essence of garden-to-table philosophy. In this secluded garden setting, guests are treated to a menu that celebrates the freshest local produce, masterfully crafted into dishes that are as nourishing as they are flavorful. The restaurant is a testament to the innovative vision of Chef Matthew Kenney, who brings his expertise in plant-based cuisine to the forefront, creating a menu that’s not only healthy but also a delight for the senses.
The ambiance of Botanica is one of rustic elegance, where diners can enjoy their meal under the Maldivian sky, surrounded by the lush greenery of the resort’s gardens. The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect, from the locally sourced ingredients to the natural wood and stone used in its construction. It’s a place where the connection to nature is palpable, offering a dining experience that’s both grounding and transcendent.
At Botanica, the culinary journey is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the cuisine. It’s an invitation to slow down, savor each bite, and immerse oneself in the beauty of the natural world. The restaurant stands as a beacon of One&Only Reethi Rah’s dedication to luxury that’s in harmony with the environment.
Glow Restaurant at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
Glow at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is a unique dining experience that emphasizes garden-to-table freshness. It’s set in a greenhouse-like ambiance, where guests can enjoy a menu that features fresh and nutritious cuisine. The ingredients are sourced from the island’s own edible garden, ensuring that the dishes are as fresh as possible.
The menu at Glow is diverse, offering cold mains, desserts, and vegetarian options, with a focus on healthy and energizing salads, seafood, and other specialties. They also offer a selection of biodynamic, sustainable, and natural wines, along with detoxifying drinks to complement the dining experience. The restaurant is open from 7 pm to 10:30 pm, providing an intimate setting for an evening meal.
Glow’s commitment to health and wellness aligns perfectly with the ethos of clean eating and sustainable living. It’s a place where the natural beauty of the surroundings is matched by the quality and purity of the food served. For those looking to indulge in a meal that nourishes the body and delights the senses, Glow is a destination that promises an unforgettable culinary journey.
Fresh In The Garden at Soneva Fushi
“Fresh in the Garden” at Soneva Fushi is a dining venue that offers a unique culinary experience, where guests can enjoy their meals high above the resort’s organic gardens. The restaurant features a central open kitchen, allowing diners to observe the chefs at work. The setting is designed to be reminiscent of a treehouse, providing an immersive dining experience surrounded by nature.
The menu at “Fresh in the Garden” is crafted by Chef Chinthaka Sampath, who brings a wealth of experience from working with Michelin-starred chefs. His menu reimagines traditional dishes with a focus on gastrophysics, celebrating local ingredients and organic produce. Some of the highlights include Semi-Cured Salmon with Horseradish Gastrique and Yuzu Crème Fraîche, Spinach Crêpe with Fermented Cashew Cream, and Pan-Fried John Dory with Mussel, Apple, Celeriac, Chives, and Apple Cider Ragout.
The restaurant also emphasizes sustainability, reducing beef consumption across their menus to have a positive impact on well-being, climate change, and animal welfare. For those interested in caviar, Soneva has partnered with Rossini Caviar, a sustainable producer, offering refined taste experiences like the Soneva Baerii caviar.
Kashiveli at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives
Kashiveli, located at Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives, offers a dining experience that is deeply connected to its tropical setting and local culture. The name Kashiveli, meaning “coral sands” in Dhivehi, reflects the restaurant’s beachside location where guests can dine with their toes in the sand, enjoying the ocean breeze.
The restaurant is celebrated for its use of fresh, nutritious ingredients that are sourced from the resort’s organic garden and the surrounding local waters. This commitment to freshness is evident in their breakfast offerings, which include a colorful array of tropical fruits, juices, smoothies, and a mix of Maldivian and international favorites. For dinner, Kashiveli transforms into a vibrant night market, taking guests on a culinary tour with flavors from around the world, all while staying true to local produce.
The culinary journey at Kashiveli is not just about the food; it’s about the atmosphere and the experience. The outdoor setting provides a serene environment where the natural beauty of the Maldives enhances the dining experience. The restaurant’s concept of dining under the stars while enjoying a meal that celebrates the best of what the local environment has to offer makes it a unique and memorable destination for any visitor to the island.
Leaf Restaurant at Six Senses Laamu
Leaf at Six Senses Laamu is an adults-only signature restaurant that offers a Mediterranean gourmet cuisine with a unique farm-to-fork approach. The ingredients are sourced from the resort’s organic gardens and neighboring islands, ensuring the freshest and finest dining experience. The menu at Leaf changes daily, inspired by the freshest ingredients available.
The restaurant invites guests to enjoy a romantic candlelit ambiance surrounded by the Indian Ocean, enhancing the dining experience with a four-course tasting menu paired with wine. This setting provides an intimate and serene atmosphere, perfect for a luxury Maldives holiday.
The Fresh Labs at Kandima Maldives
Kandima Maldives is an island destination that combines style with a strong commitment to sustainability. Their eco-friendly initiatives, known as “eco-kool,” aim to create a greener and more vibrant planet. Here are some of the key sustainability efforts at Kandima:
- Fresh Labs: Launched in 2017, Fresh Labs is the culinary heart of Kandima, pulsing with the freshest Maldivian produce. The initiative focuses on reducing imported goods and supporting local agriculture, ensuring meals are both top-notch and eco-friendly.
- Coral Restoration: Since 2017, Kandima has been actively involved in coral restoration through their coral adoption program. This initiative allows guests to adopt a coral frame and track its growth online, contributing to marine conservation.
- Garden Waste Recycling: Kandima’s garden waste recycling initiative turns organic waste into mulch, enriching the soil and conserving water. It’s a testament to their dedication to sustainable practices.
- KULA Initiative: Since 2017, the KULA Initiative has been promoting the Maldivian art scene. It includes events like the KULA Art Festival and supports local artists through exhibitions and performances at the KULA Art Studio. Each stay at Kandima contributes $1 to a non-profit fund for local artists.
The Maldives is not only a breathtaking tropical paradise but also a haven for sustainable dining. The islands’ commitment to sustainability and fresh, locally-sourced ingredients has given rise to a vibrant scene of organic restaurants that cater to health-conscious food lovers. From the innovative plant-based dishes at RAW to the authentic farm-to-table experiences at Botanica with Matthew Kenney, the Maldives offers a diverse range of dining options that are as nutritious as they are delicious. These establishments are not just restaurants; they are a testament to the islands’ dedication to ecological responsibility and the celebration of natural flavors. Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or simply a lover of good food, the organic restaurants in the Maldives promise unforgettable dining journeys that nourishes the body, delights the palate, and respects the planet.
