Our Top Maldives Restaurants — Expert Picks from Scott Dunn 

Patina Maldives

Patina is a collection of 13 unique culinary concepts, each celebrating creativity, premium ingredients, and time-honoured techniques. Highlighting Brasa for its elemental, open-fire cooking and rustic hacienda atmosphere. We particularly love the charred octopus with a fabulous BBQ glaze, though the tasting menu is equally impressive. Dining here barefoot, with sand between your toes, adds a quintessential Maldivian charm. 

At KŌEN, Japanese dining is elevated with Scandinavian minimalism and refined technique. Our experts can’t pick just one dish — highlights include the skipjack tuna on Maldivian bread with yuzu, teriyaki-glazed scallops, and the yuzu matcha, which alone makes visiting KŌEN worthwhile. This is a destination restaurant that shouldn’t be missed if you’re staying at Patina or nearby Ritz-Carlton Fari Islands. 

The Ritz-Carlton Fari Islands 

Across the lagoon, the Ritz-Carlton Fari Islands offers its own vibrant culinary scene. At Arabesque, we recommend sharing mezze under the Bedouin-style canopy. The simple fattoush from the cold mezze is divine, while the Qarids Kozbarya — prawns with tomatoes and coriander — stands out among the hot dishes. Turkish coffee, Moroccan tea, cocktails, and hookah make this lively spot a feast for all the senses. 

Scott Dunn Tip: Guests can enjoy the best of both resorts thanks to a five-minute complimentary boat shuttle linking Patina and the Ritz-Carlton, allowing easy access to a wider choice of exceptional restaurants. 

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Resort

Kihavah offers an unforgettable two-part experience, highly recommended by our team. Start at SKY, the Maldives’ first overwater observatory, where cocktails and canapés are paired with celestial views through powerful telescopes. Then descend to SEA, where fine dining takes place six feet underwater, surrounded by sharks, turtles, and colourful reef fish. It’s a dramatic, theatrical experience combining exquisite cuisine with a one-of-a-kind setting. 

OZEN LIFE Maadhoo 

For all-inclusive luxury with a culinary twist, OZEN LIFE Maadhoo is a must. Unlimited dining here lets you explore everything from fresh Maldivian seafood to global cuisine. Make sure to fit in sundowners at the Gin is In Bar where you will enjoy signature cocktails while watching the Indian Ocean sunset — all included in your stay. 

Six Senses Laamu

Sustainability meets gourmet dining at Laamu, and we suggest indulging experiences that connect with the sea. At Leaf, Mediterranean flavours are elevated with seasonal, organic produce, while Zen serves modern Japanese cuisine with chef-curated tasting menus and lively teppanyaki performances at Kaji. A key highlight is the private cooking class in the glass-bottom overwater restaurant, a truly unforgettable way to immerse yourself in Maldivian culinary culture. 

COMO Maalifushi 

COMO Maalifushi blends nutrition with luxury, and our top picks reflect this balance. At Madi, the Maldivian tuna salad with reef fish ceviche is a standout light lunch — fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavour. For evening dining, Tai offers Japanese-inspired fare over the water, where sustainable sushi delights include the Maalifushi Maki roll, followed by a decadent flourless chocolate cake to finish. 

Soneva Jani

Soneva Jani’s Crab Shack is a favourite among the Scott Dunn team for its relaxed, barefoot dining and rustic charm. Reclaimed wood, driftwood décor, chilled rosé, and daily rotating crab specials — from Sri Lankan mud crab curry to seasonal Alaskan catches — make it a must-visit. We recommend sampling the crab of the day and returning multiple times to enjoy the ever-changing menu.