Best Seafood in Maldives: Top 5 Restaurants & Dining Experiences

Why the Maldives Is a Seafood Paradise?

If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful coral island, here’s where to find the best seafood in the Maldives. The Maldives tourism offers some of the world’s most extraordinary seafood dining experiences with breathtaking underwater and overwater settings. With 1,190 coral islands and pristine waters, the Maldives offers daily catches of tuna, snapper, mahi-mahi, and grouper in unmatched settings. Due to the country’s unique geography, most ingredients are imported, but the abundant ocean provides the freshest fish that local and international chefs transform into culinary masterpieces. 

Key Takeaways

• The Maldives offers some of the best seafood in the world in 2025, from luxury underwater dining to affordable cafés.
• Resorts like Ithaa and Subsix redefine fine dining, while spots in Malé serve authentic Maldivian seafood dishes.
• Expect to enjoy fresh tuna, snapper, grouper, and reef fish caught daily.
• Dining options range from budget seafood meals in Malé to luxury resort restaurants.
• Seasonal seafood in 2025 ensures visitors can enjoy a variety of flavours year-round.

Seafood platter

Top 5 Seafood Restaurants in the Maldives

The Maldives restaurants are amazing places to eat the freshest seafood. Each place offers something special. Some are underwater and others float on the water, but all serve delicious fish caught the same day.

Ithaa Undersea Restaurant – Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Ithaa is known as the world’s first underwater restaurant, located precisely 5 meters beneath the Indian Ocean’s surface. This architectural marvel accommodates 14 guests in an acrylic tunnel with 180-degree panoramic views of coral gardens and marine life. Ithaa has been listed by Condé Nast Traveller as one of the “Most Beautiful Restaurants in the World.

Must-Try Seafood:

• Fresh tuna sashimi (raw fish cut thin)
• Maldivian lobster with butter sauce
• Red snapper grilled with local spices
• Traditional fish curry with coconut milk

Price Range: $320 for lunch, $480 for dinner per person

Timings: Lunch 12:00-2:00 PM, Dinner 6:30-9:30 PM

Tips: Reservations required 2-3 months in advance

ITHAA UNDERSEA SEAFOOD RESTAURANT IN THE MALDIVES

2. Subsix Underwater Restaurant – Niyama Private Islands

Subsix, located 6 meters underwater in Huluwalu, serves aquarium-style eating alongside contemporary European cuisine. This is a must-visit luxury seafood dining in the Maldives,2025. The restaurant’s unique design features sea urchin-inspired chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the surrounding lagoon. It is one of the best places to visit in the Maldives after 11 PM as it transforms into a nightclub-style venue. 

Must-Try Seafood:

• Pan-seared John Dory with saffron sauce
• Fresh tuna carpaccio with Maldivian lime
• Grilled prawns with garlic butter

Price Range: $280-400 per person for dinnerTimings: Lunch 12:30-3:00 PM, Dinner 7:00-10:30 PM

SUBSIX SEAFOOD RESTAURANT IN THE MALDIVES

3. The O View – Hulhumalé, North Malé Atoll

This two-story restaurant in Hulhumalé offers the best value for premium seafood experiences without resort pricing. Local people and tourists both love eating here. The top floor has the best sunset views. Local buffets feature 15 different types of local fish. 

Must-Try Seafood:

• Traditional Maldivian fish curry
• Grilled barracuda with local spices
• Coconut curry grouper
• Mas huni (spicy tuna salad) for breakfast

Price Range: $25-45 for main dishes, $55 for weekend buffet

Timings: Tuesday-Sunday 6:00-11:00 PM

Tips: Reservations recommended for rooftop seating.

4. Mandhoo Overwater Restaurant – Conrad Maldives

Include Mandhoo in your 10-day itinerary in the Maldives to experience seafood. This is an overwater restaurant that has been recognised for its organic and wellness-focused menu by the World Travel & Tourism Council.  It is octagonal in design, extending over the lagoon and provides 360 water views and direct access to snorkelling destinations in the Maldives. The menu includes Maldivian snapper, organic salmon, and rihaakuru. 

Must-Try Seafood:

• Steamed Maldivian snapper with quinoa
• Organic salmon with seaweed salad
• Traditional rihaakuru (fish paste) dishes
• Grilled fish caught within 50 miles of the resort

Price Range: $120-180 per person

Timings: Dinner only 7:00-10:00 PM

5. The Sea House Maldives – Multiple Locations

The Sea House has many locations on various atolls, making exceptional fish available outside premium resorts. All the locations offer equal quality of local fish dishes. Popular dishes include Asian-style steamed fish, Mediterranean grilled prawns, and the traditional Maldivian “garudhiya” transparent fish soup. It is one of the best vegetarian restaurants in the Maldives for Families with gluten-free menus.  

Must-Try Seafood:

• Asian-style steamed fish with ginger
• Mediterranean grilled prawns
• Traditional garudhiya (clear fish soup)
• Coconut-crusted mahi-mahi

Price Range: $40-80 per person

Timings: Daily 12:00-3:00 PM and 6:00-10:30 PM

Traditional Maldivian Seafood Dishes You Must Try

Maldivian cuisine centres around three primary fish preparation styles, such as raw, grilled and curry-based preparation that have sustained island communities for over 1,000 years.  They know the best ways to cook fresh catches. Here are the most popular local seafood dishes.

Traditional Fish Dishes

Dish Name	Main Fish	How It’s Cooked	Taste
Garudhiya	Tuna	Boiled in clear broth	Light and healthy
Mas Huni	Smoked Tuna	Mixed with coconut	Spicy and fresh
Fish Curry	Any white fish	Cooked with coconut milk	Creamy and mild
Grilled Fish	Red snapper	Grilled over coconut husks	Smoky and sweet

Seasonal Seafood in the Maldives: Best Times to Visit

The best time to visit the Maldives to try seafood is December to March. The calm seas provide optimal conditions for fishing and dining. It is also the best time for underwater restaurants in the Maldives. April to May is good for big fish like marlin and sailfish, while September to November are the best time for swimming with Whale sharks.

• 

What’s New for Seafood in the Maldives 2025?

Maldives seafood dining in 2025 emphasises sustainability and innovation. Resorts are focusing on:

• Sustainable fishing practices to protect tuna and grouper stocks.
• Fusion menus blend Maldivian flavours with Asian and European techniques.
• Plant-based seafood alternatives are appearing alongside classics like garudhiya and mas huni.

Seafood Dining Costs in the Maldives

Restaurant Type	Price Per Person	What You Get
Local Island Restaurant	$25-50	Fresh local fish, traditional cooking
Resort Casual Dining	$75-120	International style, good service
Overwater Restaurant	$150-250	Amazing views, premium fish
Underwater Restaurant	$300-500	Once-in-lifetime experience

Tips for Planning Your Seafood Journey in the Maldives

• In premium seafood restaurants, book 2-3 months ahead for peak season travel (December-March)
• You must try the traditional Maldivian seafood dishes like mas Huni and garudhiya
• Dress smart and casually while visiting luxury restaurants. 
• Local restaurants like The O View accept walk-ins. However, the rooftop seating fills quickly during sunset hours (6-7 PM).
• Travellers on a budget can enjoy mas huni and fish curry at island cafés for under $10, compared to $300+ at underwater restaurants.

• Most luxury resorts in the Maldives follow the “Maldives Sustainable Fisheries” program, ensuring yellowfin tuna is pole-and-line caught.

Bottom Line: Why Maldivian Seafood Is Worth It?

The seafood in the Maldives provides unmatched experiences that justify the high prices in unique locations and highly fresh ingredients. Balancing things out by prioritising one underwater area, such as Ithaa or Subsix, and overwater dining at Mandhoo and local food joints to get the authentic flavours. Whether luxury dining or local cafés, you’ll enjoy the best seafood in the Maldives in 2025. Start planning your trip with Pickyourtrail by discovering the best Maldives tour packages today. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the best seafood in the Maldives in 2025?
The best seafood in the Maldives 2025 can be found at luxury underwater restaurants like Ithaa and Subsix, as well as affordable local spots in Malé, such as Sea House Café.

How much should I budget for seafood dining in the Maldives?

Expect $150-500 per person for underwater or speciality resort restaurants, $75-150 for standard resort dining, and $25-75 for local restaurants on inhabited islands. 

Do I need to book seafood restaurants early in the Maldives? 

Yes, for underwater restaurants like Ithaa and Subsix, book 2-3 months early, especially during peak season (December-March). They only seat 14-20 people. 

When is the best time to eat seafood in the Maldives?

December to March offers the best variety of fresh fish and calm weather for underwater dining. June to November is whale shark season. Local fishermen catch the most fish from November to April.

Can vegetarians find good options at Maldives seafood restaurants?

Upscale seafood restaurants provide vegetarian and vegan menus with 24–48 hours’ notice. Sea House excels with coconut, tropical fruit, and organic plant-based dishes.