Visualise yourself enjoying grilled lobster while a sea turtle swims past your window and colourful parrotfish glide close to your table. It sounds like a dream, but this can be a normal evening in the Maldives.
You can enjoy excellent food in the Maldives beneath the sea, with a fantastic view of the Indian Ocean’s sea life.
The Maldives is home to the world’s first all-glass underwater restaurant and also the largest one ever built.
Every meal at these places becomes a memory you will share. Whether you are on your honeymoon in the Maldives, celebrating an anniversary, or simply looking for something special, you can find magic here.
Things to Know Before Booking an Underwater Restaurant in the Maldives
- Unlike other restaurants, where you simply show up for dining, this approach does not work for underwater restaurants.
- Make a reservation at least 20 to 30 days in advance. Additionally, confirm the transfer details, as each restaurant is located on a private island and requires a speedboat or seaplane transfer within the Maldives.
- Each restaurant has a dress code, and it must be followed.
- Be prepared for a dining cost ranging from 6,000 to 35,000 INR per person. The prices mentioned below are approximate and may vary based on menu selection, season, and taxes.
Underwater Restaurants in the Maldives: Top 7 Spots with Cost
The Maldives was the first to offer underwater dining, with the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant.
Today, there are seven underwater restaurants at some of the best luxury resorts in the Maldives, each with its own style.
Instead of standard beach dining with an ocean view, you are surrounded by glass walls, with coral reefs, reef sharks, and fish swimming around you.
1. Ithaa Undersea Restaurant – Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Ithaa Undersea Restaurant is the world’s first all-glass underwater dining spot. It opened in April 2005, and the entire structure was built in Singapore and moved to the Maldives by cargo ship.
The name “Ithaa” means “mother of pearl” in the local language, which matches the restaurant’s glowing and elegant atmosphere.
The restaurant is located five metres beneath the sea and has only 14 seats, so every meal feels special and private. You can book Ithaa for private events, weddings, or even a champagne breakfast.
- Location: Conrad resort, Rangali Island, Maldives
- Time: 08:00 to 09:30 am, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, 12:30 to 3:00 pm & 06:00 to 09:00 pm
- Approx Cost: 18,000 INR to 33,000 INR per person
- Food Options: Dinner menu & lunch menu
2. 5.8 Undersea Restaurant – Hurawalhi Island Resort
To experience the grandeur of the world’s largest all-glass underwater restaurant, visit 5.8 Undersea Restaurant, featuring an elegant Scandinavian design.
The dining area is set 5.8 metres below the sea and covers 190 square metres, making it one of the most impressive underwater dining spaces in the Maldives.
During the day, sunlight filters through the glass, illuminating the coral and fish for a beautiful view. The menu offers modern international food with touches of Maldivian flavour.
- Location: Laccadive Sea, Hinnavaru, Maldives
- Time: 01:30 pm to 10:00 pm
- Approx Cost: 24,000 to 30,000 INR per person
- Menu: Breakfast, 5-Course First Sitting Lunch & 7-Course Dinner
3. Sea Undersea Restaurant – Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas
Sea is more than just a high-end restaurant; it is home to one of the few underwater wine cellars in the world. It offers over 450 wine labels from 17 countries for guests to explore before dining.
Located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this restaurant provides diners with exceptional views of the Maldives’ marine life.
The menu focuses on modern seafood, featuring dishes such as lobster ceviche with mango, red onion, coriander, and Royal caviar, as well as grilled Wagyu striploin topped with Imperial caviar.
SEA also welcomes children for lunch and dinner on Mondays and Thursdays, making it more family-friendly than many similar venues.
- Location: Kihavah Huravalhi Island, Maldives
- Time: 8:30 am to 10:30 am, 12:00 pm to 2.00 pm, 07:00 pm to 10:00 pm (closed on Fridays)
- Approx Cost: 19,000 to 25,000 INR per person
- Menu: Caviar Indulgence
4. Subsix – Niyama Private Islands
Visit the world’s first underwater nightclub, Subsix. The architecture here is worth noting: guests enter through a staircase illuminated by Italian coral-shaped chandeliers.
The interior features a large bar and shell decorations that hang from the ceiling, all reflecting the lively atmosphere of Niyama Private Islands.
Recently, Subsix introduced the first underwater Nikkei tasting menu, which includes five courses of Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine. This menu highlights the local Indian Ocean seafood.
Note: On Wednesday and Saturday evenings, Subsix hosts adults-only Glow Parties, where a DJ plays music.
- Location: Huluwalu, Maaenboodhoo, Maldives
- Time: 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm
- Approx Cost: 6,000 INR per person
- Food Options: Lunch, beverage, & kids menu
5. H2O by Chef Andrea Berton – You & Me by Cocoon Maldives
At You & Me by Cocoon Maldives, guests can dine at H2O by Chef Andrea, which is located 19 feet below the surface.
Michelin-starred Chef Andrea Berton leads this underwater restaurant. Chef Berton prepares Italian dishes with a Maldivian influence, using local ingredients for a unique dining experience.
The restaurant seats only 20 guests, and every table offers a clear view of the ocean. The interior features chandeliers shaped like coral, creating an elegant atmosphere without being overly elaborate.
- Location: You & Me by Cocoon Maldives, Raa Atoll, Maldives
- Time: 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm
- Approx Cost: 12,000 to 24,000 INR per person
- Menu: Check with the restaurant
6. Only BLU Under Ocean Restaurant – OBLU Select Lobigili
Only BLU is one of the largest underwater restaurants in the Maldives, located 6.8 metres below the surface with a dining space of 190 square metres.
The restaurant can accommodate 46 guests. You can reach the restaurant by walking along a wooden jetty that connects Oblu Select Lobigili with OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi.
Upon arrival, you are welcomed with sparkling wine and canapés, and you can observe the chefs working in the open kitchen.
- Location: Himmafushi, Maldives
- Time: 12:00 pm to 03:00 pm, 07:00 pm to 10:00 pm (Tuesday to Sunday) (On Mondays, only dinners at 07:00 pm to 10:00 pm)
- Approx Cost: 13,300 to 17,000 INR per person
- Menu: Check with the restaurant
7. M6M – OZEN Reserve Bolifushi
M6M offers an underwater dining experience at OZEN Reserve Bolifushi. The atmosphere is luxurious, but the main highlight is the impressive underwater scenery.
The culinary program focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients prepared with modern methods, creating dishes that honour both international standards and Maldivian flavours.
Although M6M may not be as well-known as Ithaa or 5.8, this often makes it easier to secure a reservation.
- Location: Ameenee Magu, Malé, Maldives
- Time: 12:15 pm to 02:30 pm
- Approx Cost: 13,000 to 20,000 INR per person
- Food Options: Meat, Seafood, & Vegetarian.
Conclusion
Underwater restaurants in the Maldives offer more than just a meal; they provide truly unique experiences. Imagine dining in a glass tunnel with fish swimming around you, or sitting in a spacious underwater room surrounded by the vibrant life of a coral reef.
It is difficult to fully explain the feeling of seeing a reef shark glide past you, or of watching a group of colourful fish while enjoying your meal. The experience is especially memorable when celebrating a special occasion.
Therefore, do not just imagine dining under the sea. Experience for yourself to know why these restaurants are on so many people’s wish lists.
FAQs on Underwater Restaurant in the Maldives
1. How do you get to dine in an underwater restaurant in the Maldives?
Underwater restaurants in the Maldives require planning, as each restaurant is located within a specific resort.
Reservations should be made well in advance by contacting the resort directly by email or phone. For most, you have to take a seaplane or speedboat ride.
If you are not staying at the resort where the restaurant is located, contact them in advance. Some locations allow outsiders with prior arrangements and additional transfer fees.
2. How many underwater restaurants in the Maldives are there?
At present, there are seven underwater restaurants operating in the Maldives, making it the leading destination for underwater dining worldwide.
The Maldives’ underwater restaurants include
- Ithaa at Conrad Maldives, which is the world’s first all-glass undersea restaurant
- 5.8 Undersea Restaurant at Hurawalhi, noted for being the largest in the Maldives
- SEA at Anantara Kihavah, which features an underwater wine cellar
- Subsix at Niyama, which also serves as a nightclub
- H2O at You & Me by Cocoon, led by Michelin-starred Chef Andrea Berton
- Only Blu at OBLU resorts, which is the newest and has the highest seating capacity
- M6M at OZEN Reserve Bolifushi is available only for lunch.
3. What is the Cheapest Underwater Restaurant in the Maldives?
Subsix at Niyama is a cost-effective option, with approximately 7,000 INR per person.
If you plan to stay at any of these resorts, then Only Blu at OBLU SELECT is the most affordable option. Those who stay at the resort on the all-inclusive plan for at least four nights receive one complimentary underwater dinner.
It is essential to consider transfer costs as well. OBLU resorts are easily accessible, requiring only a 15-minute speedboat ride from Malé. In contrast, reaching the Conrad Maldives requires a more expensive seaplane transfer.
4. What should you wear when visiting an underwater restaurant in the Maldives??
The dress code is typically “island chic” or “dinner-style casual. Most establishments, such as Ithaa, 5.8, and SEA, require guests to go barefoot inside. This custom helps maintain floor cleanliness and is a local tradition.
For men, appropriate attire includes linen or polo shirts, combined with dress shorts or light trousers. Women can choose dresses or elegant yet relaxed resort wear.
Although the weather outside is tropical, underwater restaurants tend to be cool. Bringing a light sweater or shawl is recommended in case it becomes chilly inside.
