Joanna James
The Maldives is a great place to go on vacation, it has everything from relaxation to adventure and even amazing food. Let's look at the top 5 restaurants to dine at.
If you crave an experience that is unique you better look no further than the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant. Being a part of the Conrad Hilton Rangali Island resort in the South Ari Atoll, you'll surely be treated to an amazing time. However, the most iconic feature of this restaurant is that it is five metres below sea level. This guarantees an unforgettable experience where you can watch the soothing coral gardens, or even spot a passing reef shark or manta ray while you enjoy your feast. The name Ithaa translates to 'mother of pearl' from the native Maldivian language Dhivehi. The restaurant offers a luxurious six-course dinner that features some amazing dishes like Malossol imperial caviar with sour cream potato blinis, Yellowtail kingfish paired with a saffron champagne risotto and beurre blanc foam that is all wrapped up with a vanilla chocolate vantage beautifully served with a mango sorbet.
When one wonders around looking for fresh healthy food in the Maldives, you'll almost always be guided to Sala Thai. This is part of the small six room Sala Boutique Hotel and serves delicious healthy food amidst an authentic Siamese surrounding. You'll find incredibly tasteful wooden furniture and gorgeous Asian artwork. Highly popular amongst the native Maldivians, this restaurant provides an escape from the busy and bustling streets of Male. The open courtyard area at the location along with its overhanging trees provides a perfect location for an alfresco meal. Sala Thai has its ingredients flown in by their chefs on a weekly basis and serves up generously portioned dishes. Noteworthy items on their menu are the shrimp marinated in spicy fish sauce with Thai herbs, the delicious Penang curry or even the traditional Thai dessert, sticky jasmine rice with mango. While you explore all of Maldives restaurants, you'll find plenty of places that offer a relaxing stay, like Kandolhu Maldives for example.
Considered a stalwart of all Maldivian Café culture, the Seagull Café House is a wonderful bistro located on two different levels. On the lower level of the café, you'll find a serene courtyard with sandy floors and trees that offer shade while you dine. The upper level of the café features a massive tree growing right through the middle of the café's floor alongside amazing views of the bustling streets of Male close by to the Grand Friday Mosque. The menu at Seagull Café House is a varied one, you'll find western, Maldivian and Indian cuisine all in the same place. Notable dishes here include the orange and herb glazed roast turkey breast served with Normandy cream and the special snapper steak served with mango salsa and parsley rice. The café is also home to what many people consider the best ice cream in all of Male with over 30 flavours to pick from.
Jazz Café is relaxed and trendy European inspired café-restaurant that was opened back in 2011. Like most eateries in Male, Jazz Café serves up an eclectic range of dishes from Maldivian and International Influences. You'll find some healthy, fresh and simple dishes all across its menu, with dishes like Thai chilli beef and prawn arabiata alongside diner food such as succulent and delicious beef burgers. The café draws in both young and old local Maldivians is open for all 3 meal times during the day. Another highlight here includes the regular music gigs featuring talented Maldivian musicians who play jazz, rock and soul.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
