Listly by Caleb Falcon
Renowned for its seafood delicacies Maldives is an Asian food heartland for the vacationing masses. From chic restaurants to beach fare, here are the archipelago's top dining hubs for discerning pallets.
Revered as one of Male's most comprehensive restaurants the casual and tranquil Seagull Café House is located in a well-restored venue with its own garden. The first floor terrace of the cafe features a verdant tree in the centre while a well-known gelataria serving the best gelatos in the Maldivian capital is also part of the compound. The menu is nothing to scoff at either as the Seagull Café House boasts an array of all time favorites that are perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Hot-pick items include grilled fare, sandwiches, wraps and succulent burgers while the pastas reign supreme among the mains.
With a reputation as one of the most elegant restaurants in the Maldives Aïoli also holds the honor of being one of the largest dining venues in Male city. With the chic and understated appearance of a plush hotel complete with wooden furnishings the eclectic menu of this popular dining haunt includes international favorites. Divided in to two indoor dining spaces and a lovely outdoor terrace some of the must-try items on the menu include the mouthwatering coconut chili crab dish and mussels baked to perfection.
As one of the few restaurants in Maldives that offers authentic Thai cuisine, this culinary powerhouse is all about portion sizes and magnificent buffets. The buffet menu which is available three times a week at the Thai Wok is synonymous as a fantastic bargain as one can dig in to a plethora of local and international delicacies at a very reasonable, all-inclusive price. With a tranquil ambience the balcony of the Thai Wok is a popular meeting point for locals, thus reservations are required in advance for the seats with a view.
Known as a quaint little cafe within a tropical garden the Royal Garden Café is a stylish restaurant housed within the former residence of a nobleman. With elegant wooden interiors this "ganduvaru"(residence of a nobleman) serves up delectable offerings hailing from various corners of the globe. Favorites among seasoned guests include the satay dishes while other Indian, Indonesian, American and Italian delicacies are also on the menu.
As a signature restaurant housed within the Baros Maldives, The Cayenne is one of the most picturesquely situated restaurants in the Maldives. Located within a hotel that is famed as a hotspot for diving in Maldives palm fringed gazebos over a lagoon serving as dining rooms at The Cayenne. Serving up delicate lunches complete with Paninis, wraps and fresh salads the locale also offers traditional wood-fired pizzas. Employing fresh produce other hot-pick menu items include Tandoori and Teppanyaki dishes.
A premier Indian restaurant in Male this stylish eatery is situated near Majeedee Magu. A hot favorite of locals and expats alike this elegant diner serves delectable Indian dishes that are authentic to their region of origin. The extensive menu at Symphony is also ranked among the best vegetarian options in Male.