12 Best Resorts for Foodies in Maldives 2026

Welcome, discerning gourmands and culinary adventurers! If your idea of paradise involves not just pristine beaches and turquoise lagoons, but also an extraordinary journey for your taste buds, then the Maldives is calling. Beyond its postcard-perfect scenery, this archipelago nation has quietly blossomed into a world-class dining destination, home to Michelin-star ambitions, celebrity chefs, and unique culinary experiences that defy imagination.

For 2026, the Maldivian resort scene continues to elevate its gastronomic game, pushing boundaries with innovative concepts, sustainable practices, and an unparalleled diversity of cuisines. From underwater restaurants to treehouse dining, private sandbank picnics to exquisite wine cellars, the options for food lovers are as vast and vibrant as the coral reefs themselves.

As your expert Maldives travel writer, I’ve scoured the islands to bring you a comprehensive guide to the absolute best resorts for foodies in 2026. This isn't just about good food; it's about an immersive culinary adventure that complements your luxury escape. Get ready to indulge!

Why the Maldives is a Culinary Paradise for 2026

The Maldives is no longer just a honeymoon destination; it's a gourmet hotspot. Resorts are investing heavily in their F&B (Food & Beverage) programs, understanding that exceptional dining is a key differentiator in the ultra-luxury market. Here's what makes it so special:

• Global Culinary Talent: Many resorts attract internationally acclaimed chefs, often with Michelin-star backgrounds, who bring their expertise and creativity to the islands.
• Diverse Cuisines: From authentic Maldivian curries to Japanese omakase, Italian fine dining to sophisticated plant-based menus, every palate is catered for.
• Unique Dining Concepts: Underwater restaurants, treehouse dining, private sandbank dinners, jungle barbecues, and even floating breakfasts are commonplace.
• Exceptional Wine & Spirits: Resorts boast impressive wine cellars, expert sommeliers, and innovative mixologists crafting bespoke cocktails.
• Farm-to-Table & Sustainable Practices: A growing number of resorts are committed to sourcing local ingredients, growing their own produce, and supporting sustainable fishing.
• Personalized Experiences: Private chefs, cooking classes, and tailored menus are often available, ensuring every meal is a bespoke event.

How We Chose the Best Foodie Resorts

Our selection process for the 12 best foodie resorts in 2026 was rigorous, focusing on several key criteria:

• Number & Variety of Restaurants: A wide range of distinct dining venues offering diverse cuisines.
• Quality of Cuisine: Reviews, reputation, and reports of exceptional taste, presentation, and ingredient quality.
• Unique Dining Experiences: Standout concepts like underwater, treehouse, or private island dining.
• Presence of Celebrity/Acclaimed Chefs: Resorts known for attracting top culinary talent.
• Wine & Beverage Program: Quality of wine lists, sommelier service, and mixology.
• Commitment to Sustainability & Local Produce: Resorts with their own gardens or strong local sourcing.
• Overall Dining Ambiance & Service: The complete experience, from setting to staff attentiveness.

The 12 Best Resorts for Foodies in Maldives 2026

1. Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

The Waldorf Astoria is a titan of luxury, and its culinary offering is nothing short of epic. With 11 distinct dining venues, it offers an unparalleled gastronomic journey, making it a dream destination for any serious foodie.

• Key Dining Highlights:
  • Terra: Private, romantic treehouse dining pods offering exquisite modern European cuisine.
  • The Ledge by Dave Pynt: A Michelin-starred chef brings his acclaimed barbecue skills from Singapore's Burnt Ends, offering smoky, flavourful dishes.
  • Shio: A sophisticated grill restaurant with an impressive wine cellar and stunning ocean views.
  • Li Long: Authentic Cantonese fine dining with Peking duck served tableside.
  • Tasting Table: An international buffet that redefines the concept with live cooking stations and gourmet choices.
  • Yasmeen: Middle Eastern and Levantine cuisine in a beautiful Arabian village setting.
  • Glow: Wholesome, organic, and plant-based dishes sourced from the resort's own garden.

Pros: Unrivalled number of dining options, Michelin-star chef presence, incredibly diverse cuisines, unique settings like Terra and Yasmeen.

Cons: High price point for both accommodation and dining, resort is quite large which might feel less intimate for some.

2026 Estimated Price: $2,500 - $6,000+ per night (Beach Villa with Pool)

Transfer: Luxury Yacht (45 minutes from Velana International Airport)

Meal Plan Options: Breakfast, Half Board, Full Board, All-Inclusive available.

2. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

The St. Regis Vommuli is an architectural marvel that matches its aesthetic brilliance with culinary prowess. With seven distinct dining venues, it offers a refined and diverse gastronomic experience, often with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients.

• Key Dining Highlights:
  • Alba: Modern Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, often featuring guest chefs.
  • Orientale: An Asian hawker-style market concept, serving Indian, Chinese, and Japanese dishes from live cooking stations.
  • Decanter: An underground wine cellar offering intimate degustation dinners paired with fine wines.
  • Cargo: A pop-up restaurant in a converted shipping container, offering Middle Eastern grill in a jungle setting.
  • The Whale Bar: Iconic overwater bar serving tapas and bespoke cocktails with stunning sunset views.

Pros: Elegant dining experiences, excellent wine program, beautiful settings, high-quality ingredients, attentive service.

Cons: Dining can be very expensive à la carte, fewer casual options.

2026 Estimated Price: $1,800 - $4,500+ per night (Overwater Villa with Pool)

Transfer: Seaplane (45 minutes from Velana International Airport)

Meal Plan Options: Breakfast, Half Board, Full Board available.

3. Soneva Fushi

Soneva Fushi is synonymous with barefoot luxury and an unwavering commitment to sustainable, innovative dining. With an emphasis on organic, plant-based, and locally sourced ingredients, it's a true haven for conscious foodies.

• Key Dining Highlights:
  • Once Upon a Table: A private chef's table experience with no menu, just exquisite dishes based on the freshest ingredients.
  • By the Beach: Japanese-Peruvian cuisine (Nikkei) in a stunning beachfront setting.
  • Fresh in the Garden: Located above the resort's organic gardens, offering fresh, healthy, and often plant-based cuisine.
  • Down to Earth: International buffet with live cooking stations, focusing on fresh, natural ingredients.
  • So Hands On: A unique cooking studio where guests can learn from visiting chefs.
  • The Chocolate Room & Ice Cream Parlour: Complimentary and open 24/7 for sweet cravings.
  • Mihiree Mithaa: Extensive breakfast and dinner buffet with a focus on fresh, organic produce.

Pros: Pioneers in sustainable and organic dining, incredible plant-based options, complimentary chocolate and ice cream rooms, unique "no menu" experiences, world-class wine cellars.

Cons: Very high price point, focus on natural/organic might not appeal to all palates seeking traditional luxury dining.

2026 Estimated Price: $2,800 - $7,000+ per night (Crusoe Villa)

Transfer: Seaplane (30 minutes from Velana International Airport)

Meal Plan Options: Breakfast, Half Board, Full Board available.

4. Joali Maldives

Joali brings an artistic flair to everything, including its culinary offerings. With a focus on fresh, artisanal ingredients and stunning presentations, dining here is an experience for all senses.

• Key Dining Highlights:
  • Saoke: Overwater Japanese restaurant with a focus on sushi, sashimi, and robatayaki, often featuring guest chefs.
  • Bellinis: Authentic Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh, homemade pasta and traditional recipes.
  • Vandhoo: An interactive dining experience with multiple kitchens serving Southeast Asian, Chinese, Mediterranean, and Maldivian dishes.
  • Her Kitchen: A unique concept where guests can cook and dine with a chef, learning local recipes.
  • Mura Bar: Offers light bites, cocktails, and a stunning infinity pool setting.

Pros: Beautifully designed restaurants, high-quality ingredients, unique "Her Kitchen" concept, excellent wine selection, art-inspired dining.

Cons: Limited number of restaurants compared to larger resorts, very high price point.

2026 Estimated Price: $2,200 - $5,500+ per night (Beach Villa with Pool)

Transfer: Seaplane (40 minutes from Velana International Airport)

Meal Plan Options: Breakfast, Half Board available.

5. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Home to the world's first underwater restaurant, Ithaa, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has long been a pioneer in unique dining experiences. With 12 restaurants and bars, it offers an incredible variety for every palate.

• Key Dining Highlights:
  • Ithaa Undersea Restaurant: The iconic all-glass underwater restaurant, serving contemporary European cuisine. Reservations essential and book well in advance for 2026.
  • Ufaa by Jereme Leung: Modern Chinese cuisine by a celebrated chef, offering a blend of traditional and contemporary dishes.
  • Sunset Grill: Overwater restaurant specializing in fresh seafood and grilled meats.
  • Vilu Restaurant & Bar: A fine dining restaurant focusing on Mediterranean-Asian fusion, paired with an extensive wine list.
  • Mandhoo Spa Restaurant: Organic and biodynamic cuisine, specially crafted for health and well-being.
  • Koko Grill: Open-air Japanese live cooking (Teppanyaki) under the stars.

Pros: Iconic underwater dining, wide variety of cuisines, impressive wine cellar, options for health-conscious diners, multiple award-winning venues.

Cons: Ithaa is very expensive and requires early booking; the resort is spread across two islands which requires shuttle transfers.

2026 Estimated Price: $900 - $2,500+ per night (Beach Villa)

Transfer: Seaplane (30 minutes from Velana International Airport)

Meal Plan Options: Breakfast, Half Board, Full Board, All-Inclusive available.

6. Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru

The Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru is renowned for its impeccable service and holistic approach to wellness, which extends to its exceptional dining. With a focus on quality, freshness, and often Ayurvedic principles, it offers a sophisticated culinary journey.

• Key Dining Highlights:
  • Blu Beach Club: Italian cuisine in a stunning beachfront setting, perfect for sunset aperitivos.
  • Al Barakat: An authentic Arabian restaurant, serving Lebanese and Moroccan mezze, grills, and traditional tagines overwater.
  • Cafe Landaa: All-day dining offering Asian and international cuisine, with live cooking stations.
  • Fuego Grill: Freshly grilled seafood and prime cuts prepared right on the beach.
  • Seabar: Offers sushi, sashimi, and signature cocktails.
  • Ayurvedic Retreat: Special menus designed to complement the resort's wellness programs.

Pros: Exceptional service, high-quality ingredients, beautiful settings, excellent Italian and Arabian cuisine, strong focus on wellness dining.

Cons: Fewer "celebrity chef" driven experiences compared to some rivals, dining can be pricey à la carte.

2026 Estimated Price: $1,500 - $3,800+ per night (Beach Villa with Pool)

Transfer: Seaplane (30 minutes from Velana International Airport)

Meal Plan Options: Breakfast, Half Board, Full Board available.

7. Milaidhoo Island Maldives

Milaidhoo is a small, luxurious boutique resort that prides itself on its authentic Maldivian experiences and exceptional dining. It stands out for its unique Maldivian fine dining and intimate atmosphere.

• Key Dining Highlights:
  • Ba'theli: The only restaurant in the Maldives set on three traditional Maldivian Dhoni boats, serving contemporary Maldivian cuisine with a gourmet twist. This is their signature and a must-try.
  • The Shoreline Grill: Beachfront dining specializing in fresh seafood and prime cuts, cooked to perfection.
  • Ocean Restaurant: All-day dining with international buffet and à la carte options, focusing on fresh, light dishes.
  • Wine Cellar: Impressive collection of old and new world wines, available for private tastings.

Pros: Unique Maldivian fine dining experience at Ba'theli, intimate boutique setting, excellent service, focus on local flavours.

Cons: Fewer overall restaurant choices compared to larger resorts, higher price point for its size.

2026 Estimated Price: $1,600 - $3,500+ per night (Water Pool Villa)

Transfer: Seaplane (35 minutes from Velana International Airport)

Meal Plan Options: Breakfast, Half Board, Full Board, All-Inclusive available.

8. W Maldives

W Maldives is known for its vibrant, playful atmosphere and equally energetic dining scene. It offers a fresh, modern take on resort dining, perfect for those who enjoy a lively culinary journey.

• Key Dining Highlights:
  • FISH: Overwater signature restaurant serving fresh seafood with an Asian twist, often featuring guest DJs.
  • FIRE: Beachfront barbecue with a focus on grilled meats and fresh seafood, served under the stars.
  • KITCHEN: All-day dining bistro offering international cuisine with a casual, modern vibe.
  • SIP: Sunset bar with stunning views and creative cocktails, often paired with small bites.
  • WET: Poolside bar and restaurant serving light meals, salads, and refreshing drinks.

Pros: Lively atmosphere, excellent seafood, creative cocktails, good value for its luxury segment, great for couples and younger crowds.

Cons: Fewer formal fine dining options, can be quite lively which may not suit those seeking absolute tranquility.

2026 Estimated Price: $850 - $2,000+ per night (Wonderful Beach Oasis)

Transfer: Seaplane (25 minutes from Velana International Airport)

Meal Plan Options: Breakfast, Half Board, Full Board, All-Inclusive available.

9. Hurawalhi Island Resort

Hurawalhi is an adults-only paradise famous for its stunning 5.8 Undersea Restaurant. Beyond this iconic venue, the resort offers a superb all-inclusive plan that makes it a top choice for foodies seeking value without compromising on quality.

• Key Dining Highlights:
  • 5.8 Undersea Restaurant: The world's largest all-glass underwater restaurant, offering a multi-course tasting menu of modern cuisine. An unforgettable experience.
  • Canneli Restaurant: International buffet restaurant with live cooking stations, offering a wide array of global cuisines.
  • Kashibo Restaurant: Overwater restaurant serving Asian street food-inspired dishes, specializing in Japanese, Thai, and Indian flavours.
  • J.F.K. (Junk Food Kitchen): A fun, casual spot for burgers, pizzas, and other comfort food.
  • Champagne Pavilion: Perfect for pre-dinner drinks and canapés with stunning sunset views.

Pros: Iconic underwater dining, excellent all-inclusive plan, diverse cuisine options, adults-only tranquility, beautiful overwater villas.

Cons: 5.8 Undersea Restaurant is an extra cost even on all-inclusive, can be far from other islands for excursions.

2026 Estimated Price: $75