Every island in the Maldives is beautiful in its own right, but at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, the beauty extends beyond the ocean views and into every detail of the experience. Here, luxury is expressed not only through setting but through taste, texture, and the art of dining itself. Each of the resort’s eleven restaurants offers its own distinct world, where craftsmanship, flavour, and atmosphere come together with quiet precision. To dine here is to discover how creativity can transform a meal into a memory, and a destination into a feeling.
The journey begins high above the ground at Terra, the resort’s treetop restaurant. Seven handcrafted bamboo nests sit hidden among the canopy, offering panoramic views of the island. Guests dine on poached blue lobster or A5 Miyazaki beef while the sound of rustling leaves and soft ocean winds sets the tone. Terra feels calm and elevated, a dining experience suspended between the earth and sky.
At sea level, Zuma Maldives brings the energy of modern Japan to the Indian Ocean. Founded by Rainer Becker and Arjun Waney, the restaurant offers a relaxed yet refined izakaya-style dining experience. The robatayaki grill glows behind the island bar as dishes like seabass with yuzu and truffle oil, roasted lobster with shiso ponzu butter, and spicy beef tenderloin are served to share. Zuma’s design of wood, granite, and light mirrors its cuisine, precise yet inviting.
Li Long draws inspiration from the elegant homes of old Shanghai. Guests enter through a moon gate into a serene space overlooking the lagoon, where the signature wood-fired Beijing duck is carved tableside. The menu’s tasting journeys include Wagyu, handmade dim sum, and delicately prepared seafood. The interiors, with oriental motifs and a hand-cast two-metre bell, create a sense of tradition and refinement that suits long, unhurried dinners.
Glow channels the spirit of the Mediterranean, fresh, bright, and seasonal. Its open, greenhouse-inspired setting surrounds guests with edible gardens and sea breeze. The menu celebrates simple ingredients at their best: octopus carpaccio, artichoke bruschetta, anchovies with stracciatella, and slow-braised beef brisket. Glow’s charm lies in its balance; it feels effortless, grounded, and full of life.
Created by the chef behind the Michelin-starred Burnt Ends, The Ledge brings the art of barbecue to the beach. The dual-cavity wood-fired oven is at the centre of it all, giving each dish its depth and character. From lobster rolls and grilled Wagyu beef to the now-famous steak frites with caviar, every plate captures the spirit of fire, smoke, and precision. The setting moves easily from casual daytime lunches to atmospheric evening dinners.
Nava is the resort’s beach club, where time slows down and meals stretch into conversations. The menu offers wood-fired pizzas, colourful poke bowls, tacos, and seafood platters, alongside signature caviar sets. It is relaxed, sun-soaked dining meant for barefoot afternoons, a place where guests can simply unwind and let the day unfold naturally.
Yasmeen brings the warmth of Levantine cooking to the Maldives. Set in an Arabian village-style space by the water, it offers mezze, grilled meats, falafel, and traditional desserts like mouhalabiyeh. The setting, rich with lanterns and antique décor, encourages slow dining and easy conversation. Every meal here feels both familiar and festive.
Peacock Alley carries the heritage of the Waldorf name, tracing back to New York’s original promenade of the same title. Here, open to the sky and sea, it remains a gathering place for champagne, cocktails, and conversation. Guests enjoy live music, signature barrel-aged drinks, and ocean views as they ease into the evening. It is timeless, elegant, and unmistakably Waldorf.
Tasting Table offers both comfort and variety. Mornings begin with tropical fruit, warm pastries, and open-kitchen energy. In the evening, the restaurant transforms into a global dining experience, serving dishes like Thai satay, Italian risotto, Japanese tuna tataki, and freshly grilled Maldivian lobster. It is where flavours from across the world meet the relaxed rhythm of the island.
The Rock is one of the island’s most exclusive experiences, set inside a limestone chamber. Reserved for one party each evening, it offers private fine dining guided by a dedicated chef and sommelier. Guests dine around a 200-year-old Jarrah wood table while curated wine pairings accompany each course. It is intimate, thoughtful, and unlike anything else on the island.
Amber is the place to watch the sun disappear into the ocean. Its champagne menu features rare vintages, grower bottles, and playful cocktails paired with small plates like caviar blinis, Korean fried chicken, and yellowfin tuna with avocado. The experience is simple yet indulgent, golden light, the sound of the sea, and a glass raised to the horizon.
Beyond its restaurants, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi offers bespoke dining experiences that take advantage of the island’s natural beauty. Guests can dine by candlelight in the sand, enjoy a picnic by the beach, or have lunch beside the lagoon. Some choose to sail to a private sandbank for a secluded meal, while others end the day with a sunset cruise aboard a luxury yacht. Each experience is crafted with care, designed to turn simple moments into lasting memories.
Dining at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is not about extravagance for its own sake. It is about intention, craft, and connection, about making each meal a moment to savour. Here, food becomes a language of its own, spoken fluently across treetops, overwater decks, and under starlit skies.
