FROM THE WORLD’S FIRST TO THE NEWEST OPENING
The Maldives is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary dining experiences — including fully submerged underwater restaurants surrounded by coral reefs and marine life.
What began as a bold innovation has now become one of the Maldives’ signature luxury experiences.
Here is the complete guide, ordered from the newest opening to the very first underwater restaurant ever created.
- ITHAA UNDERSEA RESTAURANT (WORLD’S FIRST)
Resort: Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Opening Date: April 2005
Ithaa is the world’s first underwater restaurant, located 5 meters below sea level.
With only 14 seats, it remains one of the most exclusive dining experiences in the world, offering modern European cuisine in a fully glass-enclosed underwater setting.
This unique concept allows guests to enjoy spa treatments surrounded by panoramic underwater views — making it one of the Maldives’ most iconic wellness experiences beneath the ocean.
2. SEA UNDERWATER RESTAURANT
Resort: Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas
Opening Date: 2011
SEA offers a 360-degree underwater dining experience combined with an award-winning wine cellar.
Located in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, guests can enjoy fine dining while observing reef sharks, turtles, and vibrant marine life.
3. SUBSIX (UNDERWATER RESTAURANT & LOUNGE)
Resort: Niyama Private Islands Maldives
Opening Date: 2012
Subsix is a unique underwater venue that transforms from a fine dining restaurant into a vibrant underwater lounge.
Known for themed events, champagne breakfasts, and underwater parties, it offers a more dynamic experience than traditional dining.
4. 5.8 UNDERSEA RESTAURANT
Resort: Hurawalhi Island Resort
Opening Date: 2016
5.8 is one of the largest all-glass underwater restaurants in the world, located 5.8 meters below the surface.
Guests enjoy fine dining surrounded by vibrant coral reefs, reef fish, and open ocean views — ideal for romantic and special occasions.
5. M6M (MINUS SIX METERS)
Resort: OZEN LIFE MAADHOO
Opening Date: 2016
Located 6 meters below sea level, M6m offers a luxurious underwater dining experience with a strong focus on gourmet seafood tasting menus.
It is part of the resort’s premium all-inclusive concept, combining elegance with ocean immersion.
6. H2O BY BERTON
Resort: You & Me Maldives
Opening Date: 2019
H2O is a Michelin-starred underwater restaurant led by Chef Andrea Berton.
It combines Italian fine dining with a fully submerged glass setting, offering uninterrupted views of marine life in a luxury, intimate atmosphere.
7. ONLY BLU UNDERWATER RESTAURANT
Resort: OBLU SELECT Lobigili
Opening Date: 2022
Only BLU is an adults-only underwater restaurant designed for romantic dining experiences.
Surrounded by coral reefs and tropical fish, it offers a refined multi-course menu, making it one of the most popular honeymoon dining venues in the Maldives.
8. BUBBLE – UNDERWATER RESTAURANT
Resort: Meyyafushi Maldives
Opening Date: December 2025
Bubble is the newest underwater dining concept in the Maldives, offering a modern and immersive fine dining experience surrounded by panoramic ocean views and marine life.
Designed for intimacy and exclusivity, it reflects the next generation of underwater luxury dining.
WHY UNDERWATER DINING IS A MUST IN THE MALDIVES
Underwater restaurants are not just about food — they are about experience:
- Dining surrounded by coral reefs and marine life
- Unique selling point for honeymoon & luxury clients
- Limited seating = exclusive experience
- Strong visual content for social media
From the pioneering Ithaa to the newly opened Bubble, the Maldives continues to lead the world in innovative luxury dining concepts.