When it comes to luxury travel experiences, few dining destinations on Earth can rival Ithaa Undersea Restaurant in the Maldives. Situated sixteen feet beneath the surface of the Indian Ocean, Ithaa is not just a restaurant, it is a once-in-a-lifetime journey that combines haute cuisine with the breathtaking wonder of marine life. Part aquarium, part fine dining destination, this iconic venue has redefined what it means to indulge in luxury.
A Unique Architectural Wonder
The name Ithaa means “mother of pearl” in the Maldivian language of Dhivehi, and the restaurant certainly lives up to its name. Constructed as the world’s first all-glass undersea restaurant, the structure itself is a feat of modern engineering. With transparent acrylic walls that provide a 180-degree panoramic view of the surrounding coral gardens, diners are enveloped in a dreamlike underwater world. Schools of vibrant reef fish, manta rays, and even the occasional shark glide past the glass as guests enjoy their meals, creating an immersive and constantly shifting backdrop.
The design is both futuristic and serene. Guests descend into the restaurant via a spiral staircase from a thatched pavilion above the waves, moving from the natural warmth of the Maldivian sun into the cool, blue tranquility of the ocean depths. This seamless blend of architecture and environment underscores why Ithaa remains a marvel in the world of fine dining.
The Culinary Experience
The food at Ithaa is every bit as refined as its setting. The restaurant offers contemporary European cuisine with a focus on premium ingredients and artistic presentation. Menus often include delicacies such as Malossol caviar, foie gras, reef lobster, and wagyu beef, all plated with a level of detail that matches the spectacular setting. Each dish is paired with a carefully curated selection of fine wines from around the world, enhancing both flavor and atmosphere.
Guests typically choose from multi-course tasting menus designed to showcase the chef’s creativity and innovation. The dining experience moves seamlessly from delicate amuse-bouches to hearty main courses and concludes with intricately crafted desserts. While the flavors are extraordinary, it is the combination of cuisine and environment that elevates the experience from a meal to a performance.
Exclusivity and Prestige
Part of Ithaa’s allure lies in its exclusivity. Seating just 14 guests at a time, the restaurant ensures that every visitor receives highly personalized service. Reservations often need to be made months in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. This scarcity only amplifies its reputation as one of the most desirable dining experiences in the world.
The cost of dining at Ithaa is undeniably high, with meals often exceeding several hundred dollars per person. Yet, for many travelers, the price is not just for the food, but for access to a rarefied space where luxury, nature, and innovation converge. In that sense, the value of Ithaa is less about calories consumed and more about memories created.
More Than Just a Meal
Dining at Ithaa is an emotional experience. Guests often describe feeling a profound connection to the ocean while seated beneath its waves. The soft light filtering through the water, the hypnotic dance of fish, and the quiet hum of the sea create an atmosphere of tranquility that is hard to replicate anywhere else. It is both humbling and uplifting to be so close to the rhythms of marine life while enjoying a human-made masterpiece of cuisine and design.
A Lasting Impression
Ithaa Undersea Restaurant is not simply a place to eat, it is a global icon of luxury dining. It blends architectural innovation, environmental immersion, and culinary excellence into a singular experience that few other venues can rival. For travellers seeking to push beyond the ordinary and embrace something truly extraordinary, Ithaa remains at the top of the list.
Whether it is a celebration of love, a milestone occasion, or simply the pursuit of unforgettable memories, dining beneath the ocean’s surface at Ithaa is an encounter that stays with you long after the final course has been served.
Written by: Christine Daoud
Published on: 1st September 2025