Best Maldives Resorts for Italian Restaurants

Why people come here

Most Maldives resorts serve Italian dishes as part of their international buffet. That’s fine for a quick carbonara, but it’s not what I’d call an Italian restaurant. The resorts below have dedicated Italian kitchens run by Italian chefs, with menus that change seasonally and wine lists that include Barolo, Brunello, and Super Tuscans. These aren’t afterthoughts—they’re destinations for guests who want to eat well without leaving the lagoon.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi – Zuma Maldives

Zuma is a global brand with outposts in London, Hong Kong, and Miami, but the Maldives location at Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi is the only one over water. The restaurant sits on a long jetty, divided into three sections: the sushi counter, the robata grill, and the main dining room. The Italian menu here is izakaya-style—small plates meant for sharing, like thinly sliced seabass with yuzu and truffle oil, or miso-marinated black cod wrapped in hoba leaves. The vibe is sleek and modern, with low lighting and electronic music that makes it feel more like a night out than a resort dinner.

Fede guides couples here for a romantic dinner, but not families with young kids. The menu is sophisticated, and the service is attentive without being stuffy. The wine list is extensive, with Italian bottles from Piedmont, Tuscany, and Sicily. If you’re staying at Waldorf Astoria, Zuma is a must-visit—just don’t expect a traditional Italian trattoria.

Niyama Private Islands – Edge

Edge is a fine-dining restaurant perched on a sandbank 500 meters offshore from Niyama’s Play island. It’s accessible only by boat, which makes it feel like a special occasion. The menu is modern Italian with a Maldivian twist — lobster medallions with asparagus and jamón ibérico, or handmade ravioli stuffed with local crab. The wine list is curated by a sommelier and includes Italian classics like Sassicaia and Ornellaia.

Fede would book Edge for a milestone celebration—an anniversary, a proposal, or a birthday. The setting is intimate, with just a handful of tables and uninterrupted ocean views. The service is impeccable, and the chef will customize dishes if you have dietary restrictions. Keep in mind that Edge is pricey, even by Maldives standards, but the experience is worth it for a once-in-a-lifetime meal.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island – Ufaa by Jereme Leung

Ufaa is Conrad’s Chinese restaurant, but it has a strong Italian influence thanks to its fusion menu. Chef Jereme Leung blends Cantonese flavors with Italian techniques, creating dishes like hand-pulled noodles with truffle oil or dim sum stuffed with mozzarella. The restaurant is relaxed and casual, with a teahouse vibe and communal tables. It’s a great spot for lunch if you’re exploring Conrad’s two islands, which are connected by a 3,200-foot bridge.

Fede recommends Ufaa for families or groups who want something different. The menu is fun and interactive, and the setting is lively. The wine list includes Italian options, but it’s not as extensive as Zuma or Edge. If you’re staying at Conrad, Ufaa is a nice change of pace from the resort’s other restaurants, like Ithaa Undersea or The Mandhoo Spa Restaurant.

St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort – Alba

Alba is St. Regis’s signature restaurant, and it’s one of the few in the Maldives with a Michelin-starred pedigree. The resort regularly hosts Michelin chefs in residency, but Alba’s permanent menu is Italian-inspired, with dishes like risotto alla Milanese or burrata with heirloom tomatoes. The wine list is exceptional, with over 300 Italian labels, including rare vintages from Barolo and Brunello di Montalcino.

Fede guides foodies to Alba for a gourmet experience. The setting is elegant, with white tablecloths and candlelight, and the service is formal but warm. The resort’s Michelin chef program means the menu changes frequently, so you might find a guest chef preparing a tasting menu with Italian ingredients. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, Alba is a safe bet.

What I’d actually book

If I had to pick one resort for Italian food, I’d choose Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi. Zuma isn’t a traditional Italian restaurant, but it’s the best of the bunch for atmosphere, wine, and consistency. The overwater setting is unbeatable, and the service is polished without being pretentious. Plus, Waldorf Astoria’s all-inclusive packages often include Zuma, which makes it a better value than Edge or Alba.

For families, I’d lean toward Conrad Maldives. Ufaa’s fusion menu keeps everyone happy, and the resort’s other dining options—like Ithaa Undersea or The Mandhoo Spa Restaurant—give you plenty of variety. The kids will love the bridge between the two islands, and the adults will appreciate the wine list.

The honest bit

Not every Italian restaurant in the Maldives is worth the hype. Some resorts advertise Italian menus but serve frozen pasta and jarred sauce. Others have Italian chefs but skimp on ingredients, using canned tomatoes instead of San Marzano or pre-shredded mozzarella instead of fresh. Always ask about the chef’s background and where the ingredients are sourced.

Another thing to consider: transfer times. Resorts like Niyama and Conrad are in remote atolls, which means long seaplane rides. If you’re prone to motion sickness, you might prefer a resort in South Male Atoll, like Waldorf Astoria, which is accessible by speedboat.

Finally, don’t assume that Italian restaurants in the Maldives are affordable. A bottle of Brunello at Edge or Alba can cost as much as a night in a budget villa. If you’re on a tight budget, look for resorts with all-inclusive packages that include Italian dining, like Waldorf Astoria or Conrad.

Who Fede guides where

Couples: Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi for Zuma’s romantic overwater setting and extensive wine list. The resort’s private island, Ithaafushi, is well suited to honeymooners who want seclusion without sacrificing dining options.

Families: Conrad Maldives Rangali Island for Ufaa’s fun, interactive menu and the resort’s kid-friendly activities. The two-island layout gives everyone space to explore, and the house reef is great for snorkeling.

Foodies: St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort for Alba’s Michelin-inspired menu and wine list. The resort’s Michelin chef program means you’ll always find something new to try.

Groups: Niyama Private Islands for Edge’s private sandbank setting and gourmet Italian cuisine. The resort’s two islands—Play and Chill—offer plenty of activities, from surfing to spa treatments.