Tourists typically choose to stay at the island of Maafushi in Maldives either if they want to experience local culture or they want a no-compromise holiday without the heavy prices of private island resorts.

This tiny inhabited island is a true traveller’s delight with excellent accommodation options as well as plenty of adventure activities.

Of course when you are in Maldives, you need to try the variety of seafood on offer. In this regard, Maafushi does not disappoint.

Unlike private island resorts where you are confined to the options available within the resort, in Maafushi you can try a number of restaurants for delectable local plus international cuisine.

So if you have seafood in mind, head over to the restaurants given below for a good time.

Just keep in mind due to island lifestyle, you need to factor in serving times when visiting any restaurant.

My list of the best seafood restaurants in Maafushi, Maldives

1) Kaani Grand Seaview in-house restaurant

Kaani Grand Seaview is one of the finest hotels available in Maafushi.

Located right on the famous bikini beach, Kaani Grand Seaview has a great in-house restaurant that serves both local as well as western cuisine.

They often have good seafood choices with butter grilled lobsters a speciality.

Try this restaurant for the local seafood specialities and enjoy a wonderful evening overlooking the beautiful waters of the Indian ocean.

2) Arena Beach Restaurant

Arena Beach Restaurant is part of the Arena Hotel at bikini beach. This is one of the premier restaurants in Maafushi with open air seating on the beautiful golden sands of the beach.

They have a nice buffet on most days but guests can order from the a la carte menu as well.

There are plenty of seafood options and you can ask for the daily specials depending upon the catch of the day.

3) Mr. Octopus

With a name like Mr. Octopus you just have to try it out for seafood.

This is a nice shack next to bikini beach in Maafushi and is not part of any hotel unlike the other restaurants in this list.

Mr. Octopus has plenty of choices when it comes to seafood and serves a variety of cuisines as well.

One thing to note though that the service can be extremely slow. This is the main critique of this restaurant by many guests. Hence, if time is not a problem, Mr. Octopus is a good place to try seafood in Maafushi.

4) Palm Beach Restaurant

Palm Beach Restaurant is within the Kaani Palm Beach Hotel and is one of the latest restaurants to open in Maafushi.

Overlooking the azure waters of bikini beach, this restaurant has fast earned the reputation of being one of the finest places to dine in Maafushi.

The menu boasts of barbecued seafood delicacies, Indian, western and local cuisine.

Palm Beach Restaurant should be in the must visit list for all seafood lovers visiting Maafushi.

5) Caviar Café and Restaurant

If you are looking for a chilled out time with good vibes, good music and of course good seafood, Caviar Café and Restaurant is for you.

One of the highest rated restaurants in Maafushi, this place not just boasts of seafood delicacies but also has options for vegans and the best of international cuisine.

Located at Aabaadhee Hingun Road, just a few minutes walk from bikini beach, Caviar Café and Restaurant has fast catapulted itself to the best restaurants list in Maafushi.

6) Stingray Beach Inn

A small place located at just one minute walk from bikini beach serves some of the best seafood, Indian and Asian cuisine in Maafushi.

This restaurant is located within the Stingray Beach Inn and has a nice, relaxing atmosphere.

The rooftop restaurant at Stingray Beach Inn is a popular place by tourists who want to gaze at the Indian ocean while sipping cocktails and snacking on scrumptious seafood appetizers.

What you need to know about seafood restaurants in Maafushi, Maldives

Maafushi is a small island with the entire tourist activity concentrated on the famous bikini beach.

All the restaurants mentioned in this post are within walking distance of each other. You can take some time and walk through all of the eateries one afternoon and opt for the one that catches your fancy.

Just remember, sometimes orders can take a long time to be served and you need to relax and soak in the atmosphere instead of looking for a quick bite.

Also, do not forget to ask the restaurant staff for daily specials and fresh catch. Depending upon the number of the days you are in Maafushi, you can try a variety of dishes and various international cuisines.