Few dining experiences in the world can compare to the sheer wonder of the 5.8 Undersea Restaurant at Hurawalhi Maldives. Nestled 5.8 meters beneath the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, this all-glass underwater venue offered a blend of culinary artistry and breathtaking marine views that was truly unforgettable.

The World’s Largest All-Glass Underwater Restaurant 5.8 Undersea

As the world’s largest all-glass undersea restaurant, the 5.8 Undersea Restaurant creates an intimate and exclusive ambiance, seating no more than 10 couples at a time. Open for both lunch and dinner, it’s a venue that allows you to immerse yourself in the magic of the underwater world while savoring gourmet cuisine.

We opted for the seven-course dinner seating to enjoy the transition from daylight to dusk. This choice proved perfect, as the restaurant’s lighting illuminated the vibrant coral reefs and marine life, providing a spectacular view of the underwater world at night.

Getting to 5.8 Undersea Restaurant Getting

While staying at Kuredu Island Resort, we pre-booked our visit to secure a spot. Upon arriving at Hurawalhi Maldives Resort, we were greeted warmly and taken to the entrance of the restaurant via a solar-panel-shaded bridge that stretched over the crystal-clear lagoon. The walk alone was stunning, with views of endless blue waters below.

Before descending the spiral staircase into the underwater dining space, we were welcomed with a refreshing cocktail and a Polaroid photo as a keepsake. As we spiraled down into the ocean, the windows revealed mesmerizing glimpses of the underwater world awaiting us.

5.8 Undersea Restaurant Dress Code: Smart Casual

Dining at the 5.8 Undersea Restaurant is a unique blend of luxury and relaxed ambiance. The dress code is smart casual, encouraging guests to dress comfortably yet elegantly for the occasion. What sets this restaurant apart is its barefoot policy—all guests are required to remove their footwear at the entrance. This adds to the tranquil atmosphere, allowing you to feel fully immersed in the laid-back luxury of the Maldives while enjoying one of the most exclusive dining experiences in the world.

The 5.8 Undersea Dining Experience: Food Menu

Inside, the restaurant felt like a dream—a serene and intimate "fishbowl" surrounded by coral gardens teeming with life.

We chose the Seafood Menu with a wine pairing, and every dish was a masterpiece. Highlights included the Maldivian reef fish carpaccio served with crispy squid ink and sea foam, Alaskan king crab, and a tender Glacier 51 toothfish. Each dish was presented with impeccable artistry, reflecting the underwater theme.

Dessert, a golden chocolate sphere with truffle ice cream, was the perfect finale—an indulgent creation that felt almost too beautiful to eat. The wine pairings were equally good, enhancing every flavor and thoughtfully explained by the sommelier.

What made the evening even more extraordinary were the marine life sightings. A turtle swam leisurely by our table, feeding near the glass, while sharks hunted gracefully next to us. The change in underwater activity from day to night was fascinating, making the dinner seating an excellent choice.

Pricing for 5.8 Undersea Restaurant at Hurawalhi Maldives

Dining at the 5.8 Undersea Restaurant is a luxurious and exclusive experience, reflected in its pricing. The cost per person includes a multi-course gourmet meal and the opportunity to dine in the world’s largest all-glass underwater restaurant, surrounded by the vibrant marine life of the Maldives.

• Lunch (Five-Course Meal): $250 USD per person
• Dinner (Seven-Course Meal): $315 USD per person

Guests can also enhance their experience with a wine pairing:

• Lunch Wine Pairing: $80 USD per person
• Dinner Wine Pairing: $130 USD per person

Additional Costs

If you’re staying at nearby resorts like Kuredu Island Resort or Komandoo Resort, you’ll need to arrange a transfer to Hurawalhi Maldives, which costs approximately $25 USD per person round trip. It’s advisable to book your reservation well in advance, as seating is limited and highly sought after.

While the price is undeniably premium, the combination of gourmet cuisine, impeccable service, and the one-of-a-kind underwater setting makes it a priceless experience and a true bucket list adventure.

Facts About the Reef at the 5.8 Undersea Restaurant

One of the most captivating aspects of dining at 5.8 Undersea Restaurant is the view—a mesmerizing panorama of colorful coral reefs teeming with marine life. What makes this even more remarkable is that much of the reef surrounding the restaurant was carefully created and nurtured by underwater gardeners.

The team at Hurawalhi Maldives Resort sought to extend the existing house reef by relocating coral fragments to the nutrient-rich waters around the restaurant. These fragments were carefully cultivated and monitored, eventually thriving into vibrant ecosystems filled with fish, invertebrates, and other marine life. This "reef gardening" initiative has not only enhanced the visual appeal of the area but also contributed to the local marine biodiversity.

The result is a stunning underwater landscape that feels alive and dynamic, offering diners an ever-changing view of marine life as they enjoy their meal. It’s a testament to the resort’s commitment to sustainability and their dedication to preserving the natural beauty of the Maldives.

Dining at the 5.8 Undersea Restaurant was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The breathtaking underwater setting created an evening that felt like stepping into another world. It was a dream come true, and one I’ll cherish forever.

If you ever find yourself in the Maldives, this is an experience you cannot miss.