Your Guide to the Best Restaurants in Ukulhas, Maldives (2025)

The Definitive Ukulhas Dining Guide 2025

Every Restaurant Verified + Local Secrets

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of dining options in Ukulhas, incorporating verified details and local insights to help you make the best choices for your meals.

🌟 TOP-TIER DINING EXPERIENCES

1. Pepperoni

   • Initial Observation: Highlighted for its good milkshakes, making it a favorite. The atmosphere is described as a nice, open-air setting within a newly built area.

   • Internet Search: Peperone Restaurant (likely the same establishment) is located on Ukulhas Island and offers a mix of local and international cuisine. It has a cozy interior with outdoor seating. Reviews suggest fresh seafood and flavorful dishes are specialties. It is open for lunch and dinner throughout the week.

   • At-A-Glance Details:

     • Cuisine: Maldivian & International Fusion

     • Must-Order: Fresh seafood platters (market price), Legendary milkshakes (strawberry bestseller)

     • New 2024: Maldivian lobster nights (Wed/Fri)

     • Atmosphere: Cozy indoor seating with AC, Open-air terrace with coral stone decor

     • Hours: 11AM-10PM daily

     • Price: $$ ($15-25 mains)

     • Pro Tip: Try their grilled octopus – a local favorite!

2. Taste at Ranthari (Ranthari Hotel & Spa)

   • Initial Observation: Situated within the Ranthari Hotel and Spa, this restaurant is noted as being slightly more expensive but offering high-quality, tasty Asian-inspired dishes. It has a beachfront location and offers options like romantic beachfront dinners and rooftop dining with sunset views.

   • Internet Search: Confirmed at Ranthari Hotel and Spa Ukulhas Maldives. Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with international and local cuisine. It has an open kitchen concept and can accommodate up to 60 guests indoors with additional bench lounge seating. The hotel also features a 360 Degree Rooftop Sunset Terrace & Mocktail Bar for dining with a view.

   • At-A-Glance Details:

     • Cuisine: Asian-inspired with Maldivian twists

     • Signature Dishes: Tuna Tataki (Japanese-Maldivian fusion), 5-course tasting menu ($45) introduced 2024

     • Unique Features: Open kitchen concept (watch chefs work), 360° rooftop sunset bar (opens 5PM), Private beach dining (reserve 24h ahead)

     • Capacity: 60 indoor + lounge seating

     • Price: $$$ (Higher-end but worth it for special occasions)

3. Retro Royal

   • Initial Observation: Located opposite the accommodation of the speaker, this restaurant has a garden area setting which is noted to get quite dark, raising concerns about visibility and mosquitoes. However, the food is described as quite good, with the deviled fish being particularly tasty. They also offer nice mocktails.

   • Internet Search: Popular eatery on Ukulhas, especially among tourists. It is located in the northern part of the island, near the school. Known as a haven for seafood lovers. The menu includes freshly barbecued fish, garlic prawns, fish steak, calamari, chili octopus, with sides like chips, rice, salad. Offers fresh juices and coffee.

   • At-A-Glance Details:

     • Cuisine: Seafood-centric

     • Seafood Specialties: Deviled fish (secret spice blend), Chili octopus (local fishermen’s favorite), Garlic prawns (with homemade bread)

     • Atmosphere Notes: Garden setting with new ceiling fans (2024 upgrade), Gets dark at night – bring repellent

     • Tourist hotspot near school

     • Budget: $$ ($8-12 mains)

🌊 HARBOR & BEACHFRONT EATERIES

1. Céleste

   • Initial Observation: This restaurant is located at the harbor and spans three levels. It is recommended to sit on the top level to enjoy a nice breeze.

   • Internet Search: Confirmed location in Ukulhas, capacity of 150 people. Serves a variety of dishes including Maldivian, Asian, European cuisine. Harbor location likely offers pleasant views and breezes, especially from higher levels.

   • At-A-Glance Details:

     • Cuisine: Maldivian/Asian/European fusion

     • Level Breakdown: Ground Floor: Quick seafood bites, Mid-Level: Family dining area, Top Floor: Breezy harbor views (best for dates)

     • New in 2024: Live Maldivian Bodu Beru music Saturdays

     • Unique Offer: Large capacity (150+ guests) – ideal for groups.

2. Basilico Restaurant

   • Initial Observation: Located at the beach, be sure to try their grilled dishes.

   • At-A-Glance Details:

     • Cuisine: Grilled dishes (based on your description), likely seafood and international.

     • Grilled Specials: Red snapper with lemongrass, Lobster tails (seasonal)

     • Seating: Beachfront "toes-in-sand" pods, AC indoor section

     • Location: Located at the beach. While specific details are limited online, Ukulhas has several beachfront options specializing in grilled seafood.

🍛 INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS

1. Chef The Indian Restaurant

   • Initial Observation: Delicious Indian food, don’t miss the butter chicken.

   • At-A-Glance Details:

     • Cuisine: Indian and Seafood.

     • Standout Dishes: Butter chicken (voted island’s best), Off-menu Masala Crab (ask chef)

     • Tripadvisor: 4.0★ rating.

     • Location: Heart of Main Street (Ukulhas Main Street).

     • Atmosphere: Provides a cozy dining experience. Known for authentic flavors.

2. Sapore Italian

   • Initial Observation: An amazing Italian restaurant; the tiramisu is a must-try.

   • At-A-Glance Details:

     • Cuisine: Italian.

     • Authentic Touches: New wood-fired pizza oven, Tiramisu made with local coffee

     • Don’t Miss: Amazing Italian food, the tiramisu is a must-try. Also serves classic Italian dishes like pizza and pasta.

     • Rating: 4.1★ on Tripadvisor.

     • Atmosphere: Intimate, with friendly service. Guests appreciate the friendly service and generous portions.

     • Location: Dunfini, Jumhooree Magu.

     • Portions: Famously large (shareable).

💰 2025 PRICE BREAKDOWN

Category Cost Per Person Best For
Budget $5-10 Home Beach, Retro Royal
Mid-Range $12-20 Pepperoni, Chef Indian
Premium $25+ Ranthari, Céleste top floor

Note: Most restaurants offer 10% discount for MVR cash payments

🔍 CRITICAL LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

• Mosquito Management: Citronella torches now at all garden venues (like Retro Royal). Consider repellent for outdoor evening dining.

• Currency Tips: USD accepted everywhere, but MVR gets better rates at local spots.

• New in 2025:

  • Fisherman’s Boat’s "Catch of the Day" bowls

  • Central Diner’s upgraded breakfast buffet

📅 PLANNING CHEAT SHEET

• Book Ahead: Ranthari rooftop, private beach dinners.

• Walk-Ins: Pepperoni (before 7PM), Retro Royal.

• Hidden Gems:

  • Nala Bistro’s sunset coconut mojitos

  • Home Beach’s Bondibai (coconut cake)

  • Other mentions include Black Y Garden, SeaLaVie, and Fisherman's Boat.

Ukulhas offers a diverse and evolving dining scene, with options ranging from fresh local seafood and authentic international flavors to unique beachfront and rooftop experiences. Enjoy exploring the culinary delights of the island!

Disclosure:

This Ukulhas Dining Guide is compiled based on online research and publicly available information as of 2025. We aim for accuracy, but details like menus, prices, and hours can change. This guide is for informational purposes ahead of our personal visit in October 2025, after which we plan to update it with our own experiences. Please verify details directly with the restaurants.

Dragon Pearl Buffet Review | Best Buffet in Toronto?

Dragon Pearl All-You-Can-Eat Buffet in Toronto

We have tried Mandarin a few times (probably the most popular buffet around) and wanted a change. So, we tried Dragon Pearl Buffet for the first time.

First impressions? We felt the beautifully-decorated elegant atmosphere right away. It had a modern and sophisticated ambience that felt like a step above the typical Chinese buffet.

Let’s talk about food. The selection was impressive, but we felt their focus was on quality rather than quantity. I felt like they have less items to choose from, but better quality. Right away, we spotted the Peking duck, a must-try at Dragon Pearl. And let me tell you, it was crispy, flavorful, and simply divine.

The sushi section was surprisingly extensive, with fresh fish and more creative rolls when compared to other Chinese buffets. We sampled the spicy tuna, the dragon roll, and a few other unique creations. Everything was fresh and delicious.

And of course, no dim sum feast is complete without the classics. The dim sum section looked extensive also. We tried the har gow, siu mai, and shrimp dumplings, all of which were expertly crafted and bursting with flavor.

They also offered a good selection of international dishes, including some delicious pad Thai and stir-fries.

I found the dessert section had less items than Mandarin’s, but couldn’t complain about the deliciousness and quality. I saw Mango Pomelo Sago and tried that several times.

However, there were downsides. With a 1.5-hour time limit, we felt a bit rushed. We would have loved to savor the experience a little more and maybe try a few more dishes. And of course, the price was significantly higher than Mandarin, coming in at around $32 or more per person.

Overall, Dragon Pearl offers a refined all-you-can-eat experience with a focus on quality. The ambiance is elegant, and the food is generally excellent. The Peking duck and sushi were definite highlights. However, the time limit and higher price point might be a factor for some.

I'd recommend Dragon Pearl to those seeking a more upscale and leisurely dining experience compared to the typical buffet. It's a great option for a special occasion or when you're looking to indulge in some truly delicious Chinese cuisine.

Trip Report: Thailand-Dubai Travels | Ahmed Dawn & Walking Lady

My Month-Long Thailand-Dubai Trip

Hello everyone! Today, I would like to update you about our upcoming trip to Thailand and Dubai. This nearly month-long adventure will provide us with opportunities to create lots of exciting content for our YouTube channels.

Travel Itinerary

We will be taking an Air Canada flight from YYZ to NRT, and then Thai Airlines from NRT to BKK. On the way back, we are taking Cebu Pacific from BKK to MNL to DXB, and then Turkish Airlines from DXB to YYZ. We will have Turkish Airlines Business Class flight for the DXB-YYZ leg of the journey, while all others are Economy Class.

In Thailand, we will concentrate on Bangkok, Krabi, and Phuket. In the UAE, we will spend a few days in Dubai and one day in Abu Dhabi.

What to Expect

From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene beaches of Krabi, Thailand promises a diverse and exciting adventure. I'll be immersing myself in the local culture, trying mouth-watering street food and exploring hidden gems.

Dubai! This futuristic city is a must-see, with its iconic skyscrapers, luxurious shopping malls, and vibrant nightlife. I can't wait to experience the city's grandeur and contrast it with the laid-back vibes of Thailand.

Throughout my trip, I'll be sharing daily vlogs, giving you an exclusive look into our adventures. Expect stunning visuals, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and plenty of travel tips.

Stay tuned for:

• Exciting city exploration vlogs from Bangkok and Dubai

• Luxurious hotel reviews and recommendations

• Local food experiences and hidden culinary gems

• Cultural insights and travel tips

I'm excited to take you along on this journey! Let's explore the world together!

 Bonus Content

As a bonus, here is a Cinematic Thailand Video I created. If you enjoyed it, please like the video and share your thoughts in the comments section below. Your support means a lot to us!

Thank you for your continued support and welcome to all our new subscribers! We're excited to share our Thailand-Dubai adventures with you soon.

Links

Ahmed Dawn YouTube Channel

Walking Lady YouTube Channel

Thailand Travel Regular Videos

Thailand Travel Live & Shorts

UAE Travel Regular Videos

UAE Travel Live & Shorts

Global Travel Videos

Why I Embraced a Hybrid YouTube Channel and Found My No Niche Niche (Even with Moderate Subscribers)

Ahmed Dawn’s Hybrid YouTube Channel

Running a hybrid YouTube channel like Ahmed Dawn's offers unique rewards and challenges. Today, I want to share some unfiltered insights about my journey that you won't find anywhere else.

Pros:

• Diverse Audience: A hybrid channel allows me to connect with a global community with diverse interests. By exploring topics like travel, tutorials, and lifestyle, I can reach viewers who might not normally find each other.

• Creative Freedom: This is my biggest reward. A hybrid channel allows me to experiment and express myself across different creative domains. It keeps things fresh and engaging for both me and my viewers.

• Adaptability: I can evolve with the times and adapt to changing trends. If one content type isn't performing well, I can pivot to another without starting from scratch.

• Cross-Promotion: Different content can synergize, each promoting the other. For example, travel vlogs might lead viewers to my lifestyle and life hacks videos.

Cons:

• Audience Fragmentation: While diversity is a strength, it can also diversify your audience. Some viewers might only enjoy specific content, potentially leading to less engagement with other topics. However, I'm comfortable with this, as my goal isn't solely focused on subscriber count.

• Time Commitment: Managing a hybrid channel requires dedication and effort. Researching, filming, editing, and promoting various content types can be time-consuming.

• Brand Identity: Maintaining a cohesive brand identity is crucial. My content aligns with my overall message and values, ensuring that "Ahmed Dawn" is more than just a channel, it's a distinctive identity.

• Algorithm Navigation: YouTube's algorithm might find it challenging to categorize hybrid channels. Content with consistent themes often performs better in search and recommendations. Again, this is something I'm comfortable with. While some videos might have higher viewership than others, I don't chase views or subscriber milestones.

Final Thoughts:

I'm not interested in promoting products, running a Patreon, or doing sponsored content. My passion lies in creating high-quality content across diverse topics that I genuinely enjoy. While I may not reach millions or drastically change their lives, I believe I can positively impact thousands. That's what truly motivates me to keep creating.

How to Plan for Your Thailand Trip (Initial Stage)

How to Plan for Your Initial Stage Thailand Trip

Are you dreaming of visiting Thailand, the land of smiles, but feel overwhelmed by all the choices and details? Don’t worry, I’ve been there too. That’s why I want to share with you how I planned my Thailand itinerary and what I learned along the way.

How to Plan for Your Thailand Itinerary

A couple of days ago, I started booking my Thailand trip. But to come to this point, I had to go through a lot of research on deciding my itinerary and various other things.

In this article, I will focus on the initial stage of planning and research, which includes deciding how long to stay, where to go, and what to see in Thailand.

The Very First Thing You Need to Decide

How many days or nights you want to spend in Thailand is the very first thing you need to decide upon. And then, where you want to stay. This will depend on your budget, your availability, and your preferences. Thailand is a large and diverse country, so you can easily spend a month or more exploring different regions and attractions.

However, if you are like most travelers, you probably have a limited time and want to make the most of it. So I first had to figure out how many total days I am staying in Thailand. My total number came to 18 nights. I think is a good amount of time to see the highlights and enjoy some relaxation. Of course, you can adjust this number according to your own needs and interests.

Where to Go & How Many Days You Want to Allocate for Your Stay in Thailand

The second challenging part was to decide where to go and how many days to allocate for each place. This sounds easy, but it took me a lot of research and planning to decide on solid numbers.

Thailand has three main regions: the north, the central, and the south. Each region has its own charm and attractions, so it’s hard to choose. The north is known for its mountains, temples, and culture. The central is where you can find Bangkok, the capital city, and some historical sites. The south is where you can enjoy the beaches, islands, and marine life.

I read many articles, watched YouTube videos on Thailand and used AI sites as Google Bard, PI AI, and Bing Copilot to help me decided on this. In the end, I decided to visit Bangkok, Krabi, and Phuket. Based on the days I would require for sightseeing and relaxing, I came up with allocating the first 2 nights in Bangkok, 4 nights in Krabi, 6 nights in Phuket, and the last 6 nights in Bangkok again.

I think these destinations offer a good mix of culture, nature, and relaxation. I also considered the weather, the transportation, and the costs when making my decisions.

What to See in Thailand

To decide on what to see, where to visit, and what kind of tours to book in Bangkok, Krabi, and Phuket, I took help from online articles, YouTube travel videos, and AI sites to finalize my plans.

I will write more articles and publish more videos for the next steps in the future. Stay tuned and happy travels!