"One of Maafushi's best-rated kitchens — made-to-order Maldivian seafood by the sand, with lobster and reef fish the dishes to order."
About Stingray Beach Inn
Stingray Beach Inn is a guesthouse on the local island of Maafushi, but its kitchen has a reputation that travels well beyond the property: it sits among the island's top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor, and many guests rate it the best food on Maafushi. Tables sit by the beach, a few steps from the water.
The cooking leans on what the boats bring in — a broad menu of Maldivian, Indian and international dishes, seafood first. Everything is cooked to order from scratch, which is the trade-off here: it is fresh, but it is not fast.
The Kitchen
Seafood is the headline. Regulars steer first-timers to the lobster and to reef fish served in Maldivian sauce, the kitchen's standout plates. The wider menu runs long — fried squid tube and Mongolian beef with rice both land around MVR 135 — and the kitchen also has a strong hand with Indian dishes, useful on a small island.
Prices are fair for the Maldives: most mains start around MVR 135, with a lobster-led seafood dinner for two running higher. Because each dish is made fresh after you order, it pays to settle in rather than rush.
The Room
The setting is the draw: open-air tables on the sand at the water's edge, simple and unfussy, best at sunset. This is barefoot beach dining rather than a designed dining room, and the view does the work.
Maafushi is a local, alcohol-free island, so expect fresh juices and soft drinks rather than a wine list. Service is friendly but unhurried; come relaxed, and order ahead if you have an early excursion the next morning.
Best for an Anniversary
Sunset tables on the sand make Stingray Beach Inn a relaxed pick for an anniversary or an easy first date while travelling. The friendly, low-key room also suits solo dining between island excursions.
Not for
Not for diners wanting a wine list, slick service or a quick turnaround — Maafushi is an alcohol-free local island and every dish is cooked fresh to order, so meals here are leisurely.
Frequently Asked
What is Stingray Beach Inn known for?
Its beachfront kitchen. On Maafushi Island in the Maldives, the guesthouse restaurant serves made-to-order Maldivian, Indian and international seafood and ranks among the island's top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor.
What should I order at Stingray Beach Inn?
The lobster and the reef fish in Maldivian sauce are the standouts. The long menu also covers fried squid tube and Mongolian beef with rice, both around MVR 135, plus a strong line of Indian dishes.
How much does dinner cost at Stingray Beach Inn?
It is fair value for the Maldives. Most mains start around MVR 135, with a lobster-led seafood dinner for two running higher.
Does Stingray Beach Inn serve alcohol?
No — Maafushi is a local, alcohol-free island, so the restaurant serves fresh juices and soft drinks rather than wine or beer.
Where is Stingray Beach Inn?
On the beachfront of Maafushi Island in Kaafu Atoll, the Maldives, with open-air tables on the sand at the water's edge — best at sunset.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Stingray Beach Inn
Beachfront tables, best at sunset. Dishes are cooked fresh to order, so allow time; Maafushi is an alcohol-free island.
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Practical Information
AddressBeachfront, Maafushi Island, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives
NeighbourhoodMaafushi beachfront, Kaafu (South Malé) Atoll
CuisineSeafood
PriceMains from around MVR 135; a seafood dinner for two with lobster runs higher
Dress CodeBeach casual
SeatingOpen-air tables on the sand at the water's edge
ReservationAdvised in season
