About Sushi-Zu
Sushi-Zu opened in December 2022 on part of the sixth floor of the Shinetree Building in central Male, tucked behind latticed sliding doors inside Salt Cafe and Restaurant. It is led by Chef Mohamed Adil in partnership with Table Top Pvt Ltd, and was formally opened by the country's then Vice President, Faisal Naseem — a sign of how rare a serious, resort-style Japanese room is in the capital itself rather than out on the resort islands.
The kitchen runs two paths. Sushi and sashimi arrive as a chef's platter of nigiri, sashimi and maki rolls; the teppanyaki side seats eight at each of two grills, where chefs Bhuwan and Lal cook chilled Australian and Wagyu beef, local tuna and reef fish to order with the showmanship the format is built on. Ingredients are flown in chilled rather than frozen, and Chef Adil's Mango and Coconut Chawanmushi — his take on a Japanese egg custard, topped with mango, almond crumble and toasted coconut — is the dessert to finish on.
Pricing is premium a la carte rather than a fixed buffet, with the kitchen, in the restaurant's own words, built to suit a range of palates and pockets; there is no published set price, and the room is licensed only for mocktails, fresh juices and non-alcoholic wines in keeping with Male city. Booking is advised, especially for the teppanyaki seats — call +960 333 6669. The restaurant closes on Tuesdays.
The Room
The space sits behind Japanese-style latticed sliding doors, with hand-crafted interlocking Kumiko woodwork, muted colours and two teppanyaki counters of eight seats each. Diners are seated as places free up, so a meal at the grill is shared with whoever is next on the bench — convivial rather than private — while the sushi tables keep a quieter pace.
Why It's Good for Impress Clients
It suits impressing a client because the teppanyaki grill turns dinner into a show — chilled Wagyu cooked to order at the counter, a chef talking through each step — and the standard of fish and beef is closer to a resort restaurant than anything else in the capital. The drinks-without-alcohol setting also keeps a business dinner straightforward.
Not For
Not for anyone wanting a private, quiet table or a glass of wine with dinner — the teppanyaki seats are communal benches filled as they free up, the room serves only mocktails and non-alcoholic wines, and it is closed on Tuesdays. Walk-ins also struggle for the grill, which is best booked ahead.
Common Questions
Who is the chef at Sushi-Zu? Sushi-Zu is led by Chef Mohamed Adil, in partnership with Table Top Pvt Ltd. He oversees both the sushi counter and the menu, while teppanyaki chefs Bhuwan and Lal work the two grills. The restaurant opened in December 2022 and was formally launched by the Maldives' then Vice President, Faisal Naseem.
What should I order at Sushi-Zu? On the sushi side, the chef's platter of nigiri, sashimi and maki is the showcase. At the teppanyaki counter, order the chilled Australian or Wagyu beef cooked in front of you alongside local tuna and reef fish. Finish with Chef Adil's signature Mango and Coconut Chawanmushi, his version of a Japanese egg custard with mango, almond crumble and toasted coconut.
Where is Sushi-Zu in Male? Sushi-Zu occupies part of the sixth floor of the Shinetree Building in central Male, set inside Salt Cafe and Restaurant behind latticed sliding doors. It is one of the few resort-style Japanese rooms in the capital city rather than on a resort island. Booking is recommended on +960 333 6669, and it is closed on Tuesdays.
Does Sushi-Zu serve alcohol or have set prices? No. In keeping with Male city's rules, Sushi-Zu serves only mocktails, fresh juices and non-alcoholic wines, not alcohol. Pricing is premium a la carte rather than a fixed buffet or set menu, with the team guiding diners to suit different budgets; there is no single published price, so confirm the cost when you book.
Community Reviews
Share your experience at Sushi-Zu, vote on the best occasion, and join the community of occasion-driven diners.
Sign In or Register