Dinner at By The Sea
Mixed Vegetable Tempura
Wakame Salad
Chef’s Selection of Sushi and Sashimi
Glazed Reef Fish Teriyaki
Chicken Katsu Curry
Perched above the ocean and surrounded by the natural beauty of Gili Lankanfushi, By the Sea brings together Japanese flavours and the relaxed elegance of the Maldives. For dinner, we took seats beside the sushi bar, where the evening unfolded like an omakase experience, with the chef preparing and presenting a selection of dishes throughout the meal.
We began with the chef’s selection of beautifully fresh nigiri and sashimi, allowing the quality of the seafood to take centre stage. Sitting so close to the sushi bar made the experience feel particularly personal, with each plate prepared in front of us before arriving at the table. The simplicity and precision of the Japanese dishes worked beautifully against the tropical island setting.
Beyond the sushi and sashimi, one of our favourite dishes was the glazed reef fish teriyaki, combining local seafood with familiar Japanese flavours. The chicken katsu curry was another highlight, comforting and generous with a crisp golden coating and rich curry sauce.
By the Sea also worked exceptionally well for a family dinner. Our daughter loved the tonkotsu ramen, a steaming bowl of noodles with a deeply savoury broth, while our son happily tucked into the kids’ teriyaki chicken. Having approachable favourites alongside the more refined sushi and sashimi selection meant there was plenty for everyone to enjoy.
There is something particularly special about eating Japanese food in such a distinctly Maldivian setting. From watching the chefs at work behind the sushi counter to enjoying fresh seafood above the Indian Ocean, By the Sea manages to marry the two influences effortlessly. Refined without feeling overly formal, it was a beautiful Japanese-meets-Maldives dining experience and another memorable evening at Gili Lankanfushi.
Maldives, Lankanfushi Island 08290 North Malé Atoll, Republic of Maldives
+960 6640304