- Maldives DMC since 2006
- Direct contract with JA Manafaru
- Air + sea transfer coordinated
- CuisineDining Experiences
- StyleFine dining and wine pairing
- SettingSubterranean wine cellar carved into volcanic rock
- DressSmart Casual
- ReservationRequired
About The Cellar
Carved into ancient volcanic rock, The Cellar at JA Manafaru offers one of the Maldives’ most exclusive dining experiences. This intimate subterranean wine cellar is a haven for discerning food and wine enthusiasts seeking rare labels, refined pairings, and an unforgettable setting beneath the island’s surface.
Part of the dining roster at JA Manafaru, this dining experiences restaurant runs a fine dining and wine pairing format · subterranean wine cellar carved into volcanic rock setting. Dress code: smart casual.
Opens the resort's official menu
The Cellar Dine by Design and Beverage Menu
As published by the resort, checked Sept 2026. Prices as listed; the kitchen confirms at the table.
Dine by Design
- Wine Down Under (3 Wines)USD 90
Artisanal Ginger Tequila & Orange Curaçao, black peppercorn infused agave, fresh lime juice and Angostura bitters*
- Burgundy Opulence (3 Wines)USD 130
Wines from one of the finest wine regions on the planet. Rich and creamy, simply heavenly.
- South American Journey (5 Wines)USD 150
An exceptional selection of white and red wines from the finest South American producers.
- Discover Italy (5 Wines)USD 170
A journey through the famous wine regions of Italy, from Piedmont to Tuscany, passing through Veneto, Friuli and Sicily.
Contains alcohol
- The Magic of Champagne (5 Wines)USD 190
Champagne can indeed be magical, and this selection will transport you to the heart of this remarkable part of the world.
- Bordeaux Grand Cru (5 Wines)USD 280
An unmissable opportunity to try Grand Cru wines from some of the finest châteaux in Bordeaux, a true wine paradise.
Contains alcohol
Whisky · Blended
- Swing by Johnnie WalkerUSD 15
- Johnnie Walker Green 15yoUSD 16
- Chivas Regal 18yoUSD 18
- Johnnie Walker BlueUSD 25
Whisky · Single Malt
- Glenfiddich Solera Reserve 15yoUSD 17
- Ardbeg 10yoUSD 19
- The Balvenie Caribbean CaskUSD 20
- Talisker 18yoUSD 21
- Tomatin 14yoUSD 30
- Benromach 15 Years OldUSD 33
- Bowmore 18yoUSD 35
- Dalmore Cigar MaltUSD 38
- Glenfarclas 21yoUSD 40
- Bunnahabhain 18yoUSD 48
- Dalmore King Alexander IIIUSD 60
- Highland Park 25yoUSD 100
- Macallan Rare Cask BlackUSD 110
Whiskey · American and Japanese
- Rittenhouse Straight Rye 100 ProofUSD 15
- Sazerac RyeUSD 16
- Michter›s N1 Kentucky Straight BourbonUSD 20
- Whistlepig 15yoUSD 50
- Nikka Yoichi 12yoUSD 35
Rum
- Flor De Cana 7yoUSD 12
- Santa Teresa 1796 Triple AgedUSD 13
- St. Barth Rhum Agricole Original 50%USD 14
- Ron Zacapa 23yo Sistema SoleraUSD 16
- Appleton 21yoUSD 30
Cognac and Armagnac
- Courvoisier VSOPUSD 13
- Courvasier XO ImperialUSD 14
- Remy Martin VSOPUSD 15
- Hennessy VSOPUSD 16
- Remy Martin XOUSD 50
- Château de Beaulon 1975USD 180
- Louis XIII De Rémy MartinUSD 260
- Bas-Armagnac Mosquateraire Du Roy 1997USD 40
Grappa
- Riserva 8yoUSD 15
- Selezione OrazioUSD 16
- Chardonnay – 12 Months in OakUSD 18
- MoscatoUSD 18
- MerlotUSD 20
- PicolitUSD 25
Tequila and Mezcal
- Dos Hombres Artesanal Joven 100% EspadinUSD 15
- Patron SilverUSD 18
- Fortaleza BlancoUSD 20
- Fortaleza ReposadoUSD 23
- Fortaleza AñejoUSD 28
Contains alcohol
- Siete Leguas ReposadoUSD 30
- The Lost Explorer TobalaUSD 25
Gin
- Tanqueray No. TenUSD 12
- HendricksUSD 13
- Sipsmith London DryUSD 13
- Malfi Rosa Pink GrapefruitUSD 15
- Mokey 47USD 20
Vodka
- BelvedereUSD 12
- CîrocUSD 16
- Kauffman SoftUSD 20
- Beluga Gold LineUSD 40
Cigars
- Monte Cristo Number 4 – Short CoronaUSD 30
- Cohiba Siglo Uno – Petit CoronaUSD 50
- Monte Cristo Number 3 – CoronaUSD 56
- Cohiba Siglo Dos – Petit CoronaUSD 64
- Partagas Number 4 Serie D – RobustoUSD 72
- Romeo y Julieta – ChurchillUSD 72
- Hojo de Monterrey – Double CoronaUSD 82
Hedonism · $145++ per person with wine pairing / $95++ per person, wine à la carte
- Crispy Fish Tacos
Herb aioli and lemon (G, E, F, CR, MO, MUS). Source pairing: Ca’ del Bosco Brut Franciacorta, Lombardy, Italy.
- Garlic Butter Prawns
Grilled asparagus and chimichurri sauce (D, CR). Source pairing: Chardonnay Catena Zapata Alta “Historic Rows” 2022, Mendoza, Argentina.
- Beef Ragu
Tagliatelle pasta and truffle Parmesan crisp (G, D, E, C). Source pairing: Bordeaux Blend Château Manoir Gravoux 2010, Côtes de Bordeaux, France.
- Pear and Almond Tart
Vanilla ice cream (G, D, E, TN). Source pairing: Riesling Gunderloch Rothenberg 2004, Rheinhessen, Germany.
Contains nuts
Champagne Hedonism · $300++ per person
- Crispy Seafood Tacos
Herb aioli and lemon (G, E, F, MUS). Source pairing: Manafaru Champagne Cocktail.
- Seared Yellowfin Tuna
Romesco sauce and fresh herbs mélange (F, G, TN). Source pairing: Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Brut 2015, Épernay.
Contains nuts
- Miso Black Cod
Sautéed broccolini and spiced edamame (F, SOY, G). Source pairing: Duval-Leroy Brut Grand Cru “Femme de Champagne”, Avize.
- Vanilla Sphere
Mixed berries, almond tuile and cherry ice cream (G, D, E, TN). Source pairing: Louis Roederer Cristal Brut Rosé 2009, Montagne de Reims.
Contains nuts
Indulgence · $250++ per person with pairing / $140++ per person, wine à la carte
- Crispy Seafood Tacos
Herb aioli and lemon (G, E, F, CR, MO, MUS). Source pairing: Ca’ del Bosco Brut Franciacorta, Lombardy, Italy.
- Spaghetti with Prawns
Cherry tomato, chilli flakes, garlic and fresh herbs (G, CR). Source pairing: Ribolla Gialla Marco Felluga Maralba 2021, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy.
- Poached Reef Fish
Curried pumpkin velouté and fried moringa (D, F, MUS). Source pairing: Sancerre Lucien Crochet La Croix du Roy 2013, Loire Valley, France.
- Slow-Cooked BBQ Beef Short Rib
Potato purée and crispy leeks (D, C, MUS). Source pairing: Château Batailley 1985, Pauillac AOC, Bordeaux, France.
- Crème Brûlée
Passion-fruit coulis (D, E). Source pairing: Gewürztraminer René Muré Clos Landelin 2007, Alsace Grand Cru, France.
Elegance · $500++ per person with pairing / $250++ per person, wine à la carte
- Smoked Salmon Tostada
Avocado, cherry tomato, sour cream and cilantro (G, D, F). Source pairing: Piper-Heidsieck Brut Rosé Sauvage, Reims.
- Pan-Fried King Scallop
Green-pea purée and truffle herb butter (D, MO). Source pairing: Billecart-Salmon Brut, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ.
Contains alcohol
- Grilled Octopus
Smoky romesco sauce and rocket salad (G, TN, MO). Source pairing: R de Ruinart Brut, Reims.
Contains nuts
- Slow-Braised Beef Short Rib
Potato purée and mushroom duxelles (D, C). Source pairing: Laurent-Perrier Brut, Tours-sur-Marne.
- Dark Chocolate Olive Oil Tart
Blackberry compote (G, D, E). Source pairing: Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Brut 2015, Épernay.
Essence · $500++ per person with wine pairing / $280++ per person, wine à la carte
- Roasted Cauliflower
Romesco sauce and truffle mayonnaise (G, E, TN, MUS). Source pairing: Manafaru Punch.
Contains nuts
- Yellowfin Tuna Crudo
Avocado, radish and citrus vinaigrette (F, MUS). Source pairing: Marchese Antinori Tenuta Montenisa Cuvée Royal Franciacorta, Lombardy, Italy.
- Garlic Butter Prawns
Grilled asparagus and chimichurri sauce (D, CR). Source pairing: Vincent Girardin Meursault Vieilles Vignes 2014, Côte de Beaune, Bourgogne, France.
- Seared Salmon
Chive beurre blanc and fennel salad (D, F). Source pairing: Pinot Noir Louis Jadot Pommard 2012, Côte de Beaune, Côte d’Or, Burgundy, France.
- Passion Fruit Sorbet
- Herb-Crusted Lamb Chop
Truffle potato purée and rosemary jus (G, D, C). Source pairing: Bordeaux Blend Seña, Chadwick & Mondavi 1998, Aconcagua Valley, Chile.
Contains alcohol
- Dark Chocolate and Hazelnut Tart
Vanilla ice cream (G, D, E, TN). Source pairing: Vin Santo Castello di Pomino 2005, Tuscany, Italy.
Contains nuts
Opulence · $650++ per person with pairing / $340++ per person, wine à la carte
- Shimeji Mushroom Tempura
Honey sriracha mayonnaise (G, E, SOY, MUS). Source pairing: Manafaru Champagne Cocktail.
- Poached Maldivian Lobster
Citrus beurre blanc and Sevruga caviar (D, F, CR). Source pairing: Pol Roger Brut Réserve, Épernay.
- Seared Foie Gras
Caramelised apple, brioche bun and crispy shallot (G, D, E). Source pairing: Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Brut 2015, Épernay.
- Miso Black Cod
Sautéed broccolini and spiced edamame (F, SOY, G). Source pairing: Duval-Leroy Brut Grand Cru “Femme de Champagne”, Avize.
- Lemon Basil Sorbet
- Wagyu Beef Tenderloin
Cauliflower purée, baby carrot and truffle jus (D, C). Source pairing: Dom Pérignon 2015 Brut, Épernay.
- Yuzu Meringue Tart
Source pairing: Vin Santo Castello di Pomino 2005, Tuscany, Italy.
Epicurean · $500++ per person with wine pairing / $280++ per person, wine à la carte
- Wagyu Beef Carpaccio
Truffle, Parmesan, lemon and extra-virgin olive oil (D). Source pairing: Ribolla Gialla Marco Felluga Maralba 2021, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy.
- Trofie
Fresh basil pesto and burrata cream (G, D, E, TN). Source pairing: Pinot Noir Louis Jadot Pommard 2012, Côte de Beaune, Côte d’Or, Burgundy, France.
Contains nuts
- Chicken Tikka
Curried pumpkin gravy and mint chutney (D, MUS). Source pairing: Château Lauriol 2014, Grand Vin de Bordeaux, France.
- Slow-Braised Beef Short Rib
(C). Source pairing: Vega Sicilia Valbuena 5º 2009, Ribera del Duero, Spain.
- Dark Chocolate Olive Oil Tart
Blackberry compote (G, D, E). Source pairing: Gewürztraminer René Muré Clos Landelin 2007, Alsace Grand Cru, France.
Scottish Dram · The Whisky Pairing · $400++ per person
- Manafaru Rye Old Fashioned
- Seared Yellowfin Tuna
Romesco sauce and fresh herbs mélange (F, G, TN). Source pairing: Balvenie 14-Year-Old Caribbean Cask, Speyside.
Contains nuts
- Whisky Sorbet
- Beef Wellington
Truffle jus (G, D, E, MUS). Source pairing: Tomatin 14-Year-Old Tawny Port Finish, Highlands.
- Pistachio-Crusted Lamb Cutlets
Sautéed baby vegetables and chimichurri (G, TN). Source pairing: Bunnahabhain 18-Year-Old, Islay.
Contains nuts
- Vanilla Sphere
Mixed berries, almond tuile and cherry ice cream (G, D, E, TN). Source pairing: Macallan Rare Cask Black, Speyside.
Contains nuts
Imperial · $2,500++ per person
- Oscietra Caviar
Chive blini and lemon crème fraîche (G, D, E, F). Source pairing: Jacquesson Grand Vin Signature Dégorgement Tardif 1989, Dizy, France.
- Seared Yellowfin Tuna
Romesco and fresh herbs harmony (F, G, TN). Source pairing: Corton-Charlemagne Antonin Guyon 2015, Savigny-lès-Beaune, Burgundy, France.
Contains nuts
- Gratinated Oyster
Garlic butter and herb crumbs (G, D, MO). Source pairing: Bâtard-Montrachet Faiveley Bienvenues Grand Cru 2021, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy.
- Maldivian Lobster Linguine
Cherry tomato and crispy chilli flakes (G, CR). Source pairing: Viognier E. Guigal Condrieu 2009, Côte du Rhône, France.
- Champagne, Lemon and Thyme Sorbet
(SUL).
- Pan-Seared Duck Breast
Pumpkin mash and shallot gravy (D, C). Source pairing: Syrah Jaboulet-Aîné La Chapelle Hermitage 1983, Northern Rhône, France.
Contains nuts · Contains alcohol
- A5 Wagyu Beef Tenderloin
Fricassée of wild mushrooms and spinach. Source pairing: Amarone della Valpolicella Dal Forno Romano DOCG 2017, Veneto, Italy.
- Pistachio-Crusted Lamb Cutlet
Sautéed baby vegetables and chimichurri (G, TN). Source pairing: Tempranillo Vega Sicilia Valbuena 5º 2009, Ribera del Duero, Spain.
Contains nuts
- Vanilla Sphere
Mixed berries, almond tuile and cherry ice cream (G, D, E, TN). Source pairing: Armand de Brignac Brut Gold, Chigny-les-Roses, France.
Contains nuts
- Appenzeller, Brie and Roquefort
Source pairing: Gewürztraminer René Muré Clos Landelin 2007, Alsace Grand Cru, France.
- Passion Fruit and Dark Chocolate Truffle
(D, SOY). Source pairing: Louis XIII Rémy Martin Grande Champagne Cognac.
Prices are quoted in USD and are subject to government taxes, GST and service charge. Set-menu pages retain their source ++ per-person wording.
Dining at a glance
- Dining Experiences
- Fine dining and wine pairing
- Subterranean wine cellar carved into volcanic rock
Signature dishes
- Dine by Design
- Wine pairing journeys
- Rare wines
Ask Resortlife for the current menu when planning your stay.
When the kitchen serves
- official_text
- Reservations only
Hours subject to resort operating calendar — confirm with a Resortlife specialist when booking.
Other restaurants at JA Manafaru
Infinity Pool BarCocktails / Light BitesCafe/BarInfinity Pool, Ocean ViewsView restaurant
Veli BarCocktails, Light BitesBarLagoon-facing barView restaurant
Andiamo Bistro and PoolItalianÀ la carteTropical garden beside the Jungle PoolView restaurant
Kuri - Treehouse DiningDining ExperiencesPrivate set-menu diningSecluded treehouse built into a living treeView restaurant
KakuniInternational, MaldivianBuffet and à la carteMain island restaurantView restaurant
Ocean GrillGrillsÀ la carte grillBarefoot beach dining under the starsView restaurant
The JA Manafaru experience
JA Manafaru occupies the private island of Manafaru in Haa Alifu Atoll, at the northern end of the Maldives archipelago. It is reached either by a roughly 75-minute seaplane flight from Velana International Airport or by a 45-minute domestic flight to Hanimaadhoo Airport followed by a 35-minute speedboat transfer…
Getting there
JA Manafaru is reached by domestic flight + speedboat (50 min domestic flight to Hanimaadhoo + 40 min speedboat / Seaplane option available) from Velana International Airport, Malé. Transfer arrangements are coordinated with guests' international flight details.
Questions about The Cellar
What cuisine does The Cellar serve?
The Cellar at JA Manafaru serves Dining Experiences in a fine dining and wine pairing format, set subterranean wine cellar carved into volcanic rock. Resortlife can share the current menu on request.Do I need to reserve a table at The Cellar?
Yes — pre-booking is required at The Cellar, subject to availability. Resortlife can pass your preferred times to the resort when you book your stay through us.Is there a dress code at The Cellar?
The Cellar operates a smart casual dress code.What are the must-try dishes at The Cellar?
Signature dishes include Dine by Design, Wine pairing journeys, Rare wines. Ask for the current menu when booking.Is The Cellar included in the meal plan?
What is included depends on the meal plan you book at JA Manafaru (Breakfast, All Inclusive). Your quotation sets out which venues and meals it covers.
Reserve at The Cellar
Pre-booking is required. Please contact the resort to arrange your preferred dining experience, subject to availability.