Resortlife Maldives
  • Maldives DMC since 2006
  • Direct contract with Niva Velassaru
  • Air + sea transfer coordinated
  • Cuisine
    Japanese / Teppanyaki
  • Style
    Overwater
  • Setting
    Overwater
  • Atoll
    South Malé Atoll

About Sora

Sora is a Japanese restaurant perched above the lagoon, open from 7 pm to 10 pm in a lively open-air setting. The page notes that reef sharks and rays are often seen gliding by below, and describes lantern-soft lighting, gentle music and a sky shifting to deep indigo.

The cooking is traditional Japanese with Peruvian and Maldivian twists, from sashimi and sushi to charcoal robata. Diners can leave it to the chef with an omakase or choose from the a la carte menu. The drinks list has house-created Japanese-inspired cocktails and sake, with wines and sparkling choices. The dress code is resort chic.

In the resort’s words

Sora rises above the lagoon, floating between sky and water, where Japanese teppanyaki unfolds with lively theatre. Skilled chefs grill at the table as the wide overwater view opens around you.

Part of the dining roster at Niva Velassaru, South Malé Atoll, this japanese / teppanyaki restaurant runs a overwater format · overwater setting.

On the menu

sOra - Japanese & Nikkei

As published by the resort, checked Sept 2026. Prices as listed; the kitchen confirms at the table.

Starter Izakaya

  • Edamame / Salt Flakes

    V

    $ 12
  • Miso Soup / Seaweed Tofu

    V · S

    $ 12
  • Prawn Tempura

    S · G · SO

    $ 38
  • Asparagus Tempura

    V · G · SO

    $ 27
  • Wafu Salad

    G · V · SO · SS

    $ 12
  • Tuna Tataki

    G · F · SO · SS

    $ 20
  • Korean Wagyu Tartare

    G · SO · SS

    $ 42 $ 5
  • Charred corn with coconut & Chilli

    V · N

    $ 27
  • Gyoza Prawns

    G · S · SO

    $ 28
  • Gyoza Vegetable

    G · V · SO

    $ 25
  • Kimchi Tofu Miso Soup

    S · G

    $ 16

Rolls

  • Velassaru Signature / Crab / Tuna / Reef Fish / Salmon

    S · G · F · SO

    $ 38
  • California / Crab Avocado Tobiko

    S · SO · G · F · SS

    $ 38
  • Green Garden / Avocado Asparagus

    V · SO · G · SS

    $ 29
  • Maldivian Tuna Fire Roll / Coconut

    N · F · G · SO

    $ 36
  • Salmon Flame Roll Cream Cheese

    D · F · G · SO

    $ 38
  • Wagyu Roll / Truffle Oi

    SO · SS · G

    $ 42 $ 5
  • Dynamite Roll / Spicy Mayo Amarillo

    F · G

    $ 38

Sashimi

  • (6 Pieces)

    Tuna / Salmon / Reef Fish

    S · F · SO · G

    $ 32
  • (10 Pieces)

    Tuna / Salmon / Reef Fish

    S · F · SO · G

    $ 50 $ 10

Nigiri

  • (6 Pieces)

    Tuna / Salmon / Reef Fish

    S · F · SO · G

    $ 32
  • (10 Pieces)

    Tuna / Salmon / Reef Fish

    S · F · SO · G

    $ 50 $ 10

Main Course

  • Robata Grill

    All dishes are served with egg vegetable fried rice and three sauces

  • Salmon Belly

    SS · SO · G

    $ 54 -
  • Mackerel

    SS · SO · G · A

    $ 52 -
  • Chicken Thigh

    G · SO

    $ 52 -
  • Prawns

    S · G · SO

    $ 52 -
  • Wagyu

    SO · G

    $ 130 $ 45
  • Scallop

    S · SO · A

    $ 68 $ 12
  • Angus Beef

    S · SO · SS · G

    $ 56 -
  • Teppan Special

    All dishes are served with egg vegetable fried rice and grilled vegetables

  • Grilled Whole Lobster / Ponzu Sauce

    S · SO · G

    $ 129 $ 50
  • Beef Tenderloin / Tare Sauce / Maldon Salt

    SO · G · A

    $ 56 -
  • Black Cod / Yuzu Miso

    F

    $ 54 -

Dessert

  • Wasabi Chocolate Cremeux

    D · G · V · N · E

    $ 23 -
  • Matcha Berries Fruit Tart

    D · G · V · N · E

    $ 23 -
  • Selection of Homemade Ice Cream & Sorbet

    D · G · V · N · E

    $ 12 -
  • Tropical Fruit Plate

    V

    $ 23 -
  • Coconut Sake Parfait

    A · D · G · V · N

    $ 23 -

Prices are in USD and inclusive of 10% service charge and 17% GST (government tax). Three Course selection -no supplement for guests on VI meal plan. For guests on HB/FB meal plans 30% off on all prices. Kindly notify one of our team members if you have any allergy or intolerance. Selection and prices may be subject to change without prior notice.

Opening hours

When the kitchen serves

dinner
19:00–22:00

Hours subject to resort operating calendar — confirm with a Resortlife specialist when booking.

Dine at Niva Velassaru

Other restaurants at Niva Velassaru

Across Maldives

Other Japanese / Teppanyaki restaurants in Maldives

The resort

The Niva Velassaru experience

Velassaru Maldives — now operating as Niva Velassaru Maldives — occupies a private island in South Male Atoll, a 25-minute speedboat from Velana International Airport. Its 129 villas run from garden and beachfront categories to overwater retreats, including 116 sqm Beach Villas with Pool, 112 sqm Water Villas, and…

View full resort pageExplore South Malé Atoll
How to reach

Getting there

25 min speedboat from MLE

Located in South Malé Atoll, Niva Velassaru is reached by a 25-minute speedboat transfer from Velana International Airport, Malé. Transfer arrangements are coordinated with guests' international flight details.

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South Malé Atoll
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Frequently asked

Questions about Sora

  • What cuisine does Sora serve?
    Sora at Niva Velassaru serves Japanese / Teppanyaki in a overwater format, set overwater. Resortlife can share the current menu on request.
  • Is Sora included in the meal plan?
    What is included depends on the meal plan you book at Niva Velassaru (Bed & Breakfast, Half Board, Full Board, All Inclusive). Your quotation sets out which venues and meals it covers.
  • Where is Sora located?
    Sora is at Niva Velassaru on Velassaru, South Malé Atoll. Ask the resort about the route from your villa.
Agent reply within 1 business day

Explore Sora

Sora is part of the dining at Niva Velassaru. For dietary enquiries or table requests, guests may contact the resort.

View resort diningContact a specialist
Enquire about Sora