Mar-Umi at Kuda Villingili Wins Wine Spectator Award Again
Tuesday 29th of July 2025
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has once again been honoured with the Award of Excellence for its outstanding wine program in Wine Spectator’s 2025 Restaurant Awards. The recognition this year goes to the resort’s signature restaurant, Mar-Umi, known for its exceptional dedication to wine and dining excellence.
“We are incredibly honored to receive the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator for our Signature Restaurant Mar-Umi,” said Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director of Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives. “This accolade is a testament to our passionate team at Mar-Umi, who have meticulously curated a wine list that not only complements our Nikkei and South American cuisine, but also enhances every guest’s dining experience. We are proud to be recognized among the world’s best restaurants for wine for the second year in a row.”
Mar-Umi celebrates the culinary blend of Peru and Japan, serving Nikkei and South American cuisine in a striking beachfront setting. Guided by Executive Chef Lalith Sharma and Chef de Cuisine Ahmed Kamal (Chef Kimo), the restaurant serves South American dishes during lunch and Nikkei cuisine for dinner. A recent addition of Teppanyaki brings interactive culinary artistry to the dining experience, making meals as entertaining as they are flavourful.
Enhancing the experience further, Mar-Umi features a thoughtful variety of sake grades and an expertly curated wine list by Chief Sommelier Samantha Kumara, designed to perfectly pair with the bold, fusion menu.
Set along a pristine beach, the restaurant offers panoramic views of the turquoise lagoon, providing a scenic backdrop for enjoying signature dishes and cocktails crafted by expert mixologists at the Mar-Umi bar.
“A wine list is a restaurant’s identity in print, and this year’s Wine Spectator Restaurant Award winners reflect both deep knowledge and a passion for discovery,” said Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher, Wine Spectator. “I proudly present the 3,811 restaurants worldwide that earned a Restaurant Award this year—we raise a glass to all our winners.”
Mar-Umi’s Award of Excellence recognises wine lists that showcase quality producers and align thematically with the restaurant’s menu in style and price—a reflection of its dedication to a complete, elevated dining experience.