Nihonbashi Blue proudly serves real Japanese cuisine at The Marina @ CROSSROADS, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Maldives.
About Us
Nihonbashi Blue is the first international outpost of Sri Lanka’s finest Japanese restaurant Nihonbashi (Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2013 – 2018). Created by renowned Sri Lankan-Japanese restaurateur and Chef Dharshan Munidasa, the restaurant offers real Japanese cuisine rooted in the principles of Washoku, ranging from Wagyu Sukiyaki and Teppanyaki to a selection of Sushi and Sashimi.
Our Story
Established in 1995, Nihonbashi was Chef Dharshan Munidasa’s flagship restaurant, serving up fine Japanese cuisine in the heart of Colombo. At the forefront of the washoku movement in Sri Lanka, Nihonbashi was also the first restaurant in the country to be listed on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant List (2013-2018). In 2020, Chef Munidasa created Nihonbashi Blue @ Crossroads, inspired by the turquoise waters of ocean, in order to bring real Japanese cuisine to the Maldives.
Crossroads Maldives
Nestled within the captivating beauty of the Kaafu Atoll and Embodhoo Lagoon, CROSSROADS emerges as the Maldives’ premier multi-island lifestyle hub. Developed by S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited and Singha Estate Public Company Limited, CROSSROADS marks the Maldives’ pioneering venture into man-made islands, setting a new standard for destination development. Just a swift 15-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport and the bustling Maldivian capital of Male, CROSSROADS hosts two exceptional resorts – SAII Lagoon Maldives, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, and the illustrious Hard Rock Hotel Maldives. Mirroring the charm of a picturesque beachfront town, The Marina @ Crossroads features a 30-berth quay, alongside a delightful array of upscale and casual dining, fashion retail and spa destinations.
Celebrity Chef Owned Restaurants
The Marina @ CROSSROADS Maldives is the proud home to three of Chef Dharshan Munidasa’s restaurants, Nihonbashi Blue, an offshoot of Nihonbashi Sri Lanka, one of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants (2013 – 2018) serving real Japanese cuisine; award-winning Ministry of Crab (Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2015 – 2022), plating up the legendary Sri Lankan Mud Crab; and Carne Diem Grill by Dharshan, a steakhouse built around a unique charcoal grill ‘Ignis Maximus’ created by the chef, that operates at a temperature of 750˚C, serving premium cuts of Westholme Wagyu.
From exclusive Champagne Buggy pickups to the “Ultimate Surf & Turf” – a 3 – hour 3 – restaurant experience, we have something special for every location. Browse these experiences in our Celebrity Chef-Owned Restaurants Dining Guide