Part fire show, part culinary acrobatics, By The Sea Teppanyaki is a gastronomic extravaganza.

Teppanyaki literally means grilled (yaki) on a metal plate (teppan), and at  By The Sea, an all-exclusive Japanese beachside forest restaurant at Gili Lankanfushi. This traditional favourite takes on a modern twist. Chef Michael’s passion, showmanship, and natural charisma shine through in his hour-long presentation.

He opens first with a fire show, a sign of welcome to his guests, before nimbly whipping up an onion volcano—rings of onion stacked on top of one another, erupting in flames. As the sweet, tantalising smell of caramelised ingredients wafts through the restaurant, the next course is prepared. Diners choose from a delectable menu, including fresh seafood, wagyu, lobster, and Maldivian tuna, all of which are executed to perfection.

Throughout the seven-course meal, elegantly plated dishes are also served from the Japanese kitchen. This includes a trilogy of organic leafy greens (harvested from Gili Lankanfushi’s very own garden), fresh oysters with ponzu sauce, and of course, sushi. Finally, before one can say oishii! (delicious in Japanese), the chef closes the meal beautifully with a dessert of banana foster, gloriously flambéed in brown sugar, dark rum, and butter. Chef Michael says his goal is to make his guests happy—and he does just that.