A guide to food and drink in Mellieha Bay
Many of Mellieha Bay’s restaurants are located close to the bay in historic Mellieha Village. The Maltese have a passion for food, and although other Mediterranean countries in the vicinity such as Sicily and North Africa have influenced the cuisine, they have put their own take on it, and it’s deliciously rustic.
Exploring Mellieha Bay's delicacies
Maltese specialities that you can dine on in Mellieha Bay include fenek, which is a rabbit stew simply cooked with onions, diced carrots, celery and plenty of garlic. Another favourite is kapunata, the Maltese version of ratatouille, while bigilla is a broad bean pate served with Maltese bread and good quality olive oil.
Many restaurants also serve pastas dishes, a daily fish and of course no Mediterranean meal is complete without a robust glass of wine. There are plenty of vineyards to explore during your Malta holidays and a popular local choice is La Valette. A fantastic dessert option to enjoy with a glass of wine, straight from the shores of Sicily, is kannoli, a delicious pastry filled with ricotta cheese.
Deluxe dinner at Commando Restaurant
This fine dining restaurant has been around for more than 80 years, and it certainly has plenty going for it.
Firstly, it’s location in a charming 300-year-old building with a bricked, arched interior, perched on a hill in the historic old town. Find a cosy table indoors, otherwise the outside space is wonderful for watching the world and his dog go by. Another big draw is the selection of fine wine and a wonderfully thought-out Mediterranean menu prepared by Chef Damian Ciappara. He uses locally-sourced ingredients in his seasonal dishes.
Feel at home at Rebekah's
The first surprise this fine dining restaurant offers is that it’s located in a converted house. The conversion has been a resounding success – the old stone walls have been maintained and touches such as elegantly laid tables, add a modern feel. But the best way to enjoy Rebekah’s on one of Malta’s warm, balmy evenings is to book a table in the romantic courtyard area. Then select from a menu where local fish, pastas and steaks are transformed into modern Mediterranean masterpieces such as wild boar amuse bouche and rich artichoke and pork risotto.
Dine in a windmill at Il Mithna
Set in a 17th-century windmill is the elegant Il Mithna restaurant, providing an unforgettable experience. Many of the original features of this wonderful building have been preserved, adding a unique touch of history to your dining experience. There’s also an outdoor terrace with ample space to accommodate large groups and even wedding receptions. The a la carte menu is inspired by local Mediterranean and French cuisine.
Casual dining at Da Ciccio Cucina
This venue is a simple and cosy restaurant, with a welcoming feel. They serve all the usual favourites that’ll keep you coming back including fresh fish, hearty pasta, juicy steaks, traditional thin-crust pizza, and gluten free options, too. The food is varied and you choose from an a la carte or set menu. Open for lunch and dinner, it’s pretty good value for money, making it an attractive option if you’re a larger group on an extended stay.
A warm welcome at dog-friendly Beagle's
As they name suggests, the owners of this restaurant are animal lovers and their two friendly beagles might just come and say ‘Hi!’.
As most of the restaurants in Mellieha Bay seem to serve Mediterranean cuisine, this intimate Indian venue makes a change – plus it’s located in one of the authentic stone buildings that Malta is known for. They have all the favourites – kormas, masalas and saags, with plenty of vegetarian and gluten free options. The portions are generous and just ask the chef if you have any particular requirements.