The Summer’s Hottest 10 Al Fresco Restaurants in the Maltese Islands - 3:

The Villa Brasserie in Balluta Bay, St. Julians.

Our third , al fresco, Summer restaurant destination in this series is located in Balluta Bay, St. Julian’s, Malta, and offers al fresco dining on one of the most beautiful terraces which were once part of a prestigious 19th century Villa, which was built in a period when prestige and high taste were the norm among Malta’s elite, and although privately operated it is now part of one of the Island’s foremost branded, five-star hotels. The Villa Brasserie terraces enjoy fantastic open views of Balluta Bay and its environs, guaranteeing fresh balmy breezes from the sea to enhance one’s dining experience at this venue. The terraces at The Villa boast a fantastic dining area, with an adjoining al fresco lounge and a well appointed bar to make a complete dining occasion.

The Place: The Villa Brasserie/ Restaurant

Location: Balluta Bay, St.Julians, in front of the Le Meridien St. Julians Hotel & SPA

Operators: Chris Hammet - Chef-Patron

Cuisine: Mediterranean, Grill; Fish & Seafood.

Why: Chris Hammet the Chef-Patron, always had a love for food and being in the kitchen, and he finally began his career as a chef at the age of 20. Over a six-year period of training and working at a variety of restaurants in and around London, he finally felt ready to start something on his own. That decision brought him back to Malta, where he was captivated by the sheer potential of The Villa and its central and exceptional location, with its 19th century architecture and imposing front staircase and terraces. Having himself worked under some of London’s most demanding Chefs, Chris brings with him high standards which are expected from anyone who works in his kitchen. As a result, his kitchen team is composed of a team of chefs all of whom bring plenty of experience to the table. Consequently, The Villa, ensures the highest of standards in gourmet cuisine. This coupled with a well trained front-of-house team, ensures the best of all worlds: an outstanding al fresco, Summer dining terrace overlooking a beautiful bay; excellent cuisine and top notch service.

The menu includes various selections of starters, including their signature ham hock salad with crispy poached egg; fresh scallops; rabbit livers and other selections. Selections of dishes to share over a chilled bottle of wine including a Charcuterie board; Tapas; Pizza; Selections of main-courses including fresh fish brought to the restaurant daily, and the freshest seafood. Pork; chicken; lamb; veal and beef rib-eye steaks; and duck breast dishes which demonstrate the different techniques and recipes of the chefs are prepared and cooked to each clients preference and order. Home-made desserts complement the main dishes on the menu, as well as a well stocked wine list, and highly appointed bar service.

The Villa Brasserie is certainly one of Malta’s top destination restaurants for al fresco Summer dining, as well as indoors dining, which is suitable for all occasions, in a casual dining concept, yet serving top quality food selections, which emulate cuisine served in top-rated restaurants around the world at a fraction of the price.

The Villa Brasserie which is a WRMC Silver Spoon restaurant, can be contacted for table bookings and reservations by phoning on 2311 2273 or 7945 1513. Parking is free at the le Meridien Hotel’s underground parking facility