A Shared Passion For Fancy Dining

From the moment Andy and I met, it was clear we both shared a passion for exquisite dining. 

Admittedly, I might be a bit biassed—after all, I studied Hospitality at uni and spent years working in the industry. But a gal knows what she wants, and for me, that means impeccable service with a personal touch when dining out. 

We all understand that going the extra mile makes a significant difference to the overall experience, and of course, the food needs to be top-notch too. 

So, are you ready to be sprinkled with love? Let’s dive in, dear readers.

The Skyroom Cocktail Bar & Grill (Sliema)

One of my absolute favourite date spots is The Skyroom Cocktail Bar & Grill. 

Located on the 14th floor of the Preluna Hotel, this restaurant offers a breathtaking view of both Sliema and Saint Julians—an ideal choice if you’re looking to impress your date!

My first visit to Skyroom was with my mum and Andy during her first trip to Malta. She’s just as critical as I am (I guess that runs in the family, haha), and we both agreed that Skyroom is perfect for special occasions. 

Since then, I’ve been back several times, which is saying something, as I’m notoriously selective.

The Perfect Blend of Elegance and Charm

The atmosphere at Skyroom is elegant yet relaxed, with both indoor and outdoor seating options. And they even have live music! Picture yourself enjoying delicious food in a beautiful setting, accompanied by a violinist or trumpeter. 

The staff are equally delightful. I appreciate it when staff show a bit of character and aren’t too formal. A wink and a good joke go a long way in creating a memorable dining experience—making this spot ideal for a perfect date.

Skyroom’s Gastronomy

The best part is yet to come—the food. We all know that a meal can make or break an experience, and Skyroom certainly delivers. 

Their concept is refreshingly simple, focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. That approach truly resonates with me; there’s something special about eateries that prioritise locally produced foods. 

Skyroom also keeps things interesting by frequently updating parts of their menu, making it a place worth revisiting. 

And let’s not forget their cocktails—Andy is particularly fond of their Bramble, his favourite cocktail on the island. As for me, I’m more of a Margarita girl. A little spice never hurts!

Luxurious But Affordable

Although Skyroom may seem like a high-end venue, I genuinely believe their prices are fair, especially for the level of service and quality they provide. 

Perhaps my perspective is skewed by living in Denmark, where prices are notoriously high, but even so, the priciest dish on their menu is €32. 

And unlike many fine-dining establishments, Skyroom doesn’t skimp on portion sizes. Rest assured, you won’t leave feeling hungry.

Starters and Mains at Skyroom

None of us are particularly fond of desserts, so we rarely order them unless they’re part of a set menu. That’s why my recommendations focus on starters and main courses. 

The only downside is that Skyroom doesn’t have any vegetarian or vegan options listed on their menu, although they might accommodate such requests if you ask.

A Must-Try Dish: Skyroom Fish Crudo

One dish we always indulge in at Skyroom is their Fish Crudo, featuring five varieties of thinly sliced raw fish. If you appreciate sashimi, you’ll definitely enjoy this offering. Pair it with your favourite cocktail, and you’re in for a treat. 

The raw tuna and salmon are exceptional—just look at how beautiful they are.

A Perfect Pairing: Beef Cheeks and Truffle Mash

Andy and I have surprisingly similar tastes when it comes to food. On our recent visits, we’ve both enjoyed their beef cheeks paired with truffle mash potatoes and jus. 

As a fan of truffle mash, I find this combination irresistibly delicious. If you enjoy meat, this main course is a must-try. 

Honestly, I could eat it any day.

Make a Reservation for a Memorable Date

For a flawless dining experience, booking ahead is strongly advised. Don’t forget to keep Skyroom in mind for the next time you want to impress someone special with a memorable dining experience. 

I’m sure you’ll be delighted!

The Harbour Club (Valletta)

For our second anniversary, we were determined to make it truly memorable. Andy suggested The Harbour Club, a fantastic choice in Valletta that offers a maritime ambiance and breathtaking views of the Three Cities. 

As an added bonus, it’s listed in the Michelin Guide! It’s another perfect spot for a date, combining stunning views with mouth-watering food.

An Ideal Location For A Special Occasion

As highlighted in our article Top Eight Scenic Spots in Malta, I’m not fond of noisy venues. 

Initially, I worried that the nearby road might be distracting, but my concerns were quickly put to rest. The Harbour Club’s setting is remarkably calm and peaceful, providing an ideal environment for a special occasion.

Exceptional Service at The Harbour Club

As I mentioned earlier, the quality of staff is as crucial to me as any other aspect of an experience. At The Harbour Club, the service truly shone on our second anniversary. 

I had made a reservation requesting a special spot with a lovely view in a more secluded area, and they delivered perfectly. 

Upon our arrival, the staff offered their congratulations and remained attentive throughout the evening. 

Despite their professionalism, they managed to maintain a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, which made the experience all the more enjoyable. Their hospitality was outstanding!

Exploring The Harbour Club’s Menu

Now, let’s delve into the food! Although I’ve only been to The Harbour Club once, I’m eager to return. 

Their spring menu, inspired by the vibrant streets of Valletta and their rich stories, history, and culture, adds a unique twist to the dining experience.

I’m a huge fan of storytelling in cuisine—it’s a wonderful way to enhance and personalise the experience, making it truly memorable.

Value and Variety on the Menu

Guests can choose between a two or three-course menu priced between €55 and €70 per person, which I believe is a reasonable rate for the quality provided. 

A special mention goes to The Harbour Club for offering both vegetarian and vegan options—ideal for celebrating with loved ones who prefer plant-based diets. 

We opted for the two-course menu, and I was impressed by the generous portion sizes. No need to worry about needing a snack later on!

An Unexpected Appetiser Surprise

Our evening started with a pleasant surprise—a small appetiser of canapés served with cauliflower dip and bread. Being a cauliflower enthusiast, I appreciated the creative use of this humble vegetable. 

This delightful addition was a wonderful way to begin the meal and added an extra touch of enjoyment to our dining experience.

Experiencing Valletta’s Historic Flavours Through Starters

Despite our surprisingly similar tastes, Andy is more daring with his food choices. 

He opted for a starter from their Old Hospital Street (Triq l-Isptar il-Qadim) menu: beef tongue with confit egg yolk. He thoroughly enjoyed it, and I took a bite myself. 

Although trying beef tongue requires a bit of courage, I found it to be quite flavoursome.

In contrast, I chose the crab tart from the Old Theatre Street (Triq it-Teatru Antik) selection. The presentation was exquisite, and the crab tart was wonderfully rich in flavour.

One Of The Few Places With Bearnaise Sauce

Our shared love for certain foods led us to choose the Mediterranean Street (Triq il-Mediterran) selection for our main course: Côte de boeuf for two, accompanied by local Gozo asparagus, pommes paillasson, and bearnaise sauce. 

Bearnaise sauce is a rarity in Malta, and as a sauce enthusiast, I was thrilled to see it on the menu.

This main course was excellent, especially given my high standards for meat preparation. The Harbour Club excelled in this regard, and their pommes paillasson was a standout. 

I’m often let down by fries that fail to be both crispy and soft, but these were perfect. The cocktail selection further enhanced our dining experience.

A Heartfelt Goodbye

Just as we were about to leave, the staff presented us with a thoughtful gesture that made the evening even more special. Their attentiveness was remarkable, making us feel that our anniversary was as meaningful to them as it was to us.

We were treated to a sweet ending along with their warm wishes for many more anniversaries. I’m already looking forward to my next visit to The Harbour Club.

A Top Recommendation for a Memorable Date

If you’re looking to plan the perfect date with exceptional hospitality, stunning surroundings, and exquisite food, The Harbour Club should be at the top of your list. 

It promises a memorable experience for you and your special someone.

Noni (Valletta)

When my mum and our friend Peter visit Malta, which happens once or twice a year, we always look forward to scheduling some special dinners together.

Our shared passion for food makes these occasions particularly enjoyable.

During their last visit, we decided to explore a Michelin-starred restaurant, a first for both my mum and me. We chose Noni in Valletta, and it turned out to be one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had.

A Hidden Gem in Valletta

Although Noni is situated on a main street in Valletta, it’s somewhat hidden and requires a bit of searching. However, once you find it, you’re welcomed into a venue that evokes the charm of an old Mediterranean wine cellar. 

The ambience is a blend of dim lighting and cool, minimalist decor, and the intimate seating—capped at around 15 guests including us—adds to its exclusivity. 

“The atmosphere is intimate and the rooms are truly decorated with attention to detail.”
Christiane (Mikki’s Mum)

… The overall experience was wonderfully exclusive and intimate, making it a perfect choice for a secluded date spot.

Outstanding Hospitality

One of the qualities I admire most about my friend Peter is his expressiveness. His feedback on the level of hospitality at Noni was particularly insightful:

“The atmosphere and ambience were incredible. You feel so welcome from the moment you step into the restaurant until you leave.”
Peter (Mikki’s chosen uncle)

Peter’s assessment truly resonates with my own experience. 

The hospitality was outstanding throughout the evening, which is what one would expect from a Michelin-starred restaurant, especially when investing over €800 for a party of four.

A Michelin Adventure

Let’s talk about the exceptional Michelin-rated dishes we savoured. We indulged in the tasting menu with wine pairing, and while the cost was higher, it was definitely justified. 

We spent €125 for the food and €75 for the wine pairing per person. To put this into perspective, here’s Peter’s take on the value:

“The price is worth every cent. It’s not just about satisfying your hunger; it’s the entire experience. Book now, try it, swipe your card, and thank me later.”
Peter (Mikki’s chosen uncle)

My mum echoed this sentiment, noting:

“The food is beautifully created and plated, and the staff are attentive to detail while adapting to their guests’ preferences.”
Christiane (Mikki’s Mum)

She was absolutely right. The staff adeptly adjusted to our informal gathering, enhancing our overall experience. If you’re thinking about visiting, take advice from Peter and my mum—they have excellent taste!

One minor downside was the €8 charge for two bottles of sparkling water. Although this is somewhat typical in Malta, it felt a bit steep given the overall cost. In Denmark, where water is usually complimentary with alcohol, this felt slightly off. 

Despite this, Noni deserves praise for accommodating vegetarian and vegan requests.

A Creative Culinary Start

We kicked off the evening with an assortment of canapés, enhancing the social dining atmosphere. The standout item was a canapé that resembled an olive but was, intriguingly, something entirely different. 

Its extraordinary flavour left a lasting impression and highlighted the chef’s flair for creating unexpected culinary delights. I’m now eagerly anticipating Peter’s attempt to recreate this remarkable dish.

A Beautifully Crafted Mediterranean Starter

Next, we had the Mediterranean Summer Tart, featuring Zeppi’s farm pecorino, piperade, and native herbs, all paired with a refreshing glass of Sauvignon Blanc Reserve. 

Despite our usual aversion to goat cheese, we were pleasantly surprised by how delicious this tart was. The dish was not only a treat for the taste buds but also visually stunning.

The Playful Karamelli Experience

Following our starter, we tasted the Karamelli, which included native corn, comté, sunflower seeds, and summer truffles, accompanied by a charming glass of Semillon-Sauvignon. 

Although it looked like a sweet caramel, its flavour was far superior. We were advised by the staff to eat them in one bite to prevent a cheesy spill. As you might guess, I had cheese all over me in a Michelin restaurant—following instructions isn’t my strong suit! 

Nevertheless, this dish was one of my favourites of the evening, beautifully presented and incredibly inventive.

Moving on to the Main Course: Wreck Fish

After the cheese mishap, we progressed to our main course: a delightful Wreck Fish dish featuring courgette, sea urchin, fish bone, and a zesty citrus sauce, all complemented by a glass of Pinot Noir “Village”. 

As mentioned in our article Top Four Must-Visit Sandy Beaches In Malta, collecting sea urchins is illegal for private individuals, making this a special opportunity to enjoy them at Noni. 

The fish was outstanding, and I was particularly impressed by the pairing of red wine with fish—a departure from the usual white wine but an excellent match.

Rediscovering veal at Noni

Our next course featured the Braised Veal Neck, served with a green tomato “BBQ sauce” and preserved peaches, paired with a glass of Rosso Di Montalcino. 

Despite my usual reservations about veal, finding it bland and unexciting, this dish was a standout of the evening. At Noni, the veal was exceptionally tender and each bite was a pleasure. 

The presentation was equally impressive, making it one of my favourites from the night.

A Dessert That Impressed A Bougie Girl

To begin our dessert course, we enjoyed the Bambinella, featuring local raspberries, tonka bean, and sloe gin. 

Although I’ve previously noted my lack of enthusiasm for desserts, Noni’s creation truly impressed me. It was a perfect balance—not too sweet or overwhelming, and exceptionally fresh in flavour. 

The presentation was spot-on, making it a standout finale to the meal. If only all desserts could be this delightful!

Innovative Tiramisu Creation

Next, we were treated to what was arguably my favourite dessert of the evening: a tiramisu-inspired creation featuring single origin chocolate, Arabica coffee, vanilla, and Don Papa rum, paired with a glass of Blandy’s Madeira. 

While I typically enjoy traditional tiramisu, this inventive variation surpassed it. The dessert’s creativity was impressive, showcasing how a classic can be elevated to a whole new level. 

I would love to try this again.

Petit Fours: The Perfect Ending

To conclude our meal, we enjoyed petit fours. By then, I had reached my ideal level of sweetness for the night, yet their petit fours still impressed. 

The chocolate-covered peanuts stood out as a particular highlight.

The Perfect Recommendation for an Extraordinary Date

If you are looking for something extraordinary and you are willing to pay more for an exquisite experience, then you should definitely bring your loved one to Noni!

For me this was a great introduction to the Michelin-world, and I cannot wait to go back again.

A special sign-off from my mum: 

“This was an exceptional experience where all senses are stimulated!”
Christiane (Mikki’s mum)

Interactive Map: Must Try Date Places In Malta

Final Words: Encouragement for Romantic Adventures

Dear readers, we’ve reached the end of our journey. I hope the date spots I’ve shared have sparked your imagination and inspired you to plan romantic outings with your special someone.

Personally, I’m eager to revisit these places myself! 

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this article.

With love,
Mikki