San Giuliano

Occupying one of the best spots in one of Malta's most picturesque and advertised bays, San Giuliano Ristorante is a prominent Italian restaurant overlooking the idyllic Spinola Bay in vibrant St. Julian's. The restaurant's entrance is situated just off the main road, down the ramp towards the Raffael pizzeria (owned by the same proprietor). A short flight of steps take you to the second floor and opens up into magnificent views of the contradictory bay - pretty traditional fishing boats bobbing up and down during the day and an array of lights and hurly-burly during the lively evenings. The extensive floor to ceiling panoramic windows allow a refreshing Mediterranean sea breeze to comfort diners during the hot summer months while they offer shelter during the colder months - but the view is never compromised.

As the restaurant's name suggests, the food has a heavy Mediterranean and Italian influence. The specialities of the house include a colourful and tasty choice of antipasti and the genuinely fresh fish which is brought in daily by fishermen who moor their boats just underneath the restaurant. Pasta also features heavily on the menu and, for those who are not too keen on seafood, there is a variety of meats to choose from.

San Giuliano has been visited by a number of international celebrities, as illustrated on the many wall frames hung by the staircase on the way up to the restaurant. It is also very popular with repeat local diners in the business and political scene who are always keen to impress their foreign guests.

The focus here is on simple quality based on fresh and fine ingredients without any extra fuss on the cooking in order to conserve and savour the delicious Italian dishes. Prices are on the higher side but still very good value when considering the location and the class of cuisine served.

Also by San Giuliano Catering Ltd:

- Raffael restaurant
- Girasole restaurant