Beat the crowd and test Malta’s newest restaurant venue with possibly the best panorama of the Valletta skyline, which is enchanting by day and even more so at night.
Until the rest of Piazza Tigné is opened in March, this restaurant is reached from near the steps leading to Midi’s Tigné. A very modern walkway leads over the cliff to the restaurant, which is set in unique surroundings with a reflecting pool and landscaped outside areas.
Unfortunately, until Piazza Tigné is opened – when there will be ample parking for all – one parks in the road in front of the Fortina Hotel.
Salini, an original new restaurant located at Tigné Point, is the brainchild of well-known restaurateur Julian Sammut.
Julian is well known for his passion for food culture
related to the unique countries that border the Mediterranean. It was this very passion that gave birth to the concept behind Salini. Here, Julian has cleverly grouped together the representative cuisines of countries such as Italy, Greece, Lebanon, Morocco, Spain and, of course, Malta, to present a selection of delicious dishes researched and prepared as faithfully as possible.
There is such a fascinating variety and diversity in the food of the Mediterranean people, and all of it comes with a history. Its ingredients and very preparation hold the story of past civilisations, of survival, tribulation and feasting.
The menu has, in fact, been painstakingly drawn up with great dedication. Every ingredient has to be authentic, with many being brought over from the country of origin to treat diners to the genuine flavours. Salini is being run by Hany Harb, a worthy Chef Patron of Lebanese origins well known to many from his days working with his father at the Ali Baba restaurant.
The same passionate enthusiasm was evident in the interior design. Designer Ruben Formosa came up with a truly distinctive interior, planned to offer comfortable eating in a ‘Mediterranean’ concept. This means that the interior is colourful, curious and representative of some element or another of the cultures of the Mediterranean basin. Elements worth mentioning are the unique flooring material and design that actually reflects the salt pans after which the restaurant is named, and a huge mosaic by Pawl Carbonaro which also replicates the colours and life of the Mediterranean.
The spectacular location of the restaurant itself at Tigné Point, overlooking the beautiful sea at Marsamxetto Creek and Valletta beyond, adds a further touch of authenticity to the general theme.
Julian Sammut is also the managing director of Kitchen Concepts, the company that runs the popular Vecchia Napoli and the newly inaugurated Wagamama in St Julian’s, which has truly became an overnight success.
Entrance to the restaurant is along a panoramic cantilevered walkway below the steel Belvedere by the Fortina Hotel on Tigné seafront. Reservations can be made by calling 2060 3434. Website www.salini.com.mt