Restaurateur Nikki Calleja has just opened Zasha’s restaurant and lounge on Level 4 at the Bay Street Shopping and Entertainment Complex in St George’s Bay.
Zasha’s is an original combination of his twins’ names, Zane and Sasha.
Spread on two levels, the restaurant décor is welcoming, family-friendly, simple and elegant, with a bright, modern atmosphere. There is seating for 75 downstairs, 40 outdoors and 25 upstairs plus a modern lounge upstairs for a further 30 with LCD televisions, a perfect place to watch a football match or chill out with friends.
The restaurant concept is one of healthy items from the counter. The emphasis is on beautifully presented Mediterranean cuisine, top quality fresh local produce, with Specials of the day listed on the large blackboard that is a feature of the venue.
The attractive menu contains a choice of platters with cold cuts, cheeses and vegetables in various combinations, sandwiches and wraps, starters, salads, pasta and, for main course, fish, chicken or meat, plus home-made desserts and a kids’ corner. Portions are generous and even the herb bread is baked fresh and served warm at the table.
The wine list has a selection of local and foreign wines from around the word at moderate prices. It is also available by the glass.
Nikki Calleja returned to Malta earlier this year after spending five years working in hotels in the Middle East. He graduated in management after a three-year course at the Institute of Tourism Studies and then spent a year and a half gaining experience in the United States.
On his return to Malta he worked in the hotel and restaurant business and was involved in the opening of TGI Friday, the Intercontinental Malta and its beach club before moving to the five-star The Gulf in Bahrain, which has ten restaurants, apart from conference and incentive facilities, as Assistant Food and Beverage Manager for three years.
Nikki then spent two years as Food and Beverage Manager at the Crowne Plaza, the largest five-star hotel in Kuwait, where he was responsible for 30 restaurants and was involved in opening several of them.
Commenting on his choice for his first restaurant venture, Nikki said: “Being here at Bay Street is a definite plus. I have seen a big change at the complex in the past five years and it has truly become a hub attracting the type of clients who, I am confident, will soon become regulars at Zasha’s.”
Opening times at Zasha’s are daily from Sundays to Thursdays from noon to 10.30 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 10.45 p.m. (last orders). The lounge is open from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m seven days a week.
For reservations telephone 2704 1515 or 9942 1872 and for more information go to the Bay Street Facebook page www.facebook.com/baystreetmalta.