“When presented with the opportunity to take on ION Harbour, there was no question that this was the perfect spot for our next restaurant opening,” Simon Rogan said.

“My love for Malta, its history and climate, people, and not least its ingredients and producers were all part of our decision to open ION Harbour by Simon Rogan, where we look forward to creating dishes that are inspired by our signature style whilst using the best of the Maltese larder.”

“As one of the pioneers of the farm-to-table movement, British chef Simon Rogan’s menus are strongly guided by hyperlocal ingredients that are harvested, fished and foraged by the best and most sustainable local producers,” ION said.

“Simon and his team have already begun exploring what the island has to offer and the menus at ION Harbour will utilise ingredients in their prime, so that each dish can champion the abundant produce found in the Maltese countryside and in the island’s Mediterranean waters.”

To celebrate the new chapter, ION Harbour by Simon Rogan will serve a tasting menu for both lunch and dinner, priced at €135.

A shorter lunch menu will be introduced alongside the tasting menu from Thursday 23rd March, offering a perfectly paced interlude to business meetings or a leisurely day in Valletta.

Highlights from the opening tasting menu will include dishes such as “Turbot from the South waters stuffed with mussels, Qargha Ħamra squash and smoked bone sauce”, as well as Maltese takes on some of Simon’s most recognisable dishes to include “Truffle Pudding caramelised in Carob honey”, and “Ta’ Qali strawberries and bee pollen cake, Marigold and milk cream.”

ION Harbour, which was previously helmed by Chef Alex Dilling, is situated on the rooftop of 5-star luxury Hotel Iniala Harbour House and offers “unrivalled views of the UNESCO [recognised] Grand Harbour”.

The restaurant’s Front of House team will be led by restaurant manager James Christie as well as assistant food and beverage director, Melissa Sambugaro. In the kitchen, executive chef Oli Marlow, who has amassed over six years working alongside Simon, will be joined by head chef Eoin Smith.