Dining On Exquisite Food And Drink While Overlooking The Grand Harbour Has To Be The Ultimate Restaurant Experience In Malta
Sitting on the balcony of Panorama Restaurant, Bar and Lounge as the sun sets, cold gourmet cocktail in hand as the aroma of veal carpaccio with truffle emulsion waft in the air, it’s not hard to believe people are lined up to book a balcony table of this stunning eatery.
The view from the restaurant is simply spectacular, be it day, sundown or night-time. The Three Cities are beautifully spread below you as the Fort St Angelo stares back in all its glory beneath the open sky.
The view from Panorama Restaurant at the British Hotel in Valletta would be enough; but when combined with the gastronomical delights the team at Panorama offer, it’s a wonder that the place still has tables to offer at all.
Their cocktail menu is second to none – literally
Panorama boasts a beautiful selection of liquors, with an impressive whisky selection, that is watched over by an award-winning team that includes bar manager Panos.
Panos is heading to Estonia this year to represent Malta in the World Cup of Bartending – and with good reason.
More than cocktails, the man creates divine liquid moments that you would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.
Do not miss out on his signature cocktail, Il Millione. Named after the Italian explorer Marco Polo, the sum of gin, lychee liquor, and salted caramel complemented by the aroma of an accompanying stick of celery, thyme and black peppercorns is so much more than its parts. It is this high level of mixology that every bartender should strive for.
And sipping on the creation while sitting back in the classy Panorama Lounge has to be one of the best ways possible to end your day on the Maltese islands.
And of course, there’s the stunning view
Gaze at the centuries old bastions and forts among the Three Cities as you eat and drink the night away.
And if you head to Panorama during the summer season, there’s a good chance you’ll get to see one of the cities celebrating their festa, with fireworks exploding over the classic bastions in front of you.
But it is the food that will have you coming back for more
Head chef Massimo Marino is a man of few words – and all the better, because his personality and exuberance truly shines on the plate.
Born in Sicily, his take on Mediterranean cuisine, with access to fresh Maltese fish, meats and produce, leads to a modern twist on so many great dishes from the region.
Swordfish carpaccio
Their fresh starters are perfect for beginning the meal
Just don’t go too hard on the calamari fritti with homemade tartar sauce and make sure you leave space for later.
And the texture of the pasta dishes proves the kitchen’s Italian roots
One of their more popular dishes, the raviolacci with porcini mushrooms, thyme butter and toasted hazelnuts, is the definition of high-quality, simple flavours leading to an astounding final product.
But it is the mains that will truly make your night
The fish is as fresh as can be, and cooked in a innovative ways to really make the night memorable.
The meats are just as impressive, with the filet of lamb a must-order – it is tender and perfectly served with a touch of sharp port jus and celery puree – and the mustard-rubbed rack of lamb served with a fine coating of pistachio for that added crunch.
And just check out the herb-crusted, oven-baked sea bass fillets come with candied cherry tomato and shaved fennel
The desserts will have you feeling like you’re at home
Creating a dessert that is both technically special while reminding one of their mother’s cooking is not an easy feat.
But Panorama’s take on an apple pie with almonds and scotch whiskey ice-cream does just that. Combined with their lemoncello sorbet, and there’s just no way you won’t be licking those plates clean.
If you are looking for a truly magical experience in Malta, it has to be Panorama
Whether you want to celebrate a unique occasion, are heading out on a romantic date, or just want to give someone a special treat, Panorama Restaurant, Bar and Lounge ticks all the boxes – just make sure you book ahead.