Hard Rock Café If you’re in the vicinity of Bay Street Shopping Complex (see p82), pop in to Hard Rock Café for a tasty bite in a buzzing location replete with memorabilia of famous international artists. It’s especially renowned for its burgers – particularly the aptly named local legendary burger topped with smoked bacon and cheddar cheese – but there are also some delicious starters, including a range of fajitas and the scrumptious version of mac ‘n cheese. If it’s a relaxed drink you’re after, take a seat at the bar and enjoy whatever live gig is on that day (best to check out the schedule beforehand) or take advantage of the two-forone happy hour from Monday to Friday between 6 and 7pm. Bay Street Shopping Complex, St George’s Bay (2372 2257, www. hardrock.com/malta). Open noonmidnight daily. Main courses €15. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V.
Shoreditch When it comes to breakfast and burgers, this spot in the heart of the nightlife district, which exudes a London vibe with its exposed ceiling and industrial-style design, is a place to visit. Shoreditch strikes gold with an incredible selection of breakfast options, among them mouth-watering eggs Benedict and French toast, as well as with lunch and dinner options ranging from salads and pasta to risottos and English-style dishes, the likes of fish and chips. A Shoreditch burger, however, should be one of your top choices – we recommend the BBQ posh combo layered with crispy Parma ham, smoked applewood cheddar and home-made barbecue sauce. Look out for the
specials blackboard too which changes each week and will have you in a pickle over what to choose. 43 Wilga Street, Paceville (2138 6748). Open 8.30am-10pm Wed-Mon; 8.30am-4pm Tue. Main courses €6-€8. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V.
Portomaso (2135 9559, www. zerisrestaurant.com). Open 7-11pm daily; also noon-2pm daily Oct-Apr. Main courses €18-€23. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V.
Shakinah Centrally located along the St Julian’s seafront, within walking distance from Balluta Bay, Shakinah offers authentic Indian cuisine in a wonderful setting. The mood, décor and general ambience here have been given their fair share of attention, resulting in a contemporary yet elegant living room feel. Some of our preferred dishes here are the palak soup, onion bhaji and stuffed mushrooms to start with, followed by the tandoori king prawns and the lamb rogan josh with pulua rice and garlic naan. All meat is halal, and vegetarians are well catered for too. 5 Gorg Borg Olivier Street (7731 8000, www.shakinahmalta.com). Open 6.30-11.30pm daily; also 12.30-3.30pm Sat, Sun Oct-May. Main courses €15. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V.
Fusion Zeri’s Talented Mark Zerafa – also known as Zeri and the mind behind this outstanding eatery – expertly combines attentive service with innovative culinary ideas. Apart from scenic views of Portomaso Marina, diners should expect a feast for all the senses – we recommend the black fettuccine with calamari to start with, followed by veal on the bone. If you’re keen on fish, ask for the fresh catch of the day, and look out for the local red snapper or tuna. Finish off on a high note with one of the home-made desserts and we promise you’re in for a memorable meal. Free parking facilities are available within the Portomaso car park.
Parallel Architects/Peter Mercieca
Just Burger This hip burger joint with cool concrete accents and bright green chairs certainly lives up to its name and pleases its visitors with some of the best burgers in town. The patties are hand-made in-house everyday using the freshest of products, and the burger-specific menu offers a number of vegetarian and vegan options too, including salmon, halloumi and chickpea varieties. At Just Burger, they even make their own dipping sauce. Add an optional side of fries to your meal, and wash it all down with a delightful milkshake – the oreo one is the one we like most. You’ll be going back for more. 12 Ball Street, Paceville (2704 1511, www. justburger.co). Open 11am10pm Mon-Thur; 11am-midnight Fri; noon-midnight Sat; noon-10pm Sun. Main courses €10. Credit MC, V.
Indian
Shoreditch
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St Julian’s
Zest This stylish restaurant promises that little something special, thanks to its offering of alternative cuisines that are not easy to come across locally – there’s a mix of Thai, Indonesian, Japanese, Singaporean and continental – and thanks to its sleek décor and remarkably courteous staff. Savour a starter of Eastern flavours, such as the new style sashimi – thin slices of raw salmon and tuna marinated in a Japanese ponzu dressing drizzled with hot olive and sesame oil. We suggest the popular beef teppanyaki for mains, a Japanese-style grill served with traditional dipping sauce and fried rice, and definitely leave room for dessert. Seal the deal with the citrus trio of crème brûlée in mandarin and fresh chilli, cinnamon and orange, and lime and cardamom flavours. 25 St George’s Road, Spinola Bay (2138 7600, www.zestflavours.com). Open 7-11pm daily. Main courses €23. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V.
1 St George’s Road, Spinola Bay (2138 4066, www.badassburgers. eu). Open 6-11.30pm Mon-Thur; noon-midnight Fri-Sun. Main courses €11. Credit MC, V.