Portomaso Yacht Marina (2138 6500, www.themarinarestaurants.com). Open 7-11pm daily. Main courses €20-€30. Credit AmEx, JCB, MC, V.
Where to drink
St Julian’s
Simply walk through the streets and pick your favourite spot for your choice of drink – from a pint or spirit to a cocktail or bottle of bubbly. The Bedouin Bar Unwind right by the water’s edge at the exclusive Bedouin Bar which forms part of the The Westin Dragonara Resort (see p89). Decked out in crisp, white furniture and with impressive views of St Julian’s all lit up at night, this summer-only chill-out lounge bar, frequented by locals and foreigners, never fails to impress. Friday nights here have become one of the staples of the summer season, with a cocktail bar, VIP area and live DJ spinning a list of soundtracks of largely house and lounge genres. This spot exudes a sense of laid-back luxury and is the place to be on a Friday night. The Westin Dragonara Resort, Dragonara Road (2138 1000, www. bedouinbarmalta.com). Open June-Aug 10.30pm-2am Fri. Credit AmEx, MC, V. The Dubliner Irish Pub & Restaurant This warm, welcoming and boisterous pub, owned by an Englishman and an Irishman, has made a name for itself and is very popular with locals and expats eager to drink and chow down some food while watching the big game. It provides hearty pub food and a traditional roast
carvery is organised every Sunday during winter, from November to March. Look out for live entertainment too, roughly twice a month – guaranteed fun. Spinola Bay (2136 7106, www. dublinermalta.com). Open 11am1am daily. Credit JCB, MC, V. Juuls Bar Located on the secluded steps that lead towards the hub of restaurants along Spinola Bay, Juuls Bar is somewhat easy to miss, but we suggest you keep your eyes peeled to make sure you don’t. This popular laid-back hangout has reggae music and the lifestyle associated with it at heart, and is one of the only truly authentic reggae bars on the island. Try out the mojitos, particularly the signature Bomboklaat strawberry variety. Juuls is now also serving vegetarian and vegan food at Jangal within the bar itself (see p9) all day long, including the popular falafel burger and the mushroom burger. 7 St Joseph Street, Spinola Bay (9989 8444, www.juulsbar.com). Open AprDec noon-4am daily. No credit cards. Saddles This popular bar has been around for 40 years and still holds its own as one of the most frequented hotspots in the area. Located across Spinola Bay, opposite the landmark ‘Love’ sign, it really is a prime spot for a few rounds of drinks with friends before hitting the clubs in Paceville. A big screen and several other small screens display sports and other major events, and if you’re after something a little quiet, head to the wine bar upstairs for a private party or a glass of wine.
Spinola Bay (2136 9993, www. saddlesmalta.com). Open 9am4am daily. No credit cards. Tiffany Sophistication reigns at this ‘boutique bar’, where art and beauty meet a professional sommelier service. Ideal for a pre- or postdinner drink, you can choose from 300 wines, 50 champagnes, rare whiskies, cognacs, ports, sherries and Tiffany’s signature cocktails. Accompany your drink with a selection of dips and nibbles, or even a cigar. Jazz and party nights are organised regularly. Portomaso (9961 0163). Open 7pm-4am (times vary) daily. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V.
Shopping Many shops open till late here, so you can shop to your heart’s content well into the night. Arcades and shopping complexes Bay Street Bay Street was the first shopping complex to open late into the night and on Sundays. It is a popular mall (with an adjacent hotel and several good-quality food outlets too, including Hard Rock Café see p73, and Costa Coffee), spread on three floors. Some of the brands here include Guess, Mexx, Primo Emporio, Armani Jeans, Ecco, Women’s Secret, Marks & Spencer (food and wine), Tommy Hilfiger, Frank’s perfumery, Bortex, Swarovski and Chaucer’s bookshop. People of all ages can have some
fun at Delta 4, a well-equipped entertainment centre on the fourth floor which offers, among others, an interactive laser labyrinth, virtual reality video games and a play area for the little ones. The entrance to the complex often doubles up as a stage for local musicians and other performers, and hosts a popular ice-skating rink during the winter season. St George’s Bay (2138 4421, www.baystreet.com.mt). Open 10am-10pm daily. Fashion De Fort Designer Wear This well laid-out designer store stocks a varied selection of Ralph Lauren products, including casual and smartwear, swimwear, shoes and accessories. Be sure to ask the helpful staff for assistance if necessary. Alterations can be made. 15 Portomaso (2138 7687). Open May-Oct 10am-8pm Mon-Sat; Nov-Apr 10am-7.30pm Mon-Sat. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V. Hugo Boss It was the first mono-brand designer store of its kind on the island, and years later, it still holds its own. As another upmarket shop in what is becoming an increasingly designer-oriented area, this smart outlet offers the full Hugo Boss experience for men. Browse the stylish and contemporary Boss Green and Boss Black collections, and find one of the island’s sharpest suit selections in here too. This one’s a must for fashion lovers. 2 Ross Street, Portomaso (2202 1000, www.vfgmalta.com/fashion/ hugo-boss). Open 10am-8pm Mon-Sat. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V. Other locations Malta International Airport Departures Lounge, Gate 1 (2202 1003). Rebelli Everything at Rebelli reflects a sense of luxury – it is not just about making a purchase here, but about enjoying designer wear and accessories through topnotch service. Located opposite the Portomaso Marina, this fashion store offers an exclusive Armani made-to-measure service for men, as well as menswear, womenswear and accessories from other prestigious brands such as Roberto Cavalli, Michael Kors and Elisabetta Franchi. 1 Church Street, Portomaso (2138 4050, www.rebelli.com). Open 10am-8pm MonSat. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V.
Tiffany
82 Time Out Malta & Gozo for Visitors 2015/16
Sarto Sarto is the quintessential multi-brand store, offering an inimitable shopping experience with carefully selected pieces. Its window is a work of art and will draw you in to view the in-store brands including Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Blumarine, Sergio Rossi, Jimmy Choo, Burberry and