InterContinental Malta. See p56.
Hugo’s Lounge Hugo’s may have become a popular local brand, but this is where it all began and we love it. The menu is mostly Asian-Fusion, with plenty of fried starters (such as spring rolls and prawn tempura), as well as Eastern soups and curries. Tuck into the selection of sushi prepared by Japanese chefs, or the vegetarian Vietnamese crystal rolls. The kitchen closes late, long after the restaurant kicks things up a notch for a night of partying. Get started during Happy Hour (or rather Happy Afternoon, as it’s on daily from 1pm to 6pm); this is an event in itself, with their fantastic cocktails available twofor-one. Lounge music plays in the background throughout and big games are usually shown on the LCD screens. St George’s Road, Paceville (2138 2264, www.hugosloungemalta.com). Open noon-4am daily. Main courses €6.50-€16.50. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V. Okura Authentic Japanese cuisine is served up in a cosy atmosphere at this central sushi bar and restaurant. Highlights include the fresh sashimi and yakatori but if you’re hungry we highly recommend the all-you-can-eat buffet for €23.50. This consists of sushi, soup, salads, appetizers, tempura and yakitori, as well as fried and grilled items, plus rice and noodles – not to mention a dessert of green tea ice-cream or yuzu sorbet. Free parking is available at Portomaso. 9 Landsdown, Paceville Avenue (2781 1888, www.okura.com.mt). Open 6-11.30pm daily; also noon2.30pm Sun. Main courses €25. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V. Zen There’s a really authentic feel to this top-quality Japanese restaurant which we love for its respect for time-honoured traditions, fresh ingredients and charming hospitality. Zen was the first Japanese restaurant in Malta and it is still widely regarded to be one
of the best, with a wide selection of speciality items including miso soup, sushi, sashimi, vegetable and prawn tempura, as well as fish, meat and vegetarian dishes traditionally cooked at their Teppanyaki table. Saki and Japanese beer are available, and there’s a 10 per cent discount given on take-away orders. Free parking is available at Portomaso. Portomaso (2138 6500, www. themarinarestaurants.com). Open 7-11pm Mon-Sat. Main courses €20-€30. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V.
Where to drink St Julian’s – and nearby Paceville – leads the way for everything from pre-dinner drinks to lastorder nightcaps. From Irish pubs to lounge terraces under the stars, the choice is yours. The Bedouin Bar Unwind right by the water’s edge at the exclusive and unique Bedouin Bar at the Westin Dragonara Hotel. Frequented by a local and foreign crowd, this is a loungestyle environment that never fails to impress. Friday nights have become one of the staples of the summer season, with a cocktail bar, VIP area and a DJ spinning a soundtrack of largely house and lounge tunes in a relaxed environment. 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 and Restaurant Owned by an Englishman and an Irishman (no, this isn’t the start of a joke), The Dubliner has become one of the most popular Irish bars on the island and has generated quite a following. Providing some of the best Guinness this side of Ireland, it is proud of its welcoming atmosphere and is usually packed with patrons drinking, chowing down on yummy pub-style food,
Glow Enjoy the stunning views of Balluta Bay as you relax on the terrace at Glow. The atmosphere here is welcoming and exclusive, with lounge music as the soundtrack and finger food being served – not to mention the excellent fresh fruit cocktails. If you’re still peckish, head to The Villa’s restaurant for award-wining Mediterranean cuisine. The Villa, 39 Main Street (2311 2273, www.thevillamalta.com). Open 7pm-1am daily. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V. Huggins This typical English pub attracts a mixed crowd of locals, foreigners and rugby players who love the atmosphere and, sometimes, the karaoke (which is on daily, except Mondays). There’s always something going on here, especially thanks to the pub food that’s on offer for breakfast, lunch and dinner. As evening falls, it transforms into a club, with a DJ pumping out dance anthems and commercial pop classics, as well as the odd karaoke or band night. Look out for the reduced prices on select drinks promoted on different nights and keep an eye on the website for details. Dragonara Road, Paceville (2137 5443, www.hugginspub.com). Open 9am-4am daily. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V. Hugo’s Terrace – Bar and Grill The Hugo’s chain never fails to impress and this is its latest offering. Spend an evening here, or simply get your pre- or postclubbing fix over nibbles (the food is delicious and served between noon and 11pm). The live entertainment and DJs change daily, and the VIP area is pleasingly exclusive. Alternatively pop to its ‘sister’ wine bar, Bacco, on St Rita Steps in St Julian’s (2138 2264. Open 6pm-4am daily). St George’s Bay, Paceville (2137 6767). Open noon-4am daily. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V. Hush Bistro Lounge Cafe The decor at this recently opened lounge café is fabulous – while the vast selection of cocktails ensures you find the perfect drink to sip. Dining here is also a great option, with good-value Mediterranean fare served up by a talented chef duo. Portomaso Marina (2136 9100, www.hush.com.mt). Open 10am1am daily. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V.
Juuls Bar Located on the steps down towards the mélange of restaurants along Spinola Bay, you’d be forgiven for walking right past Juuls and not noticing it was there – but don’t! Loved by the local bohemian crowd, this is the only reggae bar in Malta and the atmosphere is usually very laid-back. Don’t miss their mojitos – easily the best on the island. St Joseph Street, Spinola Bay (9989 8444, www.juulsbar.com). Open Apr-Dec 8pm-4am daily. No credit cards. Ryan’s Irish Bar This Irish-themed venue is a bar by day – with snacks served during the summer months – and a club by night. With a comfortable outdoor terrace and sofas indoors, this is a great hangout spot. At night it is also one of the hippest venues in the area, playing house music, and it is highly popular with younger crowds. During the Champions League or any other football or rugby event, sports aficionados congregate to watch the matches on the big screen and to support their teams. If hunger strikes, tuck into the tasty spare ribs or sizeable burgers. Yum. Spinola Bay (9946 7221). Open noon-2.30pm, 5pm-2am Mon-Thur; noon-4am Fri-Sun. Credit MC, V. Tiffany Sophistication reigns at this ‘boutique bar’, where art and beauty meet a professional sommelier service. Ideal for a pre- or post-dinner drink, you can choose from 300 wines, 50 champagnes, rare whiskys, cognacs, ports, sherries and more. There’s a lovely cocktail list too, and nibbles if you’re feeling peckish. Their Friday jazz nights, entitled Sax and Champagne are particularly popular, as are their Saturday’s Party in Red. Portomaso (2138 9289, www. marinarestaurants.com.mt). Open 6.30pm-6am daily. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V.
Shopping St Julian’s may not have as many stores as Sliema or Valletta, but it’s fast becoming a shopping destination – especially for designer items. The best upmarket shops are around Portomaso, while Bay Street is a good bet for high-street brands and souvenirs. Arcades and shopping complexes Bay Street Bay Street remains true to its origins as the first shopping complex to open late into the evenings and on Sundays. It is
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St Julian’s
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or watching the big game. Look out for their two-for-one lunchtime offers and live entertainment. Great fun! Spinola Bay (2136 7106, www. dublinermalta.com). Open 11am1am daily. Credit JCB, MC, V.