Fine Dining!
Barracuda Restaurant – St Julian’s, happens to be one of the longest surviving successful line dining restaurants on the island of Malta. As its name implicitly implies, the Barracuda Restaurant’s cuisine leans keenly towards seafood options, especially Mediterranean fish and shellfish specialities. There is also the feel-good factor of knowing that you are dining in a place where the likes of David Beckham, Madonna, Claudia Schiffer and Omar Sharif have tickled their taste buds. The historic and imposing 18th century limestone building stands directly on the promenade above the shore in a prime upmarket area of St. Julian’s a few metres from Le Méridien St Julian’s Hotel and Spa where we were staying.
Interior
Through the many years of travelling, I do the best for my readers to spot exceptional places to stay and dine and I do it through extensive search. Coming across so many positive comments about the Baraccuda restaurant, St. Julians I could not imagine leaving Malta without tasting its cuisine. I was impressed the moment I stepped in with the warm welcome and instantly felt embraced by the impressive, elegant and noble atmosphere of the interior.
This very last evening before flying back to Greece I was expected for dinner here with my friend. I felt uncomfortable showing up in such restaurant without my friend along, but facing a problem that day herself she could not follow. The friendly and expert staff though did their best to make me feel comfortable and enjoy the meal.
Barracuda Restaurant – Saint Julian’s, Malta
The Barracuda Restaurant sits right on the edge of Balluta Bay in the popular resort area of St Julian’s. It occupies an 18th-century seaside villa, the conversion of which gained the architects an award from Malta’s National Trust. The interior is calm, elegant and historically in keeping with the wealthy family’s drawing room it once was. Patrick the manager of the restaurant, escorted me to the outer edge of the terrace to the corner reserved table that the management had arranged for us.
I really enjoyed the feeling of sitting above the shore of the sea. With the most pleasing temperature for February, the table enjoyed the most spectacular and unobstructed views of the Mediterranean. Right below, the waves were lapping against the rocks while the magical full moon above the sea and starry night were glowing in the water creating sparkling lights. The location of the table could not be better.
Soup
I started off with a deliciously rich Pumpkin Soup which was the Chef’s Amuse Bouche and accompanied the meal with a glass of La Baume Viognier. Fruity, savoury with a hint of white pepper and a slightly honeywell mouthfeel.
Main Course
The Chef recommended the Poached Fillets of John Dory with olive oil and fresh coriander. What a lovely choice! Scrumptious with a subtle flavour. Contrary to the odd-looks of this fish the white meat was firm and a delight to the palate, with coriander and olive oil giving it the punch sidekick. On the side and separately I had steamed vegetables.
As it is expected in a classy restaurant with gastronomic à la carte specialties like this, the Chef Andrew Pace has the habit of walking by and speak directly with his clients and guests. He loves the idea of providing recommendations for seasonal specialties, so have this in mind and do rely on him not only for the choice of food but the pairing of the wine as well. Be assured that you are in an expert’s hands!
Dessert
For dessert, I opted for the Red berries, Madagascan Vanilla Scented Mascarpone Cheesecake. Rich in flavour and yummy! With sounds of waves humming in my ears and the luxurious atmosphere, the meal was further enhanced by the superb service from the ever attentive staff who were a credit to themselves while Patrick would walk by every table checking if everything was fine.
As its name implies, the Barracuda Restaurant’s cuisine leans keenly towards seafood options, especially Mediterranean fish and shellfish specialties -fresh Lobster, Octopus Carpaccio. You may also dine perfectly, enjoying meat dishes like Chateaubriand, Duck breast and more. Desserts vary from a Chocolate Mousse to Lavender Infused Crème Brûlée to a showy Crepes Marquis flamed at your table.
Verdict
Prices are a little above normal but this is not a restaurant you come every week. If you are after the best exquisite tastes and plan to spend for an unforgettable evening, unreservedly I recommend the Barracuda. The memory of the food will stay with you forever!
Disclaimer: I was a guest at the Barracuda Restaurant, St. Julian’s during this visit, but the opinions expressed in this article are, as always my own.
Reserve Your Table +356 2133 1817
Have you been to Barracuda Restaurant? What was your experience like? Comments are always welcomed
Indeed this restaurant is very popular. Some friends had urged us to come here and we enjoyed every bite. Definitely will return when back to St. Julian’s this summer. By the way, I loved the way you write and the website is a professional one!
Thanks a lot, Rodney!