Terrazza Restaurant

A balcony on the world
With its old-world charm, stunning views and Mediterranean cuisine, Terrazza is not so much a restaurant as an experience in itself… Sandra Aquilina takes in the views
and feels without a care in the world

Just for a moment, the world seems to fade away. I have just taken a bite out of soft rabbit-filled ravioli, fat cushions with the texture of velvet, their sauce robust and Mediterranean. Around me, life flows in its peaceful rhythms, the sound of the water playing gently beneath, the colourful luzzi bobbing gently on the surface, even a few ducks splashing around in the water. Let the world follow its petty worries, I think, I no longer have a part in it.

We are sitting on the terrace at Terrazza Restaurant in St Julians, which enjoys views of the entire stretch of Balluta Bay, all the way up to Sliema. Around us, life flows on, regardless of us watching from our balcony onto the world. Fishermen spread their nets or walk up with baskets laden with fresh fish. The occasional cat stretches itself lazily in the spring sun. We sigh with contentment and take another bite.

Located at the farthest end of the St Julians waterfront, Terrazza enjoys a sense of being away from the world. Previously the summer residence of national poet Dun Karm Psaila, the restaurant is located in an old-world house, painted in bright yellow and blue colours, blending easily into the fabric of life around it. Opened 10 years ago by Arthur Ebejer, the restaurant has now acquired a reputation for fine Mediterranean cuisine as well as for its charming views.

Location is everything here. Like much of St Julians, Terrazza combines sophistication with the old-world charm of Spinola Bay. The restaurant appears relaxed and at ease with itself: but don’t be fooled. Standards are rigorously monitored here, the menu is changed regularly and staff is picked with care. Specials are always on offer, ensuring that there is always something new to try out. Apart from its famous rabbit ravioli, the restaurant also boasts in-house desserts, including one of the island’s best banoffee pies.

In fact, this is not so much a restaurant as an experience, which changes by day and by night and as the seasons change. Open all day, you can choose to come to Terrazza during the day, enjoy a lingering lunch or a platter and a bottle of wine and watch the world go by with its peaceful rhythms. By night, the ambience changes, the bay becomes a mirror of splendid lights, the peace of the water washing in onto the restaurant terrace. Then, the world fades, nothing else matters, and, just for one blissful moment, you truly feel without a care in the world.

To find Terrazza, follow the waterfront promenade, past fishermen, nets and boats, until you see the Terrazza sign. Head up the stairs and you’re there. The restaurant’s upstairs room, taking around 35 people, can also be booked for private events.

2138 4939