Perched atop the 5-star Rosselli AX Privilege boutique hotel on Merchants Street, Valletta, the newly launched Over Grain is set to redefine the rooftop dining experience in the capital with its innovative seafood concept. Boasting sweeping views over Valletta, this open-air lounge offers a stylish atmosphere that combines golden sunsets, relaxing lounge music and delectable cuisine, bringing a fresh perspective to seafood dining, where every dish is a sensation for the senses.

At Over Grain, seafood takes centre stage, reinventing classic staples and challenging culinary expectations. Led by the Michelin-awarded kitchen brigade behind Under Grain, Executive Chef Victor Borg crafts a menu of small plates, platters and mains that showcase succulent oysters, mouth-watering shellfish and delicately prepared caviar. The surprising star of the menu is the lobster burger, a unique twist on a beloved classic. This unexpected combination breaks stereotypes, offering a sophisticated take on the burger tradition.

Over Grain has also established itself as a premier cocktail bar, earning a reputation as one of the finest in the capital. Indulge in a handpicked collection of premium wines and champagnes, expertly curated to complement the bold and fresh flavours of the seafood-focused menu. In addition, the bar offers a range of cocktails. Sip on exquisite liquid refreshments while enjoying a playlist of chill-out music that sets the mood for an evening of relaxation and indulgence.

The rooftop setting in the heart of Merchants Street provides an enchanting backdrop, adding a touch of magic to the dining experience. As the sun sets over Valletta, patrons can bask in the panoramic views. From this vantage point, it’s easy to spot the graceful cupola of the nearby Church of the Jesuits, rooftops of historic townhouses and palazzos that have graced Valletta for centuries and take in the harbour that stretches towards the sea. This rooftop ambience sets the stage for a serene atmosphere, making it the perfect choice for romantic evenings or celebratory gatherings.

As part of the Grain Restaurants family, Over Grain upholds a reputation for exceptional service and attention to detail. The knowledgeable staff ensures that every guest is treated to a memorable time, from the moment they step through the door until the last bite or sip. The inviting and sophisticated ambience, coupled with live music on Thursdays and Saturdays, elevates the overall atmosphere, creating an unrivalled dining destination in Valletta.

Over Grain opens its doors from Wednesday to Saturday, welcoming guests from 7.30 pm until 12.30 am. Guests have the freedom to choose between a complete dining experience or drinks at the bar. Food orders can be placed until 10.00 pm on Wednesday and Thursday, and until 10.30 pm on Friday and Saturday, ensuring ample time to savour the culinary delights over sensational views.

Article credits: https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/gourmet/restaurants/123915/over_grain_seafood_sensations_with_a_view_at_vallettas_new_rooftop_lounge

From today the 15th March 2023, ION Harbour in Valletta will welcome the internationally-renowned and multi award-winning chef Simon Rogan as Chef Patron, becoming ION Harbour by Simon Rogan. Rogan has a total of eight other restaurants to his name across the UK and Hong Kong, including L’Enclume in the Lake District which currently holds three Michelin stars, five AA Rosettes and is the number one listed restaurant in the Good Food Guide. In 2021, his efforts towards sustainability were also recognised with the newly introduced Michelin Green Star, awarded to both L’Enclume and Roganic Hong Kong.

Simon Rogan comments “When presented with the opportunity to take on ION Harbour, there was no question that this was the perfect spot for our next restaurant opening. My love for Malta, its history and climate, people and not least its ingredients and producers were all part of our decision to open ION Harbour by Simon Rogan, where we look forward to creating dishes that are inspired by our signature style whilst using the best of the Maltese larder.”

As one of the pioneers of the farm-to-table movement, British chef Simon Rogan’s menus are strongly guided by hyperlocal ingredients that are harvested, fished and foraged by the best and most sustainable local producers. Simon and his team have already begun exploring what the island has to offer and the menus at ION Harbour will utilise ingredients in their prime, so that each dish can champion the abundant produce found in the Maltese countryside and in the island’s Mediterranean waters.

To complement the menu, the sommelier team at ION Harbour has created both alcoholic and non-alcoholic pairings. Like the menus, the unique drinks list highlights sustainable producers and lesser-known ingredients sourced from the island. In a bid to minimise waste, the bar team work with the chefs to utilise surplus ingredients from the kitchens that would usually go to waste, such as peels, stalks and stems.

ION Harbour, which was previously helmed by Chef Alex Dilling, is situated on the rooftop of 5 star luxury Hotel Iniala Harbour House and offers unrivalled views of the UNESCO Grand Harbour. The restaurant’s Front of House team will be led by restaurant manager, James Christie as well as assistant food & beverage director, Melissa Sambugaro. In the kitchen, executive chef Oli Marlow, who has amassed over six years working alongside Simon, will be joined by head chef Eoin Smith.

ION Harbour owner Mark Weingard quoted: “I am really looking forward to working with Simon Rogan and his team and undertaking this exciting journey together. I know that Simon, Oli and our chefs have created an amazing seasonal menu which celebrates our wealth of local farmers, fishermen, growers and producers.”

A restaurant in Sliema – the Fernandõ Gastrotheque – has gained One Michelin Star status joining another five restaurants in Malta that also boast the star –  Under Grain, Valletta; Noni, Valletta; ION – The Harbour, Valletta; De Mondion, Mdina; and Bahia, Balzan.

Five new restaurants also joined the Michelin Guide Malta 2023 selection. They are: Giuseppi’s, Naxxar; Loa, St. Paul’s Bay; Grotto Tavern, Rabat; Legligin, Valletta; and Rosamì, St. Julian’s. This brings the 2023 Malta selection up to 35 Michelin-recommended restaurants.

The Bib Gourmand status maintained the same restaurants – Terrone, Vittoriosa; Commando, Mellieħa; Grain Street, Valletta; and Rubino, Valletta. These restaurants represent good quality and good value cooking.

Michelin Guides international director Gwendal Poullennec said Michelin was proud to welcome a new restaurant to the large family of Michelin Stars.

“The development of the Maltese culinary scene is extremely exciting, with the selection of an additional five new restaurants that take their inspiration from the Mediterranean region, yet without holding back on the occasional touch of fusion to surprise and delight gourmets. Whether for its UNESCO-designated heritage, its status as a Mediterranean crossroads, its ancient history or its colourful and joyful cuisine, Malta has everything needed to seduce travellers,” she said.

Article credits: https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/sixth-malta-restaurant-added-one-michelin-star-status.1017132