REVIEW: La Vela – sublime seafood with seaviews in Pieta

Seafood restaurants are a dime a dozen here in Malta, but not all of them have the certain charm and je nais sais quoi as Ristorante La Vela in Pieta.

White is the dominant choice of colour for the decor, adding a touch of unpretentious elegance, whilst the chic view of the sea at the back is a sight for sore eyes.

Gillardeau oysters are the only kind of oysters that I would like to see being served at any reputable restaurant. We ordered six which were brought table-side. As one would expect, they were exceptionally meaty, plump, and with a subtle brininess. Garnishes are not even necessary.

Fans of raw fish would be spoilt for choice with the vast selection of crudo. There are daily specialities on offer depending on the catch of the day.

Fresh langoustine sporting a mouthfeel similar to marrow and gelatin were a definite palate-pleaser.

A delicately-herbed tuna tartare was fortified with a perfectly poached egg on top... oozing with a silky yolk stream at the touch of my fork.

It is evident that the kitchen takes carpaccios seriously. Although I do tend to go for the less is more approach (with just a light seasoning), here they are creatively topped with fruits such as orange or cherries... carefully constructed to ensure they complement and not overpower the fish.

The fish and shellfish soup was a tongue-tingling corker. Expect punchy flavours of the sea and a flavoursome aromatic broth.

Chubby cooked red prawns, surrounded and laying on a bed of linguine, was our pasta dish of choice. The red prawn bisque was what made this simple dish a formidable hit.

Michelle Muscat and her head chef Enrico Alecci have done a wonderful job at ensuring a memorable dining experience despite all the morbidness surrounding the island right now.

It isn't a restaurant you just go once and forget, but because of its consistency, it is one that you will recommended to friends, or be that enthusiastic repeat customer. 

Ristorante La Vela
Triq ix-Xatt
Website