The Team Behind Burgers.Ink and Wagyu Is Opening a Martini Bar in Valletta

The Martini has had quite the career. Once considered a “gentleman’s drink”, it has survived decades of changing tastes, acquired its own unmistakable glass and somehow become shorthand for a particular kind of old-school glamour. Then, of course, there’s James Bond, who ensured generations of bartenders would hear the same three words repeated at them from 1962 onwards. Shaken or stirred, Valletta’s newest opening is giving the classic its own dedicated address.

Daniel Borg Cardona, the name behind Burgers.Ink and Wagyu, is set to open Martini Lounge Bar this week, a new all-day lounge and dining spot dedicated to the clear, olive-topped classic and considerably more besides.

The interiors lean heavily into retro glamour. Pink curved banquettes sit alongside deep red seating and dark woods, with colourful glass chandeliers overhead, stained-glass Martini panels and oversized 007 artwork making the Bond references considerably less subliminal.

Cocktails are naturally Martini-heavy, with different takes on the classic taking centre stage. Food moves between Asian and Mediterranean influences, with colourful sushi rolls, Asian-style tartare, grilled meat and generous bowls of dips adding a little more substance to proceedings.

There’s clearly more going on here than the name initially gives away. Between the Martinis, the food and a room that clearly isn’t interested in beige minimalism, Valletta is getting a rather theatrical new resident.

Opens Wednesday 7th October 2026. Opening hours: 11am-midnight

Martini Lounge Bar
South Street
Valletta
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