Mellieha, known for its picturesque landscapes and beautiful beaches, is also making a name for itself in 2026 as one of Malta’s most pet-friendly dining destinations. The combination of exceptional culinary options and welcoming spaces for pets makes the town a prime destination for pet owners who want to enjoy a meal out with their furry friends. This article highlights six of the best pet-friendly restaurants in Mellieha, showcasing their cuisine, ambiance, and commitment to healthy dining for both people and pets.
Mellieha’s Dining Scene and the Pet-Friendly Shift
Over the years, Mellieha has gained popularity not only for its stunning coastal views but also for its vibrant dining scene. Restaurants in the area have evolved to cater to modern diners’ preferences, focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and providing inclusive experiences. By 2026, creating pet-friendly spaces has become a trend among Mellieha’s dining establishments, with a growing number of venues welcoming pets as part of their service culture.
Pet-friendly restaurants in Mellieha go beyond merely allowing dogs. Many of these establishments now offer specialized pet menus, designated outdoor seating areas, and staff trained to provide a hospitable experience for animal companions. With tourists and locals alike seeking places where they can dine along with their pets, Mellieha is establishing itself as a leading destination for this growing market.
Below, we explore the six best pet-friendly restaurants in Mellieha based on their menu offerings, ambiance, and unique features catering to pets.
The Top 6 Pet-Friendly Restaurants in Mellieha
1. Headquarters Bar & Grill
Located at 268 Triq Il-Kbira, Headquarters Bar & Grill is a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic Balkan-inspired cuisine in Mellieha. Known for its warm, family-oriented atmosphere, the restaurant welcomes both diners and their furry companions with open arms. Headquarters offers generous outdoor seating, making it an ideal spot for pet owners.
The menu features a delightful mix of Balkan and international dishes, with highlights like Ćevapi (grilled minced meat sausages), Pljeskavica (a Balkan burger), and vegetarian options such as fresh salads. The establishment provides water bowls and shaded areas ensuring pets remain comfortable throughout the visit.
For those seeking healthy menu options, Headquarters incorporates salads, grilled meats, and freshly prepared meals that cater to health-conscious diners. The restaurant also partners with the Malta Discount Card, providing guests with up to 50% off their meals.
- Address: 268 Triq Il-Kbira, Mellieha
- Cuisine: Balkan, International
- Price Range: €€
- Check out the Headquarters Bar & Grill’s rating in our directory of Maltese Restaurants: Check out MELA Directory
Learn more about Headquarters Bar & Grill.
2. Apple’s Eye Restaurant
Situated near Mellieha Bay, Apple’s Eye Restaurant is renowned for its openness to pets and its diverse menu catering to all ages. The restaurant stands out for its specialized pet menu, which features healthy options like lean chicken treats and dog biscuits made from natural ingredients.
Apple’s Eye also has dedicated outdoor seating areas designed with pets in mind, including shaded sections and water stations. For human diners, the menu includes a wide variety of options such as pasta, rice dishes, fish, vegan food, and fresh salads. Health-conscious patrons will appreciate the emphasis on using fresh, local produce to craft meals.
- Address: Mellieha, Malta
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Vegan, Diverse
- Price Range: €€
- Check out the Apple’s Eye Restaurant’s rating in our directory of Maltese Restaurants: Check out MELA Directory
Learn more about Apple’s Eye Restaurant at BringFido.
3. Ventuno Restaurant
Nestled along Marfa Road by the waterfront, Ventuno Restaurant is a popular spot for those who want to combine stunning views with a pet-inclusive dining experience. Offering Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, the menu highlights include grilled seafood, handmade pasta, and signature focaccia.
The outdoor seating area at Ventuno is pet-friendly and designed to accommodate small and large pets alike. Cooling stations, water bowls, and spacious layouts make it a comfortable setting for diners accompanied by their furry companions. With its prime location and relaxed ambiance, Ventuno is perfect for a casual lunch or a romantic dinner.
- Address: Marfa Road, Mellieha
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Price Range: €€
- Check out the Ventuno Restaurant’s rating in our directory of Maltese Restaurants: Check out MELA Directory
Additional details available on their TripAdvisor page.
4. Square Gastro Bar
Square Gastro Bar, located at Misrah Il-Parocca in Mellieha, is a modern establishment that is ideal for both families and pet owners. The restaurant provides outdoor seating areas designed for pets, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable environment for all guests. It has become a local favorite for its innovative approach to contemporary European cuisine.
The menu at Square Gastro Bar features an eclectic mix of pasta, steaks, seafood, and vegetarian dishes. Healthy options include grilled vegetables and low-fat seafood entrees. The restaurant is highly regarded for its lively atmosphere and friendly staff who ensure that pets are as welcome as their owners.
- Address: Misrah Il-Parocca, Mellieha
- Cuisine: Contemporary European
- Price Range: €€
- Check out the Square Gastro Bar’s rating in our directory of Maltese Restaurants: Check out MELA Directory
Learn more about Square Gastro Bar on TableAgent.
5. Palm Beach
Palm Beach combines a relaxed coastal vibe with its pet-welcoming policy. Located at Triq L-Armier in Mellieha, this restaurant is perfect for outdoor dining enthusiasts who want to enjoy a meal with their pets by their side. With Italian and Mediterranean cuisine offerings, it has something for everyone.
The pet-focused amenities include hydration stations and designated pet areas that keep diners and their animals comfortable. The menu offers freshly prepared wood-fired pizzas, seafood platters, and a selection of healthy, light dishes such as salads and grilled options.
- Address: Triq L-Armier, Mellieha
- Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
- Price Range: €€-€€€
- Check out the Palm Beach’s rating in our directory of Maltese Restaurants: Check out MELA Directory
Discover more about Palm Beach on their TripAdvisor page.
6. Da Mello
Da Mello offers a unique dining experience in Mellieha by incorporating pet-friendly principles into a fine-dining setting. Located in the town center, this contemporary Mediterranean restaurant emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients with a range of seafood, vegetarian, and hearty meat options.
The outdoor seating area is tailored for pets, featuring comfortable pet beds and water bowls. Da Mello has received positive reviews for its attentive service and its efforts to make pets feel at home. The restaurant also offers healthy menu options such as grilled fish and crisp salads for diners who are mindful of their dietary choices.
- Address: Mellieha, Malta
- Cuisine: Contemporary Mediterranean
- Price Range: €€€
- Check out the Da Mello’s rating in our directory of Maltese Restaurants: Check out MELA Directory
Learn more about Da Mello on TripAdvisor.
Verdict
Mellieha’s pet-friendly dining options in 2026 make it a top destination for locals and tourists who want to enjoy wholesome meals without leaving their pets behind. From Balkan-inspired dishes at Headquarters Bar & Grill to innovative pet menus at Apple’s Eye, the town offers something for everyone. The emphasis on health-conscious dining and inclusive environments truly elevates Mellieha’s position as a hub for pet owners.
Whether you’re a traveler seeking a memorable vacation or a local resident searching for a special dining experience with your furry friend, these six restaurants promise unforgettable meals and welcoming atmospheres.
FAQ on Pet-Friendly Restaurants in Mellieha, Malta
1. Which restaurant in Mellieha is best for Balkan cuisine?
Headquarters Bar & Grill specializes in Balkan dishes like Ćevapi and Pljeskavica, served with a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Learn more about Headquarters Bar & Grill
2. Are there any restaurants in Mellieha that have specialized pet menus?
Yes, Apple’s Eye Restaurant offers a unique pet menu featuring healthy treats like lean chicken biscuits and natural dog snacks. Discover Apple’s Eye Restaurant
3. Which Mellieha restaurant offers pet-friendly waterfront dining?
Ventuno Restaurant is an ideal spot for pet owners looking for breathtaking waterfront views paired with Mediterranean cuisine. Learn more about Ventuno Restaurant
4. What is a family-friendly, pet-inclusive restaurant in Mellieha?
Square Gastro Bar combines family-friendly features like play areas and pet-dedicated outdoor seating for an enjoyable experience. Explore Square Gastro Bar
5. Which Mellieha restaurant emphasizes health-conscious dining for pets and humans?
Palm Beach offers healthy options like grilled seafood and salads, along with hydration stations and shaded areas for pets. Discover Palm Beach
6. What is a fine-dining option in Mellieha with pet-friendly policies?
Da Mello offers contemporary Mediterranean cuisine in an upscale setting with dedicated pet accommodations, including pet cushions and water bowls. Learn more about Da Mello
7. Can I use AI to write SEO-optimized articles that help my brand grow?
Most business owners don’t understand how SEO works, let alone how to use AI for writing blog articles. That’s why for busy business owners there’s a great free tool that doesn’t require much knowledge. Write articles for free
8. Are there restaurants in Mellieha offering vegan options alongside pet-friendly policies?
Apple’s Eye Restaurant is a great choice, with vegan menu items like fresh salads and plant-based dishes. Discover Apple’s Eye Restaurant
9. Which Mellieha restaurant has live music tailored for pets?
Square Gastro Bar hosts weekend live music events designed for pets and families, ensuring comfortable acoustics for animal companions. Explore Square Gastro Bar
10. Where can I find pet-friendly dining with Italian and Mediterranean offerings in Mellieha?
Palm Beach combines Italian and Mediterranean dishes with expansive pet-dedicated areas, perfect for tranquil coastal dining. Discover Palm Beach
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp’s expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the “gamepreneurship” methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic “without any funding and without any code,” this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call “gamepreneurship”. By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 5,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
- 1,000 unique business ideas for women created
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique “play to learn and earn” model.
