Amami: Authentic Japanese Cuisine in Mellieħa
Amami is a culinary gem located in the serene town of Mellieħa, Malta. This MELA-approved restaurant offers an exquisite dining experience, blending authentic Asian flavors with stunning seaside views. Whether you’re a sushi lover or seeking healthy Asian-inspired dishes, Amami delivers a superior dining experience perfect for both locals and tourists exploring Malta.
Restaurant’s Story & Heritage
Inspired by the natural beauty and culinary traditions of the Amami Islands in Japan, Amami was established to bring refined Asian flavors to Malta. Drawing on Japan’s cultural heritage, the restaurant combines premium local produce with traditional techniques to craft a dining experience unlike any other in Mellieħa.
Amami’s focus on quality and innovation makes it more than just a dining spot; it’s a cultural immersion. Their chefs specialize in izakaya-style cooking, ensuring the flavors of Japan are faithfully recreated for every guest. The restaurant’s dedication to using the freshest ingredients aligns with its philosophy of offering healthy and nutritious meals, earning its place in Malta’s MELA Index.
MELA Index Recognition
As part of the MELA Restaurants Directory, Amami is proud to offer health-focused dining options that reflect the balance and simplicity of Japanese cuisine. Their focus on lean proteins, fresh vegetables, and antioxidant-rich ingredients makes their menu MELA-approved and ideal for diners prioritizing their well-being. Dishes like edamame kobachi, Vietnamese rice paper rolls, and fresh sashimi showcase how Amami seamlessly integrates health into authentic cultural offerings.
Culinary Highlights
Signature Dishes
Amami specializes in bold, flavorful dishes with an emphasis on freshness:
- Sushi Platter: Featuring the freshest catch of the day expertly prepared into visually stunning rolls and nigiri.
- Edamame Kobachi: Steamed green soybeans complemented by light seasoning, simple yet packed with nutrients.
- Live Tuna Cutting Ceremony: An unforgettable dining experience where tuna is freshly carved in-house, followed by a unique tasting menu.
- Katsu Chicken: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, served with a rich, savory sauce.
Fresh Ingredients & Health-Conscious Options
Amami prioritizes fresh, organic, and locally sourced ingredients. Their chefs blend authentic Asian techniques with innovative ideas to deliver dishes that are both delicious and wholesome. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options ensure that every guest finds something tailored to their dietary needs.
Atmosphere & Ambiance
Interior
Amami’s design reflects a fusion of modern elegance and rustic charm. The restaurant features stone walls, warm wood accents, and linen tableware that create a cozy yet luxurious environment. The soft lighting and calming tones make it perfect for romantic dinners, family gatherings, or special occasions.
Scenic Bay Views
Located overlooking Ghadira Bay, one of Malta’s largest bays, Amami provides guests with stunning panoramic views of the sea. Watch the sunset as you enjoy expertly crafted dishes in a tranquil setting that elevates the entire dining experience.
Service Excellence
At Amami, service is not just a feature, it’s part of the experience. Their attentive staff are known for their friendliness, efficiency, and unparalleled knowledge of the menu. Whether explaining the intricacies of sushi or recommending wine pairings, the team goes above and beyond to ensure every visit is memorable. Guests have consistently praised their commitment to professionalism and attention to detail.
Location & Accessibility
Prime Location
Amami is situated on Marfa Road, Mellieħa, offering easy access for tourists and locals visiting Ghadira Bay. Its idyllic location makes it a perfect stop after exploring the nearby beaches or historic landmarks.
Address: Marfa Road, Mellieħa, Island of Malta MLH 9061, Malta
Getting Here: Free parking is available nearby, and the restaurant is accessible via local bus routes stopping at Ghadira.
Accessibility & Amenities
Amami caters to all dining needs with an array of features:
- ♿ Wheelchair Accessible: Step-free entrances and accessible seating for all guests.
- 🍽️ Dine-In: Elegant indoor seating and spacious tables with bay views.
- 🥡 Takeout: Perfect for enjoying Amami’s delicious food at home.
- 🚚 Delivery Service: Reliable meal delivery across Mellieħa and surrounding areas.
- 📞 Reservations: Pre-booking through phone is available for busy evenings or special occasions.
- 🍺 Serves Beer: Wide selection of house wines, signature cocktails, sake, and fresh beer perfectly paired with Asian flavors.
Perfect For
Tourists Exploring Malta
Amami gives visitors a taste of authentic Japanese cuisine amidst the beauty of Mellieħa. The panoramic seaside views provide the perfect backdrop for diners seeking a unique culinary experience while enjoying fresh sushi and sashimi prepared by expert chefs.
Locals Seeking Quality Dining
For locals, Amami serves as a standout destination for both casual dining and special celebrations. Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a meal with friends, Amami combines exceptional food and a welcoming ambiance to make every occasion noteworthy.
Health-Conscious Diners
As a MELA-approved restaurant, Amami offers healthy dishes without compromising on flavor. From vegetarian dumplings to fresh sashimi, the menu includes options for all dietary preferences.
Special Occasions and Romantic Dinners
Amami’s combination of elegant interiors, scenic views, and refined service make it an ideal choice for anniversaries, birthdays, and romantic evenings. Their exclusive Live Tuna Cutting Ceremony adds a truly memorable touch to any special celebration.
Health & Dietary Accommodations
- Vegetarian Options: Featuring prawn dumplings, salads, and rice paper rolls.
- Vegan-Friendly Fare: Edamame, vegetable sushi, and more.
- Gluten-Free Choices: Fresh sashimi, Vietnamese rice paper rolls, and gluten-free soy sauce options.
- Heart-Healthy Dishes: Sushi and sashimi made with fresh fish high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Guest Reviews
“The best sushi restaurant we have ever been to. Both the food and the service were excellent. Surbhi, our server, provided first-class service. Highly recommended!” , Timea Hegedűs
“Definitely the best meal of our holiday in Malta. The sushi was perfection. Not a cheap restaurant, but worth every penny.” , Steve Turner
“Amazing atmosphere and fresh seafood; the staff were knowledgeable and passionate. Overlooking the sea while enjoying the dishes was unforgettable.” , William Lam
“The Asian food selection is incredible, and Radish made our lunch perfect! Recommend booking ahead as it’s popular.” , Helena Alexandra Pavanello
For health-conscious dining and authentic Asian flavors, Amami is Mellieħa’s unrivaled choice, a MELA-approved destination combining the best of culinary artistry with stunning Maltese landscapes.
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 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.
