Great Dane Restaurant: Traditional Maltese & International Dining in Mellieħa
Nestled within the Mellieħa Holiday Centre and Danish Village Tourist Complex, Great Dane Restaurant offers a harmonious blend of rustic Maltese flavors and international gourmet cuisine in a serene, picturesque setting. Whether you’re a local, tourist, or holiday centre guest, this MELA-approved restaurant invites you to experience fresh, Mediterranean-inspired dishes amidst breathtaking views of Mellieħa Bay.
Restaurant’s Story & Heritage
The Great Dane Restaurant is deeply intertwined with Mellieħa’s history, being part of the Danish Village, a renowned architectural project designed by the Danish architect Munk Hansen. For years, the restaurant has served as both a gathering place for holiday centre residents and a favored dining destination for locals. This commitment to blending tradition with modern hospitality has earned the restaurant its place on Malta’s MELA Index, a testament to its dedication to quality and health-conscious dining.
MELA Index Recognition
As a proud MELA-approved establishment, Great Dane Restaurant is committed to Malta’s initiative in promoting longevity and well-being. Among its many offerings are gluten-free, lactose-free, and heart-healthy menu options that amplify the Mediterranean diet’s nutritious benefits without sacrificing authentic Maltese and international flavors.
Culinary Highlights
Signature Dishes
- Fresh Seafood & Grilled Meats: Seasoned to perfection, using local produce and herbs.
- Homemade Pasta: Prepared daily with traditional Maltese recipes and paired with delicious sauces.
- Tagliata: Succulent sliced beef cooked to order, a must-try specialty.
- Healthy & Kid-Friendly Options: Smoothies, salads, homemade sandwiches, and a dedicated kids’ menu.
Sunday Buffet
A culinary event to remember, the restaurant’s popular Sunday buffet showcases Mediterranean and European delights, including platters, dips, antipasti, and hearty seasonal dishes, all concluding with homemade desserts.
Atmosphere & Ambiance
Perched adjacent to Mellieħa Bay and Ghadira Nature Reserve, Great Dane Restaurant boasts scenic views of the old town and rich natural landscapes. Outdoor seating on the terrace is perfect for enjoying sunsets, while its inviting indoor ambiance caters to families, couples, and solo travelers looking for a warm, relaxing setting.
Service Excellence
The friendly and service-minded staff are known for their attentiveness and effort in accommodating dietary needs, including special requests for gluten-free or lactose-free meals. While service may occasionally slow during peak hours, the general hospitality and kindness leave visitors with a lasting positive impression.
Location & Convenience
Prime Mellieħa Location
Situated within the Mellieħa Holiday Centre along Triq Il-Marfa, the restaurant is ideally positioned for those exploring Mellieħa Bay or vacationing at the Danish Village. Its close proximity to popular attractions like the Ghadira Nature Reserve makes it a convenient stop for tourists and locals alike.
Address: 9064 Triq, Triq Il-Marfa, Mellieħa, Malta
Getting Here: Accessible by car, with parking available nearby, and bus stops within walking distance.
Accessibility & Amenities
The restaurant ensures a welcoming environment for guests of all needs with features including:
- ♿️ Wheelchair Access: Step-free entrances and accommodating layouts.
- 🥡 Takeout Options: Order your favorite dishes for convenient pick-up.
- 🍽 Dine-In Service: Indoor and outdoor seating with stunning views.
- 🍺 Full Bar: Plentiful drink options, including local and international favorites.
- 🌿 Outdoor Terrace: Dine al fresco with panoramic scenery.
- 🎵 Live Entertainment: Occasional themed events and performances.
Perfect For
- Tourists Exploring Mellieħa: With picturesque bay views and hearty meals, Great Dane Restaurant offers a slice of Maltese charm perfect for dining after a day of sightseeing.
- Local Residents: A treasured venue for Sunday family lunches or casual gatherings.
- Health-Conscious Diners: Featuring gluten-free and lactose-free options alongside lighter fare, salads, and smoothies that align with MELA’s healthy dining goals.
- Families with Kids: Kid-friendly menu items and a relaxed family vibe make it the ideal choice.
Health & Dietary Accommodations
Catering to a diverse clientele, Great Dane Restaurant offers:
- Vegetarian Choices: Fresh Mediterranean salads and pasta options.
- Gluten-Free Meals: Specially prepared dishes with care.
- Lactose-Free Dining: Tailored meals for those with dairy sensitivities.
- Heart-Healthy Options: Low-sodium, vegetable-rich selections.
Guest Reviews & Feedback
“The perfect place for a laid-back family lunch. The staff was amazing at adapting dishes for my son’s lactose intolerance, making us feel incredibly welcomed.” , Maria D.
“The view from the terrace is simply breathtaking! I loved their fresh seafood platter; it tasted exactly like the Mediterranean. Highly recommend visiting during sunset!” , Liam T.
“This is my go-to spot for Sunday buffets. From the starters to desserts, everything is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented.” , Anne F.
Great Dane Restaurant combines authentic Maltese tastes, international dishes, and a welcoming setting to create an all-encompassing dining experience. Perfect for everyone from vacationing tourists to locals seeking a memorable meal, it’s a must-visit destination in Mellieħa!
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.
