One80 Kitchen & Lounge: Elevated Mediterranean Dining in Scenic Mellieħa
Discover a culinary haven at One80 Kitchen & Lounge, a MELA-approved restaurant perched on the stunning hills of Mellieħa, Malta. Offering a harmonious blend of Mediterranean flavors, breathtaking views, and attentive service, this restaurant is a destination for locals and tourists alike who wish to indulge in authentic yet health-conscious dining experiences.
Restaurant’s Story & Heritage
Located in the picturesque Mellieħa, One80 Kitchen & Lounge was founded by hospitality experts Rouvin Zammit Apap and Jesmond Vella. Their shared vision is rooted in crafting dining experiences that balance the comfort of casual fare with the sophistication of fine dining. Since its inception, One80 has stood out as a testament to culinary excellence and warm Maltese hospitality.
What sets One80 apart isn’t just its innovative, Mediterranean-inspired menu but also its careful attention to craftsmanship, emphasizing seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant is honored to hold the MELA Index recognition, reflecting its dedication to offering healthier dining options and contributing to the greater well-being of its patrons.
MELA Index Recognition
As a MELA-endorsed establishment, One80 Kitchen & Lounge takes pride in presenting a wide selection of health-focused dishes that celebrate the best of Mediterranean cuisine. These thoughtfully curated meals include fresh seafood, vibrant vegetables, and lean proteins combined with minimal processing to maintain their natural flavors and nutrients.
Signature dishes that align with MELA’s health-forward mission include:
- Beef Carpaccio with Olive Oil & Parmesan: High in protein and featuring antioxidant-rich olive oil.
- Sharing Plates with Local Ingredients: Perfect for grazing while emphasizing fresh, nutritious produce.
- Flame-Grilled Rib Eye Steak: Mouthwatering yet prepared in a way that maintains its wholesome quality.
- Vegetarian and Vegan Delicacies: Hearty salads, roasted vegetables, and plant-based mains to suit diverse palates.
Culinary Highlights
Signature Dishes
One80 Kitchen & Lounge offers unforgettable meals that appease both food enthusiasts and health-conscious diners:
- Housemade Focaccia with Parma Ham & Burrata: A starter that highlights the richness of fresh burrata paired with the savory undertones of Parma ham.
- Beef Wellington: Perfectly cooked puff pastry encasing tender beef, delivering both indulgence and balance.
- Fresh Seafood Specialties: Featuring locally sourced fish for those savoring authentic flavors of the Mediterranean.
- Healthy Grilled Options: Flame-grilled proteins such as rib eye and chicken prepared with heart-healthy oils and fresh herbs.
Fresh Ingredients & Health-Conscious Options
With ingredients sourced from reliable local producers, each plate at One80 is designed with sustainability and nutrition in mind. Incorporating key Mediterranean staples like olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs, the menu demonstrates how indulgence can pair seamlessly with wellness.
Dining Experience
Ambiance & Atmosphere
Overlooking the serene Mellieħa Bay and the iconic Mellieħa Parish Church, One80 boasts awe-inspiring 180° vantage points ideal for sunny lunches or romantic dinners. The interiors combine modern elegance with comfort, while its panoramic terrace offers alfresco dining beneath the Maltese skies.
Whether you’re seeking a quiet family meal, a celebration with friends, or an intimate dinner for two, One80’s versatile atmosphere creates the perfect setting for every occasion.
Service Excellence
One80 Kitchen & Lounge thrives on delivering impeccable service, ensuring guests feel welcomed and cared for from the moment they arrive. Customer reviews frequently highlight the dedication of the team, including personalized menu recommendations by Cristian and meticulously crafted cocktails by bartender Edward.
Location & Convenience
Prime Mellieħa Location
Conveniently located at 30, Triq il-Wied ta’ Ruman, Mellieħa MLH 4023, One80 provides an unmatched dining destination in the heart of northern Malta. Its spaces offer seamless transitions between scenic views and the vibrant energy of the town, making it a must-visit for locals and travelers alike.
Getting Here
- By Car: Street parking available nearby.
- Public Transit: Just a short walk from Mellieħa bus stops.
- Nearby Landmarks: Close to popular attractions like Mellieħa Bay and the Grotto of Mellieħa.
Accessibility & Amenities
Committed to making your visit as comfortable as possible, One80 Kitchen & Lounge features:
- ♿️ Wheelchair Accessibility: Step-free entrance and accommodating layout.
- 🚚 Delivery: Convenient delivery services through Wolt or Bolt Food apps.
- 📞 Reservations Accepted: Phone reservations highly recommended, especially during weekends and peak tourist seasons.
- 🍺 Full Bar & Creative Cocktails: Local wines, premium beer, and crafted cocktails to complement every meal.
- 🥡 Takeout: Quick and efficient options for diners on-the-go.
- 🍽️ Plentiful Indoor & Outdoor Seating: Comfortable dining areas for every weather and preference.
Perfect For
Tourists Exploring Malta
Located in the picturesque town of Mellieħa, One80 Kitchen & Lounge is a beacon for tourists in search of a memorable dining experience. With its panoramic views, this restaurant provides a perfect detour for those visiting Mellieħa Bay, the Parish Church, or the famed Grotto.
Local Malta Residents
For Malta residents, One80 is a go-to spot for everything from casual weeknight dinners to weekend celebrations. Its tranquil atmosphere and commitment to quality have positioned it as a beloved local staple.
Special Occasions
One80’s elegant ambiance, paired with exceptional service, offers an ideal venue for birthdays, anniversaries, and corporate gatherings. With customizable dining options and flexible seating arrangements, your special moments are in expert hands.
Health & Dietary Accommodations
The restaurant goes above and beyond to accommodate various dietary needs, including:
- Vegetarian & Vegan Options: From creative salads to hearty entrees.
- Gluten-Free Delights: Dishes designed for a balanced, sensitive diet.
- Locally Sourced, Seasonal Ingredients: Ensuring every meal is both delicious and nourishing.
Recent Guest Reviews
“A Truly Memorable Lunch at one80 Mellieħa , Excellent Food, Stunning Views, and Exceptional Service. The seafood was extraordinarily fresh, and Cristian ensured every part of our visit was perfect. We’ll be back!” , Catalin Anton.
“The beef wellington and rib eye steak were extraordinary. Everything, from the locally inspired dishes to the drinks, was immaculate. Worth every penny!” , Sharmae Omaguing.
“Outdoor seating with breathtaking views of the church and the horizon. Perfectly cooked meals and unbelievable service. Edward makes the best passion fruit mojito ever!” , Dasha Elgart.
Summary
One80 Kitchen & Lounge sets a new standard for Mediterranean dining in Mellieħa. Whether you’re savoring freshly grilled seafood, admiring stunning views, or indulging in locally inspired cocktails, this MELA-approved venue ensures your culinary journey in Malta is both fulfilling and unforgettable. For a healthier, more luxurious dining experience, One80 Kitchen & Lounge remains a must-visit gem 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.
