Tortuga Malta: Mediterranean Dining with a Waterfront View in Mellieha
Tortuga Malta blends the charm of a seaside escape with the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean and European cuisine. Located in Little Armier Bay, Mellieha, this waterfront restaurant is a favorite among locals and tourists seeking a relaxed dining experience by the sparkling blue sea.
Restaurant’s Story & Heritage
Tortuga Malta is all about creating memorable seaside dining experiences. Known for pairing breathtaking views with fresh seafood and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, the restaurant embraces the flavors of coastal living. With its casual beach bar vibe, Tortuga is the perfect spot to unwind under the sun, enjoy happy hours, and savor family-friendly meals created using fresh, quality ingredients.
MELA Index Recognition
As part of Malta’s MELA Restaurant Directory, Tortuga Malta proudly supports the initiative to promote healthy dining options. Their menu includes thoughtfully prepared Mediterranean-inspired dishes like fresh salads and vegan options that reflect the restaurant’s mission to offer nutritious and satisfying meals suitable for every diner.
Culinary Highlights
Signature Dishes & Specialties
Visitors to Tortuga Malta rave about the restaurant’s fresh seafood platters and Mediterranean classics, perfectly tailored to the coastal dining experience. Must-try items include:
- Seafood Platter: Octopus, calamari, mussels, large prawns, fish cakes, fried cod, served with fresh salad and fries.
- Pistachio Cake: A homemade dessert paired with rich ice cream.
- Smoothie Mocktails: Delicately crafted fruit blends suitable for all ages.
- MELA Approved Salad Bowl: Crisp, seasonal greens with olive oil dressing, perfect for health-conscious diners.
Fresh Ingredients & Health-Conscious Options
Headlined by fresh Mediterranean seafood, Tortuga Malta’s menu emphasizes wholesome ingredients that align with the MELA Index’s values. Their options include vegan dishes for plant-based diners and low-calorie alternatives for those seeking lighter meals.
Atmosphere & Ambiance
The restaurant’s charming waterfront location makes it ideal for an afternoon of relaxation. Enjoy the salty sea breeze under simple covered seating that sets the tone for both casual lunches and golden sunsets. With live music enhancing its laid-back vibe, Tortuga Malta offers an inviting atmosphere for families, couples, and group hangouts.
Service Excellence
Tortuga Malta is known for its attentive and friendly staff who are always ready to ensure a delightful dining experience. Whether it’s helping with menu suggestions or creating a welcoming environment, the service reflects genuine Maltese hospitality.
Location & Convenience
Located in Mellieha’s tranquil Little Armier Bay, Tortuga Malta is perfectly positioned for seaside enthusiasts wanting to combine dining with breathtaking ocean views and a relaxed beach vibe.
Address: Little Armier Bay, Mellieha, MLH 5940, Malta
🅿️ Free Off-Street Parking
Getting Here: Accessible via car with ample parking available, or through nearby public transportation options.
Accessibility & Amenities
Tortuga Malta ensures every guest has a comfortable visit by offering:
- ♿️ Wheelchair Accessible: Step-free entry and facilities for individuals with mobility needs.
- 🍹 Full Bar: A diverse drink menu including beers and cocktail options.
- 🍽️ Dine-In Experience: Spacious seating with waterfront views.
- 📞 Reservations: Recommended during peak weekends.
- 📦 Takeout Service: Perfect for picnics by the beach.
Perfect For
Tourists Exploring Mellieha
Enjoy a taste of coastal Malta with Tortuga’s seafood specialties in an idyllic beach setting. Whether you’re on a romantic getaway or an adventurous seaside exploration, the restaurant’s unbeatable sunset views and fresh cuisine elevate your experience.
Local Malta Residents
Tortuga Malta is a local gem for relaxed afternoons at the beach, offering delicious lunch platters and refreshing drinks to complement the island lifestyle.
Family-Friendly Dining
Bring the whole family for a day at the beach, complete with healthy meal options, upscale smoothies for kids, and plenty of space to unwind.
Health & Dietary Accommodations
Committed to MELA standards, Tortuga Malta caters to various dietary preferences:
- Vegan-Friendly: Seasonal salads and vegetable dishes prepared with olive oil and fresh herbs.
- Heart-Healthy Choices: Grilled seafood and salad options.
- Gluten-Free Alternatives: Upon request for certain menu items.
- Low-Calorie Meals: Light preparations with fresh ingredients perfect for wellness-focused diners.
Guest Reviews
“Great location on the water with simple covered seating. Our server was very friendly and attentive. The teenagers had freshly-made smoothie mocktails. We shared a large seafood platter… Totally recommend.” , Car Car La la la la. (5⭐)
“Great place to have lunch and relax under the sun! We took 2 sunbeds for 20€ for the day… later we went for lunch, the food was tasty for a beach bar. I loved the beach was natural and not crowded.” , MrZochoR (5⭐)
“Perfect location to spend the day by the beach with family and friends. Surprised by the fantastic service offered in this place as also the good tasty food offered. Don’t forget about happy hour and sunset!” , David Farrugia (5⭐)
Why Choose Tortuga Malta?
Whether you’re searching for Mellieha’s best waterfront dining or a healthy Mediterranean meal in a serene beachside setting, Tortuga Malta delivers on all fronts. Come for the views, stay for the food, and make unforgettable memories by the sea!
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.
