Trattoria Ix-Xatba: Authentic Italian Dining in Mellieħa
Experience an authentic taste of Italian cuisine at Trattoria Ix-Xatba, nestled in the serene town of Mellieħa near Mellieħa Bay. This family-run trattoria is celebrated for its homemade antipasti, fresh seafood, and signature truffle dishes, making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists. With its inviting ambiance, commitment to fresh ingredients, and professional service, Trattoria Ix-Xatba brings the essence of Italy to Malta’s northern coast.
Restaurant’s Story & Heritage
Trattoria Ix-Xatba prides itself on being a family-operated labor of love, serving the Mellieħa community and visitors with meticulously crafted Italian dishes. Located on Triq il-Marfa, just steps from the picturesque Mellieħa Bay, the restaurant is inspired by the traditional culinary art of Italy and the Mediterranean lifestyle. Known for blending high-quality ingredients with age-old recipes, the restaurant has become synonymous with fresh, authentic flavors that highlight the true essence of Italian dining.
Since opening its doors, Trattoria Ix-Xatba has drawn attention for its friendly team and curated menu that celebrates seasonal dishes. The team, led by Manager Christian, embodies warmth and professionalism, ensuring diners feel right at home while enjoying an exceptional culinary adventure.
Signature Dishes & Healthy Options
Culinary Highlights
Trattoria Ix-Xatba features an exquisite menu tailored to delight food lovers. Here are a few must-try dishes:
- Wild Boar Ragu Pasta: A hearty, flavorful pasta dish crafted with the freshest ingredients.
- Fresh Truffle Creations: Ideal for truffle enthusiasts, these dishes perfectly combine indulgence with finesse.
- Rib Eye Steak: Grilled to perfection, this dish is a favorite for meat aficionados.
- Fresh Seafood Specialties: Sourced locally to ensure unbeatable quality, including the celebrated grilled red snapper which is described as divine by loyal diners.
- Burrata Starter: A creamy burrata paired with fresh tomatoes and herbs, a delicious and refreshing appetizer.
Health-Conscious Options
As a family-run Italian trattoria, Trattoria Ix-Xatba emphasizes fresh, seasonal, and nutrient-rich ingredients. Their fish-based dishes and Mediterranean staples align perfectly with heart-healthy dining preferences, making it an excellent choice for MELA Index diners seeking nutritious yet flavorful meals.
Dining Experience
Atmosphere & Ambiance
The warm and cozy interior of Trattoria Ix-Xatba creates the perfect setting for any occasion, from intimate date nights to larger gatherings with loved ones. A delightful view of St. Mary’s Church perched high above Mellieħa Bay provides the restaurant with a charming backdrop, adding to the memorable dining experience.
Service Excellence
The restaurant team, guided by Manager Christian, delivers exceptional service that leaves guests raving about their warm hospitality and attentive care. From expertly executed wine pairings to friendly menu recommendations, the team ensures each visit ranks as a highlight of your time in Mellieħa.
Location & Accessibility
Prime Mellieħa Location
Conveniently located on Triq il-Marfa near Mellieħa Bay, Trattoria Ix-Xatba is in the heart of Malta’s northern food scene. It’s a stone’s throw from major landmarks like Ghadira Bay and St. Mary’s Church, making it a perfect dining destination for beachgoers, families, and holidaymakers.
Address: Triq il-Marfa, Mellieħa, Malta
Contact: (+356) 21521753
Website: Trattoria Ix-Xatba
Amenities & Features
- 📞 Reservations: Highly recommended due to its popularity among locals and travelers alike.
- 🍽️ Dine-In: Enjoy a tasteful and welcoming interior paired with cozy group seating.
- 📦 Takeout: Perfect for families or tourists on the go, ensuring you can enjoy flavorsome Italian meals wherever you are.
- 🍺 Beer Service: Indulge in refreshing beer options to complement your meal.
Perfect For
Tourists Exploring Mellieħa
Trattoria Ix-Xatba is a must-visit spot for travelers exploring the natural and cultural beauty of Mellieħa. Whether it’s a romantic evening or a casual meal, this trattoria offers tourists an authentic taste of Italy in a quintessential Maltese setting.
Local Food Enthusiasts
This is a hidden gem for those residing in Mellieħa keen to experience quality Italian specialties without traveling far. The restaurant’s truffle dishes and fresh seafood often top local recommendations.
Families & Groups
With its welcoming layout, friendly service, and balanced menu, the restaurant ensures that large groups and families enjoy a relaxed, high-quality meal together.
Guest Reviews
“Whatever you choose from the meat section will not disappoint. I was there with my girl, and dessert was almost as sweet as her. Atmosphere is incredible and amazing service, will come again!” , Nikola Vuksanovic (5⭐)
“We really enjoyed this place, amazing food and 5-star service at a well-balanced price. Will definitely go again!” , Robert Cassar (5⭐)
“Visited this restaurant over the weekend with my friends, and I cannot explain how good a job they have done in this newly established trattoria. A must-try for fresh truffle lovers and more. Well done to the team.” , Melvin Cilia (5⭐)
Final Takeaway
Whether you’re a local or a tourist searching for authentic Italian dining in Mellieħa, Trattoria Ix-Xatba delivers exceptional culinary experiences rooted in tradition, quality, and hospitality. Be sure to make a reservation to savor their unforgettable dishes and warm ambiance amidst one of Malta’s most picturesque towns!
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.
