Essence of India: Authentic Indian Dining in Mellieħa
Essence of India brings the rich and vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine to the scenic town of Mellieħa, located within the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa at Golden Sands Bay. Featuring breathtaking views of Golden Bay and a serene atmosphere, this MELA-approved restaurant has become a local favorite for those seeking a sophisticated yet welcoming dining experience on the Maltese Islands.
Restaurant’s Story & Heritage
Essence of India was established with a mission to share authentic Indian culinary traditions with the people of Malta and its visitors. Nestled on the iconic Golden Sands Bay, this restaurant combines traditional recipes with contemporary cooking techniques to ensure every dish reflects the rich cultural heritage of India. From their vegetarian specialties to decadent meat and seafood options, every dish is curated with high-quality ingredients and a passion for exceptional flavor.
Their location within the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa offers a unique fusion of elegant dining complemented by panoramic sea views, providing guests with a memorable experience of Indian hospitality.
MELA Index Recognition
Essence of India proudly supports healthy dining initiatives under the MELA Index. Their menu thoughtfully incorporates vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options to cater to health-conscious diners, without compromising the authentic flavors of Indian cuisine. As a MELA-approved establishment, the restaurant celebrates the philosophy of nutritious eating, offering diverse choices that suit Malta’s vision for promoting well-being.
Culinary Excellence
Signature Dishes & Specialties
Essence of India boasts an impressive menu of Indian classics and original creations, perfect for both adventurous foodies and those seeking familiar favorites:
- Lamb Biryani: Aromatic basmati rice cooked with tender lamb and a blend of traditional spices, served with refreshing raita.
- Paneer Tikka Masala: Smooth and creamy tomato-based curry featuring marinated paneer cheese and fragrant herbs.
- Chili Oil Garlic Naan: A perfect accompaniment to any meal, this bold naan bread is infused with chili oil and garlic, making it unforgettable.
- Mango Lassi: A light, refreshing traditional yogurt-based drink with the natural sweetness of ripe mangoes, a perfect healthy option for soothing your palate.
Fresh Ingredients & Health-Conscious Options
Their chefs focus on sourcing premium ingredients, including local produce and authentic spices imported directly from India. The MELA-approved menu highlights vegetarian and vegan dishes, showcasing Indian cuisine’s adaptability to health-conscious and dietary needs.
Atmosphere & Ambiance
Dining at Essence of India is an experience in elegance and comfort. With dim lighting, soothing background music, and spectacular views of Golden Bay, the atmosphere is ideal for romantic dinners, quiet family meals, or celebratory gatherings. The outdoor seating option allows guests to enjoy a cool breeze and stunning sunsets, making each visit more memorable.
Service Excellence
Essence of India has garnered praise for its exceptional service and welcoming staff. Whether you’re exploring the menu, requesting dietary accommodations, or enjoying personalized recommendations, their team caters to your every need with warmth and professionalism, offering a true taste of Indian hospitality.
Location & Convenience
Prime Mellieħa Location
Situated within the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa at Golden Sands Bay, Essence of India is conveniently located for tourists and locals alike. Just a short drive from Mellieħa’s popular beaches and landmarks, it is the perfect stop for those seeking high-quality Indian dining with a stunning sea view.
Address: Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Golden Sands Bay, Mellieħa, MLH5510, Malta
Getting Here: Ample parking at the resort and nearby public transport options ensure accessibility for all diners.
Accessibility & Amenities
The restaurant goes above and beyond to ensure comfort and convenience for its guests:
- ♿️ Wheelchair Accessible: Step-free entrance and accessible seating options.
- 🚚 Delivery Available: Enjoy Essence of India dishes at home via their delivery services.
- 🥡 Takeout Service: Convenient options for diners on-the-go.
- 🍽️ Dine-in Experience: Elegant indoor seating and a spacious outdoor terrace.
- 📞 Reservations Welcome: Recommended for peak hours and weekends.
- 🍺 Full Bar Service: A wide selection of cocktails, wines, and beers, including Indian specialties.
Perfect For
Tourists Exploring Malta
Essence of India complements Malta’s travel experience with authentic Indian cuisine in a breathtaking setting. After a day at Golden Bay or exploring Mellieħa, unwind with a delicious meal paired with stunning views.
Local Malta Residents
Locals frequent Essence of India as a trusted dining destination for its premium flavors, welcoming service, and thoughtful health-conscious options aligned with MELA standards.
Romantic Dinners & Special Occasions
Its sea-view dining and serene ambiance make Essence of India a popular choice for romantic dates, birthday celebrations, or anniversaries.
Health & Dietary Accommodations
As champions of healthy dining, Essence of India prioritizes dietary flexibility for all guests, offering:
- Vegetarian Options: Paneer dishes, vegetable curries, and traditional Indian starters.
- Vegan-Friendly Choices: Flavorful dals (lentil curries), vegetable biryanis, and fresh salads.
- Gluten-Free Menu Items: Tandoori grilled selections and curries paired with rice.
- Low-Sodium Options: Adjusted seasoning upon request for health-conscious diners.
Guest Reviews
“The food was absolutely incredible! Dining with a sea view in such a peaceful atmosphere truly made it an unforgettable evening. Highly recommended for a special occasion.” , Federico Giacumbo
“One of the best Indian meals we’ve had! The owner even took the time to explain the spices and preparation methods. We will definitely return.” , D. Nguyen
“Great food, attentive service, and cozy ambiance. The Lamb Biryani and Mango Lassi were superb. Would highly recommend Essence of India!” , Vish Nair
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Essence of India |
| Address | Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Golden Sands Bay, Mellieħa, MLH5510, Malta |
| Cuisine | Indian (Vegetarian/Vegan/Gluten-Free options available) |
| Price Range | $$$$ (Higher-end dining; excellent value for quality) |
| Special Features | Breathtaking views, full bar, outdoor seating, reservations available |
| Opening Hours | Tue-Sat: 18:30, 22:00; Sun: 12:30, 15:00; Mon: Closed |
| Reviews | Excellent food, service, ambiance; Travelers’ Choice 2024 |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible, parking, delivery, healthy options |
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.
