Amami Food Bar: Authentic Japanese Dining in Mellieha
Discover an exquisite fusion of Japanese flavors at Amami Food Bar, a MELA-approved restaurant located in the charming heart of Mellieha, Malta. Renowned for its innovative take on Japanese cuisine and its commitment to health-conscious dining, Amami Food Bar ensures an unparalleled dining experience for both locals and tourists.
Restaurant’s Story & Heritage
Amami Food Bar is an extension of the prestigious Amami brand, inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Japan. Established in 2018 and conveniently located on Marfa Road, Mellieha, it brings a modern twist to classic Japanese dishes while adhering to the highest standards of flavor and presentation. The restaurant is inspired by the Amami Islands of Japan, reflecting their connection to nature, authenticity, and minimalism in design and cuisine.
Their founding mission revolves around blending the art of Japanese cooking with the fresh ingredients of Malta’s vibrant local food scene, contributing to the broader landscape of healthy eating across the islands.
MELA Index Recognition
As a proud member of the MELA Index, Amami Food Bar is at the forefront of Malta’s movement to embrace health-conscious dining. Their menu features a wide variety of nutritious yet indulgent dishes, such as protein-packed sushi options and gluten-free alternatives, tailored to meet the dietary preferences of modern diners.
Culinary Excellence
Signature Dishes & Specialties
Amami Food Bar’s menu offers a wide range of specialties bursting with bold, authentic flavors. Some must-try dishes include:
- Tofu Red Thai Curry: An expertly crafted dish embodying traditional Thai flavors, lauded by guests as one of the best curries outside of Thailand.
- Signature Sushi Rolls: Handcrafted with fresh, sustainable seafood and visually stunning presentation.
- Ramen Bowls: Comforting, hearty bowls that provide both warmth and nourishment.
- Healthy Bento Box Option: A delightful medley of lean proteins, fresh vegetables, and whole grains designed to provide a balanced yet flavorful meal.
Fresh Ingredients & Health-Conscious Options
At Amami Food Bar, sustainability meets nutrition. The team uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients to ensure each dish is both delicious and health-focused. The MELA-approved menu caters to vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free diners, making it a beacon for those with diverse dietary needs.
Dining Experience
Atmosphere & Ambiance
Amami Food Bar blends modern sophistication with Japanese-inspired minimalism. Overlooking the stunning Mellieha Bay, diners can enjoy a serene ambiance perfect for casual lunches, romantic dinners, or small group gatherings. The warm yet understated interiors create a welcoming environment for everyone, from health-conscious food lovers to adventurous tourists.
Service Excellence
Guests consistently praise the exceptional service provided by the team at Amami Food Bar. The attentive, polite staff is always ready to recommend menu options or accommodate special requests, ensuring that every visitor leaves with a memorable dining experience.
Location & Convenience
Prime Mellieha Location
Situated along Marfa Road in Mellieha, Amami Food Bar offers diners easy access to one of Malta’s most picturesque coastal areas. Whether you’re finishing a day’s exploration or planning a romantic sunset dinner, the restaurant promises both convenience and style.
Address: Marfa Road, Mellieha, Island of Malta MLH 9061
Getting Here: Accessible via car, with ample parking available. For visitors relying on public transport, it’s a short walk from the nearest bus stop.
Accessibility & Amenities
Amami Food Bar ensures an inclusive dining experience with features such as wheelchair accessibility and multiple service options:
- ♿ Wheelchair Accessible: Barrier-free access and facilities for all diners.
- 🚚 Delivery Available: Enjoy Amami’s bold Japanese flavors at home with island-wide delivery options.
- 📦 Takeout Service: Conveniently packaged meals for those on the go.
- 🍽 Dine-in Seating: Contemporary, comfortable seating arrangements.
- 📞 Reservations Welcome: Guaranteed seating for special occasions and peak times.
- 🍺 Full Bar Options: Serve a range of drinks, including traditional Japanese beverages and local beers.
Perfect For
Tourists Exploring Malta
Amami Food Bar is celebrated as a “must-visit” culinary destination for tourists exploring Mellieha. Perfectly located near Mellieha Bay and other attractions, it provides an authentic Japanese dining experience enhanced by Malta’s stunning coastal charm.
Local Malta Residents
Locals appreciate Amami Food Bar’s commitment to consistency and culinary integrity. From busy professionals seeking a health-conscious lunch option to friends and families gathering for an indulgent dinner, Amami is a go-to spot for high-quality Japanese cuisine.
Casual & Special Occasions
Whether you’re catching up with friends over sushi and sake or celebrating a milestone with a romantic dinner overlooking the bay, Amami Food Bar provides the perfect blend of intimate ambiance and exceptional food.
Health & Dietary Accommodations
As a MELA-affiliated restaurant, Amami Food Bar caters to a wide range of dietary preferences:
- Vegetarian Options: Including tofu-based and plant-heavy signature bowls.
- Vegan-Friendly: Sushi rolls and hot dishes designed to satisfy plant-based eaters.
- Gluten-Free Available: Sushi wraps, bento boxes, and more adjusted for gluten-free diners upon request.
- Heart-Healthy Choices: Low-sodium preparations and lean protein options highlight their commitment to health.
Recent Guest Reviews
“The food was awesome (great chefs), and the manager, super efficient, welcoming and professional. Oh, and the tofu Red Thai curry? Hands down, one of the best I’ve tried, it brought back memories of Thailand!” , Jane (5⭐)
“The best restaurant in Campus Hub! Delicious food, friendly waiters, and reasonable prices. I’ve visited twice, once for lunch and another for dinner, and both experiences were wonderful!” , Marina Maia (5⭐)
“If you haven’t tried Amami Food Bar yet, you’re missing out! The service is impeccable, and the food is bursting with unforgettable flavors. Highly recommend!” , Suraj Pun (5⭐)
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.
