Balance Bowl: Plant-Based Culinary Excellence in Il Gzira
Balance Bowl, located in the vibrant waterfront town of Il Gzira, Malta, is a MELA-approved restaurant dedicated to redefining healthy dining with creative plant-based cuisine. Offering a range of flavorful, healthy dishes, this restaurant is ideal for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone seeking nutritious meals in a stylish and welcoming environment.
Restaurant’s Story & Heritage
Balance Bowl was founded with a mission to create mouthwatering plant-based dishes that don’t compromise on flavor or creativity. With a focus on fresh, wholesome ingredients, the restaurant has become a go-to destination for Malta locals and visitors craving healthier dining options. Its culinary philosophy embodies the values of sustainability, wellness, and flavorful innovation, earning recognition on Malta’s MELA Index for its commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles.
MELA Index Recognition
As a proud member of the MELA Directory, Balance Bowl delivers an exceptional plant-based dining experience that supports Malta’s vision for a healthier population. Featuring inventive vegan creations like their Cauliflower NO Steak and the protein-packed Buddha Bowl, Balance Bowl invites guests to enjoy dishes carefully crafted with nutrient-rich ingredients that cater to diverse dietary needs.
Culinary Highlights
Signature Dishes
Balance Bowl’s menu features an array of innovative plant-based specialties that are both healthy and delicious:
- Cauliflower NO Steak , Smoky roasted cauliflower served with a medley of sauces and seasonal vegetables, a favorite among vegan diners.
- NO Calamari Crunch , Crispy battered oyster mushrooms that offer a mouthwatering alternative to traditional seafood.
- Buddha Bowl , A hearty mix of fresh vegetables, creamy avocado, and vibrant sauces, this dish is perfect for health enthusiasts.
- Umami Burger , A plant-based burger bursting with flavor, served with perfect sweet potato fries.
Fresh Ingredients & Health-Conscious Options
Balance Bowl sources fresh produce locally and emphasizes superfoods in its menu. From turmeric and ginger shots to antioxidant-packed dishes, every plate is a testament to their commitment to wellness and quality.
Atmosphere & Ambiance
Balance Bowl combines modern design with cozy vibes, creating the perfect setting for casual brunches, intimate dinners, or celebratory cocktails. With waterfront views and stylish décor, guests can enjoy their meals in a serene and uplifting environment.
Service Excellence
Friendly and attentive service is a hallmark of Balance Bowl. The staff are knowledgeable, accommodating to dietary preferences, and passionate about sharing their love for plant-based cuisine. Whether advising on menu selections or crafting delicious cocktails like their famous Pornstar Martini, the team goes above and beyond to ensure a delightful dining experience.
Location & Convenience
Address: 182 Triq IX-Xatt, Il Gzira, Malta GZR 1024
Getting Here: Located along Il Gzira’s scenic waterfront promenade, Balance Bowl is easily accessible by public transport and offers nearby street parking.
Accessibility & Amenities
Balance Bowl welcomes all guests with thoughtful features:
- ♿️ Wheelchair Accessible: Step-free entrance and comprehensive seating options for easy mobility.
- 🚚 Delivery Available: Enjoy Balance Bowl’s healthy creations from the comfort of your home via local delivery services.
- 🥡 Takeout Service: Quick and seamless takeout for busy diners.
- 🍽️ Dine-in Experience: A range of seating options with views of Malta’s sparkling waterfront.
- 📞 Reservations: Recommended for weekends and dinner service to ensure availability.
- 🍺 Full Bar Service: Cocktails and a selection of international beers complement the dining offerings.
Perfect For
Tourists Exploring Malta
Balance Bowl is an essential stop for travelers seeking vibrant flavors and a health-conscious dining experience in Il Gzira. Whether enjoying a casual bite after a day of exploring Malta or searching for the perfect waterfront restaurant, Balance Bowl offers a unique culinary adventure.
Local Malta Residents
Malta locals return to Balance Bowl for its creative vegan offerings, welcoming atmosphere, and commitment to healthy dining. From midday work breaks to romantic dinners, Balance Bowl serves as a favorite choice for Il Gzira residents.
Special Occasions
Ideal for hosting events or celebrations, Balance Bowl caters to small group gatherings with a variety of menu offerings and customizable options to make every occasion memorable.
Health & Dietary Accommodations
Balance Bowl ensures diverse options for every dietary preference:
- Vegan-Friendly: 100% of their menu is plant-based, making it a haven for vegans.
- Gluten-Free Available: Options crafted with gluten-sensitive guests in mind.
- Nut-Free Selections: Clearly marked dishes free of nut products.
- Heart-Healthy Choices: Low-fat and nutrient-rich dishes designed for a mindful lifestyle.
- Clean Ingredients: Sourced locally and sustainably, with minimal processing.
Guest Reviews
“The Cauliflower NO Steak was phenomenal. Who knew cauliflower could taste so good? I’m still dreaming about the flavors!” , Patrycja Jastrzębska
“Their Buddha Bowl and sweet potato fries are my new favorite meals in Malta. The quality has spoiled me for other places!” , zinfinite8
“You don’t have to be vegan to fall in love with this place. Every dish is packed with flavor, and the service is impeccable!” , Jam ie
“Best plant-based dishes on the island! You won’t miss meat here, trust me!” , Sandy Breddin
Balance Bowl is the ultimate destination for innovative plant-based cuisine that captures the heart and soul of Malta’s evolving food scene. Plan your visit to experience healthy dining in one of Il Gzira’s favorite waterfront spots!
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.


