Da Ciccio Cucina: Authentic Italian & Mediterranean Dining in Mellieħa
Experience the genuine flavors of Italy and the Mediterranean at Da Ciccio Cucina, a MELA-approved restaurant located in the charming seaside town of Mellieħa, Malta. Known for its warm hospitality and exquisite cuisine, Da Ciccio Cucina is the perfect dining destination for tourists and locals craving authentic dishes in a welcoming atmosphere.
Restaurant’s Story & Heritage
Da Ciccio Cucina has become a staple of Mellieħa’s culinary scene with its dedication to traditional Italian and Mediterranean flavors. Run by passionate chefs committed to preserving the authenticity of their cuisine, Da Ciccio Cucina is more than a dining spot, it’s a celebration of flavorful tradition. Perfectly situated on the serene Triq Dun Frangisk Sciberras street, this restaurant embodies Mellieħa’s peaceful charm while serving wholesome, high-quality dishes that reflect its ethos of nurturing food culture.
MELA Index Recognition
Da Ciccio Cucina is proud to be recognized by the MELA Restaurants Index, showcasing its commitment to serving balanced, nutritious options alongside its flavorful mainstays. Their menu seamlessly integrates Mediterranean eating principles, featuring dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients and health-focused preparation methods. Discover healthy Italian and Maltese-inspired meals that align with MELA’s mission to promote well-being through nutrition.
Culinary Highlights
Signature Dishes
The restaurant is famed for its expertly prepared offerings that pay homage to classic Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Notable dishes include:
- Fresh Pasta Cooked Al Dente: A guest favorite, this traditional dish is made daily with locally sourced ingredients.
- Octopus Starters: Tender, fresh, and delicately seasoned, offering a true taste of the Mediterranean Sea.
- Tagliata: Juicy, top-quality cuts of meat served with fresh sides.
- Homemade Tiramisu: The perfect sweet end to your meal, crafted with love.
- Healthy MELA Option: Farm-fresh vegetables paired with grilled fish, light, nutritious, and delicious.
Fresh Ingredients & Health-Conscious Options
Da Ciccio Cucina is dedicated to using only the finest ingredients, from locally sourced produce to high-quality meats and seafood. By focusing on healthful preparation methods like grilling and light seasoning, they ensure that every dish is bursting with flavor while being mindful of well-being.
Atmosphere & Ambiance
Whether you’re looking to enjoy an intimate dinner for two or a lively meal with friends and family, Da Ciccio Cucina offers a versatile dining environment. The restaurant features cozy interiors with a warm ambiance and the option for outdoor seating on a quiet street perfect for soaking in Mellieħa’s tranquil beauty.
Service Excellence
Guests consistently praise the courteous and attentive staff at Da Ciccio Cucina, including mentions of James, the charismatic host who often surprises patrons with his unique magic tricks. The dedication of the team ensures every diner feels welcomed and leaves with a memorable experience.
Location & Accessibility
Situated in the picturesque town of Mellieħa, Da Ciccio Cucina is just a short stroll from some of the area’s most iconic landmarks, like Mellieħa Parish Church and Mellieħa Bay.
Address: Triq Dun Frangisk Sciberras, Mellieħa, Malta
Operating Hours: Daily, 6 PM , 10 PM
Accessibility: Free street parking and a quiet location make this restaurant easily accessible.
Amenities
- 📦 Takeout Available: Perfect for enjoying restaurant-quality meals in the comfort of your home or at a scenic picnic spot.
- 🍽 Dine-in Experience: Relax in a cozy dining space, offering both indoor and outdoor seating.
- 📞 Reservations Welcome: Guarantee your table for a memorable experience, particularly during busy tourist seasons.
- 🚚 Delivery Service: Bringing the flavors of the Mediterranean to your doorstep.
- 🍺 Beer Selection: Pair your meal with a refreshing beer, carefully chosen to complement the dishes.
Perfect For
Tourists Exploring Mellieħa
Da Ciccio Cucina is a must-visit for visitors eager to discover authentic Italian cuisine during their Maltese adventure. Located just minutes from Mellieħa’s scenic beaches, it provides a perfect dinner option after a day of sun, sea, and sightseeing.
Work-Friendly Dining
Entrepreneurs and remote workers will appreciate the calm and welcoming ambiance. Whether for a working dinner or team conversation, the restaurant doubles as a great spot for professional discussions enhanced by fantastic food.
Family Gatherings & Celebrations
Offering generous portions, family-style dining options, and a kids-friendly menu, it’s an ideal venue for intimate family meals and special celebrations.
Health-Conscious Food Enthusiasts
Aligned with MELA’s health philosophy, the restaurant excels in delivering naturally nutritious meals, catering to diners who prioritize well-being without compromising on flavor.
Health & Dietary Accommodations
As part of the MELA Index, Da Ciccio Cucina is prepared to meet various dietary preferences and requirements:
- Vegetarian Options: Flavor-packed pasta dishes with fresh vegetable sauces.
- Gluten-Free Meals: Modified pasta options and seafood dishes for those with gluten restrictions.
- Vegan-Friendly Adaptations: Customizable salads and vegetable dishes filled with the vibrancy of Mediterranean flavors.
- Heart-Healthy Choices: Grilled seafood and fresh sides with olive oil dressing, ensuring low sodium and balanced nutrition.
Recent Reviews & Recognition
“Lovely restaurant. Very nice location. Food was great. The pasta was cooked al dente.”
, C. Maan (5⭐)
“We went for a late dinner and were still warmly welcomed. The service was excellent from the start. James was outstanding, and he even surprised us with some magic tricks! Highly recommended!”
, Nuria Zambrana (5⭐)
“Every dish was prepared with care and full of flavor. The service was excellent, with very polite and friendly staff.”
, Dimitris Kypraios (5⭐)
“Nice place for a quick bite. Outside and inside seating close to the center but tucked on a quiet side street. James, the host, is also a great entertainer.”
, Javier Fenech (5⭐)
Da Ciccio Cucina invites you to indulge in a culinary experience that combines tradition, health, and the best of Italian-Mediterranean flavors, all while enjoying the serene beauty of Mellieħa.
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.
