Il Pirata Mellieha Bay: Authentic Mediterranean Dining at Mellieha’s Stunning Seafront
Savor the true essence of Mediterranean cuisine at Il Pirata Mellieha Bay, a beloved seaside restaurant nestled against the breathtaking turquoise waters of Mellieha Bay. Known for its fresh seafood, artisanal pizzas, and idyllic coastal ambiance, this MELA-friendly destination blends exceptional dining with some of the best views in Malta.
Restaurant’s Story & Heritage
At its core, Il Pirata Mellieha Bay celebrates the richness of Mediterranean culinary traditions. Located on the sunlit shores of Mellieha, this restaurant caters to both locals and tourists seeking an exceptional dining experience tied to the flavors and natural beauty of Malta. Deeply tied to the sea, Il Pirata’s menu brings the best of the Med to your plate, from freshly caught seafood to traditional pizzas crafted in-house.
Committed to quality, the restaurant has earned its esteemed position in the MELA Restaurants in Malta Directory, reflecting its focus on serving wholesome Mediterranean dishes made from fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients.
MELA Index Recognition
Being a MELA Index-approved restaurant, Il Pirata Mellieha Bay emphasizes healthy dining with a Mediterranean flair. The menu includes daily fresh seafood, heart-healthy pizzas, and vegetarian-friendly options, making it a prime choice for those who value taste as much as nutrition.
Signature MELA-compliant healthy choices include:
- BBQ Glazed Octopus on Rice: A gluten-free and lactose-free dish bursting with protein and Mediterranean flavors.
- Daily Fresh Fish: Always paired with a mindful selection of locally grown vegetables or light sides.
- Amatriciana Pizza: Light, flavorful, and a perfect blend of traditional and fresh ingredients.
Culinary Highlights
Signature Dishes
Let the restaurant’s standout menu transport your taste buds with specialties like:
- Pasta Gamberi e Zucchini with Pistachio Pesto , A delightful combination of fresh prawns, al dente pasta, and nutty pesto.
- Oysters and Fried Calamari , A nod to the nearby waters of the Mediterranean, served fresh and skillfully prepared.
- Pizza Amatriciana , An aromatic pizza, cooked to perfection in a traditional pizza oven.
- Mortadella Pizza , A fan favorite, noted for its perfect crust and high-quality toppings.
Fresh Ingredients & Health-Conscious Options
The team at Il Pirata sources ingredients locally to ensure that every dish bursts with natural Mediterranean flavors. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available, ensuring there’s something for every palate.
Dining Experience
Atmosphere & Ambiance
Whether you prefer dining indoors or outdoors, Il Pirata Mellieha Bay offers the perfect setting. Enjoy alfresco meals on the terrace overlooking Mellieha Bay’s serene waters or relax inside in an inviting air-conditioned space. The restaurant is praised for its stunning seafront views, making it ideal for romantic dinners, casual lunches, and family outings alike.
Service Excellence
The staff at Il Pirata are known for their warm and attentive service, offering thoughtful recommendations and ensuring each dining experience is memorable. Families particularly appreciate the kid-friendly amenities, including crayons and a coloring menu to keep young diners engaged while adults enjoy the eclectic menu.
Location & Convenience
Prime Mellieha Location
Situated at 20 Triq Il-Marfa, Mellieħa, MLH 9061, the restaurant offers easy accessibility in the scenic Mellieha Bay area. Whether you’re heading to the beach, exploring nearby hiking trails, or stopping by for an elegant dinner, Il Pirata Mellieha Bay is perfectly located for all occasions.
Address: 20 Triq Il-Marfa, Mellieħa, MLH 9061, Malta
Contact: +356 7921 4910
Getting Here: Free on-site parking and bus stops within walking distance.
Accessibility & Amenities
- ♿️ Inclusive Dining: Step-free accessibility ensures that all guests can dine comfortably.
- 🚚 Delivery Available: Enjoy restaurant-quality meals delivered straight to your doorstep.
- 🥡 Takeout Service: Perfect for those on the go, offering all your favorite items packed fresh.
- 🍽 Dine-In Experience: Reserve a table for a relaxing meal at one of Mellieha’s most scenic spots.
- 📞 Reservation-Friendly: Call in advance during peak times or to secure a spot overlooking the seaside.
- 🍺 Full Bar Service: Pair your meal with a refreshing beer or a glass of local wine.
Perfect For
Tourists Exploring Mellieha Bay
Capture the magic of a Mediterranean sunset while indulging in fresh seafood or handmade pizza. With its stunning location overlooking one of Malta’s most picturesque bays, Il Pirata is a must-visit for travelers seeking an unforgettable dining experience.
Families, Couples, and Locals
With flexible options for families, romantic ambiance for couples, and affordable yet gourmet meals for locals, Il Pirata Mellieha Bay is a versatile spot that caters to multiple preferences and dining occasions.
Events & Gatherings
Whether celebrating a special occasion or hosting a relaxed evening out, the restaurant’s accommodating team and spacious seating make it an ideal venue for birthdays, anniversaries, or casual meetups.
Health & Dietary Accommodations
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Unique pizzas and pasta crafted with fresh vegetables.
- Vegan Options Available: Ask the staff for recommendations tailored to your needs.
- Gluten-Free Choices: From fresh seafood dishes to specially made sides, dining here is both safe and satisfying.
- Lactose-Free Selections: Including BBQ glazed octopus and other signature items.
Recent Guest Reviews
“Perfect location and good pizzas. Loved the dough. The amatriciana pizza was great. Will come back for sure; love the location and service.” , Carolina Ugarte G. (5⭐)
“Great food, even better view! The dishes were tasty and felt gourmet without trying too hard. A charming spot that feeds both your stomach and your Instagram.” , Emna Hammedi (4⭐)
“Fresh oysters, delicious calamari, and top-notch seafood pasta. The service was attentive and kid-friendly, which made for an enjoyable family dinner!” , Nora Hevesi (5⭐)
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Mellieha Bay, Triq Il-Marfa, Mellieħa, Malta |
| Cuisine | Mediterranean, Seafood, Pizza |
| Price Range | $$ – $$$ |
| Service | Reservations, Takeout, Delivery, Kid-Friendly |
| Signature Dishes | BBQ Octopus, Seafood Pasta, Authentic Pizzas |
| Amenities | Outdoor Seating, Beer Service, Family Dining |
| Contact | +356 7921 4910 |
Escape to Il Pirata Mellieha Bay for exquisite Mediterranean flavors, scenic views, and an unforgettable dining experience, right in the heart of Mellieha.
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.
