The Hilltop: Authentic Maltese, Italian & Mediterranean Flavors in Mellieħa, Malta
Nestled on Gorg Borg Olivier Street in the scenic town of Mellieħa, The Hilltop offers a unique dining experience combining the rich culinary heritage of Maltese, Italian, and Mediterranean cuisines. With breathtaking hilltop views and a focus on hearty yet health-conscious dishes, The Hilltop is a proud feature in Malta’s MELA Restaurants Directory. Whether you’re a local seeking a relaxing meal or a tourist eager to taste authentic Maltese flavors, The Hilltop ensures a memorable dining experience.
About The Hilltop
Restaurant’s Story & Heritage
The Hilltop restaurant boasts an inviting atmosphere reflecting the area’s natural beauty. Conveniently located near Mellieħa Parish Church and Mellieħa Bay, the restaurant brings years of expertise in curating a menu influenced by Malta’s vibrant culinary traditions and the Mediterranean lifestyle.
The Hilltop is renowned for its dedication to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Pairing tradition with a modern twist, their menu serves up hearty portions that don’t compromise on quality or authentic flavor.
MELA Index Recognition
As a MELA-recognized establishment, The Hilltop is committed to offering nutritious dining options without compromising on taste. Their curated selection of health-conscious meals aligns with Malta’s mission to support well-being and longevity. From vegetarian offerings to gluten-free and heart-healthy dishes, you’ll find something for every palate.
Culinary Excellence
Signature Dishes & Specialties
The Hilltop excels in Maltese and Mediterranean culinary classics. Must-try specialties include:
- Seafood Paella: Rich and flavorful with fresh seafood, saffron, and perfectly cooked rice.
- Linguine Marinara: A medley of local shellfish and octopus in a bold, zesty sauce.
- Feta Salad: Crisp vegetables paired with creamy feta and fresh herbs.
- Deep-Fried Local Cheeselets: Drizzled with honey and walnuts, a perfect appetizer merging sweetness and savory.
- Traditional Imqaret (Date Pastry): A Maltese favorite to complete your meal.
Fresh Ingredients & Health-Conscious Options
The Hilltop prides itself on using natural, high-quality ingredients, including locally-sourced seafood and organic produce. Health-conscious diners will appreciate options like salads, grilled seafood, and vegetarian pasta dishes, crafted with the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition.
Dining Experience
Atmosphere & Ambiance
Experience a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere framed by stunning views overlooking Mellieħa and the surrounding landscapes. The Hilltop’s hilltop terrace is ideal for outdoor dining under the Maltese sky, while the interior offers a cozy and casual setting suitable for families, tourists, and romantic evenings.
Service Excellence
At The Hilltop, attentive service is a core value. Friendly, professional, and accommodating staff are ready to assist with menu recommendations or special requests. Guests frequently remark on the team’s warmth and their commitment to ensuring an enjoyable dining experience.
Location & Convenience
Prime Mellieħa Location
Situated at Gorg Borg Olivier Street, The Hilltop’s location offers easy access to Mellieħa’s top attractions, including the historic Mellieħa Parish Church and the popular Mellieħa Bay beach. It’s the perfect stop for a meal after a day of sightseeing.
Address: G. Borg Olivier Street, Mellieħa, Malta.
Getting Here: Free parking is available nearby, and the restaurant is easily reachable by public transportation.
Accessibility & Amenities
The Hilltop is an inclusive dining destination that caters to a wide range of needs with features such as:
- ♿ Wheelchair Accessibility: Step-free entrance and accessible facilities.
- 📦 Takeout Options: Perfect for enjoying your meal on the go or at home.
- 🍽️ Dine-In Experience: Whether indoors or on the terrace, enjoy spacious seating arrangements.
- 📞 Reservations: Available and recommended, especially during busy hours.
- 🍺 Beer Service: A variety of local and international beers to complement your meal.
Perfect For
Tourists Exploring Mellieħa
Discover Mellieħa’s breathtaking landscapes paired with authentic Maltese and Mediterranean flavors. The Hilltop’s prime location near landmarks like Mellieħa Bay makes it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a satisfying post-sightseeing meal.
Local Malta Residents
Malta locals appreciate The Hilltop for its generous portions, friendly staff, and menu brimming with both familiar and creative options. It’s an ideal spot for a casual lunch, a family dinner, or a gathering with friends.
Families & Groups
With its relaxed atmosphere and spacious seating, The Hilltop is a popular choice for family outings and group celebrations. The dedicated staff ensures everyone feels welcome and cared for.
Health & Dietary Accommodations
With its commitment to healthier dining under the MELA initiative, The Hilltop takes pride in addressing diverse dietary needs. Their menu includes:
- Vegetarian Options: Fresh salads, vegetable-based pastas, and more.
- Vegan-Friendly Choices: Adaptable menu items to fit plant-based lifestyles.
- Gluten-Free Offerings: Clearly labeled dishes for those with dietary restrictions.
- Heart-Healthy Selections: Light, flavorful preparations focused on nutrition.
Recent Reviews & Recognition
“WOW!! what an experience.. we luckily decided to eat here – seafood paella & mixed beef platter, the quality was excellent! Service was great, always felt welcome & they were so courteous! Happy hour on drinks was a plus. Thank you!” – Julia Dengg (5⭐)
“The waitress was sincerely concerned about how we were feeling. I give 9.5/10 points for service and 10/10 for food. Give the restaurant a chance – if you’re patient on busy nights, it’s worth the wait!” – Теди Стефанова (5⭐)
“The fish could’ve been more tender, but overall a high 4-star experience. The steak and seafood paella were highlights.” – Kai Wong (4⭐)
For authentic Maltese dining with a focus on quality and care, find your place at The Hilltop in Mellieħa. Whether you’re here for the scenic views, hearty traditional dishes, or health-conscious options, this MELA-approved gem offers a satisfying experience for all!
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.
