Café del Mar Malta — Local services in Saint Paul's Bay

We booked the so-called "luxury pool bed," their most expensive offering, expecting a premium experience. What we got instead was a full day of appalling service, rude staff and an atmosphere that made us feel more like a burden than valued guests.

From the moment we arrived, the tone was off. At lunchtime, we headed to the restaurant and were asked whether we had a reservation. When we explained that we had a pool bed booked, the host scoffed and replied “Well, everyone has sunloungers,” in the most dismissive tone, as though our presence was somehow unwelcome or inconvenient. This, despite the restaurant being half empty, and staff clearly outnumbering guests across the venue. It was already past 2pm, hardly the start of a busy lunch service, and yet we were met with passive aggression for simply trying to order food.

Our waiter continued in the same vein, speaking to us with clear disinterest and no effort whatsoever to be polite or professional. The attitude was so consistently poor, we genuinely started to wonder whether the treatment had something to do with the fact that we’re a gay couple. There was a coldness and undertone of judgment that felt impossible to ignore.

As the afternoon went on, the service didn’t improve. From our “luxury” sunlounger, I asked about ordering ice creams, and the waiter abruptly replied “Go get them yourself at the restaurant,” before walking away mid-conversation. It was rude, uncalled for and frankly insulting. We paid a premium to be there, how is it acceptable that guests paying top-tier prices aren’t offered full service? What kind of “luxury” club doesn’t serve basic items like ice cream directly to poolside beds?

The whole day was a case study in how to make guests feel unwelcome. For a venue that markets itself as luxurious, the attitude of the staff was anything but. It’s clear the place is designed for flashy bottle-service show-offs and couldn’t care less about delivering a genuine premium experience. If you’re looking for warmth, respect or even just basic hospitality, don’t waste your time or money here.

We won’t be coming back, and I would actively advise others to steer clear. A nice setting means nothing when the people running it make you feel like you...

Café del Mar Malta Nestled along the picturesque coast of St. Paul’s Bay, Café del Mar known for its stunning views, stylish ambiance, and top-notch service, this venue is perfect for those seeking a blend of relaxation and sophistication.

Café del Mar boasts a chic, modern design that harmoniously blends with its breathtaking seaside location. The spacious terrace offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea, creating a serene and captivating backdrop for any meal. The venue’s sleek décor, comfortable seating, and ambient lighting set the stage for a memorable experience, whether you’re there for a leisurely lunch, sunset cocktails, or an elegant dinner.

The service at Café del Mar is exceptional. The staff are professional, attentive, and friendly, ensuring that every guest feels welcome and well-cared-for. They are knowledgeable about the menu and are happy to provide recommendations based on your preferences. The attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in every interaction.

Food: Café del Mar’s menu features a diverse array of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to culinary excellence.

The seafood platter is a must-try, featuring a selection of fresh oysters, prawns, and calamari. The freshness and flavors of the sea are perfectly captured in this delightful appetizer. Main Course: The grilled sea bass is a standout, served with a medley of seasonal vegetables and a light, flavorful lemon butter sauce. The fish is cooked to perfection, tender and flaky, and the accompanying sides complement it beautifully.

Overall Experience: Café del Mar Malta offers a luxurious and unforgettable dining experience. The combination of stunning views, exceptional food, and outstanding service makes it a premier destination for both locals and visitors. Whether you’re looking to relax by the pool during the day, enjoy a romantic dinner, or celebrate a special occasion, Café del Mar provides an idyllic setting that will leave you wanting to return...

Two friends and I visited Cafe Del Mar during our trip to Malta this week and it did not disappoint.

We booked a week in advance and paid for the comfort sunbed option. When we arrived we were greeted and taken to our beds which were comfortable and shaded by an umbrella which the pool attendants would open or close depending on our preference.

We loved being waited on at the poolside using the call button and our servers made us a tab to pay at the end of our stay. We got there for 10:30 as requested on our booking and it was a little quiet but got busier during the day. Even at the most busy point it was still relaxing and fun.

There were lots of great cocktails and drink options (three menus of drinks so plenty to choose from!) plus lots of great food options in the restaurant and sushi bar. Our coeliac/gluten free friend was happy with the choices at lunch too.

We really enjoyed the service we received in person, the setting and atmosphere were great and we spent the full day here (10:30-5:30) reading, relaxing, drinking and taking a dip in the pool.

There was a great mix of people there for all ages and nationalities, the music was nice, the place was very clean and well looked after including the loos.

There were unfortunately some minor points which weren’t great (but certainly not enough to make it less than four stars!) - our email to book a table in the restaurant for lunch went unanswered, but the colleagues there on the day made sure we got booked in and adjusted our booking during the day at our request. The service call button went unanswered in the later afternoon when it felt like there was a shift swap/reduction in staff around 4:30/5pm, but a colleague passing by was really happy to take our drink order and bring it out to us. There was also unfortunately a mix-up with our tab which meant another party’s drink was added to our bill by accident, but the colleague quickly had this removed for us.

All in all I would recommend a visit here for a relaxing...