Onda Blu — Restaurant in Pietà

Onda Blu, Malta

Our group of 20 recently dined at Onda Blu, a fish restaurant in Malta known for its fresh seafood and Mediterranean cuisine. From a culinary perspective, the evening began with promise. The food was well-prepared and flavorful, with particular praise for the fish dishes—clearly the house specialty. The service was attentive and efficient, even with a large group, and the staff handled our table with professionalism and care.

However, what could have been a memorable evening centered around quality dining was regrettably undermined by the restaurant's entertainment choices. A loud DJ playing aggressive beat-driven music overwhelmed the dining space, making it difficult to converse or appreciate the meal. The atmosphere felt more like a nightclub than a place to enjoy the delicacy and nuance of expertly cooked fish.

Further detracting from the experience was a live performance involving dancers who, despite their evident talent and appearance, seemed out of place and uncomfortable in the setting. Watching them attempt to perform amidst diners trying to enjoy their food felt awkward and misplaced. One could not help but feel that their presence was more an intrusion than an enhancement.

A great fish restaurant particularly one aspiring to highlight fresh ingredients and refined flavors should focus on creating an environment that enhances the culinary experience. That means allowing the food to speak for itself, supported by a calm, elegant atmosphere where guests can savor each bite and enjoy good company.

Onda Blu certainly has the foundation for excellence in terms of food and service. However, for it to truly shine as a destination for seafood lovers, we recommend reconsidering the entertainment concept. Guests come for the cuisine and the ambiance that complements it, not to shout over basslines or feel distracted by incongruous performances.

With a return to a more harmonious atmosphere, Onda Blu could easily become a standout on Malta’s...

I must admit that I went to this restaurant with high expectations given the other reviews. However it was quite a let down. We ordered the 6 course degustation menu at 65eur per person, which included 6 small pieces of carpaccio a head (salmon, tuna, swordfish, prawn), a forchettata of fettuccine astice, a shot lemon sorbet, a piece of white fish (which the waiter didn't even describe what it is) and two mqaret with a scoop of ice cream.

Let's start off with the meaning of degustation: Dégustation is the careful, appreciative tasting of various food, focusing on the gustatory system, the senses, high culinary art and good company. I have experienced various such menus all over the world (Bordeaux, Sardegna, Venice, Tokyo), this is the poorest form I have ever been presented. The materia prima was good, however most of the carpaccio had too much olive oil which covered the taste of the fish itself. The fettuccine were very good. The fish bland. The variety was limited and a sad excuse for a degustation. I could have ordered what I was given as a 3 course meal.

The service was slow, which could be excused given that the restaurant is only operative for a couple of months. It is a casual service and the waiting staff are friendly. Given the price tag, I would have expected a finer approach.

The restaurant has been well restored, decorated and very clean. The kitchen is visible from the dining area and immaculate.

I have presented my criticism to the manager (I believe owner), and he was very open to our point of view. He offered liquor and a 15% discount.

Bottom line, I have never paid so much for so little not even in Venice or Tokyo. It is not just about the amount of food, but the whole experience itself. The original bill, including the degustation menu, half a bottle of wine and a bottle of water was around 150 eur, we ended up...

We had a reservation and found our table ready. Pre dinner drinks were ordered and served in a timely manner. The waiter came and explained the specials which included a five items antipasti menu which we ordered. We also ordered one fish and one beef ribeye for mains. The antipasti were served and they were delicious however although the person taking the order had specified that there were arancini with Nero di sepia these were not served and instead we got caponata. Don't get me wrong, the caponata was delicious but the arancini was one of the 5 items that got our fancy. It was only after we had eaten the starters that we pointed out to the waiter that the arancini were never served. After checking with the kitchen he came back and told us that sometimes they change the antipasti. Arancini were still available as we saw these being served after our table was served. Also the ribeye I ordered was meant to be medium rare however it was served rare. Again, I did not complain about this as I eat can also enjoy a nice piece of rare steak and, although not exactly what I ordered, it was a good steak. Desert and coffee were up to expectations and we were also offered a liqueur on the house. Apart from these two snags service was excellent and we will try this...