The Avenue Restaurant — Restaurant in Saint Julian's

Went on a Saturday night in July which we know is peak season but the restaurant was chaotic. No management of the waiting line people attempting to jump through by claiming false reservations and waiters shouting “sorry” every 2 seconds as they attempted to navigate the hoards of people standing in the doorway - but there was nowhere else for these hoards to stand. Far better would have been controlling the line outside near the steps.

When we were seated we were unlucky enough to be sat at a table right by the door. Ironically I had commented to my family that this would be the worst table to be seated at as it was being swamped by the hoards. I think the previous family left before ordering for this reason.

To put this into context, one waiting guest may as well have pulled up a seat she was that on top of us. So much so my wife had to ask her to move away, and my wife is not normally one to take on a confrontational side, but the woman standing on top of her should have been aware we were eating, as should the restaurant manager.

The restaurant was chaotic and noisy. Many plates were smashed which I think was down to the chaos that ensues inside the place. It was too noisy to enjoy a good family meal.

On to the food. It was ok. The calamari was great, the garlic bread I think comes from frozen bread and the pizza is most definitely not pressed on the premises. The toppings were nice, though.

The local Sauvignon blanc was really good and exceptional value...

The Avenue in Portomaso, St. Julian’s, is an absolute gem and a must-visit for anyone looking for an exceptional dining experience in Malta. From the moment you arrive, the warm and inviting ambiance sets the tone for what promises to be a memorable experience.

I opted for the Beef Wellington, and I cannot recommend it enough. Perfectly cooked, the beef was tender and flavorful, complemented beautifully by the flaky, golden pastry. The dish was a culinary masterpiece, bursting with taste and presented with care. The portions were generous, and the quality of the ingredients was evident in every bite.

The service was outstanding as well. The staff were attentive and friendly, making sure everything was to our satisfaction without being intrusive. Their knowledge of the menu and genuine passion for the food enhanced the experience further.

The outdoor area deserves a special mention. It’s stylishly designed, offering a relaxed yet sophisticated setting that’s perfect for soaking in the charming Portomaso vibe. Whether you’re dining during the day or enjoying the beautifully lit surroundings in the evening, the atmosphere adds so much to the overall experience.

I also shared some photos and videos of the outdoor area because it’s truly worth showcasing. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, The Avenue is a restaurant that should not be missed. I can’t wait to return and explore more of their menu. Highly...

Hyped with no real food direction

We are at The Avenue after being recommded for great food and service. The service part was exceptional however the food part was poorly executed.

The pasta was diabolical and extremely overpriced, the whole meal probably had a wholesale cost of 50p as there was hardly any chicken breast pieces, just a huge bowl of pasta. Quite hard too, so well undercooked with virtually no flavour.

The Salmon ceviche wasnt ceviche, if you know anything about latin american food, ceviche is from chile, peru and it is pieces of fish cured in fresh lime or other citrus fruits. (i know I ate lots of it travelling peru). It was a Salmon Tartare with no curing process.

The food was pretty grim, and tasteless and was brought to the attention of staff, who just said, OK.... well no its not ok but its not their fault they are not trained and underpaid.

Recommendations

Unfortunately, there are too many other places to try in the area and in other areas surrounding St Julians. Pop down to hugos for a burger, its cheaper and actually tastes of a burger.

For the management team Its great you want to adapt your menu and offer something different, however, your execution is out of balance and creative thinking means reinventing food but giving them the proper labels and ingredients. Its like calling sushi, ceviche?

#letsguide #localguides #localguide #malta #stjulians #foodblogger...