The Bell Valletta — Restaurant in Valletta

This was the worse dining experience in this 21-days travelling from UK- Paris to Malta. It was supposed to be a birthday surprise dinner. I booked the table online and indeed we got the best seat.

HOWEVER, the food was totally out of our expectations in a bad way. We ordered a garlic octopus as starter, which was fine. Then the pasta was so terrible, the pasta was even undercooked (very hard and the coil was raw). We requested recooked, and it was better later For the main, we had sword fish, which was undercooked again( supposedly it was medium cooked, but it was not).

Regarding the taste of the pasta and fish, we can say that we had better ones before.

BTW, no bread was served.

In the end, the total price was 90.5euro. But actually based on the price on the menu, it should be 76 euro (two glasses of procecco=12, water=3.5, octopus=18 pasta: 19, fish=23.5). I asked why they charged 90.5 euro, the boss said it included the tax(20%, which is higher than it was supposed to be 13.5%, if I don’t remember wrongly). When I paid the bill by card, they still asked whether I would like to pay the tip, OF COURSE, I chose “no”

We had very great food somewhere in Malta, but much cheaper and good taste.

We were so unhappy with the food and we didn’t take any photos to prove what I have commented. We just wanted to finish the dinner and leave (we even didn’t order dessert for celebrating...

My experience at The Bell was disappointing on several fronts.

1. The organization was lacking, with a request to move our reservation to 22:00 due to table issues, revealing a lack of effective management.

2. The waiting times were excessive, almost biblical, overshadowing even the anticipation of resurrection. A quicker service would be desirable.

3. Regarding the food, the culinary experience fell short. The overcooked paccheri with meat submerged in an excessive meat sauce did not pair well, resulting in an unappetizing dish.

4. The hygiene of the venue was subpar, with poor conditions in the bathrooms and a kitchen that seemed to be from an episode of "Kitchen Nightmares."

I would strongly suggest improving the food quality and organizing the service more efficiently. Clearly the chef doesn’t taste his own dishes.

The only positive reviews seem to come from intoxicated and disruptive Russian customers. They enjoyed to make fun about my friend, thinking I didn't know Russian. highlighting further issues in the atmosphere of the establishment. I hope you take these observations seriously to enhance the overall experience for your customers.

I don't even need an answer from the owner of the place Having seen how he responds to others talking about things that have nothing to do...

WOW! The Bell Valletta Cafe was such an incredible spot to dine at. The terrace views over the harbour and mouth watering Mediterranean dishes were absolutely to die for! It was certainly a Valletta experience like no other and we couldn't have asked for a better way to begin our Malta holiday then right here!

Earlier that day we had stopped by The Bell Cafe for an afternoon coffee (which was amazing) when we got chatting with Paul the owner! He told us the restaurant had been in his family for years and showed us the gorgeous terrace that he opens for dinner! Of course we had to come back that evening where he reserved us the best table in the house. We clinked our wine glasses and watched the sun set over the Three cities.

To start we ordered the calamari and octopus, which was delicious, fresh and tasty. For our mains we ordered the tuna steak and lobster ravioli which were both absolutely outstanding. It was certainly a meal I will be dreaming about for years to come!

The Bell Cafe really went above and beyond for my mom and I, and I can’t say enough good things about this spot! The food was incredible, the views were fantastic and the staff really bring the restaurant to life in true Maltese fashion!

I’d highly recommend an evening here if you're staying...