The Splendid Gastronomic World of Risette Restaurant in Valletta, Malta

Posted by Rowena Dumlao Rowena Dumlao - Giardina 4/07/2024

The Splendid Gastronomic World of Risette Restaurant in Valletta, Malta

Centrally located in the heart of Valletta, Risette finds its home in the narrow Old Theatre Street in front of the Lady of Mount Carmel Church. Ensconced in the stylish Victorian building built in the 19th-century, Risette shares the same stylish space with Casa Ellul, a luxury boutique hotel. This intimate restaurant, adorned with chalkboard black walls accentuated with yellow ochre upholstery and vibrant green ferns lined against the wall, exudes an atmosphere of minimalist elegance. The clean lines of the space with the limited color palette and focus on the simplicity of elements make the perfect setting for an absolute dining experience that you will have at Risette.

Matthew Ellul, the owner of Casa Ellul boutique hotel and Risette restaurant, is the General Manager of Risette. Being a sommelier and having extensive knowledge about wines, he delights in providing wine recommendations to ensure that the dishes are complemented well with their characteristics. His expertise not only comes from his education in wine but also from his background, coming from a family with a long-standing presence in the wine, spirits, and cigar business.

At the helm of Risette’s kitchen is Chef Steve Scicluna, a seasoned culinary virtuoso who got his culinary education in Le Cordon Bleu and experience in Michelin-starred establishments namely The Clove Club in London and Chapter One in Dublin. His weekly changing menu highlighting the season's fresh ingredients reflects a harmonious blend of cultures and modern methodology. Best described as a cuisine with a French base and Japanese techniques and ingredients, Risette's flavors are remarkably full of character, taking you along on an intriguing voyage of aromas.

The Menu

Indulging in an exquisite culinary journey with Risette is best experienced with their Tasting Menu (€95) comprised of six courses plus canapès and petit fours, while wine pairing is at €65. With great focus on high quality, the ingredients are well-chosen for their optimum flavor profiles, freshness and seasonality with the seafood fished from their local waters. For singular options, an à la carte menu which changes by weekly is also available starting with the canapès (€4 to €7), the appetizers (€22 to €26), the main course (€36 to €65) and a conclusion of refreshing desserts (€12 to €14).

*Cover photo and first photo of the restaurant are by Alex Attard, from the website of Risette.