Song Qi Malta Review (2026): Is This Fancy Chinese Worth It?
Song Qi Malta Review: Monaco Prices, Is It Worth It?
Location: St Julian's, Malta | Cuisine: Upscale Chinese | Price: €€€€€ | Our Score: 26/40
Malta has many things. A shortage of genuinely upmarket Chinese restaurants is one of them. So when Song Qi — sister to the celebrated Song Qi Monaco — arrived in St Julian's, it caused considerable excitement. After visiting, we can tell you: it also caused considerable damage to wallets.
This is our honest review.
What Is Song Qi Malta?
Song Qi is a high-end Chinese restaurant group with roots in Monaco. The Malta outpost opened in St Julian's and immediately positioned itself at the very top of the island's price ladder. The concept is theatrical: the interior is designed to evoke the secret clubs of the Triads, all deep reds, velvet, silk, lacquered black, and gold accents.
The decorator (Cédric Capron) describes it as "a sensual tension between power and discretion." You'll either find that irresistible or eye-roll-inducing. Possibly both.
The Food (14/20)
The food at Song Qi is generally good. The problem is that "generally good" at these prices feels like a let-down.
The menu highlights:
- Dim sum (6 pieces) — €32 — well-made, delicate, but the portion size will make you wince at the price
- Peking duck (whole) — €140 / half — €75 — the signature dish, and it's genuinely impressive
- Wagyu — €140 — for those for whom price is not a consideration
- Chicken wok — €27 / Pork — €35 / Beef — €49 — served with a choice of sauces, sides charged separately
All main courses come with sauce options but sides are extra — a classic move in premium restaurants that pushes the final bill significantly higher than the menu suggests.
The cooking is competent and occasionally excellent. The Peking duck, if you're splitting it between two, is the dish most likely to justify the spend. The dim sum is good but not €32 good by any reasonable global comparison.
Food score: 14/20 — solid cooking, but portions are small and prices are Monaco, not Malta.
The Atmosphere (7/10)
This is where Song Qi makes its strongest case.
The interior design is genuinely striking. The "Triad secret club" concept sounds absurd on paper but lands better in person — it's dark, dramatic, and unlike anything else in Malta. Deep reds, velvet banquettes, candlelight, gold details. For a special occasion or a date where you want to impress, the room delivers.
Two caveats: the lighting is extremely dim — some would call it atmospheric, others would call it difficult to read the menu. And the noise level is very high, making conversation a shouted affair on busy nights. Whether Song Qi is a restaurant that wants to be a nightclub, or a nightclub that wants to be a restaurant, is a question we couldn't resolve.
Atmosphere score: 7/10 — the room is a genuine experience; the noise and darkness are real trade-offs.
The Service (5/10)
This is where Song Qi falls down.
On our visit, service was chaotic. Our four-course meal took five hours — not because we were lingering over wine and conversation, but because coordination between kitchen and floor was poor. Requests were forgotten. Timing between courses was erratic.
The staff are pleasant. But at these prices, pleasantness isn't enough. For comparison: a meal at a Monaco restaurant at similar prices would likely have service three times as polished.
Service score: 5/10 — the weakest element of the experience by some distance.
The Wine List
Actually one of the better-value aspects of Song Qi, relatively speaking. The list is well-curated with a good range of French and Italian bottles.
Whites: Sancerre at €65, Gavi at €60 — reasonable for this type of restaurant. Reds: Plenty of French options in the €60–€100 bracket. Some Italian pricing feels inconsistent (a humble Chianti at €90, Amarone at €118).
If you're looking for the best value on the drinks side, the whites are your safest bet.
Is Song Qi Malta Worth It?
It depends entirely on what you're after.
If you want a dramatic, visually impressive venue for a special occasion and money genuinely isn't an issue — Song Qi delivers an experience unlike anything else in Malta. The room is memorable, the Peking duck is excellent, and you'll have a story to tell.
If you're looking for the best Chinese food per euro in Malta, or if you expect service to match the price point, you'll leave frustrated.
Our honest verdict: 26/40. A flawed but occasionally spectacular experience. Go for the duck, the drama, and the darkness. Don't go if you're on the clock — five hours is a long time.
Practical Info
| Location | Level 1, Triq Santu Wistin, St Julian's STJ 3310 |
| Website | song-qi.com/malta |
| Price band | €€€€€ (the most expensive Chinese restaurant in Malta) |
| Best for | Special occasions, impressing someone, the drama |
| Budget | Expect €80–€150+ per person with wine |
| Book ahead? | Essential |
Score Breakdown
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Food | 14/20 |
| Atmosphere | 7/10 |
| Service | 5/10 |
| Total | 26/40 |
Looking for better value in St Julian's? See our full Malta restaurant guide with honest scores across all price ranges.
