la Vela Malta: Italian, Sicilian-led, seafood and pasta in Pietà (Msida Marina)
Italian, Sicilian-led, seafood and pasta · Pietà (Msida Marina), Malta
Our Review of la Vela, Pietà (Msida Marina)
Food at la Vela: 15/20
A wonderful Italian classic with an emphasis on seafood, but some excellent meat dishes to choose from as well. The high rollers play here so there is good choice of caviar for them. For the rest of us there is plenty of crudo di pesce of all kinds, including a tartar of the day at €14.95, and many good starters. A parmigiana at €13.95, plenty of pasta dishes of course – spaghetti with vongole or with shellfish, both at €21.95, and a risotto with porcini and pistachios at only €18. For main courses consider the fresh fish (at €65 a kilo, enough for two), or the fresh lobster (the local one is about €75). There is also a very good value ‘Sicilian Way’ fish tasting menu of ten ‘courses’ for €75. Meat lovers are not neglected. A French veal rack is only €29.95 (in the States you couldn’t buy that at the butcher and cook it yourself at that price), and an excellent Chateaubriand at €8 per 100g (500g for two works well).
Atmosphere at la Vela: 8/10
This is a classic Italian style restaurant with proper linen as you would expect. It has a great view of the Pieta marina, and there are outside tables for the summer. A true Maltese Riviera place. The crowd is mainly wealthy locals, Maltese or otherwise. The noise level is just right.
Service at la Vela: 8/10
The experienced waiters channel the Sicilian vibe and buzz around with just the right amount of pregos. They will go as fast or as slow as you desire. The wine list is excellent. Bargains require some searching, but they do exist. A Greco di Tufo at €29, a Gavi di Gavi at €28, a very good range of Chablis from €42 to €105, even a New Zealand Cloudy Bay at €61. These guys know their stuff, though the absence of vintages is a rookie error. The reds are harder work, and the French definitely seem better value, though there’s a Barolo at €85. The Tignanello Antinori is sadly €185.
Cuisine
Italian, Sicilian-led, seafood and pasta
Price Level
€€€
Ratings
la Vela — Frequently Asked Questions
What type of food does la Vela serve?
la Vela is a Italian, Sicilian-led, seafood and pasta restaurant in Pietà (Msida Marina), Malta.
How expensive is la Vela?
la Vela is rated €€€ for price (on a scale of € to €€€€€).
Where is la Vela in Malta?
la Vela is located in Pietà (Msida Marina), Malta at Msida Marina, Triq ix-Xatt Ta' Xbiex, Pietà PTA 9042, Malta (La Vela by the marina).
Is la Vela worth visiting?
la Vela scored 31/40 in our independent Malta Guide review, covering food quality (15/20), atmosphere (8/10) and service (8/10).
Can I book a table at la Vela online?
Yes, la Vela accepts online reservations via their official website.