Rampila

Rampila Malta: Mediterranean and European fine dining in Valletta

Mediterranean and European fine dining Ā· Valletta, Malta

Our Review of Rampila, Valletta

Food at Rampila: 14/20

Many narrow minded visitors think Valetta is the only place to see in Malta. How wrong they are. One consequence of this misconception is that the city’s food scene is home to high prices which are often not justified given the quality. Fortunately this is not true of Rampila. While it remains a favourite destination for visitors, it nonetheless holds its culinary head up high, and its prices down low. The menu is largely Maltese/Italian, and a top tip is to ask for the daily specials. Starters include Maltese temptations such as Maltese Goats Cheese Parcel with Fig Jam, at € 12.95, traditional Maltese ā€œAljottaā€ Soup (Fish & Seafood Broth) at € 12.50, and Pork Cheek Fritter with Celeriac Remoulade and Apple at € 12.95. Italian pasta dishes are quite inventive – take Ricotta Gnocchi with Kale & Hazelnut Pesto at €14.95 or pasta stuffed with pumpkin and scamorza. Main courses have the usual Braised Rabbit (with a Date & Raisin Jus) at € 22.95, but thank God a wide selection of other meat dishes, not just the odd steak. There is often a good veal sirloin, but also Duck Breast (with Feta Cheese and Dark Chocolate) at € 29.95, Corn Fed Chicken Chasseur at €25.95, and Lamb Rump with ā€˜Aubergine Caviar’ at € 31.50. Pricing is reasonable for this level of cooking in Valletta. Plates could be hotter.

Atmosphere at Rampila: 7/10

Visitors love it here, and Rampila boasts it is ā€œa haven for good food and wine set against a spectacular Baroque backdrop.ā€ It is indeed way above the street restaurants that dominate much of the city, and is a quite unique restaurant, packed with history. As the name suggests it is situated in the historic bastions designed and built by the Knights of St. John in the sixteenth century as part of the defensive ramparts guarding the newly constructed city of Valletta. Rampila comprises an indoor ā€˜Restaurant’, which feels like a long cellar, a ā€˜Vault for Private Dining’ which is a high domed private room, and a ā€˜Terrace’. The terrace is most popular in good weather (which is most of the year) and has heaters in the Winter. The view is not exactly spectacular but still you are in the open air and it stands guard over the entrance to the City. Booking is advised.

Service at Rampila: 7/10

Service is friendly and considerate which is lucky as American tourists need lots of explanations with the inventive food. This is a good place if you want to try Maltese wines, though the best ones aren’t inexpensive for Malta. They remain a steal compared to London or New York. ā€˜Grand Vin de Hauteville’ Viogner at €42.50 Delicata,ā€˜Grand Vin de Hauteville’ Oaked Chardonnay at €42.50, ā€˜Gran Cavallier’ Sauvignon Blanc at €48.90, ā€˜Gran Cavallier’ Chardonnay Rizerva at €48.90, ā€˜Antonin Blanc’ Riżerva – Chardonnay (Barrel Aged) at €71.90, and ā€˜Jean Parisot’ Chardonnay Ta Betta Wine Estates at €82.60. Otherwise play safe with the good selection of Italian wines priced mainly in the twenties or thirties.

Cuisine

Mediterranean and European fine dining

Price Level

€€€

Location

St John's Cavalier, St John's Bastion, Valletta VLT 1110, Malta

Ratings

14
Food Quality
out of 20
7
Atmosphere
out of 10
7
Service
out of 10
Overall Score
28/40

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Rampila — Frequently Asked Questions

What type of food does Rampila serve?

Rampila is a Mediterranean and European fine dining restaurant in Valletta, Malta.

How expensive is Rampila?

Rampila is rated €€€ for price (on a scale of € to €€€€€).

Where is Rampila in Malta?

Rampila is located in Valletta, Malta at St John's Cavalier, St John's Bastion, Valletta VLT 1110, Malta.

Is Rampila worth visiting?

Rampila scored 28/40 in our independent Malta Guide review, covering food quality (14/20), atmosphere (7/10) and service (7/10).

Can I book a table at Rampila online?

Yes, Rampila accepts online reservations via their official website.