Risette Malta: Informal fine dining, French-based with Japanese influences in Valletta
Informal fine dining, French-based with Japanese influences · Valletta, Malta
Our Review of Risette, Valletta
Food at Risette: 17/20
Risette offers an exceptional dining experience under the guidance of chef Steve Scicluna, whose impressive background includes Michelin-starred establishments like the Clove Club in London and Chapter One in Dublin. Scicluna’s pursuit of culinary excellence is evident in every dish, with a clear ambition to earn his own Michelin star. Both the tasting menu (€110) and the à la carte options, demonstrate his high-level skill and creativity. The a la carte menu is limited but at least we have choice, unlike some other top restaurants. Highly recommended is the Jerusalem artichoke ravioli with parmesan and kombu oil at €26 - a delicate balance of earthy and umami flavours, the ravioli is silky, with parmesan adding richness and kombu oil imparting subtle depth. An alternative is the Pork cheeks with parsley, verjus, and sauce veronique for €26. Avoid the Seabass 'en brioche', with turnip and vadouvan sauce at €38 — it may blend French and Indian influences but is not on the same level as the Iberico pork, with apple, carrot and an excellent bigarade sauce at €38, or indeed the Angus beef with pomme dauphine, carrot hot sauce and black garlic at €38. Desserts are excellent and bring a welcome change to the wall to wall Italian staples one is used to in Malta. Two examples are the Blood orange & pistachio tart, with chocolate and yoghurt ice cream at €14, and the Poached plum vacherin, with honey vinegar and cheesecake ice-cream at €14.
Atmosphere at Risette: 7/10
The walls are panelled and painted in a fashionable grey colour, a couple of shades darker than Elephant’s Breath, as is now the mode. They are hung with art that is brightly lit, just be careful not to sit with spot light in your eye. The marble floor is striking and smart. The noise level is good, and this is the perfect place for a romantic dinner, as long as you don’t mind being overheard, especially for those who want to get away from the crowds and music of the Valletta streets. Most patrons are visitors with a sprinkling of foody locals.
Service at Risette: 8/10
Service is of a high standard. Very professional and knowledgeable. The wine list is pricey as you would expect, but fills me with a twinge of regret, at least amongst the whites. Grouping of wines by silly labels such as “complex whites,” “refreshing” etc, is annoying and the labels are not even accurate. There is an indifferent Chablis for €50, but we plumped for a Chablis Premier Cru at €95 and were disappointed – not so much “complex” as “highly acidic and lacking in depth.” The reds are better with an Haut Medoc at €45, a St. Emilion Grand Cru at €58 , and a Chateauneuf du Pape at €70. There is also an Amarone at €70. Overall pricing is good for a restaurant at this level.
Cuisine
Informal fine dining, French-based with Japanese influences
Price Level
€€€€
Ratings
Risette — Frequently Asked Questions
What type of food does Risette serve?
Risette is a Informal fine dining, French-based with Japanese influences restaurant in Valletta, Malta.
How expensive is Risette?
Risette is rated €€€€ for price (on a scale of € to €€€€€).
Where is Risette in Malta?
Risette is located in Valletta, Malta at Casa Ellul, 81 Old Theatre Street, Valletta VLT 1429, Malta.
Is Risette worth visiting?
Risette scored 32/40 in our independent Malta Guide review, covering food quality (17/20), atmosphere (7/10) and service (8/10).
Can I book a table at Risette online?
Yes, Risette accepts online reservations via their official website.