villa bologna Malta: Italian trattoria, seasonal Mediterranean from estate gardens in Attard
Italian trattoria, seasonal Mediterranean from estate gardens · Attard, Malta
Our Review of villa bologna, Attard
Food at villa bologna: 14/20
Summer is here and so are the new summer menus....and price increases. When there are no specials, as there weren't the night we visited for an update, the summer menu at the Villa feels slim pickings. Just two meat choices for the main course – a grilled rib eye or a breaded villa cutlet – both priced at €40 (the veal was previously €33 which is a stinging 20% increase by our reckoning). Fish lovers at least get three choices, Salmone al Forno (oven baked salmon with baby spinach), Filetto di Branzino Arrosto (roasted sea bass, now with fennel and orange rather than anchovy and cauliflower puree as before), and a seared tuna steak with sauce vierge, all priced at €30. Sides are priced separately so this is not a budget evening. Thank God the pasta offerings remain good, ranging from spinach and ricotta ravioli at €18, to octopus paccheri at €24. The Melanzane Parmigiana is offered as a vegetarian main course at €20, but is very good. Desserts are the usual suspects, and have also seen a price rise.
Atmosphere at villa bologna: 8/10
The Villa Bologna in Attard is a fabulous baroque palace and gardens, and this smart restaurant is tucked away on the side. Entrance is made through a lovely pottery shop, and if you turn up before the restaurant opens you can wait here. This is a chic family restaurant and Rowley and Sophie keep a close eye on things. There are three spaces – an inside room beloved by locals with quite a high noise level, a conservatory for half and half weatherwise evenings, and the garden. The latter is lovely on a summer's evening, and for lunch most of the year. The crowd is mainly well-healed locals with a few tourists. It feels a little like Palm Beach. The downside is the tables are squeezed so closely together you often feel you are dining with strangers. This is not somewhere to go for a confidential chat.
Service at villa bologna: 7/10
The service is fine, and sometimes friendly. In the summer season they have charming Italian boys in the garden. Cocktails used to be slow but good here, but they seem now to have been subject to serious shrinkflation. The glasses are small and the quantity of ice large, so maybe go straight to wine. Though the wine list is quite highly priced for Malta, if not for Palm Beach, but the new iteration sees some positive adjustments. Gone is the Villa Sparina Gavi di Gavi at €48, in comes a Fontafredda more affordable at €40. You get into three figures quite quickly amongst the reds, but we found a drinkable Bordeaux for under €60.
villa bologna — Frequently Asked Questions
What type of food does villa bologna serve?
villa bologna is a Italian trattoria, seasonal Mediterranean from estate gardens restaurant in Attard, Malta.
How expensive is villa bologna?
villa bologna is rated €€€ for price (on a scale of € to €€€€€).
Where is villa bologna in Malta?
villa bologna is located in Attard, Malta at Villa Bologna Restaurant, 1 Triq il-Parroċċa, Attard ATD 2011, Malta (historic villa gardens).
Is villa bologna worth visiting?
villa bologna scored 29/40 in our independent Malta Guide review, covering food quality (14/20), atmosphere (8/10) and service (7/10).
Can I book a table at villa bologna online?
Yes, villa bologna accepts online reservations via their official website.