A restaurant with an amazing view onto the harbour and two Michelin stars: Restaurant ION Harbour by Simon Rogan (9. September 2024)

The ION Harbour by Simon Rogan is a great find! Not only because it has two deserved Michelin stars, but also because the view onto the harbour is absolutely breathtaking. I went for the “full tasting menu” (EUR 195.00). However, until it was served, it was a bit of a hassle at first. Somehow, I got seated, but no one would attend my table for a little while until I basically asked them if I could order. Then, it started with a great bite in the form of a “carrot tartlet with cured lampuki in coal oil, caper jam and preserved crown dill”, which was refreshing and light, and definitely great to get your palate started.

Next in line was the “truffle pudding glazed in carob molasses, stout from The Brew, aged Corra Linn”, which was absolutely interesting. The combination of the cheese (the Corra Linn) and the texture of the molasses below made it a great texture combination and also tasty in terms of flavour combination.

Then it was time for the “spiny lobster on roasted chicken skin and pickled golden beetroots from Ta’ Guzman”, which was interesting, but the chicken skin, as delicious as it was, was somewhat sticking to your teeth, which made it the dominant flavour of the dish. Hence, one didn’t feel too much of the other elements.

Next in line was the “purple reign tomatoes from Joseph’s farm, juices infused with spring offerings and lovage”, which was actually a nice combination of texture and flavour – and the finish with the ‘white’ tomato juice was perfect.

Then it was time for the “smoked eel with Siberian caviar and ferments, red eye potato infused with seaweeds and toasted yeast” and I must admit, this was one of my favourite dishes that evening. The intensity of the flavours and the nice balance with the tasty bread worked a charm.

Also, the “grilled salad with summer succulents, smoked cep custard kale and elderflower with toasted seeds” was surprisingly great. Sure, one would not expect grilled salad to work out, but it actually did, in combination with the other elements.

The next one, despite the fact that it was black truffle, was delicious. The “dill brined gem lettuce, horseradish, shimeji mushrooms and truffle from Alba” was a perfectly combined version of great umami flavours – loved it.

Then it was time for the “raw south coast Rossi prawn, sea jelly and fig leaf, whey and smoked pike perch roe” – and that was good too. Not as great as the previous dishes somehow, since the texture of the fish was a bit something to chew on, however, still great in terms of flavour.

The “sea bream from the south coast waters, black garlic with roasted shrimp and chamomile vinegar sauce” was nothing special by itself, but it definitely gained with the sauce. Personally, I found these one of the weakest dishes.

Then it was time for a Malta traditional: “stuffed rabbit from Żurrieq, jubilee sweetcorn, sauce infused with lovage stems and pickled tapioca” with “braised rabbit ragout and buckwheat doughnut” and I must admit, this was exquisite. The smoothness of the dish with the intensity of the sauce was lovely.

Then it was time for the sweet part, which started with “bee pollen and goat’s jam cake with Mġarr flat peaches in marigold, sheep’s yoghurt sorbet and fig leaf cream” and despite the fact that I’m usually not the biggest fan of desserts, this one was actually lovely. But frankly, if you combine bee pollen with goat flavour and sheep yoghurt sorbet, it is also not really a typical dessert.

Then, their iconic dessert called “ION – Caramel mousse with white miso cherry plum and preserved verbena oil”, and while it did look pretty, but somewhat uneventful, it actually turned out to be exactly down my alley. The dish was refreshing and just overall lovely.

Then, it was time for a bit of something to end with a “sour cream and malt encased in toasted grains” and a “perpetual lemon cake” in the form of a Madeleine. And I must say, both were good to finish off the dinner.

What was truly outstanding, though, as mentioned initially, was the view from the restaurant – the view over the harbour was perfect – and I suppose if you come a bit earlier, you might even be lucky enough to catch the sunset.

To sum it up, if you’re into tasty food and a nice view, the ION Harbour by Simon Rogan is a great choice for dinner. The place is outstanding in terms of flair and ambience, the service is – despite the little hick-up in the beginning – friendly and attentive, and the food is actually good and fair in price. Make sure to reserve well in advance, plus to ask for a table outside, so you can enjoy that view (because it’s not there inside).

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Contact Details:

Restaurant ION Harbour by Simon Rogan

11 St. Barbara Bastion Il-Belt

1961 Valletta VLT (ML)

Tel.: +356 99 11 01 66

E-Mail: dine@ionharbour.com

Homepage: http://ionharbour.com

About the Author: Sven

I started the blog in October 2009, while living in Milan which I definitely consider to be one of the food capitals of the world. I was in touch with food since my early childhood (as my father is a former chef). Whenever I can, I travel the world to discover new places, to meet people but mostly to try local dishes and to find hidden gems! If you know a place worth going, please drop a line to: info@thediningexperience.org. Currently, I am a member of the following food-related associations: Chevalier @Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Zurich-Ville; Membre Gourmet Dégustateur @Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs [OMGD]; Gesellschafter @Goldener Fisch and Member @Slowfood Convivium Zurich City.