A new food destination in St Paul’s Bay run by chef Ryan Gialanze will not disappoint.
At Happening in Malta, we are always looking for new and fantastic places to dine on the island. Recently, we discovered a serious contender for one of the top spots – Olive Bistro in St Paul’s Bay.
Run by chef patron Ryan Gialanze (who is already well-known to food lovers on the island), this dinky eatery is located just off the promenade where St Paul’s Bay meets Xemxija – so the views from the few roadside tables are lovely, and we found it very easy to park.
Keen to cool down under the air-conditioning, though, we headed indoors for our meal. The restaurant is small and intimate – ideal for date night, a catch-up with your best friend or a small gathering.
Ryan and his partner are instantly visible and they make us feel right at home. There’s a lovely buzz to Olive – from the service to the chosen background music, and we can’t wait to get stuck in.
Ryan has curated a menu that is absolutely to-die-for. He is a whizz when it comes to pairing flavours, and every dish – even the more traditional favourites within the selection – has his own trademark twist stamped onto it.
As a mixed vegetarian/meat-loving table, we want to make sure everyone is happy – and they are quick to ensure that Ryan can cater to most dietary requirements. We start with the Tuna Loin and Belly with Sumac Cured Vegetables, Comfit Tomato and Sweet Garlic Mayonnaise, and it is an absolute treat. As is the Local Pork Cheek with Dates, Hazelnut Butter and Kalamata Olives. But the standout favourite in the starter section has to be the vegan option – the Aubergine with Miso-Cashew Lebaneh and Crispy Onion – in fact, we agree it is probably the richest and most creative vegan dish we have ever tasted. We promise to be back for that (if nothing else).
But there is plenty more to keep us happy as we move into our second course. Ryan’s perfectly-curated selection includes his Crab Risotto with Craime Fraiche, Apple Curry and Dill, his Lasagne with Smoked Chicken, Mushrooms and Ripe Tomato Ragu, and the Beef Rib Eye and Brisket, with Rosti Potatoes, Onions and Jus – all utterly delicious. But we would probably settle on the Seabass Paupiette with Mussel Chowder, Salmon Mousse and Wilted Greens as our ultimate pick for that course – it’s so creative and tasty that we can’t quite get enough of it.
Like with all good meals, we are so pleasingly full at the end of the mains that we wonder whether we can face dessert – but, of course, we do. And we’re so glad we did! Once again, Ryan showcases his boundless creativity here, with options like the Chocolate and Pistachio Pave with Olive Oil, Pistachio, and Chocolate Sorbet, and the super-cute Peach Bellini with Chocolate Soil, Prosecco Bavarois, and Fresh Peaches. The stand out, though, is the pretty-as-a-picture Lemon and Mint Cheesecake, Limoncello and Mint Pearls… wow!
As we head back out into the balmy evening, we can be sure of one thing: Olive is absolutely excellent. The next time you want something that little bit different, in a lovely setting and where great food takes pole importance, head here.
Oh, and the best news? It’s now open for brunch, lunch and take aways too!
To book email olivebistromalta@gmail.com or find Olive Bistro on Facebook.
