ROSAMI- A Michelin-Starred Dining Experience: A Night of Culinary Magic and Wine-Induced Laughter
- ellulclaudia
- Apr 3
- 7 min read
Updated: Apr 4
There are dining experiences that transcend the idea of just eating, and then there’s ROSAMI. Nestled within the grandiose walls of The Villa, a 19th-century palazzo brimming with history and character, this Michelin-starred gem is a place where food meets art, and every bite tells a story. The palazzo that once served as the summer residence of one of Malta’s foremost industrialists, offers more than just a meal—it offers an experience. The building itself, one of the oldest in the Balluta area, stands as a testament to history, with its charm and timeless beauty. You are enveloped in a world that balances refinement with warmth.
The neoclassical French-inspired restaurant with a cozy yet elegant atmosphere, soft golden lighting, and an intimate vibe, that made us feel like we were dining in someone’s incredibly chic home, is an elegant space that doesn’t try too hard. Yet, exudes sophistication at every turn. This was the perfect setting for celebrating a special occasion: our anniversary.
The dishes were rooted to Maltese cusine. Each course offered something fresh, creative, and entirely unexpected. The Michelin-starred establishment's philosophy revolves around fresh, locally sourced produce, much of which comes from the acclaimed Xara Gardens, along with ingredients from a selection of trusted local suppliers. These carefully chosen elements are then transformed into dishes that not only showcase the finest in Maltese and Mediterranean produce but also speak to the creativity and vision of the chefs. As guests, we were encouraged to let the ingredients themselves take centre stage, paired together in unexpected ways that prompt conversation and discovery with each bite.
For those who read my blog as you know, my partner is the epitome of a picky eater. Seriously, if it’s not grilled piece of meat or a simple plain pasta, it’s a tough sell. So, when we decided to go all-in with the 8-course tasting menu priced €105 at ROSAMI, there was more than a little bit of nervousness about whether the adventure would be met with reluctance—or worse, the dreaded side-eye.
However, before we could even contemplate our culinary journey, we were greeted with a homemade Negroni—fermented for three weeks. Now, I’m a big fan of a classic cocktail, but this version? It was a whole other level. It was robust yet smooth, with the right balance of bitterness and sweetness. It was the kind of drink that whispered, “ayyy!!” and boy, was it. The Negroni set the tone for what would become an unforgettable night.
But there was a particular surprise on the horizon. The wine. We were served a bottle of R. López de Heredia - Viña Tondonia Reserve. Now, I’m no wine connoisseur, but it had a deep, rich, and elegant complexity that lingered in the mouth like a well-kept secret. With every sip, we felt more and more transported into the experience. In fact, we might have to blame the wine (and, okay, maybe the Negroni) for the giddy, carefree mood that set in. But truly, this wine was an exceptional—its earthy notes and smooth finish were the perfect companion to the evening’s lineup of exquisite dishes.
As we took in the beauty of our surroundings, we were presented with our first amuse-bouche—a trio of bites so thoughtfully composed that each element felt like a delicate prelude to the grandeur that was to follow. An arrangement of three distinct elements that harmonised with remarkable finesse. We were given specific instructions on how to eat each piece, a small ritual that heightened the experience
The first element featured ‘Crispy fish skin, topped with smoked roe aioli, lemon gel, beetroot, and tarragon.’ The contrast of textures was immediate—the fish skin was light, crisp, and wonderfully airy, while the smoked roe aioli added a creamy richness. The lemon gel provided a burst of acidity, counterbalancing the richness of the roe, and the earthy sweetness of the beetroot brought depth to the bite. Tarragon finished the flavour profile with a herbal note, bringing all the elements together in perfect harmony. It was an arresting start, immediately revealing the skill and creativity that defines ROSAMI’s approach to food.
Next, we moved to a delicate ‘Brioche topped with cured sea bream, prawn emulsion, and cucumber soaked in elderflower.’ The brioche was soft, slightly sweet, and wonderfully pillowy, its sweetness playing off the delicate profile of the cured sea bream. The prawn emulsion, velvety and rich, enveloped the tongue, while the elderflower-infused cucumber added a refreshing, almost floral note. The balance in this dish was remarkable, each bite offering a new dimension as the subtlety It was a textural journey that set us up for what was to come.
The final amuse-bouche, was a ‘Smoked scamorza beignet with porcini mushrooms, tamarind, and spring truffle.’ An epitome of comfort and elegance. The beignet itself was crisp on the outside, with a soft, smoky cheese interior that melted in the mouth. The porcini mushrooms added a deep, earthy flavour that was perfectly complemented by the tangy tamarind and the intoxicating aroma of spring truffle. It was a dish that combined rustic charm with gourmet finesse, leaving us eager for the courses ahead.
Of course, the tasting experience didn’t stop there. For an additional price, we were offered the chance to order an Oyster mousse—a decadent, ethereal creation that was as light as air. Topped with caviar, it was a true indulgence, a moment of luxury that felt almost otherworldly. But there was more—an opportunity to enhance the experience with Beluga Caviar and freshly grated Black Spring truffle, or Bianchetto truffle, to be precise. Now, I am accustomed to the more common black truffle, but when faced with the chance to savour the rarer, more aromatic Bianchetto, there was no question. The truffle added an incomparable depth to the dishes that followed, transforming them into something truly extraordinary.
From there, the tasting menu unfolded with a series of dishes that continued to surprise, each one a reflection of the restaurant’s dedication to both local ingredients and inventive technique. One standout was the Xara Egg, a dish that featured artichokes, accompanied by two types of butter: one smoky, the other infused with Guinness. A dish that perfectly showcased the restaurant’s ability to elevate humble ingredients. The artichoke served as the perfect canvas for the flavours of the vegetables and butters. The smoky butter added depth and complexity, while the Guinness-infused butter brought a subtle bitterness that balanced the natural sweetness of the vegetables. The dish was also served with two types of bread—a sweet brioche and a rich dense sourdough. It was a dish that felt both grounded and refined, an artful blend of comfort and sophistication.
The Chawanmushi followed, a silky Japanese egg custard paired with calamari, Rossi prawns, dashi, and Baluga caviar. The custard was smooth and delicate, a perfect base for the tender seafood. The dashi broth added an umami depth, while the caviar introduced a briny note that elevated the dish, bringing a touch of luxury to an otherwise simple yet beautiful combination.
A sea bass followed that cured to perfection, accompanied by watercress and horseradish, adding just the right amount of bite. The fish was delicate, and fresh, whilst the horseradish gave it a bit of zing without overpowering the delicate flavour of the sea bass. The watercress was peppery and refreshing, rounding out the dish beautifully. It was a revelation. Both simple and refined, showcasing the quality of the ingredients.
The Snapper my partners favourite fish was served with cauliflower, roast bone sauce, and Beluga caviar. The snapper’s crispy skin contrasted beautifully with its tender flesh, while the cauliflower added a touch of sweetness and creaminess. The roast bone sauce, rich and concentrated, lent a deep, savoury experience, and the Beluga caviar added an exquisite brininess that made each bite even more luxurious.
The Beef Fillet, paired with beetroot, jus, and bianchetto truffle, was one of the evening’s most memorable dishes. The beef was cooked to perfection— while the earthy sweetness of the beetroot complemented the rich, savoury jus. The freshly grated bianchetto truffle added a fragrant, intoxicating garlic depth to the dish, turning an already stellar plate of food into something transcendent. It was a celebration of indulgence, yet the flavours were so delicately balanced that the dish felt elegant rather than overwhelming.
As a palate cleanser, we were treated to a ‘Delectat Cheeses course,’ served with onion chutney. The cheeses were rich and varied in texture, with the chutney offering a sweet and tangy contrast that refreshed the senses and prepped us for the final courses.
Just as we thought the evening couldn’t get any better, the kitchen sent out a delicate white chocolate cake shaped like a flower. It was an anniversary gesture, a thoughtful and beautiful touch that had us both grinning like kids. The cake was as delicate and buttery as it looked, providing the perfect end to a night that had been filled with delight.The presentation was nothing short of exquisite.
Finally, the Mġarr Strawberries dessert arrived, paired with chocolate sponge cake, vanilla ice cream , and mint sauce. The freshness of the strawberries was the star of the dish, their sweetness beautifully balanced by the richness of the chocolate and the creaminess of the vanilla. The mint sauce added a refreshing, bright note, making this dessert the perfect end to a truly remarkable meal.
As the evening came to a close, we were treated to a selection of petit feur, the perfect sweet finish to an unforgettable meal. ROSAMI had truly delivered on every front—flavour, presentation, technique, and hospitality. It was a culinary experience that left us feeling both satisfied and inspired.
Throughout the evening, our server, Nicole along with her entourage was exceptional. She was attentive without being intrusive, guiding us through each course with ease and ensuring that every detail was just right. She brought an added layer of warmth and hospitality to the experience, making it clear that ROSAMI isn’t just about the food—it’s about making every guest feel like they’re the most important person in the room.
In the end, we didn’t just enjoy a meal; we enjoyed a moment. ROSAMI gave us an unforgettable anniversary celebration—one filled with fantastic food, wine, and a few too many laughs. Sure, we could blame the Negroni or the wine for the jovial mood, but honestly? ROSAMI did what great restaurants do: it brought us closer together over something truly special.
For anyone looking to elevate their dining experience in Malta, ROSAMI is more than just a Michelin-starred destination. It’s a place where food is a journey, the wine is magical, and the experience is something you’ll carry with you long after the last bite.
PRICE : $$$ | VALUE FOR MONEY: 8/10 | SERVICE: 8/10 | AMBIENCE: 8/10 | LOCATION : 9/10
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