A Mediterranean Disappointment
Perhaps it was due to the hype. My expectations of Salini restaurant, the hot new eatery set deep inside the Tigne Point monstrosity were high but alas I was sorely disappointed.
The location could not be better. The restaurant boasts a poolside terrace overlooking the Marsamxett harbour and the night Valletta cityscape is awe inspiring. Unfortunately, the decor is cold, cheap and vaguely reminiscent of the seaside lidos littering the Bugibba coast. On this nippy Spring evening, the terrace was closed-off and we were instead accommodated inside the main dining room which by the end of the evening was about three-quarters full of diners. The worst thing about this evening's experience was the acoustics of the dining room. It's atrocious. At times, I could barely understand what my dining companions were on about. It will do as an unpretentious business dinner venue but Salini is absolutely ill-suited as a romantic treat for one's SO.
The menu is large and pretentious. The wine list is intriguing, with vintages from various Med regions. Ultimately, the staff twice failed to deliver the wine of choice and we had to settle on my third preference. Eventually, what's most important is the food and Salini scores very low in terms of quality and value. Portions are small and overpriced. Presentation is weak. Diners should not expect frills with Salini's tapa style dishes. If you order falafel, it's a few unappetizing falafel patties in a bowl you'll get. Forget about any kind of garnish that would justify the portion's price. Most of the food tasted of cumin and little else. Potatoes, lamb, chicken and chick-pea falafel all tasted vaguely the same.
I had been longing to pay Salini a visit. Curiousity satisfied; moving on.
