Amidst the grandeur of the 5 star Corinthia Palace Hotel in Balzan, lies a culinary haven, Bahia – a Michelin-starred restaurant that embodies the rich Maltese heritage in a modern, luxurious fine dining setup. The Bahia experience is a blend of culinary creativity, meticulous service, and a charming ambiance that reflects the elegance of Malta.
From its inception in 2016, Bahia has been on a journey of gastronomic evolution. Its remarkable transition from a quaint restaurant in a 200-year old townhouse in Lija to its prestigious new home on the upper floors of Villa Corinthia, highlights the relentless pursuit of excellence that earned it its first Michelin star in 2021​.
Bahia, named after the revered naval orange native to the region, is not merely a restaurant, but a storytelling experience. The venue, a listed building at Corinthia Palace, encapsulates the life journey of an orange from Seed, Growth, to Blossom and Harvest, offering a narrative that is as engaging as the flavours that dance upon the plate​.
The Venue
Entering Bahia, you’re welcomed into a bright, elegant, and incredibly comfortable setting. Divided into distinct areas, guests can enjoy a crafted cocktail at the bar​ before moving on to the main dining area, one of the terraces, or for a special treat, the private balcony. The restaurant’s interior design is a homage to the authentic Maltese culture, intertwined with a modern sophistication that appeals to the contemporary gourmet lover.
The open terraces overlooking the serene San Anton gardens add a delightful alfresco dining option, especially under the warm summer skies. As the seasons change, so does the ambiance of Bahia, offering a refreshing outdoor dining experience that complements the exquisite indoor setting​.
Headed by the talented Chef Tyrone Mizzi, the kitchen at Bahia is a realm where culinary traditions are respected, yet boundaries are pushed to create a dining experience that’s both familiar and exciting. The conceptual menus are a testament to the collaborative spirit that thrives within the Bahia team, where each dish is a harmonious effort, delivering a melody of flavours that resonate with the heart of Malta​.
Blind Menu
After being seated, guests who have opted for the tasting experience aren’t presented with a menu, but a wooden ornament with an accompanying cue card. You’re are given a choice – do you opt for the past, present or future? Each has a precious metal figure assigned, and the selection is denoted by placing the corresponding piece into the plinth. This beautiful serenade is a new tradition that gives guests a visceral involvement into the fine dining experience.
The culinary voyage through time offers a choice of three meticulously curated menus – but it is blind. The ‘Past’ menu takes diners back to various epochs of Maltese history with dishes inspired by selected time periods. The ‘Future’ menu is where tradition meets avant-garde, offering a glimpse into the potential future of Maltese cuisine with innovative flavour combinations. Classic Maltese dishes are reinterpreted in a contemporary way. The ‘Present’ menu is a celebration of the season, featuring a contemporary take on local ingredients in plant-based form​​. Guests are asked to trust the process, and each dish is explained in great detail as it is served.
This novel and unique approach to the usual process of ordering from a menu is a welcomed treat. It can place fussy eaters out of their comfort zone, but in the nicest way possible. For real foodies it also offers a new and exciting experience. By placing your trust Chef Mizzi and his incredible team, guests are at their complete mercy. This concept heightens the senses, it encourages guests to really taste their food, allows them to try dishes they wouldn’t usually order, and open them to new flavours.
Without disclosing each dish and divulging the surprise, we can confidently say that every course was a sensory delight. The meats are cooked to perfection, the accompaniments are delicately paired, and the presentation is immaculate. There are no divisive ingredients, or any flavours that are overpowering – meaning even the most timid diners won’t be discouraged. The kitchen seem to have cracked the code, and created an algorithm, a formula where each dish is universally enjoyable.
The 8 course tasting experience takes diners on a culinary journey like no other. We applaud this unique approach which celebrates fine dining by putting the focus on high-quality degustation, intertwined with a truly memorable experience.
Exceptional Service
The service at Bahia is where meticulous attention meets genuine warmth. Every interaction is aimed at making the guests feel treasured, and every detail is attended to with a level of care that enhances the overall dining experience. The pursuit of delivering an impeccable dining experience to the guests is ingrained in the ethos of Bahia, a trait that significantly contributed to its Michelin recognition​. Even the small touches make a big difference, such as a personal Whatsapp from the owner, Colin Ciantar, who reaches out to make sure everything was perfect.
With its innovative culinary offerings, impeccable service, and the charming narrative that each dining space unfolds, Bahia isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a destination where every visit is a luxurious culinary journey deeply rooted in the rich Maltese tradition. The restaurant often hosts special experiences, such as a group blind taste event, a social affair where groups dine fully blindfolded, so be sure to keep an eye out for upcoming events.
