Enjoy a relaxed Sunday lunch at Ta Xbiex Waterpolo Club, with seafood and stunning views of Valletta.
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A Sunday by the Sea at Ta Xbiex Waterpolo Club
In Malta, Sundays are more than just another day of the week—they're about savouring life, one leisurely meal at a time. And if that meal comes with a view that could make postcards jealous, you know you're in for something special.
That's exactly what Ta Xbiex Waterpolo Club promises. Nestled along the Ta' Xbiex waterfront, this longstanding restaurant has become a local staple, where the charm of decades past blends seamlessly with the calming sight of Valletta's iconic skyline.
If you're after a relaxed, scenic Sunday lunch by the sea or a midweek work brunch, this spot offers exactly that. But does the menu live up to the view? Let's dive in.
Atmosphere and Setting: A Seaside Classic
While the location is undoubtedly the star of the Ta Xbiex Waterpolo Club show, our experience was steady enjoyment rather than dramatic culinary surprises. We visited on a quiet Sunday afternoon with friends, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of Marsamxett Harbour and the iconic Valletta skyline.
With sailboats gliding by and a gentle sea breeze, the setting created the perfect backdrop for a relaxed meal. Inside, the restaurant offers a clean, comfortable space that nods to its rich water polo heritage, with framed photographs adorning the walls.
It's where you can easily settle in for a long lunch or dinner without feeling rushed or overwhelmed by the environment.
That said, Ta Xbiex Waterpolo Club truly shines when it comes to outside seating. We were lucky enough to score a table right by the water, and the views of Valletta and Manoel Island added an extra layer of enjoyment to the afternoon.
Suppose you value location as much as the food. In that case, this spot will not disappoint—especially on a sunny day, when the tranquil setting makes everything taste just that little bit better.
Starters: A Promising Beginning with a Twist
We kicked off our lunch by sharing a Focaccia Aglio Oglio Peperoncino. The combination of garlic, olive oil, fresh chilli, and Parmigiano was simple but effective. The light, crisp texture of the focaccia paired nicely with the bold flavours, setting a positive tone for the meal.
Next came the grilled octopus over mashed potatoes, one of the day's specials. This dish had a lot going for it—the classic Mediterranean combination of octopus and potatoes is always a reliable choice. However, while the octopus was tender, we preferred a bit more char for that smoky, caramelised finish that brings depth to such a dish.
The balance between the octopus and the mash was harmonious, but perhaps too much so. We wished for a bit more contrast in textures and flavours.
Calamari and Shellfish: Hits on the Plate
A standout from the meal was the Calamari Fritti, a well-executed dish. The crispy exterior contrasted beautifully with the tender squid inside, and the seasoning was just right—enough to enhance the calamari's natural flavour without overpowering it.
It's one of those simple pleasures that leaves you wanting more, and it pairs perfectly with a dry wine or light beer.
Next, we had the Spaghetti Mare, featuring mixed shellfish, baby prawns, and calamari. This dish was well-balanced, with the shellfish lending the pasta a sweet, briny taste.
The spaghetti was cooked al dente, offering a satisfying base for the delicate seafood flavours. It wasn't an over-the-top plate but a pleasant, straightforward dish for the setting and time of day.
Char-Grilled Calamari: Flavours with Potential
Another dish we tried was the Char-Grilled Calamari, served with jasmine rice, coriander, chilli, lime, and steamed greens. While the calamari was grilled with a nice smoky flavour, it leaned slightly towards the al dente side, which might appeal to some but left us wanting more tenderness.
The jasmine rice, lime, and coriander added a bright, fresh component to the dish, though the flavours didn't quite pop as much as we expected. It was a good dish, though it could have used more attention to detail to elevate it further.
Drinks and Pairings: Enjoying the View with a Drink in Hand
One thing worth highlighting is that the relaxed atmosphere at Ta Xbiex Waterpolo Club makes it an ideal place to linger with a drink. While we paired most of our seafood dishes with white wine, we also tried a few light beers, which was a pleasant surprise.
The crispness of the lager worked well with the shellfish, enhancing the freshness without overpowering the subtle flavours.
It's an option worth considering, especially if you prefer beer over wine.
Final Thoughts: A Reliable Choice for a Scenic Lunch
Ultimately, Ta Xbiex Waterpolo Club offered a pleasant experience, particularly regarding the setting and some seafood dishes.
It's where the view almost becomes part of the meal, and if you value that connection to the sea and the relaxed pace of life that comes with it, you're likely to enjoy your time here.
The food ranged from good to very enjoyable, though there were moments when we felt a little more refinement could have made a difference. The menu remains approachable and satisfying, with enough variety to cater to different tastes.
Would we recommend it? Certainly, especially if you are looking for a restaurant with a view. Very few can compete with that of the Valletta skyline (but we're biased, of course!)
It's not a place that aims to dazzle with complex dishes, but sometimes, simplicity and a stunning view are all you need.
Ta Xbiex Waterpolo Club Website: https://taxbiexwaterpoloclub.com/
Contact Ta Xbiex Waterpolo Club: (+356) 27330144
Ta Xbiex Waterpolo Club Opening Hours:
MON TO SAT
12:00 - 15:00 , 19:00 - 22:30
SUNDAY
12:00 - 15:00
Ta Xbiex Waterpolo Club Location:
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