Zest

The story

Zest: Michelin-Recognised Asian & Nikkei Cuisine in St Julian's, Malta

At Spinola Bay

Step into Zest, a Michelin Plate restaurant tucked within Hotel Juliani on St George’s Road, overlooking the lively Spinola Bay. The building was once a traditional Maltese townhouse; its Mediterranean façade remains, but inside the space transforms into a sleek, moody escape. The dining room blends eye-catching interiors with a calm, intimate atmosphere – a place where the buzz of St Julian’s entertainment district feels a world away.

Asian Flavours with a Nikkei Twist

The menu at Zest is a celebration of Asian cuisine, with a particular focus on Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei – a fusion born over generations, blending Japanese techniques with Peruvian ingredients. Sushi rolls sit alongside fluffy bao buns, ceviche, and tangy curries. Appetisers like sea bass ceviche with quinoa and charred white corn, or Nikkei tiraditos with sesame and chipotle, set the tone. Mains include the Zest Signature Beef Rendang, slow-cooked in chilli, ginger, and coconut. For those who want to taste a little of everything, the sharing menu at €55 per person offers a curated journey through the kitchen’s highlights.

Michelin Recognition

Zest has been recognised in the Michelin Guide Malta for four consecutive years, most recently in the 2026 edition. The award reflects the team’s commitment to innovation and flavour – what director Erika Cassar Rouvelas calls “simply a good meal.” That same dedication extends beyond the restaurant: Zest Street Food delivers the same Asian dishes daily, and Zest Occasions offers bespoke catering for events, whether continental or Asian-inspired.