On February 19th, the Michelin Guide confirmed that ION Harbour by Simon Rogan has retained its coveted two Michelin stars, remaining the only restaurant in Malta to hold this prestigious accolade. This achievement reinforces ION Harbour’s position at the forefront of Malta’s culinary scene and its reputation for exceptional gastronomy.
In celebration of this distinction, Chef Simon Rogan commented: “Maintaining our two Michelin stars is a testament to our team’s continued dedication to excellence. We’ve worked tirelessly to bring something unique to Malta’s dining scene while staying true to our core values. Our commitment to sustainability and our farm-to-table philosophy, alongside our close collaboration with local suppliers, remains fundamental to our success.”
Since March 2023, Chef Rogan and Executive Chef Oli Marlow have brought their acclaimed farm-to-table philosophy to the Mediterranean, creating a menu that celebrates the finest local ingredients. The restaurant’s commitment to excellence is showcased in signature dishes such as the raw, retired Charolais dairy cow, aged and dressed in coal oil, caper jam, and pickled kohlrabi. For dessert, their chocolate mousse, crafted with cocoa miso, caramel, and wild myrtle from Mellieha, perfectly demonstrates the kitchen’s innovative approach to regional produce.
Environmental responsibility remains at the heart of ION Harbour’s philosophy. Under the guidance of Head of Sustainability Keith Abela and Executive Chef Marlow, the restaurant champions hyperlocal ingredients and ethical practices throughout its operations. The team regularly participates in educational foraging trips to discover wild local ingredients, while implementing a zero-waste philosophy by creatively using surplus kitchen produce, such as fruit peels, stalks, and stems.
Executive Chef Oli Marlow adds: “Working alongside Simon Rogan since 2012 has been an incredible journey of opening restaurants worldwide. Maintaining our two Michelin stars at ION Harbour marks another incredible milestone for us both, and for our teams here in Malta.”
Set on the rooftop of Iniala Harbour House on the picturesque St Barbara Bastion, ION Harbour provides breathtaking views of Valletta’s Grand Harbour and the historic Three Cities of Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea. The restaurant is housed within Iniala Harbour House & Residences, Malta’s sole Forbes Five-Star hotel, which spans four beautifully restored Maltese townhouses with original vaults dating back to the 1600s.
ION Harbour represents a significant achievement in Simon Rogan’s illustrious UMBEL Restaurants portfolio, which spans the UK, Malta, Hong Kong, and Thailand. Through their unwavering commitment to excellence, innovative gastronomy, and sustainable practices, ION Harbour and Iniala Harbour House continue to elevate Malta’s status as an emerging world-class destination for luxury hospitality and culinary excellence.
