Trattoria Tosca

Opera meets Mellieħa at this friendly hotel restaurant. Tosca is tucked inside the Solana Hotel & Spa on Ġorġ Borg Olivier Street, right in the heart of the village, and it’s so neatly blended into the building that it’s easy to walk straight past. Don’t, though. Although it’s part of the four-star hotel, the restaurant has a kitchen and team of its own. Inside, black-and-white snaps from productions of Puccini’s opera hang above cosy red booths, which are ideal for families settling in for a relaxed meal. A bustling open kitchen adds to the buzz. There’s outdoor seating too, and the venue is wheelchair accessible.

Expect fine Mediterranean cuisine with a strong Italian streak, priced for family-friendly budgets and made with seasonal produce, some of it from the hotel’s rooftop garden. From the vast menu, kick things off with pan-seared scallops or grilled octopus with smoked paprika vinaigrette, then try duck breast, grilled red snapper or a delightful surf and turf. There’s an enticing selection of pizza, while pasta lovers are well looked after, from flavourful rigatoni alla zozzona to gnocchi with pesto. Save room for something sweet, like tiramisu or a refreshing sorbet. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are on hand, and grown-ups will find an accessible wine list and a choice of beers.