"Viva Malta" Nights at Ibis Styles, St Paul's Bay Malta

If you’re looking to get a real taste of Malta’s lively spirit, “Viva Malta” Nights at Ibis Styles offers a warm, authentic experience that mixes home-cooked food with festive music. This 3.5-hour rooftop event is designed to showcase the best of Maltese traditions in a relaxed, intimate setting—perfect for first-timers and seasoned visitors alike who want to connect with local culture.

What makes this evening stand out? First, the carefully prepared, home-made Maltese dishes are a highlight, giving you a genuine flavor of the island’s culinary soul. Second, the live banda performance transports you straight into the heart of Maltese village festa celebrations. Finally, the cozy rooftop setting with traditional decorations adds a special touch that elevates this experience from a simple dinner to a memorable cultural soirée.

One possible consideration? Since drinks are not included, you’ll want to budget extra for beverages. Also, seating is limited, so securing your spot in advance is wise. This tour is well-suited for travelers seeking an authentic, interactive evening full of local flavor, with relaxed seating and engaging entertainment.

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Key Points

Authentic Maltese cuisine prepared in-house with traditional recipes
Live banda music creating an energetic, festive atmosphere
Limited seats ensure a relaxed and personal experience
Rooftop setting offers scenic views and traditional decor
Cultural immersion through food and music, ideal for first-time and returning visitors
No drinks included, so plan accordingly for beverages

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Authentic Maltese Cultural Night in St. Paul’s Bay

We love the way this tour combines Malta’s culinary heritage with its musical traditions. As you arrive at the Ibis Styles hotel, the rooftop transforms into a lively scene with tables set and traditional decorations hinting at a local festa. The atmosphere is relaxed, with friendly staff welcoming you and guiding you to your seat, making you feel more like a guest at a neighbor’s celebration than a tourist at a structured event.

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The Food: A Genuine Maltese Feast

The star of the evening? The home-made Maltese dishes. You’ll find a buffet featuring a variety of beloved favorites, made fresh by local chefs. The Maltese Platter is a delightful start—creamy broad bean dip “bigilla,” peppered gbejniet cheese, and fresh Maltese bread topped with tomatoes and olive oil. As you fill your plate, you can feel the care and tradition in every bite.

Moving on to hearty main courses, you’ll enjoy dishes like Ross il-Forn (baked rice with minced meat, eggs, and cheese), Fenek il-Forn (slow-baked rabbit, flavored with garlic, herbs, and potatoes), and Bragioli (beef olives stuffed with herbs and eggs). The slow-cooked pork with rosemary (Majjal il-forn) and marinated chicken kebabs are grilled to juicy perfection, offering a taste of Malta’s Mediterranean spice palette.

Vegetarians aren’t left out, with options like kapunata—a Maltese-style ratatouille—and oven-baked stuffed marrows (Qarabali Mimli). For side dishes, roast potatoes (patata l-forn) flavored with local herbs are a comforting addition.

Desserts round out the feast: Imqaret, fried pastries with spiced dates, are crispy and sweet, while elwa tat-Tork—a dense sesame-sugar confection—offers a crumbly, satisfying finish. Reviewers praise the delicious, homemade quality of the food, noting how it reflects true Maltese flavors and offers a hearty, satisfying meal.

The Music: Banda Bands and Festive Vibes

No Maltese celebration is complete without the sound of a banda, and this event features a professional banda that fills the rooftop with lively marches and joyful melodies. The Tikka Banda brings the infectious energy of village festas, making it impossible to stay seated for long. As one reviewer puts it, “the banda performance was a real highlight—full of energy and authentic festivity.”

The live music lasts about an hour, giving plenty of opportunity to clap along, dance, or simply enjoy the vibrant soundscape. The musicians are experienced and passionate, creating a warm, communal atmosphere that makes everyone feel part of something special.

The Setting: Rooftop Charm and Traditional Decor

The event’s rooftop location offers a scenic backdrop, especially as the sun sets over St. Paul’s Bay. The traditional decorations and festive setup boost the authentic vibe, making this a cozy yet lively space to enjoy the evening. The setting encourages mingling and conversation, and the open-air environment lends a relaxed, carefree feel.

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Practical Details and Considerations

The tour lasts about 3.5 hours, starting from 19:30, which is ideal for those who want an early evening experience. Since seats are limited, booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot. The experience includes a buffet dinner, a live banda performance, and warm hospitality from the Ibis Styles team.

While drinks are not included, you’ll find the venue has options available for purchase, or you can bring your own beverages. The event is wheelchair accessible and hosted in English, making it suitable for most travelers.

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Value for Money

Considering the quality of food, live entertainment, and intimate setting, the price offers good value, especially for those seeking an authentic cultural experience rather than a touristy show. The home-made cuisine and live music are genuine highlights that many reviews commend, making this a worthwhile investment for a memorable Maltese night out.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This tour is perfect for travelers eager to explore Maltese food and traditions without the fuss of large, commercial events. It suits those interested in local culture, authentic cuisine, and live music, especially if you enjoy engaging with the community vibe. It’s also great for couples, small groups, or solo travelers wanting a relaxed, convivial evening.

However, if you’re after a more formal dinner or drinks included in your package, you might want to explore other options. Similarly, if you have mobility issues, confirm accessibility details beforehand, although it is wheelchair accessible.

The Sum Up

“Viva Malta” Nights at Ibis Styles offers a genuine slice of Maltese life, combining home-made food, lively banda music, and a charming rooftop setting. It’s an evening designed to make you feel like part of a local celebration, complete with hearty dishes and joyful tunes.

This experience delivers authenticity, warmth, and entertainment in a relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for those wanting to connect with Malta’s traditions in a memorable way. The limited seating enhances the intimate feel, so booking early is advisable to enjoy this vibrant celebration of Maltese culture.

Overall, it’s a fantastic option for anyone interested in food, music, and local ambiance—a true taste of Malta that leaves you feeling enriched and entertained.

FAQ

Is the dinner buffet included in the price?
Yes, you’ll enjoy a full buffet dinner with traditional Maltese dishes, starters, mains, and desserts included in the ticket price.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included. You can purchase beverages at the venue or bring your own.

How long does the event last?
The experience lasts approximately 3.5 hours, starting from 19:30.

Is the event suitable for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the event is wheelchair accessible, but it’s always good to confirm specific needs when booking.

Can I reserve my seat in advance?
Absolutely, booking in advance is recommended as seats are limited to ensure a relaxed, intimate atmosphere.

What is the dress code?
There’s no strict dress code, but casual smart attire is suitable for the rooftop setting.

Is the event suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the lively music and communal atmosphere make it appealing for families, but check with the provider if you have young children.

Do I need to pay upfront?
You can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility in planning your trip.

In summary, “Viva Malta” Nights provides a warm, authentic evening of Maltese food and music in a cozy rooftop setting. It’s a delightful way to experience the island’s traditions firsthand, especially if you love good food and lively entertainment. Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or small group, this event promises a memorable, culturally rich night out.