Winter foodie stalwarts are an easy one for me, and I have all my favourites sorted. From cosy fireside spots to lovely lounges for wintery wine and platters, I have restaurants that I go back to again and again.

Summer, though, is a little different. I am constantly wondering where to go to that ticks all the boxes – good food, nice ambience, al fresco (of course) and, ideally, with a beautiful view to boot.

Pleasingly, this summer has presented an option that works perfectly – it’s right at the water’s edge (with open views of the sea), has an ever-changing menu (based on the freshest catch), and has excellent service to match. It launched with a bang in June, and has become a firm favourite ever since.

“The Catch by Merkanti within Hilton Malta is our seasonal restaurant by the sea,” says executive chef Eddie Sharkey. “We really make the most of what these wonderful Mediterranean waters have to offer – prepared from our local shores and served straight to your plate.”

The launch event served up a veritable feast of seafood splendour – enough to wow any seafood lover. Highlights from the starters included the pan-fried baby calamari with olives and cherry tomatoes, octopus carpaccio, Spanish-style prawns, tuna carpaccio, squid ink arancini on wakame, and steamed mussels in garlic and white wine. This was followed by a trio of Mediterranean fish with wilted greens and white wine veloute’.

“Of course things are mostly fish-based – and we’re proud of that,” continues Eddie. “But we also have lots of other options for diners that aren’t as fond of fish, so everyone is catered for.”

Finally, the evening rounded off with a dessert by pastry chef Otis Caruana that looked almost too good to eat – chocolate bavarois, pistachio and olive oil cake, ruby chocolate ganache and strawberry sorbet.

“The Catch is all about diving into a genuine Mediterranean experience that really does bring together all the best from the region. Nothing fishy about that!” Eddie adds with a smile.

The Catch by Merkanti is open at Hilton Malta for dinner from Wednesday to Saturday.