Can you think of anything more pleasant and relaxing than a satisfying meal with unobstructed sea views on a perfect spring day? That’s just what It-Torri restaurant served up during a recent visit, and it was a faultless experience from beginning to end.

It-Torri, located around the base of Sliema’s famous watchtower, known to locals as it-torri (the tower), is an outdoor restaurant that operates between March and December, weather permitting, and it guarantees a pleasant experience each time.

To begin with, this eatery is open all day long, so you can pop in for a meal at any time of day. If breakfast is all you have time for, you can choose between healthy options such as homemade granola with yoghurt, or the more indulgent eggs Benedict. Snacks are also available on the menu, including a range of wraps and bread options, as well as the traditional Maltese ftira.

But the restaurant’s lunch and dinner options will truly leave you spoilt for choice – from pizzas and fresh pasta to meat and fish dishes, as well as a selection of specials. There really is something for everyone! My guest and I kicked off our meal here with a refreshing Aperol Spritz prepared by the restaurant’s owner and affable host, William Gauci. It was the perfect drink for warm weather, and a great accompaniment to our starters.

My vegan guest opted for the light and crispy Focaccia Romana to start, ordered without cheese and drizzled with garlic oil and rosemary, while I tucked into a mouth-watering plate of local fried goat cheeselets, served with a zesty mango chutney sauce. Despite the generous helping, I could have easily indulged in another plate of these – but it’s a good thing I didn’t!

For mains, I opted for a fresh pasta option that didn’t disappoint – homemade ravioli with a prawn and lobster filling, a hint of chilli, fresh herbs and bisque. The dish left me wanting for nothing – it was rich and full of flavour without being over-complicated, allowing me to savour all the delicate ingredients it had to offer. To top it off, it was wonderfully presented, sprinkled with colourful fresh flowers and topped with a fresh prawn.

Meanwhile, my guest tucked into the Pizza Vegeteriana which, despite lacking meat or dairy as she requested, was full of fresh and flavourful veggies, and lovely and colourful too! With little space left, we decided to share a dessert, and a serving of traditional imqaret (deep fried date-filled pastries) accompanied by vanilla ice-cream seemed like a fitting ending to a delicious meal on this cloudless spring afternoon.

If you’re in the area and fancy a casual place to dine, I highly recommend It-Torri. The menu is varied, its reasonably priced, boasts hospitable staff and, of course, has perfect views to boot. Who couldn ask for more?