Boasting one of the best views of its sprawling grounds, as well as of Valletta’s historical bastions and beyond, Contessa restaurant’s outdoor terrace – a part of the flagship dining destination at The Phoenicia Malta – has undergone a design transformation that elevated it from a weather-dependent space to a year-round attraction.
Led by Michele O’Reilly, Head Designer at The House Shop, the project marks a thoughtful evolution of this much-loved space, known for attracting both hotel guests and the public not only for its gastronomic offering, but also for its setting.
“The terrace needed to retain its openness and sense of connection to the outdoors while becoming practical for use beyond the summer months. The result is a winter garden–style restaurant that feels relaxed and natural, extending the life of the space without changing its character,” she notes.
Rather than enclosing the terrace in a walled off or permanent way, the design sought to keep the space visually open and light, achieved through extensive glazing, generous ceiling height with a retractable roof, and plants used as a defining feature throughout the space that allow guests to remain aware of their surroundings and the changing conditions outside.
“Lighting plays a particularly important role in shaping the atmosphere. Soft lighting, discreet wall fixtures, and table-level lighting introduce warmth without overwhelming the architecture, creating a gentle glow that enhances the space as daylight fades. In the evening, the lighting works alongside reflections in the glass and greenery to give the restaurant a calm, almost lantern-like quality,” says Michele.
Respecting the building’s historic architecture was a key consideration throughout the project. The existing stonework and arches informed both the layout and the rhythm of the interior, while seating is arranged in a way that creates comfortable, defined areas without interrupting sightlines or flow.
“Curved banquettes and thoughtful spacing encourage guests to settle in and enjoy the experience, while still feeling part of the wider restaurant. Material choices bring warmth and personality to the space, as leather seating, soft velvets, natural stone, and timber surfaces are layered with an abundance of greenery to reinforce the winter garden concept.”
Playful patterned cushions add more colour and texture, giving Contessa an informal, inviting note that keeps the setting from feeling overly formal.
Delivering the project required careful coordination and problem-solving, particularly when working within existing structural constraints. Reflecting on the outcome, Michele notes, “There were definitely challenges along the way, especially structurally, but those moments really shaped the final design.”
“I’m proud of how the space came together – it feels natural and comfortable, exactly as we hoped. Achieving that while delivering on schedule and on budget makes it even more rewarding.”
Photography via Phoenicia Malta
