Emilia

Emilia Romagna is one of Italy’s most prestigious regions for high quality products, and that includes its exquisite cuisine. The region’s capital, Bologna, is nicknamed “La Grassa”, which means The Fat One. This nickname is the result of the gastronomical importance the city has in Italy.

The region has been the catalyst for producing food products like Parmigiano Reggiano, Grana Padano, Parma Ham, Aceto Balsamico di Modena, egg and filled pasta (tortellini being the most popular), and many more. Additionally, Emilia Romagna is home to brands like Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Ducati and people like Giuseppe Verdi, Federico Fellini, Vasco Rossi, Zucchero and Luciano Pavarotti.

Our restaurant, Emilia, is inspired by this region. We are motivated to honour the quest for high quality that this location works towards. Our icon represents the “Fiore della Vita” or the “Flower of Life”. There are various theories on the meaning of this geometrical shape of perfect form, proportion and harmony.

Although all of them lean to the creation of different forms of life, the one we associate ourselves with most is the representation of the spring flower Narcisio, which is a type of daffodil. The daffodil is renowned to announce the new spring season, hence it historically represents rebirth, regeneration, joy and hope.

The flower of life used to be placed on tiles made of clay and called tigelle (derived from the Latin word for cover). A dough was then baked between the tiles to produce this typical Modenese bread called tigella. As a result the flower was stamped on the bread. As time passed by, the name tigella came to be used for the bread itself. The bread is nowadays filled with a selection of local ingredients.

Welcome to Emilia!

We look forward to giving you a joyful and regenerated experience in the heart of Valletta.