The article shares 7 proven tips for optimizing work-life balance, including enjoying the one80 Kitchen & Lounge Restaurant in Mellieha, Malta. It highlights how the restaurant's stunning views, Mediterranean menu, and relaxed yet professional ambiance make it an ideal spot for productivity, team bonding, and networking. From starting your day with a scenic view to leveraging the tourist boom for collaborations, the article provides actionable advice for blending work and leisure seamlessly.
What is this Article About?
This article is a guide for professionals, especially startup founders, on how to enhance productivity and maintain work-life balance by working out of one80 Kitchen & Lounge. It explores the restaurant's unique offerings, including its inspiring views, healthy menu, and networking opportunities, while providing practical tips for maximizing the experience.
Who is the Article For?
The article is tailored for startup founders, remote workers, and professionals who value a balance between productivity and relaxation. It’s also ideal for tourists and locals in Malta looking for a workspace that combines functionality with a luxurious dining experience.
Why is the Article Worth Reading?
The article is worth reading because it offers a fresh perspective on work-life balance by showcasing how a thoughtfully designed space like one80 Kitchen & Lounge can boost creativity, team morale, and productivity. It also provides insider tips, practical advice, and insights into Malta’s growing appeal as a hub for professionals and tourists alike.
7 PROVEN TIPS to OPTIMIZE Your Work-Life Balance at one80 Kitchen & Lounge Mellieha in 2025
My Overview of Dining Spots in Mellieha
Below is a comparison of key eateries in Mellieha, highlighting their location, cuisine, pricing, and unique strengths for a visitor's choice.
When you’re a startup founder like me, "work-life balance" often feels like an inside joke no one else finds funny. But let me tell you, since basing part of my operations in sunny Mellieha, Malta, I’ve discovered one tiny yet life-changing hack to maintain my sanity: working out of one80 Kitchen & Lounge. Think of it as coworking with style, where the boardroom comes with a 180-degree view of Mellieha Bay and your post-meeting decompression involves some of the finest Mediterranean dishes. Welcome to the startup founder’s utopia.
I mean, if you can’t close a deal after sipping a glass of wine while watching a Maltese sunset, maybe you should reassess your pitch deck.
Here are my top seven insider tips, all tested and approved, for optimizing your work-life balance, team morale, and productivity while indulging in the one80 experience.
1. START YOUR DAY IN STYLE: WORK WITH A VIEW
Every morning before hitting one80, I take a reflective walk along Mellieha's main road down to the bay, pausing for a swim to reset my mind (startup life is stressful, okay?). By the time I settle into one80’s chic lounge area, I’m energized and ready to tackle my to-do list.
The restaurant boasts floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Mellieha Bay, making it perfect for sparking creativity - or impressing those investors who just flew in. Pro tip: Book a window seat.
2. TAP INTO THAT MEDITERRANEAN MENU FOR TEAM BONDING
Running a tech startup means most of my team seldom moves their heads away from screens. Cue one80’s Mediterranean and seafood-rich menu. From hand-dived scallops to grilled swordfish, the restaurant nails taste and presentation - an irresistible combo for team lunches. Want to supercharge productivity? Order snacks and cocktails for brainstorming sessions in the lounge area. Genius flows better with finger food in hand.
Oh, and don’t even get me started on the dessert. I had one of their seasonal tarts last quarter, and honestly, it was easier than convincing a seed investor.
Tourist Context: Did you know over 400,000 tourists graced Malta in the first two months of 2025, with expenditures nearing €289.4 million (according to Times of Malta)? Clearly, people have discovered Malta’s allure - and its dining scene, spearheaded by places like one80, is benefiting greatly.
one80 Kitchen & Lounge Overview
Here is an overview of key details related to one80 Kitchen & Lounge in Mellieha, Malta, highlighting its cuisine, location, and appeal to tourists and locals.
3. LEVERAGE THE "LUXE BUT CASUAL" AMBIANCE
Do you know what’s fantastic about one80’s chic interiors? It feels elevated, but not so highbrow that you’d hesitate to brainstorm pivot ideas on your laptop. The founders, Rouvin Zammit Apap and Jesmond Vella, took their five-star hospitality backgrounds and created a space perfect for locals, tourists, and yes, overcaffeinated startup teams like mine.
4. MAKE DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS WHILE DINING HEALTHY
We all know we should be eating better, right? That’s one reason I started the Malta Restaurants Directory. It includes a unique MELA Index that rates restaurants on longevity-focused, health-conscious dining. Unsurprisingly, one80 scores high.
By choosing one80’s locally-sourced produce and modern twists on Mediterranean staples, I don’t just fuel myself for that next VC meeting - I’m also practicing what I preach about longevity.
5. SEIZE THE TOURIST BOOM TO NETWORK AND COLLABORATE
Tourism is booming in Malta - an 18.3% increase in arrivals already this year. And thanks to its prime location, one80 in Mellieha is a melting pot of locals, international visitors, and plenty of opportunities for networking. Case in point: I’ve had impromptu conversations at one80 that led to partnerships much faster than scheduling formal meetings ever would. It’s all about being present where movers and shakers eat.
6. TURN POST-LUNCH LULL INTO A DIGITAL WORKOUT
First, let's address the elephant in the room: post-food laziness. After inhaling half of one80's menu, I don’t dive back into work immediately. Instead, I grab a coffee, whip out my favorite Perplexity Labs, and make quick research or a prototype. With Mellieha’s sunny vibes streaming through the windows, even mundane catch-up work becomes tolerable.
Remember, staying agile is crucial in this market. Apps like Perplexity help make progress over procrastination - even at the pace of digesting seafood risotto.
7. AVOID THESE MISTAKES WHILE DINING AND WORKING
Let’s talk about mistakes I’ve learned to avoid:
Mistake 1: Assuming you don’t need a reservation - weekends are packed! Pre-book if you want the scenic window seat.
Mistake 2: Choosing the lounge’s “lighter snacks” when a working lunch is looming. Just embrace the full menu.
Mistake 3: Forgetting to charge your laptop. Be that prepared office nomad, people.
FINAL TAKEAWAY: YOUR NEXT MOVE
Mellieha is more than its stunning bay, historic streets, and perfect weather. With one80 Kitchen & Lounge, it’s also the place where lifestyle and work seamlessly blend. Whether you’re a local or a visitor straddling your vacation with some productive hours, this restaurant should be firmly on your must-visit list.
And if you’re keen to explore the broader Maltese dining scene, filled with health-forward spots that encourage a longer, more vibrant life, hop over to the Malta Restaurants Directory. Your longevity (and your sense of sanity) will thank you.
FAQ on Optimizing Work-Life Balance at one80 Kitchen & Lounge Mellieha
1. What makes one80 Kitchen & Lounge ideal for blending work and leisure?
one80 Kitchen & Lounge offers a stunning 180-degree view of Mellieha Bay, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a chic yet relaxed ambiance. Combined with its Mediterranean-inspired menu, it provides the perfect setting for both productivity and relaxation. Learn about one80's vibe
2. Where can I submit a guest post about my startup?
If your startups needs to drive targeted traffic and build authority with high-volume, niche-relevant content placements in articles that rank well not only in Google, but also in Perplexity and ChatGPT, then you might want to publish your guest post in one of the F/MS Startup Game's blogs. Get a quality backlink
3. What dishes are must-try at one80 Kitchen & Lounge?
You can’t go wrong with their grilled swordfish or hand-dived scallops. Seasonal desserts like tarts also come highly recommended. Their focus on locally sourced, fresh ingredients ensures a memorable experience. Check out the menu highlights
4. How can I make the most of networking opportunities at one80?
Thanks to Malta's tourism boom, one80 attracts a mix of locals and international visitors. Casual conversations over cocktails or a shared interest in the stunning views can lead to unexpected business collaborations. Explore more about Malta’s tourism
5. Do I need a reservation to dine or work at one80?
Yes, especially if you want a prime window seat overlooking Mellieha Bay. Weekends are particularly busy at one80, so reservations are highly recommended. Book your spot
6. Is the cuisine at one80 healthy and locally sourced?
Absolutely! One80 focuses on health-conscious dining with Mediterranean classics, driven by locally sourced produce. This approach aligns with longevity-focused lifestyles, as highlighted by platforms like the Malta Restaurants Directory. Visit Malta Restaurants Directory
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8. What are the operating hours of one80 Kitchen & Lounge?
one80 is open Monday to Thursday from 10:00 to 22:00, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 to 22:30, and on Sundays from 12:00 to 22:00. Check full details
9. Who are the founders behind one80 Kitchen & Lounge?
The restaurant was founded by Rouvin Zammit Apap and Jesmond Vella, experts in 5-star hospitality. Their vision was to create a space that blends luxury and approachability. See their story
10. Are there any other one80 locations in Malta?
Yes, besides the Mellieha location, one80 has locations in Mġarr Yacht Marina, Gozo, and Valletta, offering unique dining experiences at each spot. Discover all locations
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch. The Fe/male Switch team is located in several countries, including the Netherlands and Malta.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
100+ startup tools built
5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.