A new restaurant, RANI – Indian Cuisine, has opened its door in Bahia's former location in Lija, under the same management.

Announcing the opening, owner Colin Ciantar noted that the restaurant is expected to bring “vibrant, balanced flavours of India,” including aromatic curries and spicy, tangy delights.


A cocktail offered at RANI / LinkedIn 

Later, Daniel Abela, philanthropist and Executive Chairman at Business Ventures Group, shared the news as well, highlighting months of head banging and meticulous planning.

"I'm proud to say that together with Colin Ciantar we have opened our Indian cuisine restaurant, RANI."

Set in Triq Preziosi in Lija, the restaurant will be open five days a week from Tuesday to Saturday between 6pm and 10pm.

In 2022, Michelin-starred Bahia moved to Corinthia Palace in Balzan after five years in Lija.


A look inside the restaurant / LinkedIn

Plans for the restaurant's move first started in November 2020. 

At the time, Mr Ciantar noted that the move was a big change from their “little courtyard in Lija.”

Main Image:

The new RANI restaurant / Daniel Abela 

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Anthea Cachia

Anthea has a passion for writing, meeting new people and telling stories. With an insatiable curiosity Anthea loves roaming localities in search of long-established small businesses. When not scribbling away on a notebook or tapping on her computer, you can find her experimenting in the kitchen or traveling.