that’s exactly what it’s doing. Favourites at this hip, attractive café include the spicy chickpea and Portobello mushroom burgers, as well as the tasty hummus wrap. St George Street, Gzira (2131 1676, www.thegrassyhopper.com). Open 8am-4pm Mon-Thur, Sat; 8am-10pm Fri; 9am-4pm Sun. No credit cards.
fragrant dishes are the chicken pasanda, featuring a korma-based sauce enhanced by raisins and nuts, as well as the flavourful lamb rogan josh accompanied with rice and naan bread – a typical Indian dish that is always a favourite here. The restaurant is due to be closed for refurbishment from February 2016. 11 Ta’ Xbiex Seafront, Msida (2134 0489). Open 7-11pm Tue-Sun; Oct-May also 12.30-4pm Sun. Main courses €9. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V. Other locations Qawra Road, Qawra.
The perfect place for c o ff e e a n d ic e - c r e a m Follow the locals to the best coffee and ice-cream spots
Fusion
Sliema & Around
MedAsia Ideal for unwinding over dinner and a few drinks, MedAsia, on The Strand, has a lively terrace, in which an outdoor bar is set up on Fridays and Saturdays, and a stylish interior, with a welcoming private room. The food here comprises a fusion of Asian and Mediterranean cuisines, and while perfect for relaxation during the day, the eatery takes on a club-like vibe in the evenings, and you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail well into the early hours. The restaurant’s sister beach lido in QuiSi-Sana, MedAsia Playa, is open in the summer months, and is a great option for a cool summer evening. The MedAsia team also runs the popular Londoner Pub in St Julian’s. 90 The Strand (2133 3221, www. medasia.com.mt). Open noon-midnight daily. Main courses €18-€23. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V. Taste With a menu comprising a masterful blend of Mediterranean and Vietnamese cuisines, the award-winning Taste restaurant is located within the Fortina’s (see p117) tropical garden. Sit amidst the greenery as you peruse the selection of dishes that are sure to set your taste buds tingling. Fortina Spa Resort, Tigné Seafront (2346 6666, www.fortinasparesort.com). Open 12.30-2.30pm Tue-Sun; 7.3010.30pm Tue-Sat. Main courses €14€40. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V. TemptAsian The chic atmosphere at this eatery is enhanced by its gorgeous views of Valletta’s harbour from its outdoor terrace on the 9th floor of The Palace (see p118). The beautiful surroundings are perfectly complemented by the menu, which offers a variety of dishes originating from a fusion of Asian and Western cuisines. The Palace, High Street (2133 3444, www.thepalacemalta. com). Open June-Sept 7.30-11pm daily; Oct-May 7.30-11pm TueSat. Main courses €10-€24.50. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V.
Maltese
Caffè Berry
S
liema is at the heart of café culture, boasting numerous coffee shops along its popular promenade. If you’re looking for a pitstop after some retail therapy, head to one of the outlets along the promenade just at the edge of the shopping streets like Café Giorgio (see p105), or if you’re indulging in some retail therapy at The Point Shopping Mall, the classy French Affaire in the piazza is a great option. Meanwhile, gourmet café Mint (see p109), also located on the promenade, has some of the best coffee on the island, as does the newly opened Caffè Berry (see p105), also renowned for its top-quality teas. If the Maltese weather has you looking for a cooler treat, the area is also a popular spot for ice-cream, with a vast number of kiosks and icecream parlours that are perfect for a refreshing treat. One of the oldest ice-cream parlours is La Gelateria Lungomare on the promenade, which has been around since the 1980s, and offers a choice of over 50 flavours. A newer addition is the Sicilian Dolci Peccati, which has rapidly established itself as a favourite among lovers of fine desserts thanks to its yummy Italian pastries, cakes and of course, ice-cream. Further on, towards St Julian’s, Gelateria Figo is another popular spot for its unique flavours like gorgonzola ice-cream and prickly pear sorbet, and finally, recently opened RivaReno in St Julian’s is also high on the list. Launching its first store in 2005 in Milan, the Italian ice-cream parlour has found its way to Malta and into the hearts of the locals, who love its delicious array of traditional and innovative flavours including ricotta and fig, and saffron with sesame.
Indian Garam Masalaa This homey eatery that’s very popular with locals is run by husband-and-wife team Katherine and Sunil, and is renowned for its genuine, aromatic and wellbalanced curries. Our pick of the 106 Time Out Malta & Gozo for Visitors 2015/16
Mint
Ta’ Kris Hidden away in a quaint little alley just off one of Sliema’s busy shopping streets, this former bakery, run by celebrated chef Kris, offers an authentic dining experience comprising hearty, traditional food, good value and friendly service. Apart from the fresh fish of the day, favourites here include typical Maltese dishes such as bragjoli (beef olives), stuffed chicken, beef stew and rabbit cooked in wine. As for dessert, this excellent eatery offers more traditional local fare in the form of helwa tat-tork (similar to nougat) and imqaret (date cakes), as well as delicious apple pie. 80 Fawwara Lane (2133 7367). Open 11.30am-11pm daily. Main courses €10€23. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V. Mediterranean Ali Baba This hidden gem of a restaurant offers Lebanese and North African fare which is sure to impress even the most discerning of foodies. Established in 1987 by Abdul Rahman Harb, Ali Baba, now run by Abdul’s son Hany, has become a household name for authentic Lebanese cuisine in Malta. With simplicity as its philosophy, and using high-quality ingredients and a mixture of herbs and spices from around the world, the menu is flavoursome, comprising cold and warm mezzes and vegetarian dishes, as well as salads, grills, stews and desserts. The menu – also listed on a blackboard as you enter and viewable on the website – changes around three to four times a year, and Hany is always on hand to ensure a good choice. Book ahead 9 Ponsomby Street, Gzira (2134 0119, www.hanyharb.com). Open noon-3pm, 7-10pm Tue-Sat. Closed Aug. Main courses €25-€35. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V. Cardini This stylish eatery with a terrace enjoying sea views across the street, offers a wide selection of tasty snacks, platters to share, pasta dishes, pizzas, meats, salads and fresh fish. The Caesar salad comes strongly recommended – signature dish of Cesare Cardini,