Valletta
Kantina Café & Wine Bar Watch the world go by as you dine in the shade under the trees next to St John’s Co-Cathedral, or indoors in pretty surroundings. This casual café is a great spot for a quick snack, lunch, or a pre-theatre glass of wine or cocktail, which can be enjoyed with a variety of meat and cheese platters. Some of our top choices include the famous ftira – Maltese bread with a variety of fillings, the seafood linguine and the pan-fried rabbit. However, if it’s a less healthy fix you’re after, the Kantina Special Burger served with salad and chunky fries is delicious. Wash everything down with one of the milkshakes or smoothies. 103b, c St John’s Square (2723 0096). Open 8am-11pm Mon-Sat; 9am-5pm Sun. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V. Museum Bar Tucked away in one of Valletta’s side streets, this little bar started life in 1921 and has been run by the same family ever since. It is a much-loved spot for office workers on their lunch breaks who queue and crowd for the pies, pasta and hobz biz-zejt (local bread topped with olive oil, sweet tomato paste and olives). The specials change daily and you could also construct your own sandwich from the various ingredients on display. Always leave room for the fresh dessert of the day – we love the fresh fruit salad, apple pie and the sinfully delicious chocolate confection. 24 Melita Street (2124 2833). Open 7am-4pm Mon-Fri; 7am-2pm Sat. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V. Piadina This is a homely spot popular with office workers after a healthy or hearty breakfast or lunch. Piadina’s affable owner Giada definitely knows her stuff, and popular choices include barley, rice and quinoa salads, grilled vegetables, couscous, wraps, buckwheat, black and red rice, as well as the famed piadinas – the parma ham, mozzarella and rocket one is a firm favourite. There are also a few gluten-free choices to be found here, so everyone is taken care of. 24 St Lucia Street (2122 5983, www. piadinacaffe.com). Open 8am4pm Mon-Sat. No credit cards. Soul Food There’s a fun vibe to this new ‘kitchen’, where the focus is on fresh and healthy dishes. Depending on what’s in season, you’ll find traditional Italian cuisine, as well as vegetarian and vegan specialities. The homemade desserts are also vegan and gluten-free – the carrot cake is a staple, while the cheesecake topped with strawberry jam made from local strawberries is delicious. A lively soundtrack underpins the ambience here, with regular live performances too.
Angelica
76 Merchants Street (2123 4311). Open 10am-6pm MonFri, Sun. No credit cards. Fusion La Mère Restaurant With a delightful menu of Arabic, Indian, Maltese and Mediterranean choices, this is fast becoming the restaurant of choice for diners who aren’t sure what they fancy. The good news is that La Mère manages to hit the nail on the head with all four cuisines, so whether you want a portion of grilled aubergines, an Indian platter or a pasta dish to start, you’ll be making a good choice. We also suggest the sabbidij makli (very lightly battered calamari with garlic, za’tar and ground almonds) or the sujuk (grilled spicy lamb sausage with garlic, tomatoes and green chillies) to kick-start your meal. For mains, we simply love the traditional Indian thali – a selection of sizzlers which are cooked in a tandoori clay oven over charcoal flames; and when it comes to dessert nothing beats the sweet Indian ice-cream made with cardamom, saffron and pistachios. La Mère also operates a ‘bring your
own’ concept – you can take your own bottle of wine and be charged a minimum corkage fee of €4.50. 174 Merchants Street (2122 3256, www. lamere.com.mt). Open noon-2.30pm, 7-10.30pm Mon-Sat. Main courses €13-€18.50. Credit DC, MC, V. Maltese Angelica The brainchild of local food writer Mona Farrugia, Angelica offers exquisite food in a beautiful indoor and outdoor setting that’s full of character. Open all day and evening, it is one of the few places in Valletta which does not close, and which opens seven days a week. We adore the real Maltese food here with locally sourced and fresh ingredients set in a stylish, rather than touristy, environment. Try the calamari stuffed with salmon and swordfish, the slowroasted pork belly with crackling, the fresh sea urchin on toast and, of course, the much-loved rabbit in champagne – so soft it falls off the bone. Angelica has live music, champagnes and wines by the glass, and artisanal beers from Gozo. This chic-yet-relaxed eatery regularly features in
Jamie Oliver’s magazine, and for good reason. Absolutely not one to miss, but do book – it’s small. 134 Archbishop Street (2122 2777, www.angelicamalta.com). Open 11am-late (times vary) daily. Main courses €10-€20. Credit MC, V. Nenu the Artisan Baker Inspired by the art of Maltese baking, you’ll find really good local food here. Start your meal by touring the bakery itself to watch talented bakers using the original wood-fired oven (over 100 years old) that has been carefully restored to its former glory. If you’re in a group of eight or more, experienced bakers will guide you through the art of ftira-making, using authentic ingredients. Next it’s time to sample the scrumptious fare. The dining area within Nenu’s is bursting with genuine, local dishes including rabbit-stuffed ravioli with cream, tomato, onion and white wine, fenek tradizzjonali (traditional rabbit) and, of course, the renowned ftira (unleavened Maltese bread) with a variety of delicious fillings. Round your meal off with the soufflé Malti – delicious sponge with ricotta and custard.
Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/TimeOut.MaltaGozo 51