bound to be delicious. It offers Frenchinspired, creative, fusion dishes and we always enjoy whatever’s available here – tasty, home-style cooking served beautifully. Choose to dine in the sombre vaulted interior with stone floors, or, on a warmer evening opt for the more relaxed and romantic terrace with truly unsurpassable views. Wi-Fi is available. 1 Inguanez Street, Mdina (2145 4981, www.bacchus.com. mt). Open noon-11pm daily. Main courses €16. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V.
mediterranean Caffé Luna Few venues quite match up to the splendour of the 18th-century Palazzo Parisio, located in the pretty village of Naxxar. With a plush interior and plenty of tables out in the garden, weather permitting, this is a luxurious choice for breakfast,
Ciappetti We love this eatery – perfect for getting away from the world for a while. Dine in the courtyard or at an indoor table, where you can also feast your eyes on the selection of local art (which is for sale). Chef-patrons Peter and Marie Louise will guide you through their menu, though the general consensus is that the goats’ cheese ravioli as well as the Maltese platter and rabbit liver seared in honey and balsamic vinegar are not to be missed. 5 St Agatha’s Esplanade, Mdina (2145 9987). Open June-Oct 11.30am-3pm, 7-10pm Tue-Sat; Nov-May 11.30am-3pm daily; 7-10pm Sat, Sun. Main courses €13.50-€20. Credit MC, V. L’Agape There’s little not to love about this tiny restaurant in the Rabat core, which spills out onto the pjazza so you can dine under the stars. It’s heavily influenced by the Italian concept of an osteria – with no fixed menu items, but an almost dailychanging backboard of choices that reflect what’s fresh and in season. If available, our top picks include the fettucine with tuna chunks, Irish ribeye and local date cakes served with fig ice-cream.
25 St Kataldu Street, Rabat (2099 2209, www.lagapemalta.com). Open 7.30-11pm Mon-Sat. Main courses €20. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V. The Lord Nelson The pretty façade of this traditional townhouse conceals the relaxed yet chic interior of this popular restaurant. Upon entering you are greeted by the extremely courteous staff who lead you to your table – booking ahead is definitely recommended. Although the specials of the day are normally a safe bet, firm favourites are the prawn and coconut soup, and the rack of lamb with a spiced crust, but we are eagerly awaiting their new menu, to be launched at the end of August. For a romantic evening we suggest booking the balcony table for two, with a fantastic view of the impressive Mosta Dome. Prices are on the high side. 278 Main Street, Mosta (2143 2590, www.thelordnelsonmalta. com). Open 7.30-10.30pm Tue-Sat. Closed 1wk Jan and 3wks Aug. Main courses €18-€30. Credit AmEx, MC, V. Medina A real winner for romance and special occasions, this restored medieval house is a celebration of Maltese food and hospitality. Enjoy a drink in the cosy ‘den’ (admiring the list of awards on the walls), as you pick from the diverse menu. If you fancy something local, choose from the ‘flavours of Malta’ section, with specialities that include Maltese meze and traditional rabbit ragù. Alternatively, try the Moroccan spiced rack of lamb on a scallion and herb mash or the pan-seared free-range chicken stuffed with Gozo peppered cheese and speck farci. Finish with the moreish caramel and chocolate chip pannacotta. 7 Holy Cross Street, Mdina (2145 4004, www.medinarestaurantmalta.
Critics’ choice Restaurants
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De Mondion Restaurant Top marks for quality, service and views. See left.
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Caffé Luna The place to impress and be impressed. See left.
Sharma Ethnic Cuisine A recently opened eatery that’s taking its loyal followers on a gastronomic journey across cuisines. See p90.
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Rickshaw It’s so good, the brand has been exported to other Corinthia hotels across the world. See below.
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Ta’ Marija The best in town for local authentic cuisine. See below.
com). Open 7-11.30pm Mon-Sat. Main courses €15-€30. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V. Ta’ Marija If it’s local cuisine that you’re after, you’d do well to head straight to this authentic and family-run eatery in Mosta. The most popular items are old favourites: sautéed rabbit liver or home-made ricotta ravioli with a tomato and basil sauce to start with, and any of the three rabbit-based dishes for your main course. If you’re not particularly hungry, there’s a light bistro lunch menu with great salads, sandwiches and snacks. Extensive buffets are served on Saturdays and Sundays, while sprightly folklore nights are organised every Wednesday and Friday. Constitution Street, Mosta (2143 4444, www.tamarija.com). Open noon-3pm, 6.30-11.30pm daily. Main courses €15-€25. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V. oriental
Xara Palace Relais & Château. See p90.
Rickshaw As one of the longest-standing Oriental restaurants on the island, this place is an institution – and the ‘brand’ has even been extended to other Corinthia hotels, including those in Prague and Budapest. The menu features dishes from across the Far East and includes favourites such as teriyaki duck with sticky rice from Japan, stir-fried chicken in soya sauce with peanuts, chilli and vegetables from China, and Rickshaw prawns served in garlic, black pepper, coriander and whisky (China). Top it all off with traditional Eastern desserts and original Japanese saki or a local award-winning bottle of wine. Corinthia Palace Hotel and Spa, De Paule Avenue, Attard (2144 Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/TimeOut.MaltaGozo 89
Mdina & Around
De Mondion Restaurant Consistently rated among the top restaurants on the island, de Mondion gets full marks for service, food quality, presentation and wine list, as well as for its plush decor. The newly launched menu, designed by executive chef Kevin Bonello and his award-winning brigade, has whetted our appetites. Try the pan-fried fresh Scottish scallops and braised pork belly with maple syrup or the organic smoked risotto with asparagus and chimeji mushrooms for starters, followed by the fresh local fish of the day, prepared to your liking, or the roast tenderloin of venison scented with lime zest. For an enchanting evening, book a table on the terrace and dine al fresco on the Mdina bastions. Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux, Council Square, Mdina (2145 0560, www.demondion.com). Open 7.30-10.30pm Mon-Sat. Main courses €30-€40. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V.
lunch, traditional English afternoon tea and dinner. The menu here is largely Italian with a few local choices. Our favourites include the risotto in a creamy langoustine bisque, with prawn calamari and white fish tempura, and the tender pan-fried fillet of beef. Leave room for the chocolate layer cake. For an al fresco evening in style, head to their aperitivo evenings, every Thursday from June to August. Palazzo Parisio and Gardens, Victory Square, Naxxar (2141 2461, www.palazzoparisio.com). Open 9am-6pm Tue-Sun; 7.3011.30pm Wed-Sun. Main courses €21. Credit AmEx, MC, V.