VALLETTA: In a week where the Michelin Guide announced rather unusually to the world that two of France’s three Michelin star restaurants had been stripped of their third star, it was also time for the new announcements in Malta. Fernando Gastrotheque, a restaurant in Sliema is the sixth restaurant in Malta to clinch a Michelin star. The restaurant’s chef is Laszlo Sragli who made a name for himself around Malta but who has also gained experience working in top restaurants around Europe and Asia.
The five restaurants that were awarded one Michelin star previously retained their star. These are Noni, Under Grain and Ion – The Harbour in Valletta, De Mondion in Mdina and Bahia in Balzan. The latter retained its star after moving from Lija to neighbouring Balzan.
Fernando becomes the second ‘independent’ restaurant not attached to a hotel to earn a Michelin star in Malta. The other one is Noni by chef Jonathan Brincat.
Speaking about Fernando Gastrotheque, Michelin said the highly talented chef creates Mediterranean dishes with the occasional international touch and plenty of character, all prepared from the best seasonal ingredients. The wine list is worth a mention, featuring over 600 labels from across the globe with a particular emphasis on France and Italy.
That stands to reason given that the restaurant is owned by the wine importing brothers Nicholai and Andre Grech.
The four restaurants with a Bib Gourmand retained their status from the previous year. These are Grain Street in Valletta, Rubino in Valletta, Terrone in Vittoriosa and Commando in Mellieha.
Michelin has also added five new restaurants to the guide. These are Giuseppi’s in Naxxar, LOA in St Paul’s Bay, Grotto Tavern in Rabat, Legligin in Valletta and Rosami in St Julians.
A notable and somewhat surprising absence from the guide is the newly reopened Risette under the guide of chef Steve Scicluna.
Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides said on the launch of the fourth Michelin Guide Malta that they are proud to welcome a new restaurant to the large family of Michelin stars. “The development of the Maltese culinary scene is extremely exciting, with the selection of an additional 5 new restaurants that take their inspiration from the Mediterranean region, yet without holding back on the occasional touch of fusion to surprise and delight gourmets. Where for its UNESCO designated heritage, its status as a Mediterranean crossroads, its ancient history or its colourful and joyful cuisine, Malta has everything needed to seduce travellers.
Read also: The Michelin guide is a big deal for Malta. Here is why
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