The Michelin Guide 2021 for Malta is expected to be revealed on 9th March, less than a week away, several industry sources have told WhosWho.mt.

The guide, which first reviewed Malta’s restaurants in 2020, is updated annually and restaurants can lose their stars if they close during the year of assessment (COVID aside), or if they do not maintain their standards to make it into the next edition.

Last year, 26 restaurants made it into the Michelin Guide, while three leading local restaurants were awarded a Michelin star, a first for Malta.

The culinary achievement was awarded to Noni (Valletta), De Mondion (Mdina) and Under Grain (Valletta) on 26th February 2020, just weeks before the pandemic hit and restaurants were forced to close.

How does the Michelin Guide review work?

Michelin stars: A restaurant is able to receive from zero to three Michelin stars, while the dishes are assessed according to five criteria: quality of ingredients, taste and technique of cooking, uniqueness of the chef’s style, value for money, and maintaining the declared bar of food quality.

Bib Gourmet: This category is named after Bibendum, the Michelin mascot. Restaurants included in this category serve quality food at affordable prices, and an establishment will be placed if patrons are able to order a three-course dinner for an amount set within a specific price range. In 2021, the price per dinner must not exceed €36 in Europe.

The Michelin plate: this is awarded to eateries serving “simply delicious food” made with fresh ingredients. It does not consider a restaurant’s interior and quality of service, which is rated on a separate Michelin scale.

In the 2020 edition, three restaurants gained Bib Gourmands: Terrone (Birgu), Commando (Mellieha) and Rubino (Valletta).

In addition, 20 restaurants also received a Michelin Plate: The Golden Fork (Attard), Bahia (Lija), Briju (Gzira), Lord Nelson (Mosta), Barracuda (St Julian’s), KuYa (St Julian’s), Rampila (Valletta), Guze Bistro (Valletta), Capo Crudo (Valletta), The Harbour Club (Valletta), 59 Republic (Valletta), Aaron’s Kitchen (Valletta), Susurrus (St Julian’s), Caviar & Bull (St Julian’s), Root 81 (Rabat), The Medina (Mdina), Hammett’s Macina (Senglea), Tartarun (Marsaxlokk), Tmun (Mgarr, Gozo) and Ta Frenc (Xaghra, Gozo).