The much-anticipated Michelin Guide Malta 2021 has officially been released, with one Michelin Star each being awarded to Bahia (Lija) and ION – The Harbour (Valletta).
This brings the total number of restaurants with a Michelin Star on the island two five, with Noni (Valletta), De Mondion (Mdina) and Under Grain (Valletta) having received a Star each in the 2020 guide.
The second edition of the Michelin Guide Malta features 31 restaurants in total, spread across Malta and Gozo.
As for the newly Starred eateries, the Michelin Guide describes Bahia as a charming bistro named after the oranges for which the area is known.
“The talented Tyrone Mizzi is skilled in the classics but likes to experiment with the great quality ingredients he has at his disposal, which means that the menu changes frequently. The dishes may look simple but their complementary combinations and wonderful depth of flavour demonstrate the thought that goes into them.”
Onto ION – The Harbour, which went straight into the Guide with a Star, the fourth-floor restaurant sitting atop a stylish hotel offers “skillfully prepared dishes from chef Andrew Borg”.
“The daily menus are dictated by the best produce available from local farmers and fishermen and the cooking is classically based, with Mediterranean influences and a modern edge,” says The Michelin Guide.
Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides, said “the last year has created enormous challenges for the hospitality industry around the world and our hearts go out to all those facing difficulties in these trying times. Our inspectors, like the restaurants themselves, have had to adapt, but we were very pleased that they were able to spend time on the islands and find two new Michelin Stars and 5 new Michelin ‘Plates’ to add to the Guide”.
These restaurants are: The Fork and Cork (Rabat); Chophouse and Fernandõ Gastrotheque (both in Sliema); Zest (St Julian’s); and Mezzodi (Valletta). The Plate symbol denotes restaurants where patrons can experience “fresh ingredients, capably prepared; simply a good meal”.
They join 20 restaurants that received a Michelin Plate in 2020.
The three existing Bib Gourmand restaurants all retained their award for ‘good quality, good value cooking’ for another year: Terrone, Commando and Rubino.
Five restaurants have also been identified as taking positive steps to work in a more sustainable way, and their entries in the Guide come with one-line descriptions of their inspiring practices. The restaurants highlighted for their ‘Initiatives’ are:
The Harbour Club (Valletta), Noni (Valletta), Briju (Gzira), De Mondion (Mdina) and Tmun (Mgarr).
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