“This time last year, everything changed for us,” Noni restaurant said in a social media post last Friday. It was not talking about forced closures or COVID-19, which were just two weeks away from wreaking havoc on Malta, but rather, the restaurant is celebrating one year since it became one of Malta’s first restaurants to receive a Michelin Star.

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.

Noni, celebrating its one-year anniversary, wrote: “We want to thank every single one of our team, patrons and suppliers for your support since day one.”

Chef Jonathan Brincat, also known as “Noni”, is the founder and co-owner of the restaurant with the same name. After gaining valuable experience in different roles at the kitchens of five-star luxury and gastronomic establishments, he moved to London to work under MICHELIN Starred chef Gary Hollihead at the Corinthia London.

Upon coming back again to Malta, it wasn’t long until he pursued his dream to open his own place. Having set his heart on Valletta, he waited until the ideal location opened up, and once 211, Republic Street became available, everything was ready for Noni to open its doors.

Joining Mr Brincat on this venture is his sister Ritienne, who is the restaurant manager and has over 12 years’ experience working in the high-end food and beverage sector, as well as a tightly-knit staff that shares a passion with doing things right – the first time round – both in the kitchen and front of house.