Malta has finally been recognised for the impeccable cuisine found in all corners of the island as the MICHELIN Guide announced the winners of various awards yesterday evening. Three types of awards were up for grabs: the One Stars, the Bib Gourmands, and the Plate Awards, with 26 in total handed out over the course of the evening.
Last week, we spoke to top local chefs who predicted some of the local restos that could make it to the Michelin Guide. Here’s how they fared.
One Star
The restos that received a One Star award were all guessed and include The de Mondion Restaurant which has been widely acknowledged over the years, Noni which is a stylishly refurbished former jazz bar in the capital, and Under Grain, a restaurant that ensured the ultimate refined experience.
Bib Gourmands
As defined by the Michelin Guide, the Bib award is “Michelin’s distinction for good quality, good value cooking and proves very popular with our readers.” One restaurant was predicted from the chefs’ list, which was Commando in Mellieha. The stunning Terrone in Marsaxlokk, specialising in southern Italian and local food combining rustic charm and contemporary cuisine, and the long-standing Rubino found in one of the oldest establishments in Valletta, were also given the prestigious award.
Plate Awards
A total of 20 Plate Awards were up for grabs and the chefs mentioned 10 of them! Caviar & Bull in St Julian’s, Bahia in Lija, Briju in Gzira, Hammett’s Macina in Senglea, Fifty Nine Republic in Valletta, The Harbour Club in Valletta, Root 81 in Rabat, Tartarun in Marsaxlokk, Tmun in Mgarr (Gozo) and Ta’ Frenc Restaurant in Xaghra (Gozo).
The other restos that were also awarded the Plate Award were Susurrus in St Julian’s, KuYa in St Julian’s, Barracuda in St Julian’s, The Lord Nelson Restaurant in Mosta, The Golden Fork in Attard, Capo Crudo in Valletta, Rampila in Valletta, Guze Bistro in Valletta, and Aaron’s Kitchen in Valletta.