This sleek new cafe has just opened instead of Flora's in Naxxar

Since opening its doors in 2015, the charming tearoom with the prettiest cupcakes in Naxxar's main square had become a favourite among locals, with social media influencers flocking to feature its sweet confections on their feeds. So when Flora’s announced that it would be closing its doors last October, fans were sad to see it go.

As from the 28th of October we will sadly no longer be operating the Naxxar Tearoom and Sunday 27th will be our last...
Posted by Flora's on Monday, 21 October 2019

But, while the Flora's team still operates their party venue and custom cake service online, the pretty location in Naxxar’s square is now home to another – Java, a new breakfast and brunch café – which opened its doors last weekend.

Keen to discover whether this new breakfast spot would fill the Flora’s-shaped hole in our hearts, I popped in to find out more. Open from 6:30am to 4pm every day (closing at 2pm on Sundays), Java offers a varied menu featuring shakes and juices, smoothie bowls, Insta-friendly breakfasts, baguettes and salads, not to mention its namesake coffee.

java

Yet while the name might be a little nondescript, the design of the space is sleek and tasteful, with a painted wood bar extending out along the front section, a wall of local and foreign newspapers for guests’ consumption, and the main café area boasting marble tables, wood paneling and comfy upholstered chairs.

java

The fare on display in the sweets counter includes a selection of muffins, cookies and cakes, as well as a few different varieties of fresh croissants, all with a classic bakery feel. It is different to the iced creations we’ve come to associate with this Naxxar spot, although no less inviting!

The coffee is made using locally roasted coffee beans by Lot Sixty-One, and the service is polite and friendly as I make my pain-in-the-ass request of substituting regular milk with almond. That’s a win in my book, and I look forward to sampling some of the breakfast options – which look inviting as they are delivered to the next table – on my next visit.