There’s a place in Vittoriosa where, for the best part of a century, time stood still, and quite frankly, it’s rather magical. Perched on the hill between Vittoriosa and Cospicua, Café Riche is the perfect pit stop for a lazy snack and coffee or a refreshing Bellini, and to while away a lovely morning or afternoon.

Maria Cassar, just 25 and fresh from her Master’s Degree in Strategic Management, is steadily taking over the show as she is the fourth generation in line to run the delightful café.

“Apart from an exciting business venture, for me, Café Riche is a link to my family heritage, which I feel duty-bound to keep alive,” Maria explains.

Café Riche welcomed its first guests in 1933, after Maria’s great-grandfather Raphael returned to Malta from a stint working in Morocco. There he experienced a new café concept which he liked and decided to bring back home with him, albeit with a local twist.

Today, Cafe Riché still features the same rustic, stone-clad walls, pretty trellising and lavish bougainvillea that give the courtyard its iconic look. The facade is just as iconic, with the faux omnibus sitting atop the main door of the one-storey building, which has captured the imagination of generations.

All the members of Maria’s family are involved to varying degrees in the running of the family business. Her mum still lends a hand, while Maria’s two sisters and their older brother all play a crucial role, especially during the busier weekends. Yet hers is the strongest link to the place.

“As a young girl, I would rush after school to Café Riche, do my homework on one of the tables, and then spend the rest of the afternoon helping my grandparents,” she reminisces. “Some 15 years ago, my mum took over, and opened the coffee shop more regularly. That is when I started to take a real interest, and imagining how I would do things myself!”

Today, Maria dedicates all of her time to the place, as Café Riche is managing to attract a new, younger crowd with innovative options on the menu, and specially organised events such as live music sessions and craft markets.

“We are constantly trying to improve the way we do things, trying to keep up with new trends while still protecting the authenticity of the place. We have experienced a surge in interest as a new generation have rediscovered Café Riche – perhaps appreciating the underlying theme of genuineness,” Maria notes.

“I make it a point to be as close to our customers as possible, taking orders and serving the tables personally. This ensures that I am the first to notice anything that happens on the floor. Our patrons appreciate this level of dedication, which is reflected in our service.”

Asked about business, Maria explains that trends remain rather fluid, especially in post-Covid times.

“Tuesdays for some reason used to be among the busiest days of the week, yet today it’s hard to determine a pattern. Though we certainly see an increase in customers over the touristic summer months, though I believe it’s safe to say that we have established ourselves all year round – especially during the weekend.”

Café Riche is indeed a magical pit stop, particularly for a hearty breakfast on Sunday mornings, right after a tour of the bustling Birgu flea market down the road perhaps – but more on that in another article!

Café Riche turned 90 just last May, and Maria’s family threw a big shindig, worthy of the momentous occasion.

“We invited friends and family to the place to celebrate the happy occasion. The event was so successful, and it made such a splash on social media, that we are now being approached to host various events as well, which is a wonderful concept that we are only too happy to accommodate.”

Looking ahead, Maria has big plans for the future of Café Riche, but the emphasis remains on authenticity.

“We want to grow this place, and make something really special out of it – yet we are very protective of our authentic brand so that is guaranteed to remain central to all we do!” Maria concludes.

This feature forms part of The Laid Back Series by GuideMeMalta.com. Bringing to light unique characters, local traditions, and the beauty of old Malta, we search every corner of the Maltese islands to find the most unique of stories that are sure to delight and bring a sense of nostalgia to our readers.

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