Ta' Bertu
I just love when a place just takes me completely by surprise, and what you thought would be mediocre turns out to be a total blast. It happened to me when I was a teenager and my parents' idea of a family holiday was to go to watch the military tattoo in Edinburgh. For me it was something stuffy my parents enjoyed, in a place known for rain. Boy was I ever so wrong! It turned out to be one of the best family holidays we ever had - the Edinburgh fringe festival was on and I got to meet Dara O'Briain, explore Edinburgh, the tattoo was a pure spectacle set against the backdrop of the castle, and to top it all off we then went on to explore the Highlands. It was fantastic.
I approached my first visit to Ta' Bertu with the same sort of trepidation. "Ta' where?" I hear you ask. Don't worry, I had the same reaction back then. Set on a main road in St Paul's Bay, is this unassuming little place. Blink and you'll miss it and will have to drive the whole way around again.
When you enter, you realise it is this rustic, charming little place run by an even more charming man, who greets you, sits you down, has a friendly chat with you, discusses the (daily changing) menu with you, takes your order, cooks your food and serves you. This, dear friends, is Bertu. He is the heart and soul of the restaurant. And this is what makes his little restaurant one of the best places for a hearty and good meal.
I've been quite a few times - with my dining companion, and with different friends. They all loved the experience. It is unpretentious, down to earth, genuine food. There is no flashy decor, no gimmicks, just the flash in the pan as your rabbit gets fried. And my, my, my the rabbit. Hands down the best rabbit I've tasted in Malta. He's got some secret ingredient there. Another treat worth mentioning is that every table usually gets a platter of Maltese goodies as an appetiser. I usually find that this is enough and don't order a starter or else I won't be able to get through my main course + dessert.
Ta' Bertu has become one of my favourite restaurants. It is perfect for a quiet winter night, to tuck in and relax with friends. Don't go expecting to click your fingers and a retinue of waiters descend upon you. Don't be that person in this gem of a restaurant, actually don't be that person in general. Just go and sit back and soak up the charm.
It is recommended that you call before going and book a table. If you want rabbit, be sure to ask when you call to book. As mentioned, the menu changes daily and it depends on what Bertu finds at his local suppliers. It can't get fresher than that.
Ta' Bertu: 492, St. Paul Street, St. Paul's Bay. Phone number: 2720 3456
I approached my first visit to Ta' Bertu with the same sort of trepidation. "Ta' where?" I hear you ask. Don't worry, I had the same reaction back then. Set on a main road in St Paul's Bay, is this unassuming little place. Blink and you'll miss it and will have to drive the whole way around again.
When you enter, you realise it is this rustic, charming little place run by an even more charming man, who greets you, sits you down, has a friendly chat with you, discusses the (daily changing) menu with you, takes your order, cooks your food and serves you. This, dear friends, is Bertu. He is the heart and soul of the restaurant. And this is what makes his little restaurant one of the best places for a hearty and good meal.
I've been quite a few times - with my dining companion, and with different friends. They all loved the experience. It is unpretentious, down to earth, genuine food. There is no flashy decor, no gimmicks, just the flash in the pan as your rabbit gets fried. And my, my, my the rabbit. Hands down the best rabbit I've tasted in Malta. He's got some secret ingredient there. Another treat worth mentioning is that every table usually gets a platter of Maltese goodies as an appetiser. I usually find that this is enough and don't order a starter or else I won't be able to get through my main course + dessert.
Ta' Bertu has become one of my favourite restaurants. It is perfect for a quiet winter night, to tuck in and relax with friends. Don't go expecting to click your fingers and a retinue of waiters descend upon you. Don't be that person in this gem of a restaurant, actually don't be that person in general. Just go and sit back and soak up the charm.
It is recommended that you call before going and book a table. If you want rabbit, be sure to ask when you call to book. As mentioned, the menu changes daily and it depends on what Bertu finds at his local suppliers. It can't get fresher than that.
Ta' Bertu: 492, St. Paul Street, St. Paul's Bay. Phone number: 2720 3456
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