Terroir

What an experience. Had the tasting menu which I highly recommend. Every dish was perfection. He reccomended two glasses of wine with the course (a chablis and then a local red, both excellent). Additionally, they catered very well for my gluten intolerance, even preparing their own gf bread at the start (which they served with a special butter specificly complementary to the gf bread). Each course was explained well and the service was excellent. Highly recommended going out of the way to visit. Booking is mandatory as they need to prepare in advance particularly if you have the tasting menu.

A truly gorgeous venue with outstanding staff who go above and beyond to make every visit special. The food is exceptional—each dish cooked to absolute perfection. The attention to detail here is unmatched anywhere on the island. This was my third visit, and without a doubt, it won’t be my last.

Opened three years ago, Terroir is a small, two-man operation that exudes warmth and personality. The interior strikes a fine balance between homely and stylish, with a relaxed bar on the ground floor and an intimate dining area upstairs. Upstairs, seven tables fill the cosy space, including one on the balcony overlooking the quiet village streets. Downstairs, four outdoor tables are set around the fountain — an ideal spot for a drink or a light meal in warmer months. We say at the balcony which a truly special spot with views of both the inside and outside. Two options for menu: Ala carte and the carte Blanche which is the 5 course but poor notice is required. Now really regret not getting the carte Blanche. The restaurant gets in touch prior to ask which one would prefer. Cocktails • Whiskey, homemade ginger syrup, Frangelico, apple, lemon • Gin, cherry liqueur, dry vermouth, Angostura orange bitters Both cocktails were excellent — balanced, well-crafted, and full of flavour. The Negroni, however, was somewhat ordinary by comparison. The amouse of bread and butter was excellent. Amazing bread with superb butter. Starters • Amberjack, tomato, crème fraîche – €16 A beautifully presented and delicate dish, the subtle flavour of the fish paired well with the refreshing acidity of a re-skinned, lightly poached tomato. • Local red prawn carpaccio, smoked potato custard, dashi – €18 A standout plate — the prawn carpaccio was exquisite, with layers of flavour that unfolded beautifully alongside the smoky, umami notes of the dashi. Mains • Fish of the day “steamed”, celeriac, citrus beurre blanc – €30 Perfectly cooked fish with a crisp skin and a lovely citrus beurre blanc that complemented the dish’s delicate balance. • Aged duck, teriyaki, red cabbage, duck jus – €32 The duck was beautifully cooked and flavourful, with an elegant sauce. However, the fat was unfortunately a touch too thick to enjoy fully. Dessert • 60% Valrhona chocolate tart, chocolate ice cream – €10 An excellent finish — a small tart showcasing both dark and creamy chocolate notes, indulgent yet well-balanced. Service Service is attentive and personal, with visible care in every detail. The same gentleman who manages the dining room also crafts the cocktails — a testament to the dedication and passion behind this intimate restaurant.

Had an amazing experience celebrating my cousin’s birthday here! The food was excellent, full of flavor, and beautifully presented. The atmosphere is stunning—an old, rustic Maltese house converted into a charming restaurant. Service was top-notch, and Nicholas was incredibly friendly and attentive, making sure everything was perfect. Highly recommend for great food, a warm ambiance, and outstanding service! 👏🍽️

We were quite disappointed that during our 7-day stay we couldn’t make a reservation at this restaurant for diner. Out of four times that we came for breakfast, we managed to eat only twice as the kitchen wasn’t open. Those times that we eventually managed to order, we were very satisfied. The food was really delicious with fresh, high quality ingredients. Highly recommend!

Food & Drink: 9/10 (Dessert: 9.5/10) Photo 1. Brioche and butter – This impressed us a lot! First of all, when it was served on the table, it was at a temperature to have. Also, the brioche had some salt inside, so the butter was less salted. It was so nice to have the brioche with the smooth melting butter. I am a big fan of soft bread/pastry and this brioche was very soft but it didn’t have many air voids inside. (you can see that we couldn’t wait) Photo 2. Squid ink tagliolini, octopus 'bolognese' and Local red prawn carpaccio, white radish, granny smith apple, celery, burnt lemon dressing – This portion of pasta was perfect as a starter. It was al-dente and good to be mixed with the Bolognese which I was amazed by replacing beef and pork mince with the octopus, I personally think it was an upgrade of the taste. After my Mrs had the first bite, she couldn’t wait to share her starter with me, because it was just brilliant. The carpaccio had a rich prawn taste, other vegetables with the dressing in this dish provided a refreshing taste that successfully balanced the overall taste! Photo 3. Meagre, zucchini, prawn bisque, and Lamb, butternut squash, grilled baby gem, kohlrabi served with roasted potato – I ordered the Meagre which was my first time to try this type of fish, and I think the taste and texture were better than sea bass! The pan-fried meagre fillet had crispy skin and juicy and tender meat served with the prawn bisque sauce which provided a very balanced taste of seafood. My Mrs ordered the lamb which she thought would have a strong gamey flavour, however, surprisingly the taste was pure and fresh. The butternut squash provided another flavour to the Lamb which was unexpectedly good. When they served the roasted potato, I thought it was overcooked, but it wasn’t. There was not much salt added to the potato but it actually matched with the main dishes we had! Photo 4. Pineapple tart tatin, spiced rum caramel, Tahitian vanilla ice cream – I am not a fruit dessert person however it was surprisingly good! The taste of pineapple was perfectly balanced, not too sweet, not too sour, with a smooth vanilla ice cream scoop on top. The rum caramel was the finishing touch of the dessert! Service: 10/10 Photo 5. Painting of two owners – Terroir is owned and managed by the chef and restaurant manager. The manager asked me through Whatsapp whether I would like to order the tasting menu or A La Carte, and any food allergies a couple of days in advance of the booking, which is quite uncommon to see. When we arrived at the restaurant, the manager walked out, welcomed us at the entrance, and then led us to the balcony table. The manager was very knowledgeable and explained each meal and its best-suited wine on the menu. My Mrs was not good at drinking so the manager specifically made her drink ‘weaker’. I always like enjoying the food without any unnecessary disruptions from the restaurant staff. I don’t think the staff asking ‘How’s the food?’ or ‘Is everything ok?’ would help the service at all. However, the manager did not interrupt us from enjoying food and always came to us at the right time like bringing the food, pouring water for us and cleaning the table for the next meal. In term of the services, I believe it was perfect. Environment/Atmosphere: 9.5/10 Photo 6. Balcony table – The manager arranged the balcony table which we were able to enjoy the sunset before the main dish. The restaurant was located in the non-tourist area so we enjoyed the dinner in a lovely quiet environment. The restaurant was nice, clean and historical which I found amazing! Price: 8.5/10 Having a high-quality dinner with a lovely quiet Malta street view, and under a friendly and considerate service, for ‘only’ 125 EUR was a very good deal. I would never be able to pay the same price for the same in the UK. In general, I give 9.5/10 for Terroir. The combination of starters, mains and desserts provided a very good balance of taste and portion. Services and environment were perfect even though the location was a bit far, it was worth it!

This is an amazing restaurant right in the heart of Malta. The food really was exquisite. Beautiful to look at and each course was a total treat. From delicately cooked local Mediterranean fish to one of the most tender and delicious land dishes I have had, all served by the friendly co founder! Worth a visit.

One of the best meals we've had in a while. The attention to detail not just on your plate and flavours in the 9 course tasting menu, also catering for any intolerances, but also with their impeccable service. Definately a place you have to visit.