Mgarr ix-Xini
Mgarr ix-Xini
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- JennyBetteridgeHampshire, United Kingdom58 contributionsHidden Gem!Hidden Gem! We were recommended to come here by a local. Having read the reviews regarding the steep, single track road and minimal parking we anticipated issues, but being May, everything was fine. The setting is magical and rustic. We enjoyed a lovely swim after our meal. Our bill came to over €250 so it is expensive but worth it (there were 4 of us) Beautifully cooked fish and octopus on the open grill washed down with delicious red wine from their family vineyard €20 a bottle. The salad and chips served with the fish dishes was charged at €6.50 each which to be honest should have been included (my only negative) Thank you for a wonderful experienceVisited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 19, 2024
- Vicky T6 contributionsGorgeous place for a swimQuite an ‘interesting’ car ride to get down here, but well worth it! Beautiful clear water; a few people, but not loads. We got a parking space easily but there was little room on the pebble beach for loungers when we arrived at about 4pm. A couple of small cafes which we didn’t use. Altogether a wonderful spot for some sea swimming. Loved it!Visited April 2024Traveled with friendsWritten May 30, 2024
- Lorraine MWorthing, United Kingdom112 contributionsBest snorkeling!This was my favourite beach on Gozo. Quite small but it never got too busy. The loungers and umbrellas were reasonably priced and the snorkeling was fantastic. There's a great little jetty with steps into the water if you don't want to clamber over the rocks. The cafe up in the hill was great and served a good selection of snacks, meals and drinks at reasonable prices, and with a wonderful view! Oh - and the little family of ducks and the lizards on the rocks kept us amused! All in all, a great day out!Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 7, 2024
- Alyson TCheshire, United Kingdom110 contributionsStunning beach ! Crystal clear watersStunning spot. Not too busy. Crystal clear waters. Best bring beach shoes as very stoney to get in although the jetty made it easier. There’s paddle boats to hire etc at reasonable price. Lots of rocks to jump off too! The little cafe at the top of hill is great too and not expensive! We came back twice in our week holiday because it was so nice ! Well worth a visit and taxis happy to drop you off and pick you up tooVisited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 19, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
327 reviews
Excellent
176
Very good
79
Average
24
Poor
15
Terrible
33
Darine
Malta1 contribution
Nov 2020
Customer service and time-management at its worst!
It might have a mediocre selection of mouthwatering meals, but it will depend if they are in a hurry or not. This place is known for the seafood and picturesque sea view but we stay at that.
The arrogance of management, overpriced meals, and time for waiting for the food makes you question, why people still go there?
The management has even the cheek to charge 10% on top of the bill without even asking for your consent. Besides, why should I pay 10% more if I am paying by card? and am not referring to tips here. It is just a charge for using a card and not cash!
It might have a mediocre selection of mouthwatering meals, but it will depend if they are in a hurry or not. This place is known for the seafood and picturesque sea view but we stay at that.
The arrogance of management, overpriced meals, and time for waiting for the food makes you question, why people still go there?
The management has even the cheek to charge 10% on top of the bill without even asking for your consent. Besides, why should I pay 10% more if I am paying by card? and am not referring to tips here. It is just a charge for using a card and not cash!
Written November 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian V
Naxxar, Malta4 contributions
Jun 2021
This is the only restaurant at this bay so you do not really have a choice but you are better off getting a take away or eat elsewhere.
In summary this kiosk/hut with wobbly tables covered in vinyl and cheap plastic chairs offers "fresh" fish at prices which are those of a high end 5* Hotel in Malta. or more. And make sure you do not ask for a platter as starters with a selection of their choice, you will be ripped off out of your senses.
The hygiene is terrible all over, taste well below average and the family who run this place will try all they can to sell the most expensive fish on the menu (which they call specials just to inflate price, they are always same) and will not accept a "small" order, so small/plaine eaters are not welcome.
In summary a greedy family running a food hut in a prime location.
In summary this kiosk/hut with wobbly tables covered in vinyl and cheap plastic chairs offers "fresh" fish at prices which are those of a high end 5* Hotel in Malta. or more. And make sure you do not ask for a platter as starters with a selection of their choice, you will be ripped off out of your senses.
The hygiene is terrible all over, taste well below average and the family who run this place will try all they can to sell the most expensive fish on the menu (which they call specials just to inflate price, they are always same) and will not accept a "small" order, so small/plaine eaters are not welcome.
In summary a greedy family running a food hut in a prime location.
Written July 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victor A
2 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Not served by Mgarr ix xini kiosk.
Went there for couple times for lunch in the last three weeks and toilets were available. Today I went there for a two coffee and a juice and my daughter needed to use toilet. The owner said it’s out of order ( which it’s not true as later I saw other clients using toilet) shame on them. When you spent over €100 you can use toilet but if you spend €6.00 toilet it’s not available. Restaurants without use of a toilet shall remind closed.
Shame on you
Went there for couple times for lunch in the last three weeks and toilets were available. Today I went there for a two coffee and a juice and my daughter needed to use toilet. The owner said it’s out of order ( which it’s not true as later I saw other clients using toilet) shame on them. When you spent over €100 you can use toilet but if you spend €6.00 toilet it’s not available. Restaurants without use of a toilet shall remind closed.
Shame on you
Written August 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jowonham
9 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
We visited this beautiful haven in 2018 just off peak, and were the only ones there save for a couple of scuba divers. My god what a difference a couple of years and in season makes… the bay now has a car park, and the beach has been totally ruined by plastic sun beds (€15 for 2) which take up the entire tiny beach with no space at all for just chucking a towel down to enjoy the water. It was packed (can’t complain at that, it’s high summer and 36°), to the point where cars were queuing up and down the insanely steep ramp down to the cove - which only meant people flooring it in their cars when there was a chance, drowning the entire area in tyre smoke, engine noise and tyres screeching.
Such a shame.
The only saving grace is the beautiful little restaurant is still there and as lovely as ever.
Such a shame.
The only saving grace is the beautiful little restaurant is still there and as lovely as ever.
Written August 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JennyBetteridge
Hampshire, UK58 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Hidden Gem! We were recommended to come here by a local. Having read the reviews regarding the steep, single track road and minimal parking we anticipated issues, but being May, everything was fine. The setting is magical and rustic. We enjoyed a lovely swim after our meal. Our bill came to over €250 so it is expensive but worth it (there were 4 of us) Beautifully cooked fish and octopus on the open grill washed down with delicious red wine from their family vineyard €20 a bottle. The salad and chips served with the fish dishes was charged at €6.50 each which to be honest should have been included (my only negative) Thank you for a wonderful experience
Written May 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dave k
5 contributions
Sep 2024 • Friends
Stopped at the beach for a last dip after a nice week in Gozo, had a drink on the way out, asked for 2 glasses of white wine, no menu was offered or any prices displayed. Went to pay, they wanted 14e, I had to ask 3 times as could not believe it. Every other place we'd been was 1 to 3 euros a glass. Our usual beach bar in Xweiny bay did a whole bottle for less than 10e. Only time we felt ripped off in Gozo
Written September 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vicky T
6 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
Quite an ‘interesting’ car ride to get down here, but well worth it!
Beautiful clear water; a few people, but not loads. We got a parking space easily but there was little room on the pebble beach for loungers when we arrived at about 4pm.
A couple of small cafes which we didn’t use. Altogether a wonderful spot for some sea swimming. Loved it!
Beautiful clear water; a few people, but not loads. We got a parking space easily but there was little room on the pebble beach for loungers when we arrived at about 4pm.
A couple of small cafes which we didn’t use. Altogether a wonderful spot for some sea swimming. Loved it!
Written May 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Glyn J
London, UK4 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Had a pleasant drink there one afternoon so decided to have lunch another day. Shouldn’t have bothered as they clearly can’t cope when busy. Missed one of our 8 orders, when pointed out was assured it’d be ready in 5 mins, it took 20 by which time the rest of the group had finished. Ran out of our choice of beer after only 3. No apology for either issue, no customer recovery of any kind. Long queue to pay which, when I finally got to the front, was ignored and the lady behind me served. Summary-reasonable food but experience marred by terrible service.
Written July 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alyson T
Cheshire, UK110 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Stunning spot. Not too busy. Crystal clear waters. Best bring beach shoes as very stoney to get in although the jetty made it easier. There’s paddle boats to hire etc at reasonable price. Lots of rocks to jump off too! The little cafe at the top of hill is great too and not expensive! We came back twice in our week holiday because it was so nice ! Well worth a visit and taxis happy to drop you off and pick you up too
Written August 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tasteveryday
Island of Malta, Malta13 contributions
Sep 2013 • Family
Yesterday we decided to go for lunch to mgarr-ix-xini. The service we got was so bad that not only haven't I ever experienced anything of the kind in my 8 years in malta, but if someone were to tell me I would think they were probably joking. So, ladies and gentlemen, brace yourself and prepare to read about the horrors:
Sandra, wife of the owner came to take our order. We wanted to order 5 starters and order our fish after we had finished the starters. She said that some fish might not be available and it takes 45 min to cook it (on a candle I presume)...anyway it was fine by us since it was Sunday and we weren't in a rush. The toast with ricci that we were served as an appetizer hardly had any ricci on it. So we kindly asked the staff if they had more ricci, after 20 min we were brought another portion of toast with the same amount of ricci on it. When we tried to explain to the waitress that we would like more ricci and not more bread she started going on about how much ricci cost and that "that's the way they serve this dish". We didn't touch it and sent it back.
For starters we had prawns and calamari which we good, and the mussels that weren't cleaned.
So here comes the big one: when we asked what fish they had to order for our main course, we were told that there is NONE left ( 2pm in a fish restaurant lol). We were a bit puzzled to say the least cause all of us were still a bit hungry but we decided not to ruin our afternoon and just continued with our wine. A few min later the chef came to take the order at the table next to us...and guess what: he started offering them a selection of fish lol. This was a bit too much so we confronted the chef. He said he wanted us to order everything together. I guess it's a new practice where u order your starter, main, desert, wine AND the bill as soon as u step foot in the restaurant. 2 tourist couples next to us stood up and approached our table to join in the confrontation because they were given a table in the sun, when there was a table in the shade available. After 30 min nobody took their order and the supposedly booked table in the shade was still vacant. The reaction of the chef/owner to our complaints was just out of this world: not only didn't he excuse himself he got very defensive and just ran of with a "bye-bye-bye-bye" lol. His wie Sandra came to the table and asked if we still wanted to order fish...needless to say we had had enough of that fishy place and we asked for the bill. They refused to give us 6 eu change because we sent back the second portion of toast with ricci that we hadn't actually ordered or eaten. Eventually they gave the 6 eu back. Obviously it wasn't about the 6 eu for us but the appalling greed and unprofessionalism of the owners of mgarr-ix-xini. That place charges top notch prices, which we expect to pay at top-notch restaurants, where service is with a smile, the decor doesn't include rusty iron 1992 tables and chairs, and there are no food shortages AND we can order what we want when we want to.
So I guess this is hands down my worst dining experience EVER, considering I go out to eat 4-5 times a week.
Sandra, wife of the owner came to take our order. We wanted to order 5 starters and order our fish after we had finished the starters. She said that some fish might not be available and it takes 45 min to cook it (on a candle I presume)...anyway it was fine by us since it was Sunday and we weren't in a rush. The toast with ricci that we were served as an appetizer hardly had any ricci on it. So we kindly asked the staff if they had more ricci, after 20 min we were brought another portion of toast with the same amount of ricci on it. When we tried to explain to the waitress that we would like more ricci and not more bread she started going on about how much ricci cost and that "that's the way they serve this dish". We didn't touch it and sent it back.
For starters we had prawns and calamari which we good, and the mussels that weren't cleaned.
So here comes the big one: when we asked what fish they had to order for our main course, we were told that there is NONE left ( 2pm in a fish restaurant lol). We were a bit puzzled to say the least cause all of us were still a bit hungry but we decided not to ruin our afternoon and just continued with our wine. A few min later the chef came to take the order at the table next to us...and guess what: he started offering them a selection of fish lol. This was a bit too much so we confronted the chef. He said he wanted us to order everything together. I guess it's a new practice where u order your starter, main, desert, wine AND the bill as soon as u step foot in the restaurant. 2 tourist couples next to us stood up and approached our table to join in the confrontation because they were given a table in the sun, when there was a table in the shade available. After 30 min nobody took their order and the supposedly booked table in the shade was still vacant. The reaction of the chef/owner to our complaints was just out of this world: not only didn't he excuse himself he got very defensive and just ran of with a "bye-bye-bye-bye" lol. His wie Sandra came to the table and asked if we still wanted to order fish...needless to say we had had enough of that fishy place and we asked for the bill. They refused to give us 6 eu change because we sent back the second portion of toast with ricci that we hadn't actually ordered or eaten. Eventually they gave the 6 eu back. Obviously it wasn't about the 6 eu for us but the appalling greed and unprofessionalism of the owners of mgarr-ix-xini. That place charges top notch prices, which we expect to pay at top-notch restaurants, where service is with a smile, the decor doesn't include rusty iron 1992 tables and chairs, and there are no food shortages AND we can order what we want when we want to.
So I guess this is hands down my worst dining experience EVER, considering I go out to eat 4-5 times a week.
Written September 9, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ciao costo sdraie e ombrellone ed è possibile avere un'idea prezzi ristorante? Ci siamo già stati l'anno scorso
Written June 7, 2019
Hi
How far is the walk from the port to Mgarr ix Xini and how long did it take
thanks
M.Wilson
Written July 19, 2018
At this time of year you would really need a car .
Written July 20, 2018
Anyone have the phone number for Noel and Sandra at the cafe by the sea
Written September 15, 2016
Yes in cafe but only for patrons
Written September 1, 2016
are there organized trips to Mgarr ix-xini from Malta?
Written December 12, 2015
So,'tasteveryday', you spend your life eating out? Do tell us where you get better,fresher and cheaper fish in Malta? With a wonderful outdoor setting with a wonderful creek? Easy parking and no need to book even on the busiest day? Noone asked you to order your dessert and wine with your starters, just asked what main fish you would like. The blackboard system is brilliant: It tells you how many fresh fish are available that day and the price. By 2pm on the busiest day the choice is getting shorter by the minute. You should listen to good advice!
You admit you enjoyed all your starters with a snide remark that the mussels were not 'clean'. Strange when no-one else ever mentioned this. Perhaps in Malta you can enjoy bullying and intimidating waitresses to get a better deal but were surprised when Sandra stood up to you and took umbrage at your snotty attitude. Well done, you got 6 euros back for the 3? ricci starters,after loud shouting in front of other guests. Big deal....small mind.
Written March 1, 2015
So Gabbajs
, why not wear glasses? The menu on the blackboard shows fresh fish of the day , the price and the number of fish available. Sounds perfect to me but if you want frozen fish fingers there are plenty of fast food snack bars on every other beach.
Written March 1, 2015
Dear customers of the Mgarr ix-Xini resto,
I understand you had a horrible experience at that so called restaurant but I think it's unfair to leave a one star review on Mgarr ix-Xini which is the beautiful, secluded, well preserved beach rather than the restaurant. To be honest I'm not sure if that "restaurant" is on TripAdvisor so I think it's a good idea to leave the comment as a warning for others but unless you really think that the beach is horrible (1 star) I think it would be fair to give a separate rating to the beach who is definitely not responsible for the people that get to set up restaurants close to it!
I hope you agree and I wish you a great day!
From a local
Written February 26, 2015
You are absolutely right! This could be the best place fir activities in Gozo. AND it is a beautiful place! I go there over and over again! The underwater life is fantastic. Awesome climbing.
Written February 27, 2015
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