It being several weeks since we ate here before, the occasion of my wife’s birthday gave us the perfect excuse to return with her father, nearly 94, for Sunday lunch. As ever, it did not disappoint, and quite the reverse, in fact.
Bean and pasta...soup for father in law plus aliotta for the married couple, precede by nibbles, were followed by bragioli for him, fillet of sea bass for birthday lady, and, as a real treat lampuka, brilliantly roasted for me. All were accompanied by perfectly cooked vegetables. A true feast, delicious in every sense, with excellent wine to accompany it all.
Desserts were available, but with bloated stomachs at the end, they nibbled away at a light pastry dish while I did my best to drink my way through a cognac or two.
Just why I rate this restaurant so highly is easy to explain. First of all its Maltese food is terrific, served in substantial quantities and with professionalism. But in addition, the serving staff here are as warm as it comes. Leone has been here for yonks and is always the perfect gentleman, whose charm rubs off on all the rest. Belinda has been here not quite so long, but what a find she is. Her service is second to none while her welcome is a revelation and, despite being busy, she always seems to have so much time dedicated to making customers happy.
The final part of this great team serving us on the day was young Ruth, a student who provided the same level of competence, professionalism and style, coupled with charm, boundless energy and attention to detail. She seems destined to go far.
We were all truly impressed, and the sense of happiness among all three and the pride of working at Ta Marija was much in evidence.
Benny, the proprietor, had an engagement similar to my own that day, but deserves so much credit for being able to deliver such excellence time after time.
Thank you Ta Marija for another truly great occasion.More