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Fernandõ Gastrotheque
Review
About
MICHELIN
View more on MICHELIN Guide
fernandõ boasts one of the island's best wine selections, with a wine list of over 600 different wines, with over 100 available by the glass. Head chef Laszlo Sragli offers a seasonal menu using fresh and local produce. A must at fernandõ is our deli counter, with a selection of artisinal charcuterie and cheeses, which we source from Italy, France and Spain together with some rare local produce too.
1 MICHELIN Star: High quality cooking, worth a stop!
This small restaurant, almost hidden among the quiet side streets of Sliema, has become a reliable spot for fine dining on the island of Malta, and it continues to be so after the recent change of chef, which took place at the end of 2024, when Hiram Cassar was promoted from sous chef to head chef. The menu is limited but well-structured, with dishes based on creative recipes often developed from a small number of ingredients, seeking balance and elegance: the raw red snapper on a bed of chopped olives and sea vegetables is excellent, topped with grapes and almonds and then completed at the table with a delightful almond milk sauce. The efficient service also includes managing an excellent wine list with over 700 labels and many tasting options available by the glass, including some top wines.
Read more on MICHELIN Guide
Features
CUISINES
Mediterranean, European, Wine Bar
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Free Wifi
Full Bar
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Street Parking
Table Service
Wine and Beer
Location
Street Parking
Is this restaurant good for local cuisine?
Reserve a table
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Hours
Opens in 47 min
Sunday
Closed
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Friday
6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
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4.6
179 reviews
Excellent
141
Very good
16
Average
13
Poor
7
Terrible
2
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jmayer01
634 contributions
Nov 2024 • couples
In the middle of Silema on an inconspicuous side street is this restaurant, which has had a Michelin star for three years. With a star restaurant, you have natural expectations as a customer, especially with regard to an exceptional meal.
In the afternoon at 15:00 we were able to make a reservation for the same evening and were then surprised that when we left the restaurant, there were eight guests.
The reservation was made for the first floor, but we were told that it was closed and we should take a seat on the ground floor. The ground floor is tiny. A maximum of twelve people can sit here, the character of the restaurant is more in the sense of a bistro, all usual amenities (tablecloth) are dispensed with. Right in front away the biggest negative point.: The unisex toilet is simply underground and hardly reasonable. In any other country, they would close the restaurant because of this toilet.
There are two options, either you order the tasting menu or you choose three courses from the daily menu. Since we came here with the usual high expectations, we chose the tasting menu. As already mentioned by another critic, one wonders that one of the corridors is served with white beds. You can do without a cabbage dish in a star restaurant.
The sequence of dishes (a total of eight) was otherwise very well chosen, the starter oysters with fresh fruit was particularly excellent. The carpaccio of fresh Maltese tuna was just as outstanding.
Overall, the food was very good, but not exceptional. The main thing missing was the surprise effects. The concept of the kitchen is very simple: a sauce is always served with each dish. Sauces can be really delicious, but you don't need seven sauces.
The staff was very friendly, accommodating and endeavoured, but the above negatives could not be compensated.
Automatically translated
Written November 25, 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.
Erica M
7 contributions
Aug 2024 • solo
The tasting menu was Fantastic! I was able to eat everything without feeling full, I did try to refrain from filling up on the bread but it was just as amazing as everything else. My servers were incredible and I enjoyed the ambiance and conversation almost as much as the food. My only small complaint was when I asked the server to recommend a wine and it was 3x the price of the wine I had ordered previously. 8€ first glass $23 for the second , it was delicious and I did not ask about price, so it was my fault. But didn’t damage my amazing time
Written August 26, 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.
MariaCarla65
Oristano373 contributions
Oct 2023 • friends
We went to this restaurant as friends and it was a revelation. Upon our arrival we were greeted with kindness and professionalism which, together with the delicious dishes that were served to us during dinner, perfected and contributed to the splendid evening spent there. Not to be missed
Written October 5, 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.
Michael B
Cambridge551 contributions
Nov 2024 • couples
Reviews are driven in part by expectations and Michelin dining should be exceptional.
This was perfectly decent but no where near exceptional. Either an off night for the chef or the principal chef had the night off.
Located in Sliema, down an unassuming street, the restaurant is small. I’d requested a table upstairs when making the reservation but on arrival was informed the upstairs was closed. No reason given.
Often small restaurants are intimate but this was more uncomfortable. Dining downstairs you are pretty much guaranteed to be sat next to the front door, bar, stairs or their single toilet.
Normally opt for the tasting menu but this was not especially appealing. Not sure when a piece of beetroot became a ‘must have’ course on a tasting menu? Happening too often. Michelin chefs running out of ideas?
The a la carte offered more choice and the dishes were beautifully presented. The food tasted good. I’m not doubting the technical ability shown in the cooking and preparation.
What matters most are the flavours. It was good, not great. It just didn’t have the wow factor and at that pricing point the minimum expectation is exceptional flavour.
There are several restaurants in the area that dazzle with flavour and presentation at half the price or less.
Presentation over substance and fell way short of expectations.
Written November 15, 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.
Doshi009
London122 contributions
Aug 2023 • couples
We visited this restaurant as we wanted to go somewhere special for our anniversary. We were not disappointed. From the amuse bouche through to the dessert, each plate was a culinary delight - exquisitely presented and delicious. The knowledgeable sommelier advised on matching wines, and this made for a truly memorable meal. We enjoyed ourselves and will definitely visit again.
Written September 10, 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.
Mr & Mrs D
Devon181 contributions
Sep 2023 • couples
This is a great little restaurant in The heart of Sliema, Malta. It got a
Michelin star in April this year and it is easy to see why. We had the taster menu which was excellent, no actual ‘stand out’ dish but every course was well presented and tasted superb. The staff are very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. At €100 the taster menu is fair value and like most places in Malta there is no service charge, it’s down to you. Would recommend.
Written September 12, 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.
rcspeirs
16143 contributions
Nov 2023 • couples
We had the tasting menu, and it was well crafted throughout. Service was slick, and the wine pairing was well chosen. It isn't cheap, but that reflects the effort that goes into creating a menu like this. Impressive
Written November 3, 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.
Matthew E
11 contributions
Feb 2025 • couples
We opted for the tasting menu, excellent canapés and starters, my favorite was the squid with a seaweed veloute, the fish was cooked to perfection and the citrus beurre blanc elevated the dish. Service was great too. We shall visit again.
Written February 23, 2025
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.
Amie M
2 contributions
Nov 2024 • couples
We were quite disappointed after reading the excellent reviews. The staff were lovely, super helpful and accommodating. The food was average, my main course which was fish was over cooked, only two desserts to choose from and neither were gluten free. They made a GF version of one which just didn’t work and so I was unable to eat it. The wine pairing was great, the staff were extremely knowledgable.
The atmosphere was staid, much like being at a corporate event. Sadly I was glad to leave and would not recommend.
Written November 12, 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.
Magapplenicht
Vienna118 contributions
Jun 2024 • couples
This time the recommendation came from a dear colleague. But of course also from Michelin, whom I trust so often and reliably. This delightful little restaurant not only offers an exceptional, harmonious and fine-harmonious cuisine (every single course was prepared with absolute perfection!), but also impresses with its completely unpretentious presentation. A relaxed, yet absolutely professional and perfect service without any importance! How pleasant!!!
An absolute feel-good place for foodies, thank you for the wonderful evening!
Automatically translated
Written June 26, 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.
V V
Milan226 contributions
Aug 2023 • friends
A very good restaurant, located in an area adjacent to the Sliema seafront.
The quality of the food is very high, the raw materials are enhanced, increasing their perception.
The very small menu (perhaps too small) allows you to try various combinations that are always pleasant and delicately pleasant.
Very notable wine cellar.
Unmissable in Malta.
Written September 4, 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.
Lorena C
21 contributions
Oct 2023 • couples
Sometimes I don't understand what the assignment of stars depends on. Here the food wasn't bad but from here to being starred and paying for it as such we pass through the three worlds of Tolkien and beyond. The location is small and uncomfortable, the tables close together make any idea of intimacy unthinkable. The bill is starred, but that's right!! And in fact this is precisely the problem... understanding who gave them these stars!
Written February 24, 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.
NachodePinedo
Madrid6 contributions
Apr 2022 • couples
The best Michelin Star Restaurant in Malta by far. We were a bit disappointed regarding high cuisine in Malta after experiencing the insipid and expensive ION menu, but Fernando gave us a new opportunity to reconciliate ourselves with local stars. Fernando menu is just excellent, powerful in creativity and balance, blending local touch with the latest international trends. Laszlo is clearly a cheff to watch
Written April 12, 2022
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.
Lara W
Paphos1 contribution
Oct 2022 • friends
Expected an excellent dinner out at the Michelin star restaurant during our holiday, took my 12 y.o. kid as well to introduce her fine dining. First of all - sommelier has appeared to recommend the wine. Well, good start, asked about our preferences, no wine list was offered though, came back with just 3 bottles of French red, no budget suggestion. Ok, didn’t mind to pay for the good one. But few minutes after the choice was made he came back to let us know that the price for the bottle we’ve chosen was increased by 25%. Never happened to me in any restaurants before. Also every time the wine was being poured into the glasses the bottle was taking away from the table to the bar (?) while the bottle of wine ordered by next table was left on that table. Anyway, the wine was very good as well as food followed by. But what I noticed that we haven’t finished the bottle before our empty glasses were taking away. I thought maybe I was wrong but my friend who was with me confirmed my suspicion and she was surprised as well that the sommelier hasn’t poured the rest of the wine during his last approach as the amount left in the bottle was quite small to leave. That fact was mentioned to the staff member, the sommelier turned out very quickly to tell us in a very protective manner that our bottle is empty, we have finished it and assured that the staff don’t finish customers drinks. Very unprofessional, total disappointment, haven’t left tips for the first time in years
Written October 20, 2022
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.
Trevor G
Malta2 contributions
Jun 2022 • none
I don't usually review restaurants buy I could not keep this experience to myself. I was introduced to Fernando's by one of my friends. He had been telling me about this Michelin star restaurant for quite some time. Every second of the evening was perfect. From the Maltese Gin and tonic we had before we sat at the table to the small bites offered by the chef, the out of this world risotto and the perfectly cooked lamb (and by the way I'm not a fan of lamb. I ordered it because my friend convinced me to). The wine list!! Oh my God!! It looks more like an encyclopedia of wines. Divided in three volumes with wines from all around the Globe, even England :) (I love everything that is British by the way) I am sure I never saw such a range of wines in one restaurant. The service was also perfect. Every dish was explained into detail. I was also impressed by the small towels in the bathrooms. The nice small bathroom also blends well with amazing experience you get at this restaurant. Highly recommended!! Well done Fernando's!!
Written June 6, 2022
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.
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