THE MICHELIN GUIDE IS A BIG DEAL FOR MALTA. HERE’S WHY by Ivan Brincat
VALLETTA: The news that Malta has three one Michelin star restaurants will change the gastronomy landscape on this small Mediterranean island for ever. This is a big deal for Malta and its culinary sphere. Whether you love or hate Michelin and what it stands for, there is no question that to date this remains the most authoritative guide for restaurants worldwide. Before Michelin, there was one restaurant guide in Malta but this was survey driven and therefore did not carry the weight that Michelin or any of the other established world guides has. Restaurants, chefs and owners were more focused on getting a high ranking on Tripadvisor, also important, but by no stretch of imagination as important in terms of driving food enthusiasts to the island. Malta relies heavily on tourism and food over the past years has become a very important driver of tourism destinations. There are many people who centre their travel experience around food experiences worldwide and competition for this
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August 2020
DELICIOUS
market is becoming more and more intense. Michelin will help Maltese restaurants, owners and chefs to work towards a new benchmark. That benchmark is quality whether it comes to produce, technique, service or wine. Today, that benchmark in Malta has been set by De Mondion in Mdina and Noni and Under Grain in Valletta who all have 1 Michelin star. 3 other restaurants got a Bib Gourmand. The latter, maybe less known in Malta is a restaurant that serves quality food and a good value (the ability to order a two-course meal or a menu and a glass of wine or dessert for less than around EUR 40). 20 other restaurants got a mention in the guide. There are two sides to the coin and one can look at the glass either as half full or half empty. Having three restaurants awarded with a Michelin star is of course a very important step in the right direction though having only three restaurants that get a Bib Gourmand could
