Bottegin Palazzo Xara

Located in one of Rabat’s lively corners, Palazzo Xara is a historic 18th-century building, and home to a great dining experience. Spanning nearly three rooms including the large outside courtyard garden, this baroque palace is serving some of the best local food in a totally relaxed and informal environment. Catering for weddings or a private party, this is a great venue to discover. Experience good quality food in a modest local band club setting while the locals hangout by the bar, others would be playing snooker, accompanied by a selection of soft symphonic jazz music in order to keep the band club concept alive.

The menu is varied and covers all appetites. Various platters, dips, sandwiches and wraps cater for the quick bite crowd, including their local specialty platter – Il-Kazin mal-Hbieb. Fresh pasta dishes including creamy chicken and mushroom penne with sauteéd chicken breast, mixed elder mushrooms and truffle cream, are excellent. Main courses are offered with a good selection of grilled meats, including the traditional rabbit dish that totally steals the show. A dessert must-have are the homemade date fritters – simple and yet so incredibly good.