Cargo Bar & Dine, Birgu Waterfront

Cargo has landed with a splash, on the waterfront of Birgu marina. From the beginning the bar drew in folk who were onboard for a cocktail or two, or a beer. The dining has taken an increasingly popular place in the offerings. Cargo is now rolling on the crest of a wave with the launch of an interior décor that was inspired by a sea-going vessel; scrubbed decks, ocean-blue soft furnishings, and urban and urbane nautical graffiti. A weather-worn sea captain features in a huge mural, overseeing a menu with all hands on deck, which commences with a late-ish English breakfast, and caters through lunch and onward into the night. While it is cool on the design stakes, Cargo is hotter on the steaks for the menfold than on healthy spinach for Popeye. Rib-eye (Scottona), and fillet (Young Bull), are billed alongside other heavy weights. The crew needs feeding and Cargo feeds a packed and regular crowed or Maltese locals and visitor alike.

There is much on the menu. Pasta and risotto options include penne Norma with fried aubergine and pecorinoa and risotto porcini e scamorza. Fish options are superb with a mixed seafood platter or octopus in garlic. Other options include pizza such as the Parma or porchetta, burgers like the mega burger and ample salads. For dessert, there are some final treats before you walk the plank.