Palazzo Preca

Palazzo Preca is a fine dining experience steeped in history. As grand as its name suggests, it boasts high-vaulted stone ceilings from which hang ornate chandeliers. With traditional Maltese patterned tiled flooring and muted jazz playing in the background, it is a feast for all the senses. Attention to detail is evident — two tablecloths per table, exquisite crockery, glistening cutlery and glassware, and refreshing aromatic wet towels. The lower level hosts a fantastic wine cellar including their own Palazzo Preca label house wine and spotless restrooms.

After tantalising your taste buds with an amuse bouche, savour thin slices of milk-fed veal with roasted hazelnuts, truffle oil and Pecorino cheese, or a traditional Maltese fish soup loaded with mussels, clams, prawns and langoustine. The warm bread accompanied by homemade garlic butter and branded EVOO is irresistible. For mains, you must try chef Ramona’s signature fillet with caramelized onions, port wine and demerara sugar. If you’d rather go for fish, the “Shellfish Platter à la Palazzo Preca” is an enduring crowd-pleaser featuring oyster, prawns, mussels, razor clams, scallop, fried calamari, soft shell crab, octopus and clams. Conclude with one of the delectable homemade desserts — trifle, chocolate coconut mousse, baked cheesecake with pistachio crumble or crème brûlée — the recipes of which have been handed down within the family for generations. Bookings also available online.