Root 81

On a visit to Root 81 you can get to enjoy the quaint balcony view, the exquisite food and wine list or slip into a joyful and friendly conversation with chef patron Robert Cassar. His Rabat based restaurant is fully decked to serve the most versatile of guests with a menu designed to treat every sense with awe and wonder; from expertly crafted cocktails by in-house mixologist Austin, to à la carte and degustation menus fit for the gods as well as daily specials that are infused with the kitchen’s love and admiration for the industry.

Enjoy the balcony experience or grab a table indoors in the cooler months where friendly staff will familiarise you with a menu focused on locally sourced produce of fine quality and ethical origins. The menu changes seasonally, but if you’re lucky you’ll find the local snails risotto available. Move on to the duck breast or the pan roasted local pork fillet for some of the chef’s best work in the kitchen. Alternatively opt for one of the specials of the day with creative dishes such as the risotto Milanese with roasted bone marrow or the ‘Bajd u Laħam’ (eggs and steak), taking a traditional snack food to a culinary level, served with chimichurri for added freshness. The extensive wine list will stop you in your tracks, but perhaps sticking to a local Ta’ Betta wine will serve you well through a delicious dessert such as the light and refreshing pistachio cheesecake.