La Cuccagna I found in a guidebook, the first time I visited Malta. As it was close to my hotel, and there were far fewer restaurants around back then, it became my go-to. Re-visiting I was curious to see if it was still up and running, and it was. Impressed, it’s been years. Then again, the place opened in 1992… I recall enjoying their pasta very much, but not being too impressed by their pizza. Now I couldn’t find pizza on the menu… The pasta didn’t disappoint this time either 🙂 Fettuccine with local red prawns. Not the most colorful plate, but tasty still. When you find yourself soaking up the remaining sauce with bread, you like it 😀 And the bread, what a treat. A whole loaf, a small one, but still. Fresh out of the oven. I don’t think I’ve ever had that freshly baked bread served at a restaurant, only at mom’s 🙂 I’d go back for just the bread. The restaurant itself has gotten bigger. Used to be small, making it more intimate, but downside was it filled up quickly. Now more or less empty, besides a local family. Overhearing them talk, I got the sense they’ve come regularly over the years. A good sign. Website says all produce are locally sourced, and dishes are determined by what is available.
La Cuccagna is located on a side street in Sliema. It’s not a place you happen upon unless you stay nearby.
PS! Credit card terminals do not always work on the islands. Something with the connection. In other words, always have cash. I was barely able to pay for my dinner at Casa Sotto in Valletta (read below).
More on Sliema and Malta Island.
Website: cuccagnamalta.com
Casa Sotto, Valletta
(zeroseimalta.com/stores/casa-sotto)
This place was super busy the first time I walked by. Good sign. On returning it had calmed down, so I got a table. The pizza I went for was nothing out of the ordinary, but I see this place gets rave reviews on TripAdvisor, so you might wanna give it a go. Cool place still!
BeirutBay, Sliema
Unfortunately I didn’t discover this restaurant until my last evening. It was up a quiet side street next to my hotel. Went with a shawarma. Not the most exciting. Would have liked to given it another try. People on TripAdvisor are happy with it. Cosy inside!
