AYU Malta: International and Mediterranean, contemporary casual in GĹĽira
International and Mediterranean, contemporary casual · Gżira, Malta
Our Review of AYU, GĹĽira
Food at AYU: 15/20
Three brothers, passionate about food and travel, went round the world and came back with their favourite dishes to share with us. Alex, Mario and Anthony chose the name AYU from Ayubowan, which as we all know is Sri Lankan for “may you live a long life,” said as a greeting to wandering food lovers. As such this restaurant is an extraordinary tour of the world’s cuisine which could so easily fail, but in this case has triumphed. Perhaps because in so diverse a society as Malta you can lay your hands on good cooks from lots of different cultures. The menu is enormous, so I shall just highlight a few standouts. The Spanish style Croquetas Caseras are sublime, especially the black ink calamari and the shitake mushroom ones both at €9. There is a good Babaganoush (aubergine dip with pomegranates from Lebanon) at just €6, and Venezuelan patacones (fried plantains) at €8. For main courses you must have the Sri Lankan black pork curry for €22, Fesenjan at €20 is also a signature dish (Iran’s most famous stew made out of ground walnuts, aubergine chunks and pomegranate molasses).but you might also be tempted by the Moqueca Baiana at €24 (a Brazilian fish-chunk stew, slowly simmered in a flavourful coconut broth with lime, cilantro, bell peppers and chillies). On the question of chillies, the boys have got hooked, and they sometimes even have a chilli menu for fellow addicts which requires an asbestos mouth. But the little red devils are fortunately easy to avoid for those of us with more delicate palates.
Atmosphere at AYU: 7/10
The restaurant has a quite unique feel. When the windows are open in warm weather you almost feel like you are in one of those Malaysian restaurants you find on the edge of the jungle, though the Gzira traffic brings you back down to earth. It tends to be a casual place, particularly at lunch, with a slight studenty feel. In the evening it goes up a notch with an influx of daring locals to join the visitors craving something other than fish and rabbit. The atmosphere is fun, but the noise level is good.
Service at AYU: 7/10
The waiters are knowledgeable, but do keep on at them. This was more of a cocktails place than a wine place, but there have been recent efforts to change that, and there is now a perfectly decent list of wines from all over the world (and Malta) to compliment the food.
Cuisine
International and Mediterranean, contemporary casual
Price Level
€€
Ratings
AYU — Frequently Asked Questions
What type of food does AYU serve?
AYU is a International and Mediterranean, contemporary casual restaurant in GĹĽira, Malta.
How expensive is AYU?
AYU is rated €€ for price (on a scale of € to €€€€€).
Where is AYU in Malta?
AYU is located in GĹĽira, Malta at 209 The Strand, Il-GĹĽira, Island of Malta, Malta.
Is AYU worth visiting?
AYU scored 29/40 in our independent Malta Guide review, covering food quality (15/20), atmosphere (7/10) and service (7/10).
Can I book a table at AYU online?
Yes, AYU accepts online reservations via their official website.