Fernando Gastrotheque Malta: International fusion, Michelin-starred in Sliema
International fusion, Michelin-starred · Sliema, Malta
Our Review of Fernando Gastrotheque, Sliema
Food at Fernando Gastrotheque: 19/20
Fernando refers to Fernando Grech, the scion of this family dynasty. His descendant Nicholai Grech founded this restaurant which was awarded a Michelin star in 2023, something it certainly well deserves. Head chef Hiram Cassar and his sous chef Matheus Nascimento produce miracles on a daily basis, and there are some touches of Ion Harbour in their superb style. Here you really have to take the tasting menu at €120, and since portion sizes are small, don't worry about being overfed. Several dishes stand out - Tartare di Gamberi Rossi with Fennel, Caper, Orange, Ponzu for example, or the Sashimi of Local Fish with an the intrigue of Fermented Plum and Shiso. A barbequed Local Octopus with the most delicious Nduja sauce and the Local Pecorino Agnolotti of Delica Pumkin, with Pine Nuts, Mostarada di Cremona, also win praise (you will curse that there are only three of the agnolotti, and not very large ones at that). An exquisite top class meal of tasting plates.
Atmosphere at Fernando Gastrotheque: 6/10
My first time here, I wondered if I had gone to the wrong place, as what looked like a small modern café stood in front of me. But the Michelin star pinned like a badge of honour by the door told me I was here. The restaurant is tiny, just fourteen covers on the ground floor. The décor is paired back modern, don't even dream of a table cloth, with lots of blonde wood and hard angles. The chairs are not the height of comfort. The crowd is surprisingly young at these prices, dominated by visitors, though fairly quiet. Hushed in contemplation of the food.
Service at Fernando Gastrotheque: 6/10
The food comes first here, and that includes before the wine if you don't hassle the young wait staff constantly. The wine list is quite lengthy as you would expect and on an iPad which is lucky since while there is a sommelier, she seemed constantly at one of the handful of other tables. The list is lengthy and quite quirky, reaching five figures for some of the best wines. Sadly it's become a truism to never drink the best wines at Michelin star restaurants, unless you are an arms dealer. A few bargains stand out to give hope to young diners – a basic Chablis, Philippe Bouchard at €45, and an Assyrtiko at €38. Otherwise it's white Beaujolais or Crozes Hermitages.
Cuisine
International fusion, Michelin-starred
Price Level
€€€€€
Ratings
Fernando Gastrotheque — Frequently Asked Questions
What type of food does Fernando Gastrotheque serve?
Fernando Gastrotheque is a International fusion, Michelin-starred restaurant in Sliema, Malta.
How expensive is Fernando Gastrotheque?
Fernando Gastrotheque is rated €€€€€ for price (on a scale of € to €€€€€).
Where is Fernando Gastrotheque in Malta?
Fernando Gastrotheque is located in Sliema, Malta at 17 Triq Tigne', Tas-Sliema.
Is Fernando Gastrotheque worth visiting?
Fernando Gastrotheque scored 31/40 in our independent Malta Guide review, covering food quality (19/20), atmosphere (6/10) and service (6/10).
Can I book a table at Fernando Gastrotheque online?
Yes, Fernando Gastrotheque accepts online reservations via their official website.