Ocra Malta: Italian in Zebbug
Italian · Zebbug, Malta
Our Review of Ocra, Zebbug
Food at Ocra: 15/20
Sometimes a ‘local’ is so good that it rises to the next league, and it’s appeal reaches well beyond the local neighbourhood. This is the case with Ocra in Zebbug, a large village in the centre of the Island. Like so many chefs, Paulo is inspired by memories of his grandmother’s kitchen, and these take him to ever new heights. This isn’t just simple Roman food done well - he shows genuine inventiveness as well as strong execution. The starters are so good I would recommend a selection, tapas style. Bruschetta of Italian sausage with celeriac cream at €13, Fassona beef tartare with black olive powder at €18, are good, but they are eclipsed by the outstanding fish carpaccio with coconut gel and almond at €19, and the deep fried panzerotti (a kind of Italian pasty) with smoked scarmorza and nduja Salami at €10. If artichokes are in season then you simply must have the spaghetti with an artichoke carbonara at €16. Main courses are more simple. There is a ribeye at €32, or a fish filet at €27. But the special dish is involtini di verza ripieni – cabbage stuffed with slow cooked pork at €23. I would be interested to try this with a minced veal stuffing.
Atmosphere at Ocra: 6/10
Ocra is found in the middle of the village, if you park and walk beware the narrow streets without pavements but with plenty of boy racers. It is a simple place up a flight of stairs. Bare floors and bare tables, though there is a terrace which must be nice in summer. The crowd is obviously local foodies, and the noise level is good.
Service at Ocra: 8/10
Francesco is the delightful front of house and he is quick to serve you, or to explain the dishes. The wine list is obviously Italian and quite simple, a Pecorino or a Grillo in the twenties to start, but there is a good Occhipinti SP68 amongst the reds.
Cuisine
Italian
Price Level
€€€
Ratings
Ocra — Frequently Asked Questions
What type of food does Ocra serve?
Ocra is a Italian restaurant in Zebbug, Malta.
How expensive is Ocra?
Ocra is rated €€€ for price (on a scale of € to €€€€€).
Where is Ocra in Malta?
Ocra is located in Zebbug, Malta at Triq IL-Kbira, Żebbuġ ZBG 1305.
Is Ocra worth visiting?
Ocra scored 29/40 in our independent Malta Guide review, covering food quality (15/20), atmosphere (6/10) and service (8/10).