Root 81 Malta: Mediterranean with a modern twist in Rabat/Mdina
Mediterranean with a modern twist · Rabat/Mdina, Malta
Our Review of Root 81, Rabat/Mdina
Food at Root 81: 16/20
Chef Patron Robert Cassar is certainly ambitious, and he deserves points for creating an intriguing menu which combines Maltese and international influences. There is a good tasting menu at €75 - 3 amuse bouches; Heritage Local Tomato salad (tomatoes, fresh local sheep's cheese and ftira); Homemade Local Prawn Dumplings (kimchi tuile, dashi sauce, pineapple and chilli salsa); then, for the brave, Iberico Pork French Rack (Pigs brain beignets, local fresh peas, apple textures and mustard jus) or Fresh Local Fish of the Day. Desert - Chocolate & Orange Textures (70% dark chocolate, chocolate soil, chocolate mousse, micro-aerated chocolate sponge, orange gel and orange ice cream) and Petit Fours. The specials when we were there were very good, particularly wild boar tortellacci in a truffle sauce. The cured duck carpaccio at €18 was certainly different. For the mains the fresh fish (MP) was local lampuki stuffed with caponata, again good, and roasted duck leg €30 was excellent. The red snapper (MP) was less impressive.
Atmosphere at Root 81: 7/10
There is a large terrace outside with views across the valley, somewhat spoilt by the heavy traffic below and the fact that there are a series of restaurants in a row. Sadly it is also often too hot in summer. Nevertheless, tourists love it, while locals head for the air conditioning inside. The small interior is a series of darkish colours in a modern design with just one painting of Medina on the wall (any art dealers should maybe give Robert a call). It feels like a new flat someone has just moved into.
Service at Root 81: 6/10
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. Starters arrived with cocktails. Mains were a full hour and a quarter afterwards. By that stage our wine was nearly finished, and we certainly didn't want another bottle on empty stomachs. The waitress said it was because there were two large tables in (gesturing to a table of just six behind us). I wouldn't like to be there if a coach party turned up. Maybe this place is a safer option when the terrace is closed and the kitchen can cope better. Fortunately the wine is good, and the list is certainly well curated. The local star white, Jean Parisot is €85, there are plenty of cheaper Italians (Gavi di Gavi is only €27), and the French list has plenty of delights. A Sancerre at €40, a Pouilly Fume at €35, and then the big guns - a Meursault at €120 and a Chassagne Montrachet at €130. The reds are just as good, right down to the great Greek red Naoussa at only €28. A Faiveley Nuits Saint Georges is €110. Address & Contact 22A Telgha Tas-Saqqajja, L-Imdina MDN 1400 Phone: 7949 2083
Cuisine
Mediterranean with a modern twist
Price Level
€€€
Ratings
Root 81 — Frequently Asked Questions
What type of food does Root 81 serve?
Root 81 is a Mediterranean with a modern twist restaurant in Rabat/Mdina, Malta.
How expensive is Root 81?
Root 81 is rated €€€ for price (on a scale of € to €€€€€).
Where is Root 81 in Malta?
Root 81 is located in Rabat/Mdina, Malta at 22A Telgha Tas-Saqqajja, L-Imdina MDN 1400.
Is Root 81 worth visiting?
Root 81 scored 29/40 in our independent Malta Guide review, covering food quality (16/20), atmosphere (7/10) and service (6/10).