Ta' Frenċ Malta: French-inspired & Mediterranean fine dining in Xagħra, Gozo
French-inspired & Mediterranean fine dining · Xagħra, Gozo, Malta
Our Review of Ta' Frenċ, Xagħra, Gozo
Food at Ta' Frenċ: 15/20
Ta' Frenċ has long been a Gozetan institution. Despite how it sounds to English speakers, the name does not mean "French" in the sense of the country or language (Franza in Maltese), even though the renowned fine-dining venue in Gozo specializes in classical French-inspired and Mediterranean cuisine. Originally founded by Ino Attard and Lino Cefai, it was run by Madame Attard after her husband's death and is known as the Grand Dame of Gozetan cuisine. The last few years a new team has been in charge, with Joseph Brincat taking over the kitchen. The menu is set out as starter, pasta, and main course. At first sight, prices seem very good – a two Course Set Menu for just €65 or three courses at €80. But then you realize just about everything carries a supplement, and the three courses does not include deserts. Possibly the best thing here. After excellent amuse-bouches, among the starters, the Basil Tart made with sun-dried tomato pesto, whipped local fresh cheese, marinated tomatoes, and salted anchovies stood out. But the Sea-bass and Salmon Ceviche with avocado cream, charred sweetcorn, fresh orange, red chilli and coriander (supplement €8) was also good. While the deep-fried poached egg with truffle and smoked potato mousseline, streaky bacon, hazelnuts, and chives was very innovative. With so many pasta restaurants on Gozo, and so few French ones, we skipped the carbs and went straight to the French classics. Wonderful to see a Steak Diane Flambé on the menu, but it was €20 extra and waistlines were nervous. Grilled lamb loin with confit aubergine and sauce vierge seemed a safer choice, but it was competent without being outstanding, and still attracted an €18 supplement. For beef lovers the Chateaubriand to share is excellent, though alas another €12 each. As I say, the real stars are the desserts, something very rare in these Islands. Crêpes Ta' Frenċ Flambé (€22) is a classic Crêpes Suzettes, renamed for some reason, and produced table-side. Grand Marnier Soufflé (€18) with vanilla ice-cream and warm sauce anglaise was quite outstanding, quite simply a "must."
Atmosphere at Ta' Frenċ: 8/10
Like all Grand Dames Ta' Frenċ may have seen better days, but she can still hold her head up high. There is a welcome sense of padded luxury here, with widely spaced tables and, oh joy of joys, table cloths. Americans be warned. Indeed, on a Saturday night the crowd was strangely devoid of tourists, instead being made up of well heeled locals and their accompanying expats. The noise level was good. All in all a good sense of occasion here, and a place to bring a date you want to impress or a client who's business you value.
Service at Ta' Frenċ: 7/10
They mean well, but a lot is lost in translation, and I don't mean French or Maltese. The cocktail order was a game of spinning the roulette wheel, but after several attempts they got it. When I asked what the flavour of the soup was I was told "sous vide," which I can only assume is Hindi for onion. At least the guys know how to flambé, but at other times I did want front of house Joseph Tabone to take over. The wine list is small but well chosen, thanks to Eric Gauci, and not too ruinous. There was a Chablis Premier Cru 'Butteaux' from Patrick Puize (€65), which was OK. But the real highlight was an older Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Domaine Giuliani at €85. We were persuaded by a Maltese friend, and were glad we were.
Cuisine
French-inspired & Mediterranean fine dining
Price Level
€€€€
Hours
Dinner only. Reservations recommended. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
Ratings
Ta' Frenċ — Frequently Asked Questions
What type of food does Ta' Frenċ serve?
Ta' Frenċ is a French-inspired & Mediterranean fine dining restaurant in Xagħra, Gozo, Malta.
What are the opening hours of Ta' Frenċ?
Ta' Frenċ opening hours: Dinner only. Reservations recommended. Closed Sundays and Mondays..
How expensive is Ta' Frenċ?
Ta' Frenċ is rated €€€€ for price (on a scale of € to €€€€€).
Where is Ta' Frenċ in Malta?
Ta' Frenċ is located in Xagħra, Gozo, Malta at Ta' Frenċ, Daħla ta' Għajn Damma, Xagħra XRA 9010, Gozo, Malta.
Is Ta' Frenċ worth visiting?
Ta' Frenċ scored 30/40 in our independent Malta Guide review, covering food quality (15/20), atmosphere (8/10) and service (7/10).
Can I book a table at Ta' Frenċ online?
Yes, Ta' Frenċ accepts online reservations via their official website.