The Deck Restaurant — Restaurant in Marsaxlokk

THE DECK MARSAXLOKK - simply an AMAZING find!

We were walking by and noticed this bright, cheerful, welcoming patio and stopped to look at the menu.

Jonathan, the owner, happened to come outside so we asked about a couple of the vegan/vegetarian menu options that had caught my eye. He explained that they could accommodate my choices.

His friendly attitude made us feel so welcomed. Not the typical ‘touristy’ place that is typical along a waterfront such as this promenade of Marsaxlokk. You know the kind. Ugh! They pressure you to eat at their restaurant adorned with faded photos that look printed from an online catalog! (we will NOT eat at those that beg us to enter or those with photos!). Nope, this place offers HOUSEMADE specialties which do not need any photos!

We were seated in a beautiful dining room. Though the outdoors terrace is gorgeous with stunning views, it was a chilly late afternoon. There was a couple other tables full of diners on this Wednesday afternoon.

Jonathon explained the beer menu to my husband who chose a locally made Malta craft beer. I had my usual…a real tough drink order…sparkling water!

We ordered our food immediately as we had made up our minds by looking at the hand written menu outside (that didn’t need faded photos to make our mouths water. The descriptions were awesome!)

Charlene was our food server. She brought us a basket of housemade breads with amazing olive oil for dipping. Super friendly and so nice.

Our starter arrived. Sadly we were so hungry I didn’t take photos of ANY of our dishes!! I always do and I’m really bummed I didn’t this time. Just know that the tofu and quinoa starter was incredible. Such a nice vegan option and it’s presentation was perfect!

Our mains arrived in perfect timing after finishing the starter. My pumpkin pasta - which was a seasonal special - with tomato, basil and pine nuts - was so very tasty. Pasta was perfectly cooked al dente. My husband chose the fish & chips. Two very large pieces of Hake fish served with a generous helping of ‘chips’ or french fries as we say. He said it was very good.

We were too full for desserts but the cherry cheesecake sounded yummy!!

Charlene was attentive but not intrusive. We also met Nikki at the bar. This team of three will do their absolute best to make this a memorable meal for GOOD reasons. They are proud of what they have going on here!!

The restaurant has an excellent diverse menu. They also have a wood fired oven. The location at the start of the promenade makes this an ideal location as you have the view of the boats and the water without the craziness of the direct waterfront - and those ‘hawkers’ trying to get you to eat at their faded picture menu establishments!

Prices were extremely reasonable. Serving sizes were very large. Jonathon and I discussed the fact that many restaurants charge me the price of a dish which would include meat. I find this so disturbing. I liked that THE DECK accommodates vegan without the price associated with meats, poultry or fish. (THANK YOU!!).

The parking lot is free and a short distance away. The interior of the restaurant was so neat and clean. Even the restroom was perfect!

Come and try! You will agree with me and be AMAZED with this...

We reserved a table for a belated birthday celebration. As I am intolerant to seafood (I know, why go to a seafood restaurant if you can't eat seafood? The birthday celebrant loves seafood), I asked if they were able to offer a non seafood option. Rabbit stew (traditional Maltese dish) or sirloin steak in either a demi glaze or mushroom sauce were the options. I chose the sirloin. It was a wonderful decision. Quality meat, cooked to joyous perfection with a mushroom sauce that delighted the taste buds. The seafood we saw was superbly presented and everyone gave their meal full attention. The raspberry, lemon and almond torte was equally sublime. The quality of service matched the very high standard of food on offer. Attentive without intrusion, friendly without being obsequious. We had the pleasure of meeting the chef, Christian and were impressed with his friendly conversation and, more importantly, his commitment to producing meals of the highest possible standard. Our experience means we would wholeheartedly recommend The Deck...

Evening started fine with the restaurant finding us a table for 6 on their terrace. We ordered promptly and the drinks and starters came quickly.

Once we finished the first course we waited and waited and waited. Other tables who arrived after us were being served first. After waiting 45 mins since finishing our starters we started enquiring where our main courses were. Two separate waiters fobbed us off even though we specifically asked them to check with the kitchen. Finally, after almost an hour of waiting, we asked the manager and rather than apologising for the delay he basically told us it is what is and the food would come when it’s ready.

Eventually the food did come and it was fine but many of the meals were lukewarm which makes me believe that some of the food was sitting on the hot plate while the kitchen prepared other dishes.

We will never patronise this restaurant again and would strongly discourage anyone else from trying The Deck. Awful customer service with an unacceptably arrogant...