Coogi's Pizzeria & Bistrot @ Palazzo Costanzo — Restaurant in Mdina

I visited Coorgi’s in Mdina with my boyfriend for lunch, and while the experience started on a positive note, it quickly turned into one of the worst restaurant experiences I’ve had.

We were greeted warmly by the staff and initially wanted to sit in the garden, but there were no available tables. They kindly offered us a table indoors and later moved us outside when one became free, which we appreciated. So far, so good.

We ordered a prosciutto, arugula, and Grana Padano pizza and a tagliatelle Bolognese. The first red flag was that the pizza came out almost 10 minutes before the pasta. A bit annoying, but we were willing to let that go.

However, when the pasta finally arrived, I was honestly shocked. It tasted like canned food — watery sauce, strange smell, and clearly pre-prepared, which is unacceptable in a supposedly Italian-inspired restaurant. I only took one bite and had my boyfriend try it as well to confirm I wasn’t imagining it. We both agreed it was simply not edible.

I immediately and politely told the waiter the pasta was not good and explained why. Unfortunately, he responded in a condescending and dismissive tone, telling me that’s just how the restaurant serves it, and that it was my problem. I tried to reason with him, pointing out that I hadn’t eaten it and that I wasn’t asking for anything extravagant — just a solution, or at least a replacement dish. They refused and only offered a free dessert as compensation.

From that point on, the staff ignored us completely. When I asked for the bill, the full charge for the pasta was still there. I explained again, calmly, that I hadn’t eaten the dish and felt it wasn’t fair to pay for it. Rather than listen, the supervisor made me feel even worse, saying things like “we never had complaints before” and implying the issue was just my personal taste.

Eventually, they gave me a discount, but only after guilt-tripping me by saying the supervisor would personally pay for the dish and that he earned only €5/hour — which frankly sounds implausible and was entirely inappropriate to bring up in this context. I even offered to speak with the owner to avoid the situation escalating further, but I was told that the owner didn’t care.

I completely understand that mistakes can happen — not every plate that leaves a kitchen will be perfect — but the lack of professionalism, empathy, and respect from the team was the real dealbreaker. Instead of trying to resolve the issue, they doubled down on blame and condescension.

Bottom line: I will never return to Coorgi’s and I strongly advise others to avoid the Bolognese at all costs — and be prepared for poor service if anything goes wrong...

During my recent visit to Coogi’s, I had the pleasure of enjoying a delicious pizza with ham. From the moment I stepped into the restaurant, I was welcomed by a warm and inviting atmosphere, setting the stage for what would become a memorable dining experience.

The ambiance was cozy yet modern, with soft lighting and well-arranged seating that made the space feel both comfortable and stylish. The restaurant was clean and well-maintained, showing the staff’s commitment to quality and hygiene. The aroma of freshly baked pizza filled the air, immediately heightening my anticipation.

I was fortunate to be served by Naveen, who was an absolute delight. From the beginning, he was courteous, attentive, and professional. He greeted me with a friendly smile, handed me the menu, and took the time to recommend some of the restaurant’s specialties. His enthusiasm and knowledge of the menu were impressive, and his genuine hospitality made my experience all the more enjoyable.

Now, let’s talk about the star of the evening—the pizza. I ordered a classic ham pizza, and I must say, it exceeded my expectations. The presentation was impeccable, with the perfect balance of toppings spread evenly across the freshly baked crust. The ham was of high quality, offering a rich and slightly smoky flavor that paired beautifully with the melted cheese. The tomato sauce had a well-balanced acidity and sweetness, complementing the other ingredients without overpowering them.

One of the highlights was the crust. It was golden brown, slightly crispy on the outside, yet wonderfully soft and airy on the inside. It had that perfect chewiness that only a well-prepared dough can provide. The restaurant clearly puts effort into crafting their pizzas with care, as every bite showcased the freshness of the ingredients and the skill of the kitchen staff.

Beyond the food, the service was outstanding. Naveen checked in at the right moments, ensuring that everything was to my satisfaction without being intrusive. He refilled my drink promptly and even suggested a dessert that complemented my meal. His professionalism and genuine kindness made a lasting impression.

The overall experience at Coogi’s was nothing short of fantastic. The combination of delicious food, excellent service, and a pleasant atmosphere makes this place a must-visit for any pizza lover. Whether you’re dining alone, with friends, or with family, this restaurant offers an experience that leaves you satisfied and eager to return.

A big thank you to Naveen for his exceptional service—his dedication truly enhanced my visit. I will definitely be coming back soon to try more of their...

I honestly feel like they could do better for the number of reviews and rating they have. I give 3 stars because of its vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options. I visited with 3 others and here are our thoughs:

I ordered the zucchini pasta and I was a little disappointed. They state on the menu "only large portions" but I think that is more of a normal portion. To be noted it tasted good. My friends, that got the Maltese pizza and octopus dish, where very pleased. So I guess the food good, along with its clear cut vegan-gluten free options.

The staff was friendly but a bit unorganized as we had 2 waiters approach us to take our order firstly and ask us for dessert options the second, in the time span of 5 minutes.

They also brought us a broken wine glass which I will upload. I personally consider this kind of cheap.

We sat outside which was nice, no view but the old houses around us where inspiring. Even if we where outside, no smoking was allowed as it would "hurt the buildings". Nevertheless, smoking in all other outdoor areas of mdina was allowed and they had cigarette cans for trash.

The waiter brought out the octopus Maltese dish and my zucchini pasta but was quite late to deliver the pizza to the point my pasta went cold, after having to point out its tardiness to him. He asked us originally if he should bring everything together and we told him yes.

We did not stay for dessert.

All in all, an...