Root 81 — Restaurant in Mdina

Best hospitality experience in Malta so far. Dined here for dinner outside. Great experience from arrival to departure. Looking at the menu prior to arrival, it did seem a tad basic and lacked invitation however i contemplated if cooked perfectly it would deliver which it did. The drinks menu only had alcoholic items so I asked if they could make me a sweet and sour cocktail which they executed perfectly.

My wife and I decided to order 2 items on the specials menu which was the white lasagne with groper and cuttlefish and the black Angus tomahawk steak with truffle mash and root veggies. We also ordered the lobster risotto, chocolates lava cake and chocolate delice off the main menu.

To start they offered table bread with butter and a tomato butter. The best table bread and butter I have had in Malta to date. They also offered what I believe was a burnt pramsean with brioche item which tasted lovely. It came out at room temp but I think if it were wamer, it would be a lot better.

The risotto and lasagne came out next. My wife and i shared it and they were quality. I am a tough critic when it comes to risotto however the lobster risotto was the best risotto I have ever eaten. Instantly infused with lobster with every bite. May I mention it was the best presented dish of the session.

The lasagne was the best lasagne I have eaten on my European holiday. I was constantly getting let down when it wasn't even on the menu and when I saw here I jumped at it and wasn't disappointed and was my highlighted dish of the night.

The generous tomahawk steak was served to share for the main. We asked for it to be cooked medium rare and it was cooked perfectly. Both my wife and I are a fan of salt so we kindly asked the staff for extra seasoning. The only issue I found was that we were eating outside which was beautiful however it was a bit windy so when got to 2nd half of the steak it was cold. This was out of venues control. If I were to come here again (which I will if I go to Malta again) I would request a seat on the balcony which might protect it from the wind.

All in all, the sides were great as well was the desserts.

P.S. if you have a table for 2 and want to come here ask for a balcony seat as the views would be great. Best hospitality I have experienced in...

🌟 An Unforgettable Culinary Experience at Root 81 - Pure Magic on a Plate! 🌟

I had the absolute pleasure of dining at Root 81 in Malta 🇲🇹, a restaurant that truly deserves every bit of its Michelin recognition. From the very first glance at my plate, I knew I was about to experience something extraordinary. I ordered the duck breast 🦆, and let me tell you, it was an absolute masterpiece in every sense of the word!

First, let’s talk about the presentation 🎨. The dish looked like a piece of art, meticulously plated with vibrant colors and an artistic flair that instantly captivated my eyes 👀. The aroma of saffron 🌸 filled the air around my plate, creating a fragrant, inviting allure that made my mouth water before I even took a bite 🤤.

Then, the taste – oh, the taste! The duck breast was nothing short of divine ✨. Perfectly cooked to a tender, juicy perfection, each bite was like a symphony 🎶 of flavors, dancing on my taste buds with just the right balance of richness and subtlety. The freshness of the ingredients was unmistakable, and it felt like the dish was crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail 🧑‍🍳. The saffron infused into the sauce added a layer of warmth and depth that elevated the whole experience to an entirely new level 🌅.

The texture of the duck was sublime – soft and tender, yet with a delicate crispness on the outside. It’s clear that the chef is a true genius 🧠, someone who not only understands flavor but also the artistry of texture. This is not just food; this is an experience, a journey into the heart of culinary excellence 🍽️.

Root 81 is not just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of flavor and creativity 🎉, brought to life by a chef who is undoubtedly among the finest in the world 🌍. The passion and dedication that went into every element of this dish were evident in every bite. I cannot recommend this place enough – if you’re in Malta, you must visit Root 81. It’s a dining experience that will stay with you long after the last bite 🥂. Trust me, this is a meal you’ll be dreaming about for years...

Entering the restaurant we were greeted by pleasant and joyful faces of the staff. We were seated down on the ground floor in a dark yet atmospheric room resembling Maltese house of character. However, the decorations especially, the fake climbing plant on the walls along with cheap napkins and table mats created demeanor that exuded a certain lack of refinement, suggestive of a less-than-generous disposition. The repetitive chaotic music played from a single tiny speaker became irritant after dining for two hours in the restaurant along with the phone ringtone bell which could wake up a bear from its hibernation.

In overall the food was scrumptious! I’ll begin with all the starters I’ve had. The duck tortellacci was a great choice with a rich creamy sauce. Risotto was also very heavy but well balanced. Lastly, the chicken liver pate didn’t disappoint as one of the signature dishes of Root 81. Furthermore, the main courses are a source of vexation for me. The venison was a beautiful dish, rich in flavor and beautifully presented. The source of my vexation was sadly the Argentinian ribeye. The meat was very fatty which is understandable to some extent as each cut of beef is different but it was really difficult to eat it at certain moments. I’m not a desert type of person but I was very satisfied with the ones I’ve had.

Again, the staff was helpful and lovely. Their kindness went as far as giving us a free aperitif. We spent a lovely evening in the restaurant and came out well fed and extremely happy.

P.S. Big and good selection of both affordable and...