Alka — Restaurant in Qrendi

Great lunch in a cosy 'al fresco' environment.

What‘s the point of eating out if you‘re just looking at your plate? A long-time favourite to many customers, Alka Restaurant would be an awesome destination for its setting alone. ALKA Mediterranean Restaurant, which is easily located in Congreve Road, Wied iz-Zurrieq is at just the right height for visitors wanting to really appreciate the open sea and Filfla Island which lies some 5KM away from the mainland. Filfla forms part of the Maltese Archipelago.

The alfresco rooftop is covered with a large cane canopy giving a great inside/outside feeling. Pity it is not a year-round roof space because it depends a lot on weather conditions. However when wintry days are nice and not too cold one can soak up some sun rays. Patrick Burke, Alka’s patron hands out a menu that is short and to the point – dishes are beautiful but in no way twee.

From their winter-spring menu we limited our choice to three starters, a plate of Black Squid Ragout and a plate of Curried Silverbelt and Six fresh Oysters. These were shared amongst three adults as our two grandchildren preferred to be served their main dish instead. Their choice fell on a dish of Chicken Lasagna and Tagliatelle Mare with mussels, clams, squid, local prawns, pieces of fish and creamed bisque. My son deviated his choice to meat as he preferred a plate of Venison and Porcini Croquettes with Chantal jaune sauce. Being fish lovers, my wife and I, we stuck to fish. Two perfectly cooked fish were brought over to our table accompanied with small bowls of oven-baked potatoes, barley & bean salad and shredded turnip. We both delighted in the freshness of the Largescaled Scorpion fish (Cipullazza) and the Streaked Weaver (Tracna tal-fond) which we filleted ourselves.

After a good starter and an excellent main dish, we moved in for the hat-trick: the dessert. One Coconut & Lime Brulee Pineapple Compote, a Frozen Custard Rum Baba, one Chocolate & Vanilla Ice Cream, and a Dark Chocolate & Almond Brownie with Salted Caramel and Milk Chocolate Mousse. Ideal adjectives for the chosen assortment would be dainty, scrumptious and savoury or better still yummy.

Three pre-lunch drinks, two bottles of water, one lemon ice-tea and the total bill for this marvellous lunch came to €208 tips inclusive. Management offered free of charge 3 bowls of Olive Tapenade to start us off till order is taken and cooked. Two complimentary espressos were graciously accepted. Service was neat, orderly and always friendly… after all – with that view one can hardly...

Alka in Wied Żurrieq, near the Blue Grotto, is a true hidden gem. It’s set in an old converted townhouse with a beautiful rooftop terrace overlooking the tiny uninhabited island of Filfla.

Upon arrival, we were presented with a big blackboard menu at our table! It was a clear sign that the restaurant operates on fresh daily stock. We ordered a bottle of wine and started with two portions of crudo, accompanied by three types of complimentary, unique bread. The crudo included an oyster, red prawn, scallop, and fresh tuna. OMG! everything was incredibly fresh and delicious.

For mains, I had seared scallops while my boyfriend went for the fresh catch of the day, grouper in breadcrumbs with anchovies. Both dishes were amazing! Our waitress was sweet and attentive, and we ended the meal with a lovely liquor.

The bill came to €115.50, which felt very fair for the quality and experience. Overall, I highly recommend this restaurant!!! It’s surprising that it doesn’t show up in the top 10 or...

We went over to see the Blue Grotto Cave by boat which is 60 seconds down the hill and wanted lunch whilst we were there.

We went straight up to the roof top terrace and were served by very welcoming staff.

We had the catch of the day which was freshly caught by the fisherman. We were shown the fish before it was cooked which is a first for us.

We went for the barracuda which came with some great sides of fried and seasoned potatoes with some vegetables.

This may seem a bit of a bold statement but it was the best fish we've ever eaten and to top it off they showed us the cooked fish whole and asked if we'd prefer it as it was whole as it was cooked or if we wanted it filleted. The terrace was shaded and had fans so was more than pleasant enough in the heat (34°C).

Strongly recommended that you pay this restaurant a visit and try some of heir amazing fish and...