Da Luigi Restaurant — Restaurant in Rabat

A lengthy, but necessary review.

We must have visited on a dark day indeed as our experience was certainly not remarkable for being positive!

We arrived bit after 19:30, which is listed as the opening time. It was also the time of our reservation. There were already 2 couples waiting outside the closed door. As soon as we were allowed in, another group of 3 as well as another couple came in as well. We waited 15 minutes to be led to our seat, during which time, the manager and staff could be heard moving tables and chairs in the upstairs area, a clear indication that the restaurant was still unprepared.

We were seated at a pretty, glass surfaced table. The decor, with differently framed mirrors, as well as the colour scheme are nice, but I feel tables are too close together to hold a conversation without being overheard by those seated next to you.

It took over 15 minutes for a server to take our drinks order, and that only because we attracted his attention. Food orders were taken for other tables randomly, written down and not input digitally into a system, not based on who got to the restaurant first, and this was done by only one person who appeared flustered and out of her depth and clearly overwhelmed by the restaurant which, by then, was almost full. When she finally took our order, another hour after we were seated, we pointed out the wait. The manager, who clearly wasn’t managing, justified this by apologising superficially and saying that it was because all the guests turned up at the same time, as if this was somehow the fault of guests and not of whoever had taken the reservations!

The food turned up almost 2 hours after we were seated! My husband ordered duck, which unfortunately was cold, despite being well cooked and tasting lovely. My chicken supreme was delicious but most of my roast potatoes were rather burnt and overcooked. When we mentioned this to the server, he called the manager who rudely said that my husband had already eaten half, implying that he had been lying when he said his food was cold. Obviously, the server had disappeared after serving our food and by the time he appeared again, yes, the food was almost half eaten. She offered to bring us another plate of duck but her tone and attitude were rude, and by then we just wanted out of there, since right behind our table, on a table for 2, an 8 person group had just been seated. One of them behaved rudely by pushing his chair onto mine and throwing his jacket sleeve onto my table and almost onto our food. When we mentioned this to the manager and asked her to speak to the group about this, we were rudely and dismissively told that we had chosen the corner table and usually that area is reserved for large groups. Thing is, when we made our reservation and specifically asked for a corner table , we weren’t told this. Neither were we told this upon seating! When we pointed out the impossibility of seating so many people behind us due to lack of space, she told us not to worry about that as it wasn’t our concern in a tone that sounded very patronising.

She dismissed the jacket incident, but when another lady verified it, she came up to us again saying the guests behind us will give us space till we finish. I was upset and told her so as it was clear we were only believed because another guest backed us up.

Only compensation for rudeness and service as slow as hell as well as a ruined Saturday dinner? Duck was free. No sincere apologies but constant justification and, in no way were we, as customers, treated as being right. It’s an awful shame as it could have been an enjoyable experience and we would have accepted what had happened and chalked it up to an unlucky one-off, were it not for the attitude of the manager. At the risk of sounding repetitive, there was a clear problem at the front of the restaurant- the attitude and tone of voice of the manager who clearly wasn’t managing well. Whether a fluke or not, I won’t be giving them the benefit of the doubt by going there for...

Located in the heart of Rabat, Malta, Da Luigi Restaurant offers an enchanting dining experience that seamlessly blends modern casual fine dining with a touch of Mediterranean charm. From the moment you step through its doors, you are enveloped in a magical ambiance that sets the stage for an unforgettable culinary journey.

The first thing that strikes you upon entering Da Luigi is the warm and welcoming atmosphere, infused with an unmistakable sense of hospitality. This ambiance is carefully curated by the Maltese family that runs the restaurant, who greet each guest with genuine warmth and ensure that every detail is attended to with care.

One of the standout features of Da Luigi is undoubtedly the exceptional quality of its cuisine. The menu showcases a tantalising array of local & Mediterranean-inspired dishes, crafted from the freshest locally-sourced ingredients. Whether you're indulging in a succulent lobster ravioli or savouring a perfectly lava grilled Angus beef rib eye steak, each dish is a testament to the chef's dedication to culinary excellence.

What truly sets Da Luigi apart, however, is the passion and dedication with which the Maltese family serves their guests. From the attentive waitstaff to the knowledgeable sommelier, every member of the team exudes a genuine enthusiasm for their craft, ensuring that each diner feels not just like a guest, but like a valued member of the family.

In addition to its impeccable food and service, Da Luigi also boasts a stylish yet comfortable dining space, where rustic charm meets modern sophistication. Whether you're seated in the cozy interior dining room or enjoying an al fresco meal on the charming terrace, every corner of the restaurant exudes an atmosphere of relaxed elegance.

In conclusion, Da Luigi Restaurant in Rabat is a true gem that offers much more than just a meal. It is a place where passion, quality, and hospitality converge to create a dining experience that is nothing short of magical. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, a business meal, or simply seeking a memorable night out, Da Luigi promises to exceed your expectations and leave you longing to return for more.

Da Luigi is definitely one of the best restaurants in Malta if you are looking to have a memorable dining experience, highly...

Reviews

De Luigi Rabbat

I recently had the pleasure of visiting this family-run restaurant in Rabat, Malta, and I must say, it was a fantastic experience! We chose it for Mother's Day, which also happened to be my son’s fiancée’s birthday. Since we booked ahead, we secured a table without any issues, but I noticed the restaurant filled up quickly—definitely a place you want to reserve in advance because of its popularity!

I was really impressed by the layout of the restaurant. Even though it might seem a bit tight and cozy, everyone was able to fit in comfortably, whether you’re seated upstairs or down. The decor and ambiance had a modern and professional feel while still being warm and inviting. It truly made for a relaxing and enjoyable dining atmosphere, with inspiring views to match!

The staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful, which added to the overall warm vibe of the place. The menu was laid out in a way that felt both professional and homey, offering a nice variety without overwhelming us with too many choices. There were options for everyone’s taste! As for the wine menu, it complemented the Italian and Maltese dishes perfectly, offering some great selections.

The owner kindly mentioned that being Mother's Day meant the restaurant was fully booked, so there might be slight delays with some dishes. Honestly, because of the enjoyable atmosphere and attentive service, we barely noticed any wait at all!

Now, the food was simply outstanding—cooked to perfection! I had the seabass, and it was truly wonderful. We all relished each course with enthusiasm.

As a lovely surprise, the management treated us to a liqueur on the house after we finished our meal, which was a nice touch! The manager even introduced her family members who help behind the scenes, though I’m afraid I can’t remember all the names.

All in all, this was a truly memorable dining experience, and I wholeheartedly recommend De Luigi to anyone. It’s a delightful family-run gem that really knows how to make you feel welcome...