Grotto Tavern — Restaurant in Rabat

Disappointed by Hype Over Substance

As someone who had dined at The Grotto in Rabat several times six years ago, I was genuinely excited to return and experience what I remembered as a special, atmospheric restaurant with excellent service and food. This time, however, what awaited us was not the charm and quality of before—but a classic case of style over substance, dressed up in Michelin-star hype.

We were told the grotto—once the soul of the restaurant—was “fully booked.” Strangely, by the time we left, only two tables were occupied there. A disappointing start.

Encouraged to try the “snacks from the kitchen,” we ordered two sets alongside bread. We were warned the portions were bite-sized, but what arrived defied even that expectation. Four small slices of bread—€12. Four minuscule yet admittedly tasty bites—€16. If there was magic in those bites, it was in how quickly they disappeared. Next came the starter: a single ravioli—yes, one—for €18. And while the duck main was delicious, it barely amounted to more than five bites.

Now, I’m no stranger to fine dining. I understand that it’s not about heaping plates and oversized portions. But what I can’t understand—or accept—is this level of pricing without substance to match. At the end of the meal, I didn’t feel elevated. I felt short-changed.

Michelin-starred or not, we need to talk honestly about the direction dining is taking. Paying premium prices for micro-portions in the name of “gourmet” feels like an inside joke, and diners are not in on it. Rabat is a beautiful village, but it is still a small village on a small island. This wasn’t Paris, or New York, or even Valletta.

Professional service and seasonal ingredients are great, but they’re the bare minimum at this level—not a justification for inflated prices and theatrical presentation with little satisfaction.

I truly hope The Grotto finds its way back to the balance it once had: where atmosphere, service, flavor, and value worked in harmony. Until then, the experience leaves much to be desired—particularly for those who arrive with fond memories and leave with a lighter wallet and an...

Last night, I had the immense pleasure of dining again at Grotto Tower, a Michelin-starred gem that truly lives up to its reputation. From the moment I walked through the door, I knew I was in for a treat. The ambiance was sophisticated yet inviting, blending modern elegance with a touch of rustic charm that perfectly set the stage for an unforgettable evening.

Service: The staff at Grotto Tower are the epitome of professionalism and warmth. Our server was attentive without being overbearing, knowledgeable about the menu, and offered excellent recommendations. Each course was delivered with impeccable timing, and the care taken to ensure our dining experience was flawless did not go unnoticed.

Cuisine: The food at Grotto Tower is nothing short of extraordinary. Each dish was a masterpiece, both visually stunning and bursting with flavor. We began with the house special appetizer—a delightful blend of fresh, seasonal ingredients that set a high bar for the evening. The main course was an exquisite symphony of tastes and textures; the chef’s talent for balancing flavors is truly remarkable. Every bite was a revelation, from the tender, perfectly cooked protein to the inventive and delicious accompaniments.

Wine Pairing: The wine selection was equally impressive. The sommelier’s recommendations were spot-on, enhancing each course and providing a harmonious balance to the meal. It was clear that great thought and care had gone into curating the wine list to complement the chef's creations.

Dessert: Dessert was the perfect conclusion to an outstanding meal. It was a delicate, decadent treat that managed to be both indulgent and light, leaving us completely satisfied.

Overall Experience: Dining at Grotto Tower was worth every penny and more. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that engages all your senses and leaves you with a deep appreciation for the art of fine dining. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to an exceptional evening, Grotto Tower is the place to go.

Highly recommend and looking forward to...

First of all - quick summary: the food is normal - but with pricing comes a standard which is not there. The service is like you’re being observed in an uncomfortable way and the ambiance is very nice.

Total: Important to know is, that you can’t freely choose which menu you order. The cave room only allows you to choose between the 5-corse and the 7-corse menu. After a discussion with two of the servants I was able to get an a-la-carte menu to choose freely. The arrogance of the servants is incredible when you think of the fact that it’s a (unjustified) Michelin restaurant and you’re a paying guest. The servants look down on you - that’s hilarious. The portion sizes are quite normal for a Michelin star restaurant. For starter we had tome brûlée - the composition and texture were not able to match the standard of this dish - the cheese of corse is good since it’s about the purchase. The rest is middle class. As a main we had the beef sirloin. Good meat quality - again depending on the purchase. The preparation of the meat was hilarious and low standard. The plating is something you can expect from a low priced side restaurant. As desserts we had calvados&apple and gianduja chocolate. Overloaded and cheap sweetness meets middle school plate setting - that’s how you can sum it up.

The servants have been arrogant during all the the dining time - talking from above and without any sympathy or kindness. Refilling the glasses or asking for a feedback is only part of their job when they feel to do it or can expect positive feedback. The chef is coming down the cave every 30 min to look aggressively to the guests and checks if they ate what they‘ve ordered - that makes the atmosphere worse.

After we’ve been finished we payed and even then they did not ask for any feedback or how the dinner has been. Luckily the ambiance is not an important factor for a Michelin star restaurant. Poor restaurant with more poor staff. Since I’m rating Michelin star restaurants in a very frequent basis - this is worth an escalation to the...