L'antica Pizzeria Da Michele — Restaurant in Saint Julian's

I must state that as soon as I learned that this pizzeria was opening in Malta, I was excited because it is a famous pizzeria in Italy. We arrived at the place hoping to find a table since they didn't accept reservations, and luckily, we were able to be seated immediately. We sat at the table, and the waiter informed us that the menu was available by scanning a QR code. At that moment, I was a bit bewildered as there was no paper menu provided. I opened the menu on my phone and noticed that a simple Margherita pizza cost 12 euros, while there were other pizzas priced close to 20 euros. I immediately thought that in Naples, the same pizzeria charges 5 euros for a Margherita. Granted, there may not be seating available there, but 12 euros for a Margherita seemed quite high. A waitress approached us, and we inquired about pizzas for children, to which she responded negatively. I asked if it was possible to have a pizza with sausage and fries for my children, but she refused, despite the presence of such pizzas on the menu. I decided to order a Margherita pizza and a side of fries separately, so I could put the fries on the pizza myself. Additionally, we ordered two more pizzas, three small beers, and two Cokes. After about 15 to 20 minutes, the Margherita pizza arrived with the fries, but the other two pizzas did not. After waiting for 15 more minutes, I approached one of the staff members carrying pizzas and asked about the status of my order. He informed me that the pizzas would arrive in 5 to 6 minutes. However, after waiting for another 15 minutes, I informed the restaurant manager that I still hadn't received the two pizzas. By that time, many people who had arrived after us had already finished their meals and even paid. After approximately 10 more minutes, the two pizzas finally arrived. The waitress who took our order justified the delay by explaining that she considered the fries to be a starter, which caused the pizzas to be prepared later. I questioned how a single portion of French fries could be considered a starter that delayed the delivery of the pizzas, especially since I had mentioned that I wanted to put the fries on the pizza. The manager offered me a limoncello as compensation for the inconvenience, which I declined, although I appreciated the gesture. Fortunately, the pizzas were good, but they were much larger than the plates they were served on, which was not visually appealing. Moreover, considering the price, I found them to be not adequately filled. When the bill finally arrived, it exceeded 63 euros for three pizzas, one portion of fries, three small beers, and two Coca-Colas. I wasn't even given a 1 euro discount for the inconvenience, and based on the service and prices, which I consider to be disproportionate, I certainly won't...

In the mood for pizza our last evening in Malta, so we chose this place due to the proximity of our accommodation plus the good reviews.

However, it was a bit of a disappointment. Unfortunately.

The white pizza we had with porcini mushroom was really good, despite being a bit dry, (apparently they use soybean oil for some reason? and also pricy- €18 for some bread with topping?...Sorry, but that's what it is at the end of the day. Full Stop).

Since I was sharing it with my partner and we also ordered fried vegetables as a side (which did not come out as presented in the picture in the menu btw) I kindly asked if we could have it served at the same time and also get salt & pepper? The waiter (a young guy) was so rude and annoyed that I would even dare ask such questions!!! He was sooo annoyed! This unfortunately destroyed the experience here. I could have imagined some dessert and coffee after, but with this kind of behavior, I was not in the mood to stay any longer than necessary. They lost their chance for a tip as well!

I would also have wanted to ask for olive oil and balsamico vinegar, but with the waiter's bad attitude, I didn't dare to. But in retrospect I should have. I should also have confronted him!!!

I was here as a paying guest and should have had a better treatment!

Always sad to see an eaterie not having service minded and friendly staff. Whatever problem one may have, it's certainly not appropriate nor professional to bring it to work.

Would not...

Last few hours in Malta. We decided on pizza for lunch and this place looked to be the best around. What a good choice: nice, friendly service, view over the bay, and pretty amazing pizzas!

We had a few starters which were all really good.

The pizzas were huge : excellent bread and generous helpings of toppings. I finished a whole one to myself, but my partner shared with one of our friends, and there was more than enough for two.

Very pleased with our last meal in Malta. We've had really great food on the island.

We chose starters to share:

Arancini: Two fried breaded rice balls with tomato sauce, minced beef meat, fior di latte d'Agerola and peas

Frittura calamari: Lightly fried calamari.

Premium Caesar salad: Iceberg lettuce, tossed in our homemade secret dressing, topped with croutons & fresh shaved parmiggiano cheese.

Then 3 pizzas:

Capricciosa: Tomato sauce, fior di latte mozzarella, mushrooms, cooked ham, artichokes, black olives, pecorino Romano cheese, fresh basil and soybean oil

Amatriciana: Tomato sauce, fior di latte di Agerola mozzarella, guanciale di amatrice, black pepper, pecorino Romano cheese and soybean oil.

Funghi & prosciutto: Fior di latte, champignon mushrooms, cooked ham, pecorino Romano cheese, basil and soybean oil.

Also posted to my food blog on Instagram...