Il-Merill Restaurant
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A Memorable Evening of Maltese Delights! I recently had the pleasure of dining at Il-Merill Restaurant, an charming family-owned Maltese restaurant with a group of friends, and I can confidently say that it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. This hidden gem delivered authentic Maltese cuisine with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that made us feel right at home. As soon as we walked into the restaurant, we were greeted by the aroma of tantalizing Maltese spices and the cozy ambiance of the place. It was a special evening for us as we were early celebrating our friend's birthday, and this restaurant turned out to be the perfect setting for the occasion. To start our culinary journey through Malta, we ordered the Ġbejna and Maltese Platter for starters and then for the main dishes we order Rabbit pan seared in garlic and herbs,, which is a traditional Maltese delicacy. The succulent rabbit was expertly prepared and burst with flavor. It was tender, savory, and perfectly seasoned, a true testament to the chef's mastery of Maltese cuisine. This dish was a delightful introduction to the rich and diverse flavors of Malta. The octopus with calamari was another standout dish that left our taste buds in awe. The octopus was incredibly tender, and the calamari was crispy without being greasy. The combination of the two seafood delicacies was nothing short of exquisite. The accompanying sauce added an extra layer of flavor, making every bite a true delight. One of the highlights of our dining experience was the exceptional service provided by the friendly and knowledgeable waitstaff. They not only made us feel like honored guests but also shared fascinating insights into the history and preparation of Maltese cuisine. Their passion for the food they served was evident, and their recommendations were spot on. The restaurant's commitment to preserving Maltese culinary traditions shone through in every aspect of our meal. From the warm and welcoming ambiance to the mouthwatering dishes and attentive service, this family-owned gem truly exceeded our expectations. In conclusion, our dinner at this traditional Maltese restaurant was a delightful journey into the heart of Maltese cuisine. The rabbit and octopus with calamari were simply outstanding, and the attentive waitstaff made our celebration even more memorable. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking to savor the flavors of Malta while enjoying a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It's a dining experience that I will cherish, and I look forward to returning soon to explore more of their delicious offerings.
Oana AtanasiuOana Atanasiu
00
This restaurant was chosen in advance, I've been looking for local cuisine, compared a lot of restaurants in this area. I was in Malta for one weekend and wanted to have a dinner in a really good place. I came, asked waitress to recommend me a traditional dish. I ordered a rabbit, according to the recommendation. Then, the waitress asked me if I want smth to drink. The drink was brought in 5min and then to I've been waiting for 2 hours. After that the same waitress asked me if I wanted to eat smth because the kitchen is getting closed. And at that moment I realised she just lost the piece of paper with my dish. She started running over the restaurant, then the second waitress was introduced in the situation. In 5-10 more minutes it was suggested to start cooking right away but for me it was just unbearable to wait more after 2 hours. I asked to pay for the drink but nobody said to me a price and just ran away. I had to leave on the table more money than the drink cost to make sure that it's enaugh. Finally, I left hungry, wasted 2 hours, paid for the drink more than it costs, paid for the second time for hotel because I got late to check in. Obviously, it's not only problem of one waitress but issue of the whole restaurant. If there's mess with orders, it's easy to imagine what's going on in the kitchen. Actually, I very rare write negative feedbacks but I travel quite a lot and I think, this restaurant left the worst impression on me I've ever had.
Dmitrii LadanDmitrii Ladan
00
Excellent local family owned restaurant. Just about the best spaghetti I have had in a long time. Small place off the beaten tourist path yet very close to the main strip, excellent atmosphere, home made food. The rabbit liver is done correctly, the garlic adds taste, doesn't overpower. The pasta is just right, soft outside, firm in the center, I can't identify all the spices, I think there was a hint of saffron, not sure, it has a lovely smell and taste to kill for. Tiny bit of spiciness adds another dimension to the succulent sauce. The chef definitely knows his stuff. The house wine is very good, I'd favorably compare it to spanish Ribera. It's priced in the upper half of inexpensive (see menu), well worth the investment. A lovely place to take your date, it's quiet, I strongly recommend it. The staff is very friendly, non-intrusive and knowledgeable
Jiri MracekJiri Mracek
00
Recommended for authentic Maltese food, but make sure you call to reserve in advance. The food was nice. Maltese food hasn’t got an international reputation so don’t expect an epiphany, but it’s a safe European style with warmth and depths of flavour. The Imqaret (date dessert) was lovely. I’d heard it described as a fig roll but it’s more like a baklava. The portions were huge. We had the specials (mixed grill and grouper) as we had already eaten rabbit earlier in the day. The service is alright. Would have been nice if it were a bit more welcoming. They seem to do 2 sittings for dinner at like 18:00-19:00 and then another later in the evening to close by 10. They get fully booked and the place is small/cosy (hence reserve). Price is reasonable.
Dollar ReviewsDollar Reviews
00
Really great restaurant with very cosy and homely atmosphere. Staffs are very friendly and kind. Food are really tasty. Fresh fish dish were so good .we took grilled sea bass and tuna steak and both are fantastic. Portions are so big and generous. Probably a little too much if you are not a big eater however, they kindly offered takeaway of leftover which we didn't refuse as the food were simply too good to be thrown away. Very good selections of wines as well. Price are very good for the quality, taste and the portion. Book in advance to avoid disappointment (it was our case for the first 2 days) It is a small restaurant and will fill up quickly. Highly recommended!!!!
E ChunE Chun
00
After arriving a bit late, close to the closing time, the girls there were more than welcoming! They even waited for us, after closing time, for which I am more than grateful! We had three starters - fried sheep cheese with some jam, bruschetti and Widow Soup (the daily special). Everything was amazing! For a main course we had the bbq ribs and Pasta Merill - again extraordinarily delicious! The atmosphere is great, the decor with clocks and old gadgets, plus the cosy feeling of the place makes Il-Merill a must visit for authentic Maltese cuisine and a great place to have a stop from the quick pace of a day! I will visit it again for sure!
Vasil PagelskiVasil Pagelski
00
Nearby Attractions Of Il-Merill Restaurant
Compass Lounge
Preluna Hotel - Malta
Ġnien Indipendenza
1926 Le Soleil Hotel & Spa, Sliema Malta
Pjazza Tigné
MedAsia Playa
Fond Għadir Beach
1926 La Plage
Balluta Parish Church
Qui-Si-Sana Beach

Compass Lounge
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Preluna Hotel - Malta
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Ġnien Indipendenza
4.6
(996)Click for details

1926 Le Soleil Hotel & Spa, Sliema Malta
4.4
(734)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Il-Merill Restaurant
Ta' Kris
Surfside
Il-Fortizza
Tiffany's Bistro
Black Gold Saloon
The Brew Grill & Brewery
Fresco's
Peppi's Restaurant
Il-Gabbana
The Waterfront Hotel

Ta' Kris
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Surfside
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Il-Fortizza
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Tiffany's Bistro
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Basic Info
Address
Triq San Vincenz, Tas-Sliema, Malta
Map
Phone
+356 9922 2769
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Website
ilmerillrestaurant.com
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Reviews
Overview
4.6
(808 reviews)$$
Ratings & Description
attractions: Compass Lounge, Preluna Hotel - Malta, Ġnien Indipendenza, 1926 Le Soleil Hotel & Spa, Sliema Malta, Pjazza Tigné, MedAsia Playa, Fond Għadir Beach, 1926 La Plage, Balluta Parish Church, Qui-Si-Sana Beach, restaurants: Ta' Kris, Surfside, Il-Fortizza, Tiffany's Bistro, Black Gold Saloon, The Brew Grill & Brewery, Fresco's, Peppi's Restaurant, Il-Gabbana, The Waterfront Hotel
