Madliena Lodge — Restaurant in Swieqi

Utterly disgusted by the service received at Madliena Lodge which was all done out of pure GREED!

We organised a group dinner of 31 people and paid a deposit for such number, which was totally acceptable. Unfortunately, since we're still during a pandemic, we had people who were forced to quarantine unexpectedly in the same week of the dinner, and therefore couldn't attend. However, we called to inform the restaurant of such changes.

Upon paying the bill (at the end of the event) we were told that we had to also fork out the full price of the dinner for the people who couldn't attend (price was EUR 50 per person). Had we only lost the deposit of the people who didn't attend, it would have been completely understandable but being charged full price for food that was never served and for people who couldn't attend for circumstances beyond their control is completely shameful.

Since we were being charged full price we asked to pick up the food that we had to pay for and that was supposedly "ordered and purchased". We agreed we would collect the said food the following day to deliver it to the people who were forced to pay for it and couldn't make it.

To add insult to injury, the restaurant manager never called the following day as agreed. We called him ourselves and agreed on another day to pick up the food.

Upon arrival to collect the food, we were greeted with arrogant disdain and were presented with soup and pasta in plastic carrier bags! Clearly an exercise of spite. Totally unacceptable behaviour!

Shame on the restaurant manager and whoever he answers to.

To understand my level of absolute disgust, please see...

Never have I experienced such arrogance, GREED, and outright cheek by a restaurant manager.

We organised a group dinner with a set menu, and considering the size of the group, we were rightfully requested to pay a deposit.

Unfortunately, since we're still during a pandemic, we had people who were forced to quarantine unexpectedly in the same week of the dinner, and therefore couldn't attend.

Upon paying the bill (at the end of the event) we were told that we had to also fork out the money for the people who couldn't attend (price was EUR 50 per person).

Pasquale, the restaurant manager, shamelessly insisted on full payment having no regard to the uncontrollable circumstances. His excuse was that food had already been bought specifically and prepared for the original number of attendees. Considering this, we asked for the food that we had to pay for and didn't receive. However, he continued to come up with more excuses saying that the kitchen had closed.

As a compromise, we agreed we would collect the said food the following day to deliver it to the people who were forced to pay for it and couldn't make it.

To add insult to injury, Pasquale never called the following day as agreed. We called him ourselves and agreed on another day to pick up the food.

Upon arrival to collect the food, we were greeted with arrogant disdain and were presented with soup and pasta in plastic carrier bags! Clearly an exercise of spite. Totally unacceptable behaviour from a supposed to be "5-star" restaurant.

Shame on you Pasquale, and whoever employs you.

To understand my level of absolute disgust, please see...

One of the best, if not the best fine dining places in all of Malta. Madliena Lodge has everything from exquisite food, romantic atmosphere to classy, delicious cocktails. Every time we’ve gone there the food as well as the service has been consistently of high quality. We especially love how the chef is very creative, combining tastes and textures that you wouldn’t even think of, resulting in a surprising and amazing culinary experience. Try the pea and mint panna cotta, the wild boar meat lasagna, beautifully arranged gin cocktails or so many other items on their varied menu (note, they do refresh it relatively often, so there’s always something new to try) and you won’t be disappointed. The staff is very professional and at the same time warm, friendly and attentive, without making you feel like you’re under surveillance. We actually first went there to scout out the place as a possible venue for our wedding. Not only did they deliver beyond expectations with catering, but we couldn’t have picked a better place overall. Thanks to their help, specifically Miguel and Victoria, everything related to the venue as well as catering was a breeze to organise. They were very flexible and went the extra mile with small details, which eventually came together as a beautiful, fun and stress free wedding for both us as well...