Il Ristorantino Italiano — Restaurant in Valletta

The food here was genuinely tasty — we especially enjoyed the grilled octopus and the seafood platter, which was well-prepared. The risotton was okay but a bit bland. Limoncello at the end had a nice touch, though it could’ve been colder to really hit the spot.

That said, the service felt a bit too pushy for our taste. After we agreed to share the grilled octopus (as a small starter between four people), our server suggested bruschetta to go with it. We assumed it would be a light little side, but it turned out to be two full portions of starters, which felt like a bit much given what we had in mind.

Later, we were nudged about ordering more wine — even though everyone already had a glass. The suggestions felt more like sales pitches than genuine recommendations, which slightly took away from an otherwise chill dining experience.

Also I'm not sure why "todays specials" are not in the menu since they seem to be available more often than not? This way they seem "special" and not to be missed? More profitable? Ingredients about to expire so better to sell them? As mentioned before, this also looks like a push of the meal.

Overall, the food was solid, but we would’ve enjoyed a more relaxed and less...

I don't understand how this place doesn't have 5 stars.

The food, staff and atmosphere is one of the best I found here in Malta. Usually, when it comes to dining in similar locations, customer service sucks, waiters open wine bottles with their t-shirts, mess up you order and you easily find hair in your pasta.

We found this restaurant randomly on a winter evening. We called and a very nice lady booked us in. When we came she was extremely polite and kind. We were given a table big enough to fit 5 adults, and even though we sat outside the area was covered and heating was provided. The lady kept us a company, talked to us, ( kept her eye on all customers, too ) and she created this very friendly and relaxed environment.

The service she gave us ... I can't thank her enough. The food was brought by her and her lovely husband who exchanged a few words with us too. Complimenti to all the chefs - the meals were phenomenal. Perfectly cooked and served. Selection of nice wines and desserts was spot on!

I really hope other people will have such a nice experience as we had.

Well done to everyone at Il Ristorantino Italiano and all the best...

The good: very cosy (the place is very small), traditional Italian place. The staff were very attentive and friendly, and even the chef came to the table to check if the diners were happy. The octopus with garlic for starters was absolutely perfectly cooked. The octopus was tender, the dressing was very tasty and well-seasoned. The beef and mushroom risotto was also very good, but not as good as the seafood risotto (although, the seafood risotto was VERY VERY heavily-seasoned in comparison to the beef risotto, perhaps the chef dropped the salt jar into the pan :)).

Based on the food alone I would've given it a 4 star. But unfortunately (or fortunately, for future potential diners), I witnessed the staff putting/dropping (this part I didn't see with my own eyes) the dessert puddings (looked like Panna Cotta) on the floor of the restaurant and picking up the individual puddings from the floor and put them back on the tray in the fridge. For this reason I am deducting one star from the ratings and hope that the restaurant can improve their hygiene standards/trainings, as the dishes themselves were to be...