Al Sale Restaurant — Restaurant in Xaghra

I was very much looking forward to our reservation at Al Sale last Saturday evening, but unfortunately, the experience was disappointing from the moment we were seated.

It took around 20 minutes to be served water and 45 minutes for the wine, which I had to order four times due to unavailable options and confusion from the staff. Meanwhile, our starter was served and sat untouched for about five minutes as we waited for the wine, which did not arrive until much later.

The main dishes - the grilled calamari was good however the BBQ octopus was quite disappointing. The sauce was clearly broken, the octopus was drenched in a pool of oil. When I raised this with one of the servers, I was told, rather dismissively, that this was intentional “sauce with a drizzle of oil” and just left (refer to photo).

Thankfully another server noticed something is wrong and looked into the matter. 20 minutes later the chef sent his apologies. A dessert was offered as an apology, however a few minutes later we were informed that the dessert chosen was finished.

While the octopus was removed from our bill, the overall handling of the situation left us very disappointed. We were patient and understanding given how busy the restaurant was, but the repeated missteps and lack of communication made for a frustrating evening. We felt ignored throughout the service. This may have been a one-off, but sadly, it doesn't make us want to return.

EDIT: Replying to owner's comment - Waiting 45 minutes for a bottle of wine is unacceptable. I did not have a problem with the wine being oos, but with the waiting time. As previously stated, our primary concern was the octopus dish. Waiting an additional 40 minutes for a resolution only added to our frustration.

While the dish was partially eaten, it was far too oily to continue. Sauce was broken from the moment it was served (refer to photo). The issue was not just the food itself, but the lack of attentive customer service and the dismissive way the situation was handled, especially given that you are a Michelin...

I booked a table and was looking forward to eating at this Michelin recommended restaraunt. First off the service, it’s excellent, the waiters are very helpful, attentive and knowledgable about the food. The menu is extensive too, we however opted for the chateaubriand for four off the specials board. This is the premium cut of beef which should be cooked to perfection, melt in the mouth and be accompanied by a rich delicious sauce. Meanwhile back at Al Sale, this premium cut of beef is merely seared in the kitchen then bought out to your table on a hot griddle, sliced and you’re left to cook and season it yourself. No keeping the meat moist with precision cooking by an expert, or enjoying a deep rich sauce as you don’t get one. Just a half cooked slab of meat with a pile of cheese and some rocket leaves on a hot griddle. Even the accompanying vegetables and potatoes were forgettable. The carrots in the veg bowl were virtually raw and all were drowning in olive oil. The potatoes not seasoned all, all pretty mediocre. I would be laughing but they are charging €50 per head for this culinary delight. On our visit I couldn’t recommend this restaurant, the price and food are not in tune. There was no sign of Michelin star cooking from what we received. I can only reiterate that the staff were excellent, especially after bringing this to...

Beautiful view from 2nd floor (from roofed terrase and balcony) on catherdral and square. Very tasty complimantary from the house appetizer was served - paste from sun dried tomatoes, fresh warm bread and local cheese. Wine selection was good at normal prices, interesting dishes, selection of fish in special menu, tasty creme brulee with ice cream ball. Staff was very friendly and patient with us as we couldn't select dishes for some time. From another side, it would be good if special menu was printed and given with the main menu. It would be easier to read it than to catch what waiter lists to you, and prices could be seen, no need to ask. Also, the constant presence of servant helper is good but it would be better if he was not walking constantly near the tables but would be just standing near some neutral place (his presence would be less tangible). Fish was good, but as for me (my subjective opinion) it would benefit from some spices or lemon. And the plus was that with fish vegetables and potatoes were served. Thus, a plus would be a more detailed menu (special menu included). A bit more expensive than we expected, for 2-person dinner it was 81 euro: 2 main dishes, 3 glasses of wine, a dessert...