Sunday lunch at La Capanna Restaurant, Marsaxlokk.

Sunday, 24th May, 2015.

La Capanna Restaurant is one of those establishments that have been around for a good number of years in Marsaxlokk, but which we have always seemed to walk straight past. Not that there is anything wrong externally with it, quite the contrary, but possibly due to the very busy stretch of street that it is situated at. Nevertheless, on Sunday morning, I woke up with a craving for fish, and a desire to try out somewhere new. Obviously, La Capanna was one choice out of a few in Marsaxlokk, that I thought that would suit us. A table reservation was placed on Sunday morning, with the person that answered the phone telling me, that a table for two would be available at 13.30. Fine.

On arrival we were seated at our table, and rather than looking at the menus which were presented, we asked the head waiter to show us the fresh fish display. I made it clear that only locally caught, wild, fresh fish would do. I was invited to check out their fish in the kitchen and was told that only fish supplied by local fishermen are bought by the restaurant. The fish in the display proved it. I picked a largish bazuga (bronze bream) and a rock fish which were brought to our table for my wife to choose one for us to share. We settled for the bazuga, which the head waiter explained to us that it will be cooked poached and finished off in the oven, which also happens to be my favourite way to cook such a fish.

For starters, we asked for a mix of seafood antipasti, also off the menu but available if one asks for it. We were not disappointed on all counts.

Food ordered and served:

Standard pre -lunch antipasto/amuse bouche of a small platter of bruschetta and olives was served, with our water and wine order. This was followed after a few minutes with the first of three servings of the fish/seafood antipasti - this was another bruschetta with smoked salmon and fresh tomatoes;

the second serving was a cold serving of clams, marinated raw prawns and marinated fresh sardines, all designed to whet the appetite and to enjoy a sip of white wine with. The third serving was a dish to share of (hot) deep fried prawns in butter, deep fried baby crabs, white baite (makku), and deep fried scad (sawrell). The latter were all cooked to just eat them by one’s fingers as served, heads, tails, and everything. Delicious is another word for this platter.

Deep fried in butter, crunchy, finger food.

To be eaten whole as served.

The bazuga, main course, was served whole as ordered on the bone, as it is part of our enjoyment to fillet the fish ourselves. Side servings of roast potatoes, chips, fried zucchini, and boiled vegetables. As this type of fish, if filleted correctly, has very little wastage, the portions of fillets on the plates were quite large. The fish was beautifully cooked, and its freshness came oozing out on the palate.

Dessert: There was absolutely no room for the dessert so we just opted for a lemon and a melon sorbet, which incidentally are also made in-house by one of the chefs.

Wine: The wine list gave a very good choice of local and imported wines, which get full marks from us on the exceptionally reasonable mark-up of just 32 per cent on the retail price. A bottle of chilled, Antonin blanc 2014, priced at just EUR19.75 was enjoyed, and paired well with the food. One bottle of water, espressos and complementary liqueurs finished off the lunch.

Value: The total bill for the above, excluding the wine, came up to EUR90 between two persons (EUR45 pp). Total with the wine EUR109.75. Very reasonable for the food enjoyed, the freshness and the quality.

Reviewers Impressions:

Ambience: Good.

Cuisine quality: Very Good.

Freshness, presentation and preparation: Very Good +

Service: Very Good +

Wine list: Good selections at a very good mark-up of just 32%.

Value for money: Very good.

RATING: 8.5/10

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Contact Details:

La Capanna Restaurant,

Xatt is Sajjieda,

Marsaxlokk

Tel: 21 65 7755.