
	Rubino Overview Rubino is a hidden treasure in Malta’s capital, Valletta. This is a restaurant that has taken Maltese cuisine to heart and made it the core of its nature. Located just off the busy main Republic Street in Valletta’s centre, Rubino restaurant was once a confectionary established in 1906 and to this day still retains the original antique façade. Spread over three floors, the evocative interconnecting rooms can just accommodate a maximum of 45 dinners at any one time. The character of the place will always feel like a private and exclusive affair, especially if you reserve the lowest level that is a cellar with a capacity for 12 patrons. No wonder the restaurant is a mainstay with Malta’s business elite, cultural aficionados (the Manoel Theatre and St. James Cavalier are just a stone throw away) and the fortunate foreigners that discover this charming gem. The authenticity of Rubino’s cuisine is what makes it stand out from the crowd. A genuine attempt to revive lost Maltese recipes is made here. Prime examples are the Ghagin Grieg (baked pasta) and Sfinec ta’ l-Incova (deep fried savoury doughnut with anchovies). A selection of mezes with different Maltese appetisers is served with delicious local Valletta bread...a firm favourite. Other dishes commonly served are a variety of pastas, a selection of stuffed Maltese vegetables, lamb, rabbit (usually on Tuesdays) and Rubino’s popular Tagliata (a prime grilled beef served sliced with Parmesan shavings). Being a Mediterranean island, fish cannot but take a key role with Malta’s very own Lampuki pie available straight from grandma’s kitchen. The menu is constantly changing with daily specialities and seasonal recipes. An extensive and recommended wine list is available. Stemming from a confectionery, the Rubino restaurant is predictably also renowned for its desserts, especially the Italianate home-made Cassata Siciliana and Cannoli. Local dessert varieties include the Cassata Gelato (a Maltese layered ice-cream) and the Torta tal-Marmurat (a cake of crushed biscuits, chocolate nuts and candied peel). Rubino is open Monday to Friday for lunch and Tuesday, Thursday to Saturday for dinner as well as Sunday mornings for sweets. Opening Times: Lunch from Monday to Friday Dinner from Tuesday to Saturday.