Nowadays, with most friends and colleagues I talk to, when mentioning a new place to visit, either for a meal or a drink, the first question commonly asked is: what about parking?

The immaculately renovated Madliena Lodge.

Which is followed by: Is the food good? What about the astmosphere? Is the ambience tranquil? Does it have a bar area where one can sip an aperitivo before settling down on a table to scan the menu?

Rejoice! Recently, I was invited to the launch of a place that answers all these questions with a resounding ‘yes’.

Madliena is the setting of one of Malta’s most idyllic restaurants – the recently renovated Madliena Lodge.

Set in the countryside with unobstructed seaviews and easy private parking, this reborn place is a kaleidoscope of Mediterranean colours with the lush greenery complementing the blue sea on the horizon.

The property, which originally belonged to the British armed forces, was first transformed into a restaurant in 1976. De-spite changing ownership many times, the building still retains its original features.

Crispy Panko chicken

The restaurant comprises various dining areas. It includes a covered courtyard, a private dining area, an enclosed balcony, a lounge, two wood fireplaces, and outdoor areas with spectacular sea views.

In 2015, Madliena Lodge was taken over by the Barbaro Sant family and a complete turnaround for the historic building was initiated straightaway.

The new owners chose to completely transform this place, introducing a contemporary new style, working with a highly professional team to present an elevated, yet informal dining experience to their guests.

“Refurbishing Madliena Lodge was our first priority, so as to make it a space that our clients can really enjoy,” explains Duncan Barbaro Sant, one of the directors.

The summer menu makes the most of the freshest flavours and best seasonal produce

“The restaurant is now split into various areas, including the courtyard and terrace dining spaces, which serve top quality dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.

“We also introduced a lounge bar, which is a more laid back space where friends can gather for a cocktail or glass of wine, accompanied by delicious bar food and platters.

“Both areas are casual. Our focus is on ensuring our clients enjoy themselves, so they leave here satisfied with the experience and planning to return.

Local meagre with pistachio crust.

“We want our guests to wonder whether they are actually at home or at the Lodge! Our goal is to make them feel completely at ease during their time with us,” Barbaro Sant adds with a smile.

The kitchen brigade has worked hard on a new summer menu, crafted to make the most of the freshest flavours and best seasonal produce, which excellently reflects their dedication to innovative cuisine and high-quality ingredients.

Highlights include parmesan panna cotta, avocado king prawn salad with gazpacho and drunken mussels casseruola as starters, followed by the scorzone truffle risotto, grilled red Maltese tuna or tagliata of ribeye.

Dessert is also a delight, with favourites including their trademark Ferrero Rocher mousse and Aperol Spritz sorbet.

A degustation menu, showcasing the kitchen brigade’s signature dishes and techniques is also available, giving guests the opportunity to sample an array of small dishes from the menu on offer.

The lounge menu also has something for everyone. Dishes include the panko-fried Camembert bites, Madliena’s slow cooked single ribs and the gourmet homemade burger, accompanied by a vast range of beers, wines, spirits and cocktails.

The lounge is the perfect place for a more relaxed meal, whether while watching football or listening to live music every Friday.

It is also ideal for pre- and post-dinner drinks and private events.

In a nutshell, Madliena Lodge has really made a spectacular come-back under the guidance of the Barbaro Sant family.