A new trattoria recently opened its doors in Tower Road, Sliema, opposite the Fortizza.

The owners, architect Joseph Bondin and his wife Nathalie, had been looking for a second outlet in the northern part of the island to complement their first restaurant, Don Berto, at the Vittoriosa Waterfront, for quite some time.

The restaurant, called Trattoria Cardini, has 170 covers, 40 on the outdoor terrace, in an open-plan layout that bears the design input of Pippa Toledo.

Multi-coloured lamps contrast with white porcelain that decorate the walls and window sills, set off with floral highlights and a touch of green. Apart from two large photo murals, back-lit at night, the white walls are brought to life with black and white framed photos all related to cooking.

Both Don Berto and Trattoria Cardini are managed by Jeffrey Grech. He will be assisted at Trattoria Cardini by Maria Elsworth, with the previous sous chef of Don Berto, Jean-Paul Schembri, now promoted to head chef at Trattoria Cardini.

An à la carte menu of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine will be served at lunch and dinner seven days a week, apart from a snack menu that will be available at lunch and in the afternoon.

The wine list has been carefully chosen by a qualified sommelier, with over 110 wines on offer.

At the opening of the new trattoria, guests were served platters, a selection of fresh pasta and pizza, seafood, home-made burgers and desserts. Wines served during the evening included the Marsovin Ulysses and La Torre ranges and two Simonsig wines from South Africa, Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc and Stellenbosch Adelberg/Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot.

Trattoria Cardini is open from 10.30 a.m., with last orders taken at 11 p.m., except on Saturdays when last orders are taken at midnight.