Six restaurants were presented for the first time with the Silver Spoons Recognition and Quality Rating Awards at the 2013 WRMC (Wines and Restaurants of Malta.com) ceremony at the Portomaso Suite of the Hilton Malta.

The restaurants selected from the final 10 are: The Arches in Mellieħa; The Blue Elephant at the Hilton Malta, Portomaso; Grill 3301 at the Corinthia St George’s Bay Hotel Complex; Patrick’s Lounge, Restaurant and Steakhouse of Victoria; Tartarun of Marsaxlokk; and Tarragon of St Paul’s Bay.

All restaurants received an average of 9.5 points in the final round.

The event was attended by some 120 representatives of restaurants included in the Wines and Restaurants of Malta Restaurant Guide, which can be viewed at www.winesandrestaurantsofmalta.com.

Restaurant owners, who attended the event and who have been listed in the guide, were presented with a certificate indicating they are members of the top 30 restaurants in Malta, as reviewed and rated directly by professional assessors.

Last year, the assessors visited around 55 restaurants in Malta and Gozo. After a careful analysis of the quality of the food served and efficiency of service through various visits, 30 of these restaurants had been rated eight points or more out of 10, shortlisted and then the names were drawn up.

The 10 restaurants then went through two, and in some cases three, further inspections on various other criteria.

These included preparation and presentation of food, attitude of front-of-house management, harmony and balance of the menu and value for money in accordance with category and concept of the respective restaurant, ambience, cleanliness, atmosphere and wine list.

Each of these establishments is now recognised with the Silver Spoon exclusive rating.

For more information, e-mail lineking@onvol.net or renospiteri@gmail.com.