Coogi's Restaurant

Housed within a centuries-old palazzo in the silent city of Mdina, this restaurant offers a masterclass in Mediterranean heritage cooking. The menu is a tribute to Maltese ingredients, featuring rabbit slow-braised in red wine until the meat yields at the slightest touch of a fork. Aromas of wild thyme and roasted garlic waft through the vine-covered courtyard, setting a romantic, historical stage. A standout dish is the traditional lampuki, pan-seared to achieve a delicate, paper-thin crust while preserving the moist, flaky interior of the fish. Texture plays a central role, from the crunch of local sourdough to the silkiness of house-made ravioli stuffed with sheep’s milk gbejna. The kitchen employs traditional wood-firing techniques to impart a subtle smokiness to grilled meats and vegetables. Every plate is a balanced composition of salt, acid, and earth, reflecting a deep respect for the island’s seasonal bounty and architectural grandeur.