A former bakery with an original wood-fired oven. Ftira the size of a shield and Maltese rabbit. Squire Marek and the Commander ate in respectful silence.
In a narrow Valletta street, behind a door marked "Nenu," lies an establishment the Order classifies as the Official Bakery Chamber of the Archipelago.
Built into the wall is a wood-fired oven — the original, from the days when this building was a real bakery. The oven still works. From its depths emerge ftiras: Maltese flatbreads topped with tomatoes, olives, capers, onions, and olive oil. The aroma carries three streets away.
Squire Marek ordered the "traditional" ftira and received a plate the diameter of a knight's shield. The Commander chose Maltese rabbit (fenkata) — braised in wine with garlic and herbs. Both ate in silence. The kind of silence that means respect.
The interior has preserved the soul of the old bakery: stone walls, wooden ceiling beams, baking tools on the walls. But the food is far from museum fare — this is living, hot, aromatic Maltese cuisine served in an authentic setting.
TACTICAL NOTE: Address: 143 St. Dominic Street, Valletta. Reservations recommended for dinner. Ftira straight from the wood-fired oven is worth rearranging your day's plan for. Prices moderate for Valletta.
The Order rates: 4.5 shields out of 5. Half a shield deducted because the evening queue demands a knight's patience. But the oven-fresh ftira makes up for everything.
Tip
Address: 143 St Dominic Street. Reservations recommended for dinner.