Fernandõ Gastrotheque

The story

Fernandõ Gastrotheque – Michelin-Starred Contemporary Mediterranean in Sliema, Malta

A Phenomenon of Taste

In a quiet street in Sliema, Fernandõ Gastrotheque has established itself as a destination for those who take dining seriously. Since opening in June 2018, the restaurant has pursued a single ambition: to create a space where exceptional food and superior wines are the entire point of the evening. The commitment was recognised quickly. In 2023, Fernandõ became the first restaurant in Malta to be awarded a Michelin star, a distinction it has held consistently, most recently reaffirmed in the 2026 guide.

Founder Nicholai Grech articulates the restaurant’s philosophy with unusual clarity. He speaks of the responsibility a restaurateur carries – to reciprocate the time and money a guest invests. This means building a team that is “highly committed, talented, trained, and motivated,” one that is prepared to put on its best show every service. The result is a dining room where the atmosphere is simultaneously refined and welcoming, a space that feels both special and natural.

The kitchen works within a contemporary Mediterranean idiom, crafting dishes with evident purpose and finesse. Guests choose from tasting menus – a five-course or a seven-course option – that change with the seasons and the kitchen’s inspiration. Each plate is described as telling a story of taste and balance, with flavours and textures carefully curated.

Wine is integral to the experience. The restaurant’s selection has earned recognition from Star Wine List, and the team offers both classical and premium wine pairings to accompany the tasting menus. The pairing is presented not as an afterthought but as a central part of the evening’s magic.

Fernandõ Gastrotheque is a restaurant that understands its craft and executes it with precision. It is a place where the food, the wine, and the service align – and where the accolades simply confirm what the plate already says.