L'altra Cantina

A Venetian gem in Naxxar As a native of the Veneto, I can say with confidence that L’Altra Cantina serves some of the finest cicchetti you’ll find outside Venice. If you’re looking for an authentic Venetian food experience in Malta, this charming wine bar in Naxxar should not be missed. Its Venetian identity and Northern Italian focus are also reflected in its offering of cicchetti and carefully selected wines. The wine list, curated by Nicola Polato, is exceptional: thoughtful, varied, and full of bottles that reward curiosity. It is the ideal accompaniment to Silvia’s soulful cooking, which remains faithful to Northern Italian tradition while bringing freshness and invention to every dish. The fritto misto is superb—fried to a perfect golden crispness, delicate rather than heavy, and never greasy. The gnocchi with sausage and mascarpone achieves a beautiful balance between creaminess and savoury depth, with the sausage adding a welcome textural contrast. My personal favourite, however, is the polenta fritter with cheese: silky, comforting, and executed to perfection. It is among the most delicious and authentic expressions of Northern Italian cooking I have encountered on the island. At the heart of L’Altra Cantina is chef Silvia, whose warmth and enthusiasm are inseparable from the food she prepares. Her cooking is generous and deeply personal, yet always grounded in the flavours and traditions of Northern Italy. For the full experience, reserve a table on the rooftop terrace. From there, you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view across Naxxar’s rooftops and toward the Cathedral—a particularly beautiful way to experience Malta at sunset. The terrace, curated wine selection, and welcoming atmosphere have also been highlighted by visitors and the restaurant itself. If you love Italian food, Venetian cicchetti, or simply a great glass of wine in a memorable setting, don’t miss L’Altra Cantina.

We went there on a Thursday night for the Wine Tasting event. We were seated on the rooftop, lovely atmosphere, overlooking the naxxar square. The price of €45 per person, included a glass of Prosecco, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Sweet wine (all imported from different regions in Italy), 2 Cicchetti each, a plate of orecchietti pasta, calamari and gamberi fritti with potato chips and homemade tiramisu…Great value for money! Everything was freshly made and cooked to perfection. The pasta was one of the best we have tasted. The wine pairing really worked well with each plate. The owners/staff were very friendly and accommodating. Definitely recommend especially for a quite date night or an intimate gathering.

Very friendly and professional owners/staff. Food quality is great and they have a wide selection of drinks, wines and snacks. Rooftop also available with a lovely view of the Naxxar Parish Church!