Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar is by far one of Malta’s most splendid residences: its imposing façade, jewel-like interiors, and monumental walled gardens are the stuff of dreams. The estate is home to Baroness Justine Pergola, but it also dabbles as a tasteful attraction to locals and tourists alike.
Its restaurant has recently reopened after almost five months of renovations, and both the interiors and its menu are a celebration of all things glorious and glamorous!
Luna Restaurant’s gorgeous new design combines a variety of luxury materials like mirrors, fabrics, and glass, to expertly capture the feeling of the Palazzo’s famed gardens within the confines of this indoor oasis. The finishing touches, meanwhile, stand testament to the fact that no detail was too small to be overlooked: lampshades painted by portrait artist Philippa Bianchi sit comfortably next to soft furnishings by Alison Satariano, and floor-to-ceiling murals are accompanied by a curated mix of paintings and photographs by local and international artists and photographers.
This work on the restaurant, which reopened last New Year’s Eve, started in August 2022, following years of planning by the Baroness, her late mother Christiane Ramsay Scicluna, and Italian architect Antonio Girardi, whose work includes some of Italy’s most beautiful homes. Project manager Paul Cuschieri, along with several local architects, were also integral to its realisation.
To go with the new look and feel, Luna Restaurant also has a brand-new spring menu crafted by head chef David Giacomelli in collaboration with the Palazzo’s head gardener Rueben Rapa. This has led to a seasonal menu bursting with local ingredients, some of which come straight from the palace’s kitchen garden, therefore reducing the time it takes for it get from farm to fork.
Dishes on offer including vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian options, as well as plenty of delicious meat-based ones. It’s hard to pick highlights from the menu, especially since everything we tried was so delicious. But, if you’re stuck, we’d definitely recommend the Crunchy Octopus, the Homemade Tagliolini with Osietra Caviar, the Green Zucchini and Lemongrass soup, and the Slow-Cooked Iberico Pork Fillet. The Torroncino Parfait and the Mille-feuille Chantilly alla Strega went down a treat, too.
View the whole Luna Restaurant menu here. For other Sunday Circle magazine food features check out this re-interpretation of the traditional tazza te by Noni, or this special dessert recipe from Risette.
