A Fine Dining Journey Through Maltese Fusion Cuisine at Noni Restaurant in Valletta

Tucked in the heart of Valletta, Malta’s capital, Noni Restaurant offers a culinary journey where Maltese flavors meet innovation. Led by award-winning and Michelin-starred Chef Jonathan Brincat, who’s also known as Noni, and his sister, Ritienne Brincat, the Restaurant Manager, this intimate dining establishment brings together the rich flavors of Maltese and Mediterranean cuisine with a contemporary twist. Noni’s philosophy revolves around honoring local traditions while infusing dishes with creative flair.

The chef’s culinary expertise, honed through years of valuable experience assuming different roles at the kitchens of gastronomic establishments like with Chef Gary Hollihead, three-time Michelin-star chef at the Corinthia Hotel London, ensures that each dish is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. When he returned to Malta, he and his sister opened Noni in Valletta, a dream that he had long been pursuing. Ritienne, the other pillar of Noni, is well-versed with her work in the dining room after gaining a 12-year experience working in the high-end food and beverage sector.

From the moment you step inside, you are enveloped in an atmosphere of warmth and sophistication. The restaurant’s location at 211, Republic Street, steeped in history, adds to the charm of the dining experience. With its stone vaults, cast-iron doors, and centuries-old oven, Noni seamlessly merges the past with the present, creating a unique ambiance for guests to enjoy. At Noni, attention to detail is paramount. From the meticulously crafted menu to the attentive service provided by Ritienne, every aspect of the dining experience is carefully curated to bring the experience to perfection. 

The concise yet diverse menu showcases the finest seasonal ingredients, expertly prepared to highlight their natural flavors. Of course, as the seasons change, the ingredients that the chef can use in the kitchen vary as well, creating new proposals in the menu. Noni’s six-course Tasting Menu is priced at €125 per person. The menu features exquisite dishes such as: Jerusalem artichoke with consommé and 30-year-old balsamic vinegar; aged Acquerello risotto blackened with squid ink; wreck fish, mussels and sea vegetables with a dollop of thick version of aljotta, the Maltese fish soup; Muscovy duck with celeriac, black sesame and jus; and a conclusion of a dessert with the classic tastes of tradition mixed together with the torta tak-Marmurat, a traditional Maltese tart, pear and gelat tan-Nanna, an old ice cream recipe of Malta. This menu is can be complemented by a wine pairing option at €75 with a selection of wines curated by their sommelier. Whereas for those who prefer a shorter meal, there is a four-course menu where you can choose among the three proposals per course at €105.

Noni Restaurant is more than just a dining destination; it is a celebration of Maltese culinary heritage and innovation. With its blend of tradition and modernity, impeccable service, and unforgettable flavors, Noni is a culinary journey that stays inherent in memory. In 2020, the restaurant earned a well-deserved Michelin star, a recognition that I found truly merited after experiencing it myself.

Noni Restaurant

Address: 211 Republic Street, Valletta, VLT 100, Malta
Tel: +356 2122 1441
Website: https://noni.com.mt/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoniValletta/