L-Ghonnella restaurant has been run by the Gauci family since it was established in 1986, catering for both locals and foreigners. Tucked away in the 323- year-old cellar of the historic Spinola Palace, it is an oasis in the hustle and bustle of St. Julian’s.
To celebrate its 25 years of service L-Ghonnella restaurant has decided to once again revamp its menu in line with today’s trends. A new Italian Executive Chef has joined the team to offer a selection of Italian and Mediterranean dishes using only local and the freshest of ingredients in all the dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. The menu is varied offering a choice of antipasti, soups, pasta, fresh fish, poultry and beef as well as a section dedicated to traditional Maltese dishes. We also cater for vegetarian and gluten free diets. Our younger guests are offered a choice from the kids’ menu. We stock a vast selection of Maltese and foreign wines at reasonable prices to compliment your meals.
During the colder winter months the Palace Cellar is divided into three separate rooms to offer a warm laid back atmosphere. The rooms can also be arranged to accommodate groups and exclusive dining occasions. In summer the outside terrace is ideal for al fresco dining. For those who prefer, on the other hand, to stay indoors, all rooms are fully air conditioned.
Being a family-run restaurant the quality of the food and service is a priority. L-Ghonnella welcomes its patrons with open arms and makes sure that each dining experience is always a delightful one.
Pepper Steak
30 grams butter
250grams beef fillet
Crushed pepper –
Green pepper corns
High Grade French Mustard -
Cognac
4/5 spoons of mix of single and double cream
L-Ghonnella Restaurant
Spinola Palace
Church Street
St.Julian’s
Tel: 21351027 / 79701877
Email: [email protected]
Open Monday to Saturday 6.30pm onwards
Cooking is in my blood
“I have been cooking since the age of eight in my mother’s kitchen in Napoli. After primary school I entered a culinary school in AlberoBello Bari”, says Eugenio Lama. “Cooking has always been in my blood. My whole family was and is still in the catering industry. As a young boy I was constantly surrounded by beautiful smells sights and tastes which urged me to pursue this career.”
Asking what special skills he has brought to the Ghonella restaurant, Eugenio replies:
“I like to feel that I have brought the concept of simple Mediterranean food to the restaurant. My ideology towards cooking is the use of a few extremely high grade ingredients, which has allowed the Ghonnella to excel in its culinary adventures.”
He cites seafood as his favourite type of meal, “as far as a specific dish is concerned, that’s something I cannot say as I love any kind of sea-food.”
When he is at home, he willingly hands over the kitchen to his wife, who always does the cooking
“She’s also a chef and she does a great job.”
As a true chef who loves what he does, Eugenio says that his work relaxes him.
“Without my kitchen I wouldn’t be able to live. That is something one needs to understand as a chef. If he/she does not love the environment they are within then they are better off not being a chef. A dish can only reach its potential when it is prepared by a person who puts his utmost into the preparation.”