This Maltese restaurant situated at the edge of the inlet of St.Paul’s bay is idea to enjoy a splendid view onto this well know bay in Malta. Finding this restaurant is easy, especially for the locals but parking is a headache!
Inside the décor is nothing to speak of, it is all dark wood (mahogany) and red wall paper, all very 1960’s. Table linen is plain white, no slip cloths, the napkins rolled into a slim cylinder shape nothing spectacular.
The tableware not polished and the rest of the table ware leaves a lot to be desired. Bare flame table centrepieces are a bit of a safety hazard in my book. The table are a bit cramped next to each other leaving restricted movement space for the client.
Using the rest room could be a problem two small cubicles on the ground floor basically equipped and claustrophobic are available, although I cannot imagine these being used during very busy periods without a cue, by the way, air ventilation is very limited inside.
The atmosphere is relaxed but the music is a weak point, you know it is there but you cannot say what is playing. Table chairs are hard and not very comfortable especially if one is going to spend 2-3 hours at the table! Noise from the kitchen and bar is too obvious.
The menu is limited in variety and choice, only one soup for example, some specialities of the day are offered as well. Repeat customer could find it difficult to find something interesting after a few visits! Portions are acceptable but presentation could be a bit more elegant. I also expect hot food to be served on hot plates, especially the main course. Food texture and flavour are basically acceptable as one would expect. Wine list needs a bit more balance and the format may be more user friendly in the print and size of print. Wines need to be better arranged and the service team need to know what they are selling and be ready to answer questions on the wines available.
The service staff is friendly and polite and tries to do their best to make the client feel at home and relaxed. In my opinion this the strength of this outlet.
Overall the prices balance out a few defaults in the setup and provide visitors with a mostly positive experience.

Tarragon is situated at the edge of the inlet of St.Paul’s bay and therefore enjoys a splendid view onto this well know bay in Malta. Finding this restaurant is easy, especially for the locals but parking is a headache!

Inside the décor is all dark wood (mahogany) and red wall paper, all very 1960’s. Bare flame table centre pieces are a bit of a safety hazard in my book. The tables are a bit cramped next to each other leaving restricted movement space for the client.

The atmosphere is relaxed but the music is a weak point, you know it is there but you cannot say what is playing. Table chairs are hard and not very comfortable especially if one is going to spend 2-3 hours at the table! Noise from the kitchen and bar is too obvious.

The menu is quite extensive in variety and choice, and ‘specialities of the day’ are offered as well. Portions are acceptable but presentation could be a bit more elegant. I also expect hot food to be served on hot plates, especially the main course.

Wine list needs a bit more balance  and better arranged. The service team need to know what they are selling and be ready to answer questions on the wines available.

The service staff is friendly and polite and try their best to make the client feel at home and relaxed which probably is the strength of this outlet.

The restaurant speciality is the fish ‘Al Sale’ which is supposed to be flambéed at the table before being served.

Our starters included  the Norwegian house-smoked salmon rolled in wheat pancakes and cream cheese, served with ruccola salad. I opted for the tiger prawns in a light champagne tempura drizzled with a chilli and honey vinaigrette, which tasted delicious! The starters section should have at least a selection of two soups.

Then for main course we opted for the rack of lamb with herb and wholegrain mustard and Shiraz lamb jus which I loved. While my guest went for the Lava grilled milk-fed veal topped with smoked salt and lemon wedge which had a sauce of choice to accompany it. All main dishes were served with baked potatoes to die for and crisp vegetables.

The selection of desserts is quite good and the Crème brulée is really good as I had heard from persons who suggested this restaurant.

Overall the prices balance out a few defaults in the setup and provide visitors with a mostly positive experience. I will definitely visit the place again!

Tarragon restaurant

Church Street St. Paul’s Bay

Tel : 21 573 759 / 27 266 999

www.tarragonmalta.com