My friend and I spent the weekend in Gozo, our first time. We were quite lucky – we met lovely new people and because the weather great for the time of year, we had the chance to marvel at some wonderful landscapes. But the trip changed from great to amazing only after the culinary experience of deliciousness we had at The Boat House, which is located directly at Xlendi Bay.
As I read a few very positive recommendations on the internet before, I emailed for a reservation – and lucky I did. Shortly after we arrived the place got crowed and not a single table was empty. It seemed to us as if it was an outside-only restaurant, but both terraces were protected against the wind and waves.
Relaxing, and later more dance-like music from the 70s and 80s was played and the waves preserved a calming note – a cool mixture and as the music was not too loud, conversations were possible at all times.
We decided for a bottle of the house wine, an Ulysses Chenin Blanc Chardonnay from Gozo – there was no excuse to not try this local offer. It’s fair to say that it was fresh and tasty and went along with the menu more than well. If you prefer rosé or red wine, they had special offers for these, too.
While we browsed through the menu, I missed the salad card I already checked on online, offering greens containing local cheese and other delicacies. Now we had the choice of only one soup, one vegetarian starter and 3 pasta dishes.
This didn’t bother us too much, as the available dishes sounded delightful – yet we still didn’t know what to expect. At first we couldn’t decide between fresh ravioli stuffed with goat cheese with a tomato and basil sauce or fresh baked spinach gnocchi with truffle mushroom, cream sauce and parmesan cheese.
We chose the latter, as the starter, breaded deep fried Gozo peppered cheese served on a crispy salad, with mango chutney sauce, had enough cheese already. It was even accompanied by bruschetta and Maltese rolls with garlic butter and pickled vegetables (including artichokes, red, white and green beans, chickpeas, onions, etc.). The bruschetta could be ordered with brown bread or gluten free which applied for every dish, as well as lactose-free alternatives. Big plus from my point of view.
Without doubt, the bruschetta and peppered cheese in combination with the mango chutney sauce was a delight. The cheese was perfectly soft and with the sauce – so flavourful. Everything else just capped it all off. If you ever have the chance to have a meal here, begin with this starter.
The main dish, the gnocchi, was served with a little side salad (I love a fresh salad to my dish, unfortunately it’s not common everywhere). The plate was a bit too oversized, I could hardly finish it. Nevertheless it was delicious. Especially the truffle mushrooms, which had been cooked in garlic before, were amazing.
After some rest, we were ready to choose a dessert out of the 8 they offered. Lactose- or gluten-free alternatives were available. My friend had one with chocolate and cream and I chose one called strawberry cheesecake. Delicious at first, we both soon found ours too sweet or too strong (chocolate-wise). But for the sweet-craving guests it must be heaven.
At the end our long, satisfying and overly filling evening, we were each offered a free shot of limoncello, indeed just what we needed. We paid a moderate price, regarding what our menu consisted of in retrospective
Summarily: Excellent food. Excellent service. Excellent location. Excellent prices. My tip: If you happen to be in Gozo, go to this place. Disappointment unlikely.
The Boat House, Xatt ix-Xlendi, Xlendi Bay, Gozo
www.gozo-restaurant.com.mt
