Hanging over the extreme peak of Mdina's north bastions and crammed with Old Town atmosphere and charm, Fontanella is a cosy spot that offers much more than a cup of tea or a pint of beer. Located along a tiny medieval street that runs straight from Bastion Square towards Mdina's Cathedral, it is a place that offers an ideal combination of hospitality and good food.
Take Villegaignon Street, Mdina's main pedestrianised mall, and walk straight on for about 300m until you reach Bastion Square. Once here, take a sharp turn right and walk along the bastions for a couple of minutes. The first building you see on the left side is Fontanella. Clearly signposted and decorated with atmospheric wall-hanging street lamps, it can't be missed.
A huge doorway adorned with carved framing stonework leads into Fontanella's gracefully furnished summer courtyard. Somewhat below street level, this open-air space ideal for relaxation is shielded with brightly coloured parasols that hide an orderly arrangement of tables and chairs. The unpainted, worn-out walls are almost entirely covered up with a profusion of climbers, ferns, and palms, while the bordering space between the walls and the floor is lined with rows of blooming geraniums. The surrounding rooms cut out into the city's fortifications and illuminated solely by candlelight are ideal for those who want to stay away from disturbance in an atmosphere characterized by quietness and seclusion.
From Fontanella's courtyard, you can take the wooden steps to the splendid overhanging terrace, constructed right on Mdina's bastions. The gorgeous view from here over half of Malta's towns and villages is one reason why you should choose Fontanella for a one-off experience. More sun-shaded tables and greenery adorn the terrace, which becomes particularly attractive when the setting sun is sinking below the horizon.
My preferred Fontanella dish is a luxurious salad prepared with smoked salmon, juicy melon, and dill sprigs. Garnished with lemon slices and fresh basil leaves, it is served with walnut bread. A bottle of chilled Pinot Blanc that's dry and fruity is unquestionably the perfect complement to any salad dish served at Fontanella. Numerous imaginative dips served with crispy vegetables and freshly baked rolls are equally tasty and delicious. End up with a slice of Fontanella cake, a wafer-like sponge stuffed with fresh cherries, hazelnuts, and cream.
If you want to taste Fontanella's excellent range of hot beverages and delicious pastries, be here before 5pm. Specializing in coffee, Fontanella offers the widest range of coffee drinks in Malta. Cappuccino, espresso, stretto, macchiato, lungato, and more than a dozen special coffee drinks are readily available.
Fontanella is open daily from 10am to 10pm. Summer dinners are accompanied by piano music.