The Good, The Bad, and The Meh at Zest in St. Julian’s, Malta

Ladies and gents, let me tell you about my love-hate relationship with Zest in St. Julian’s, Malta. It’s the type of place that has you on a wild emotional ride, with one minute being “wow, this is fantastic” and the next being “what happened here?” Let’s dive in, shall we?

First visit: pure bliss. The food was fresh, with each dish having its own unique taste and texture. The menu was extensive, with a range of options to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, meat, or vegetables, they have you covered. I was impressed by the quality of the ingredients and the attention to detail in the presentation of each dish.

The service was top-notch, making us feel like royalty. Our waiter was knowledgeable about the menu and offered suggestions based on our preferences. He was friendly and attentive, ensuring that our experience was enjoyable from start to finish. We were blown away and already planning our next visit.

Second visit: utter disappointment. We saw an ad for their monthly buffet and thought “hey, let’s give it another go!” Boy, were we let down. The food was bland, with everything tasting the same and lacking any real flavor. The selection was limited, with only a handful of dishes to choose from. We were hoping for a variety of options, but were left feeling unsatisfied.

The service was more like a fast food joint, with our plates being shoved in front of us without so much as a “howdy.” The staff were rushed and uninterested in providing the same level of service as our first visit. To say we were underwhelmed is an understatement.

So, is Zest worth a visit? I’d say yes, but with caution. Stick to their regular menu and you’ll be golden, but steer clear of the monthly buffets. They just don’t do it justice. If you’re looking for a quality dining experience, with fresh ingredients and excellent service, the regular menu is where it’s at. But, if you’re in the mood for a subpar experience and bland food, go ahead and give the buffets a try.

One thing that remained consistent throughout both visits was the atmosphere. The restaurant has a modern and chic design, with comfortable seating and an open kitchen. The lighting was warm and inviting, making it a great place for a romantic dinner or a catch-up with friends. The ambiance was enjoyable, even if the food and service left us wanting more.

Overall, I’d give Zest a solid 3/5 stars. The first visit was fantastic, with excellent food and service, but the second visit left us feeling let down. It’s a real shame that our second visit didn’t live up to the same standard as our first, but it’s not enough to stop us from giving it another go. Who knows, maybe third time’s the charm?

In conclusion, if you’re in the mood for some mixed emotions and a love-hate relationship with a restaurant, Zest in St. Julian’s is the place for you. Just make sure you steer clear of the buffets and stick to the regular menu for a tantalizing taste experience. With its modern design and chic atmosphere, it’s sure to be a memorable evening. Whether it’s good, bad, or meh, one thing’s for sure, you’ll never forget your visit to Zest.