Arguably the best view of the famous Inland Sea, one of the most spectacular natural attractions that the Maltese island of Gozo has to offer, can be enjoyed from the terrace of the Azure Window restaurant. Can the food and drinks keep up?
The restaurant is named after the former landmark of Gozo. The Auzure Window was a natural rock formation that looked like a window. Unfortunately, it collapsed a few years ago during a storm and no longer exists. It was only a few minutes' walk from the Inland Sea. Incidentally, the so-called Blue Hole is also very close to the Inland Sea and the restaurant featured in this article.
The "Azure Window" is a small restaurant located in the municipality of San Lawrenz. It is very secluded with a direct view of the Inland Sea. This part of San Lawrenz is called Dwejra and the bay there is called Dwejra Bay, in the middle of which is the famous Fungus Rock. So there is a lot to see around the restaurant and snorkelers and divers also come to the sea. in the Inland Sea and the Blue Hole get their money's worth. It's only natural that you'll get hungry and thirsty at some point.
The "Azure Window" is geared towards tourists during the day, but relatively few people find their way to this remote region of the island of Gozo. In the evening, they try to offer "better food" but in a more informal and relaxed way. The result: The Azure Window is definitely not cheap. It is not overpriced, but it is still rather expensive.
The menu is not particularly extensive. This is not surprising, as all the houses around the Inland Sea are not even connected to the local power grid, but are supplied with electricity by several diesel generators operated by the local energy company. That's just how it is when you are in a remote region where it would be difficult to lay power lines. It's simply due to the geographical and geological conditions. Or perhaps because no one has ever had the idea of changing the status quo.
Tip: Always ask for the fish of the day
Regardless, the Azure Window offers some international dishes, but otherwise mainly Mediterranean and Maltese dishes. The fish dishes are particularly recommended. It is worth asking the waiter what the term "fish of the day" means. This choice guarantees that you will get really fresh fish that was caught in the Mediterranean that day. What ends up in the net varies and the chef can then buy from local fishermen.
For those unfamiliar with the area, the fact that the price depends on the current daily price and weight may seem surprising. But this is harmless, because the waiters tell you the price before you order and you can decide whether you want the whole fish or just fillets or a certain weight prepared. If you are in this restaurant with several people and everyone wants fish, it is advisable to ask the restaurant to put together a creation using the fish of the day.
Traditionally, the fish are then seasoned and grilled. The waiter then brings the prepared fish to the guests and asks them if he can fillet the fish. This is always done in front of the customers, unless the table is so full that there is no room for it. However, it is also appreciated if you do not do this and fillet the fish yourself. This is not seen as an insult, but rather it is offered as a service, as it is known that even in a maritime nation like Malta, not everyone is good at filleting fish.
The extremely tasty fish is served with traditionally prepared vegetables and salad. You can really rely on the waiters' recommendations in this restaurant, as they serve delicious food. The portion sizes are very large, but the Azure Window is not cheap. But given the high quality, the good service and the great location of the restaurant, you don't feel like you're being left out.
Local wines and pastries should be ordered
Although they offer a wide range of international wines, including some top wines, you can try the local wines if you are already here. Here too, it is advisable to ask the service staff for current recommendations, as they have proven to be extremely knowledgeable about wine on every visit and you get the impression that a kind of pride can be seen in their eyes when serving the recommended Maltese wine.
When it comes to desserts, you should also opt for local specialties. But it makes sense to ask what's fresh today, as your taste buds will be even happier. Yes, Malta is at the forefront when it comes to desserts, but hardly anyone outside this small country knows anything about it.
The restaurant is clean. However, the wind can make the outside area a little dusty. But the restaurant can only do so much about that. If the wind gets too strong, the windows are closed so that guests are better protected. There is no air conditioning, by the way. This would probably exceed the capacity of the diesel generators of the municipal energy supplier, but nobody needs air conditioning, especially in the evening with the windows open on the terrace.
Conclusion: Good food has its price
The Azure Window Restaurant is a highly recommended restaurant if you want to spend a nice and delicious evening with family or friends with an impressive view. The quality of the food, the good customer service and so on justify the relatively high prices. It is not a luxury restaurant that you shouldn't set foot in without a tailcoat and evening dress, but rather a relaxed, informal restaurant that nevertheless belongs to the "better gastronomy".
During the day it is actually no problem if you show up in slippers, swimming trunks and a T-shirt. That is what people are used to here and you are simply dependent on every sale. In the evening you should forego the swimming trunks and wear good casual clothing. The suit or evening dress can stay at home in the closet, however. That would be too much and rather counterproductive, especially in the summer months due to the generally high temperatures on the Maltese islands.
Since the Azure Window is quite small and therefore only has a few tables, it is advisable to make a reservation in advance. This can be done easily by phone or email. Experience has shown that the staff responds quickly to email messages during opening hours. By the way: If you let the restaurant know about any special requests in advance by phone or email, such as a special fish, there is a very high probability that the restaurant will be able to fulfill them.
The Azure Window is easily accessible by bus number 311, which runs from Victoria bus station to the Dwejra terminus, which is located directly in front of the restaurant. The journey takes between 15 and 20 minutes, depending on traffic and the number of illegally parked vehicles on the route.
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