United Restaurant Behind The Church: A Taste of Traditional Maltese cuisine in Mgarr
Nestled behind Mgarr’s iconic parish church, United Restaurant offers diners an authentic taste of Maltese culture through its diverse menu, cozy atmosphere, and heartfelt hospitality. With MELA-approved healthy options and a reputation for warm service, this is the go-to spot for anyone wanting to experience Malta’s culinary roots.
Restaurant’s Story & Heritage
United Restaurant, lovingly referred to as “Behind The Church,” is a cornerstone of Mgarr’s dining scene. Though under new management in recent years, it continues the cherished tradition of serving hearty Maltese dishes that celebrate the island’s rich heritage. The restaurant’s cozy and family-friendly ambiance makes it a beloved favorite for locals and tourists alike. The passion for quality food, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, has earned United Restaurant its place in the MELA Index, affirming its commitment to healthier dining.
MELA Index Recognition
As a MELA-approved establishment, United Restaurant provides not just flavorful meals but also health-conscious options designed to support Malta’s mission for better well-being. Among its offerings, you’ll find hearty vegetarian selections, nutrient-dense salads, and dishes crafted with fresh, wholesome ingredients, showcasing how Maltese cuisine can be both satisfying and nutritious.
Culinary Highlights
Signature Dishes
United Restaurant’s chefs pride themselves on delivering robust and authentic flavors. Must-try dishes include:
- Rabbit Stew (Fenek): A signature Maltese delicacy, slow-cooked with island herbs and wine for a tender, flavorful finish.
- Fresh Seafood Pasta: Packed with the catch of the day, this pasta dish brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your plate.
- Mushroom Risotto: Vegetarian heaven, this dish is rich, creamy, and bursting with earthy flavors.
- Seasonal Vegan Salad: A refreshing, nutrient-packed option crafted with fresh vegetables and drizzled with heart-healthy olive oil.
Fresh Ingredients & Health-Conscious Options
The restaurant sources its produce locally, using seasonal ingredients to craft its meals. Vegetarian and vegan options are thoughtfully incorporated into the menu, ensuring a delightful dining experience for all preferences while maintaining hearty, authentic flavors.
Ambiance & Experience
Atmosphere
Warm and inviting, United Restaurant’s traditional interior design reflects its connection to Maltese culture. Indoors, soft lighting and rustic decor provide an intimate setting, while outdoor seating offers an al fresco experience overlooking the charming village square.
Service Excellence
Renowned for its friendly and attentive staff, United Restaurant consistently delivers high-quality service. Diners highlight the accommodating team, who are always ready with recommendations, whether for wine pairings or dessert suggestions.
Location & Convenience
Prime Mgarr Location
Situated steps away from the Mgarr parish church, United Restaurant is a convenient choice for anyone exploring this picturesque village. It’s perfectly placed for a post-meal stroll through Mgarr’s historic streets or nearby countryside.
Address: 1 Triq Il-Kbira, Mgarr, MGR 1110, Malta
Getting Here: Ample street parking is available, and the restaurant is easily reachable by public transport from neighboring villages and cities.
Accessibility & Amenities
United Restaurant ensures a comfortable experience for all patrons with the following features:
- ♿ Wheelchair Accessible: Step-free entrance and accessible seating make the restaurant welcoming to everyone.
- 📦 Takeout Available: Perfect for those who wish to enjoy their meal on the go or in the comfort of their home.
- 🍽️ Dine-In Options: Seating arrangements cater to both intimate dinners and group gatherings.
- 📞 Reservations Accepted: Recommended for weekends and peak hours to secure your spot.
- 🍺 Beer Selection: Enjoy a range of beers, including local Maltese varieties, to complement your meal.
Ideal For
Tourists Seeking Authentic Maltese Cuisine
Whether you’re a visitor exploring Mgarr or just eager to try local specialties, United Restaurant presents a charming dining experience rich in tradition. Its signature dishes, such as rabbit stew and fresh seafood pasta, offer a delightful dive into Maltese culinary culture.
Families & Groups
With its generous portions and friendly, laid-back environment, United Restaurant caters beautifully to families and larger gatherings looking for comforting, home-style meals.
Health-Conscious Diners
The MELA-approved menu features several vegetarian and vegan options, as well as dishes created with fresh, wholesome ingredients, making it a great choice for those focused on wellness.
Health & Dietary Accommodations
United Restaurant is dedicated to accommodating a variety of dietary needs:
- Vegetarian Options: Mushroom risotto, pasta with vegetables, and seasonal salads.
- Vegan-Friendly: Fresh, hearty salads paired with locally sourced herbs and olive oil.
- Fresh & Local Ingredients: Ingredients are sourced from nearby farms, adding a burst of Maltese authenticity.
- Healthy, Balanced Cooking: Low on saturated fats, with a focus on clean and flavorful meals.
Recent Guest Reviews
“Very generous portions, amazing service. You don’t feel rushed to leave. More vegetarian dishes would be ideal, but otherwise no complaints, left very satisfied!” , Bristol Reviews, 21.05.2025
“Probably the best mushroom risotto I’ve ever had! Rich and flavorful. Generous portions too. Loved the fact that vegetarian and vegan options are available, which is quite rare in the area.” , Luke McFadden, 20.05.2025
“One of the best meals we ate in Malta. A real family restaurant vibe with the most delicious Maltese dishes.” , awo aba egyirba asibu, 27.04.2025
“Great lunch, starter and main meal. The unusual range of whisky and local wines was a pleasant surprise. Super value for money!” , Ralph Hardie, 28.03.2025
For an authentic taste of Malta with health-conscious options in the heart of Mgarr, look no further than United Restaurant Behind The Church!
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the “gamepreneurship” methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
