Mġarr Farmers Bar: Authentic Maltese Dining in Mellieħa
Experience the heart of Maltese culinary tradition at Mġarr Farmers Bar, a hidden gem located near Mellieħa in the quaint village of Mġarr. Known for its no-frills atmosphere and generous portions of authentic Maltese food, this farmers’ cooperative restaurant proudly preserves the island’s rich culinary heritage while offering unbeatable value for money.
Restaurant’s Story & Heritage
A cornerstone of Mġarr’s local culture, Mġarr Farmers Bar epitomizes the spirit of Maltese community dining. With roots as a traditional village bar, the restaurant has evolved into a sanctuary for genuine home-style Maltese cooking. The simple yet welcoming atmosphere reflects its origin as a farmers’ snack bar, a place where locals and visitors gather to enjoy hearty meals made with love and care.
Traditional Values
The restaurant remains a proud advocate for traditional Maltese cuisine, resisting trends to modernize or internationalize its offerings. Instead, it has gained a loyal clientele by staying true to local flavors and cultural authenticity, a commitment that resonates with those seeking a genuine Maltese dining experience.
MELA Index Recognition
Though rooted in tradition, Mġarr Farmers Bar is aligned with the MELA Index values of promoting wholesome meals. While it may offer hearty, rustic dishes, its dedication to fresh, local ingredients ensures visitors can enjoy traditional fare without compromising on nutritional quality.
Culinary Excellence
Signature Dishes
Immerse yourself in Malta’s culinary heritage with Mġarr Farmers Bar’s standout dishes:
- Fenek (Rabbit Stew) , Maltese-style rabbit slow-cooked for tender, flavor-packed bites.
- Ziemel (Horse Meat) , A lean, richly flavored specialty cooked to perfection.
- Bragioli (Stuffed Minced Beef Rolls) , A Maltese classic that evokes nostalgia with every bite.
- Bebbux (Snails) , A hands-on, locally inspired delicacy bursting with flavor.
- Qarabali Mimli (Stuffed Zucchini) , A comforting dish reminiscent of traditional Maltese family meals.
Fresh Ingredients & Generous Portions
Ingredients are sourced locally from Maltese farmers, ensuring every meal is fresh, authentic, and packed with bold island flavor. For diners craving comfort food, portions are famously large, delivering incredible value and satisfaction.
Dining Experience
Atmosphere & Ambiance
The restaurant’s atmosphere is all about simplicity and tradition. From its humble decor to its laid-back vibe, Mġarr Farmers Bar feels delightfully unpretentious. The setting is informal and friendly, making it ideal for bonding over soul-warming food, whether you’re catching up with old friends or experiencing Maltese hospitality for the first time.
Service Excellence
Expect quick, efficient, and humble service from the staff, whose priority is giving you a taste of authentic Maltese hospitality. Despite its popularity, they ensure every guest feels welcomed and well-fed without unnecessary delays or fuss.
Location & Convenience
Prime Mġarr Location
Situated on Sir Temi Zammit Street in Mġarr, Mġarr Farmers Bar is conveniently located near the historic Skorba Temples. This makes it a perfect stop for tourists exploring Malta’s countryside and locals looking for a hearty meal after a scenic day out.
Address: Sir Temi Zammit Street, Mġarr, Mellieħa, Malta, MGR 9022
Phone: +356 7959 4938
Accessibility & Amenities
This cozy spot offers amenities to enhance your dining experience:
- 🥡 Takeout Available: Convenient for those craving Maltese comfort food on the go.
- 🍽 Dine-in Experience: Accommodates large crowds with rustic, family-style seating.
- 📞 Reservations Welcome: Highly recommended during peak hours to secure your spot.
- 🍺 Serves Beer: Pair your meal with local and international brews for a complete Maltese dining experience.
Perfect For
Tourists Exploring Mellieħa and Mġarr
A favored spot for tourists seeking authentic Maltese cuisine, Mġarr Farmers Bar offers a slice of culinary history. After visiting nearby landmarks, indulge in hearty portions of rabbit stew or horse meat, classics that deliver a true taste of Malta.
Local Residents and Families
Beloved by locals, the restaurant is a hub for family gatherings and casual outings. Its welcoming atmosphere and unbeatable pricing make it a go-to destination for Maltese comfort food.
Food Enthusiasts Seeking Authenticity
If you’re passionate about exploring genuine culinary traditions, Mġarr Farmers Bar delivers the flavors and ambience of true Maltese village dining.
Health & Dietary Accommodations
Though focused on traditional dishes, Mġarr Farmers Bar earns praise for using fresh, local ingredients, catering to those seeking wholesome meals. Their emphasis on nutrient-rich vegetables, lean meats, and sustainable practices ensures every plate is not only delicious but also health-conscious.
- Gluten-Free Options: Many meat preparations naturally fit gluten-free diets.
- Protein-Rich Choices: Rabbit and horse meat are excellent for lean protein-seekers.
- Fresh Vegetables: Dishes like qarabali mimli incorporate locally harvested produce.
Guest Reviews
“No frills, no special ambience, just simple, efficient and humble service together with big portions of honest, fresh and super tasty Maltese food. Don’t visit if your expectation is restaurant-style food/ambience. This is a farmers’ bar, after all.” , Keith H. Schembri (5⭐)
“The perfect spot for a genuine Maltese lunch. Every dish, from the rabbit to the stuffed beef rolls, feels nostalgic and reminds me of my nanna’s cooking. Keep flying the flag for Maltese culinary heritage!” , Gio Maria Zammit (5⭐)
“Amazing Maltese food prepared from the heart. Delicious rabbit and horse meat, tender and perfectly cooked. Service was great and the atmosphere was lively yet simple. Worth every cent!” , Jean-Claude Doublet (5⭐)
“Came for the rabbit stew but left with a full Maltese experience. Every dish had a unique flavor profile and the variety was incredible. Value for money was unmatched, €34.50 for a feast for two!” , Carol Tong (5⭐)
Whether you’re local or visiting, Mġarr Farmers Bar offers a quintessential taste of Maltese tradition, making it an iconic dining destination in Mġarr near Mellieħa.
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.
