Il-Kunvent Restaurant in Gharb, Gozo offers a menu of local flavours and creative twists.
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Tucked away in the quiet village of Gharb on the island of Gozo, Il-Kunvent Restaurant is the kind of place you might stumble upon by accident.
It seems to us that it is not particularly well-known in the wider dining scene, but we think that could soon change. For now, it’s the sort of hidden spot that feels like a secret you almost want to keep to yourself — well, almost.
We found out about it through word of mouth, and intrigued, we decided to see for ourselves whether Il-Kunvent lived up to its whispers of praise.
A Building with a Name but No Story. Yet.
Located at 48 Pjazza Taz-Zjara Tal-Madonna, Il-Kunvent translates to ‘The Convent’ in Maltese. The name might suggest the building is a repurposed convent, but we have no idea if this is the case. Nor did we find much information about its historical significance.
The façade, however, is impressive—traditional Gozitan limestone with a charming blue-painted central balcony that fits the postcard-perfect image of the island’s architecture.
We would have loved to know more about its past, but for now, this remains a mystery. Please illuminate us! That said, its refurbishment has been done well, and the restaurant’s modern style is seamlessly integrated into the old structure, making it a pleasant place to step into.
The Ambience: Romantic with Summer Breezes
The front part of the restaurant is intimate and romantic, ideal for a quiet dinner. With the summer breeze calling, however, sitting outside was the obvious choice, and Il-Kunvent’s terrace at the back was the only option.
It’s accessed through a narrow side passage leading to a terraced area. It’s pleasant enough and provides a relaxing evening of unwinding under the open sky.
Upon arrival, we were seated at a table for two (our booking was for four plus a child). The restaurant was fully booked, with a large reservation seated right next to us, but the terrace maintained a sense of calm.
The Menu: A Fusion of Local and International Flavours
Il-Kunvent’s menu perhaps reflects its setting—rooted in Gozitan tradition but with a modern twist. There’s a clear focus on local ingredients, but with the inclusion of international influences that give the menu a more adventurous edge.
Whether you’re in the mood for a Maltese classic like rabbit belly or something with a more cosmopolitan flair, like the pan-fried scallops, there’s something here to please most palates.
The Platters for Two caught our attention, offering a mix of local delicacies like ġbejniet, Maltese sausage, and crispy ravioli. The starters were equally diverse, ranging from Mediterranean staples to Asian-inspired dishes.
It’s not a menu that screams “Gozo,” but one that gently nods to it while embracing flavours from beyond the island’s shores.
The Starters: Hits and Misses
We opted for a mix of seafood and something a little more indulgent.
Pan-Fried Scallops with Yoghurt and Herb Dressing (€14): The scallops were beautifully cooked—soft inside with a delicate sear. The yoghurt and herb dressing was refreshing, and the caramelised figs added a subtle sweetness that played well with the dish’s richness. The crispy chillies gave a touch of heat but weren’t overpowering. It’s the starter that makes you pause between bites, but it wasn’t an absolute knockout.
Roasted Bone Marrow with Harissa (€9): If one dish stood out, it was the Roasted Bone Marrow. Fatty, rich, and perfectly seasoned, this was indulgence on a plate. The harissa brought just enough heat to balance the marrow’s richness, and the Maltese bread was ideal for scooping up every last bit. Definitely a dish we’d return for.
Vegetarian Flatbread with Caramelised Onions, Smoked Cheddar, and Charred Peppers (€8.50): The flatbread was enjoyable, though not particularly memorable. The caramelised onions and smoked cheddar worked well together, adding a satisfying sweetness and smokiness.
We swapped out the nduja for pumpkin, making the dish vegetarian-friendly, which added a softer, creamy element. A good dish, but it didn’t leave a lasting impression.
The Mains: Comforting and Hearty
The main courses at Il-Kunvent are hearty, and by the time they arrived, the restaurant was buzzing with energy.
Our waitress was helpful and attentive, though visibly managing a busy evening. It’s worth noting that, as the evening progressed, the service did slow down a little, with us having to ask for drinks more than once.
One of the waitresses appeared less experienced, though her helpfulness and good attitude made up for any delays. Still, it was one of those nights where the gentle breeze and relaxed setting made waiting a little longer feel like part of the experience rather than a frustration.
Truffle & Guanciale Risotto (€13): This was the standout of the mains. The truffle brought its signature earthy richness, while the crispy guanciale added a savoury crunch. The mushrooms deepened the dish’s flavour, and the brown butter gave it a luxurious finish. Risotto can be tricky, but this one was executed beautifully. A must-try if you’re visiting.
Crispy Chicken Roulade (€20): The breaded chicken thigh was juicy and flavourful, paired with spianata and smoked cheese. It’s not a dish that pushes boundaries but well-executed comfort food. The mushroom sauce we chose rounded out the dish nicely, making it a satisfying, if not particularly exciting, option.
Pork Tomahawk with Salsa Verde (€21.50): Visually impressive, the Pork Tomahawk was juicy and rich, with the salsa verde cutting through the fat with a fresh, herby kick. It’s a dish that fills you up in portion size and flavour and is perfect for those with heartier appetites.
Argentinian Grain-Fed Tagliata (€25.50): The Tagliata was another well-executed dish. The beef was tender and cooked to the perfect level of doneness, with a rich, satisfying flavour. Paired with a choice of mushroom or pepper sauce, it’s a classic done right, though it doesn’t stray far from familiar territory.
The Wines: Simple but Well-Paired
We kept our wine choices simple for the night, starting with a Gran Passione Prosecco, which was fresh and light, perfect for kicking off the meal on a high note. Its acidity was balanced, and the pleasant aftertaste lingered without overpowering the dishes.
For the mains, we opted for Marsovin’s Antonin Noir, a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. Fruity and robust, the wine’s notes of cherries, blackcurrants, and blueberries paired well with the richer flavours of the food, particularly the meat dishes.
The French oak ageing gave it a velvety smoothness that made it enjoyable from start to finish.
Desserts: The Sweet Finale
Though full from the generous portions, we couldn’t resist trying a couple of desserts.
Chocolate Fondant with Vanilla Ice Cream: The fondant was rich and gooey, with just the right amount of sweetness. The vanilla ice cream balanced the richness of the chocolate, providing a satisfying end to the meal.
Pistachio Cannolo: The Pistachio Cannolo was a pleasant surprise, filled with creamy ricotta and topped with crunchy pistachios. It was light, sweet, and a perfect way to round off the evening.
Final Thoughts: Is it Worth a Visit?
Il-Kunvent Restaurant offers a dining experience that’s worth seeking out, though it’s not without its minor hiccups. The food is good, occasionally great, with certain dishes standing out more than others. Oh, and if you are wondering how us two managed to taste everything, there is a simple rule - you dine with us, you share with us!
The service, while friendly and helpful, could benefit from a bit more polish. Would we suggest it? Yes—especially if you want a romantic, relaxed evening in Gozo with hearty, flavourful food. But it’s not the kind of place that will leave you raving for weeks.
It’s a solid choice for a laid-back evening. Sometimes, that’s exactly what you want.
Il-Kunvent's Website: https://ilkunvent.com/
Contact Il-Kunvent: 9904 0104
Il-Kunvent's Opening Hours:
Monday | Tuesday - Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
CLOSED | 18:30 - 22:30 | 12:00 - 15:00 | 12:00 - 15:30 |
18:30 - 22:30 | 18:30 - 22:30 |
Il-Kunvent's Location:
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