Nenu the Artisan Baker is one of Malta’s most beloved traditional food experiences, known for serving authentic Maltese cuisine in two unique locations. With one restaurant in the heart of Valletta, housed in a historic old bakery, and another in Imġarr next to the Parish Church, Nenu brings centuries‑old culinary traditions to life. What makes Nenu especially memorable is its use of a classic stone oven for baking the famous Maltese ftira.
A Traditional Experience in a Historic Setting
Two Locations, One Mission
Nenu operates in Valletta and Imġarr. The Valletta location is built into an old bakery, full of character and history, while the Imġarr branch sits beside the Parish Church in a more village‑style atmosphere. Both offer the same deep commitment to preserving and sharing Maltese food culture.
Stone Ovens and Rustic Ambience
The traditional stone oven is more than just a tool; it’s part of the identity of the restaurant. This oven is used daily to produce fresh bread and ftira with an unmistakable crisp crust and soft interior, capturing a method that predates modern kitchen appliances.
The Art of Maltese Ftira
What Makes Ftira Different
Maltese ftira is often compared to pizza, but the comparison doesn’t do it justice. The dough is denser, more rustic, and rich with character thanks to traditional preparation and fermentation methods. This isn’t a fast-food experience; it’s artisan baking.
Hands-On Dough Making
The experience begins with learning how to make the dough, from mixing to resting to shaping. Visitors learn the texture, consistency, and technique behind getting the perfect base, chewy in the center and crisp on the edge.
Choosing Local Ingredients
Authentic Maltese Toppings
Instead of endless generic choices, Nenu offers toppings deeply rooted in local culinary tradition: gbejniet (sheep cheeselets), Maltese sausage, olives, capers, onions, sun-dried tomatoes, and thyme. Each topping is sourced locally and has undergone rigorous testing over time.
Learning While Cooking
The instructors guide visitors through the meaning and origin of each topping. Every choice is part of a bigger story: the history of farming, preservation, and home cooking on the island.
Baking the Traditional Way
Into the Stone Oven
Once the ftira is assembled, it goes into the traditional oven. There’s something unique about seeing food bake in front of you using a centuries-old method. The smell of baking bread and local toppings fills the room, making the wait genuinely enjoyable.
A Taste of Satisfaction
When the ftira is pulled out of the oven, guests get to eat their creation, fresh, hot, and full of bold, layered flavours that can’t be recreated in a conventional kitchen. It’s more than a meal; it’s an achievement.
A Place for Everyone
For Locals and Visitors Alike
The atmosphere in both locations is welcoming and unpretentious. Locals and tourists sit side by side, enjoying the same food, prepared with the same care, in a setting that encourages conversation and curiosity.
Social Media and Community
With over 21,000 followers and an active online presence, Nenu the Artisan Baker connects with a wide audience. Their posts often highlight daily specials, classic recipes, and moments from inside the kitchen, keeping tradition alive while reaching new generations.
More Than Just Pizza
Full Menu of Maltese Classics
Nenu serves a range of traditional dishes beyond ftira: rabbit stew, bigilla bean dip, octopus, stuffed vegetables, and date-filled pastries like imqaret. Whether you’re a fan of bread or a fan of everything, there’s something here worth trying.
Local Drinks and Pairings
The food pairs perfectly with local options like Kinnie or Maltese wines, which elevate the entire meal into a cultural experience.
Booking and Contact
Easy to Visit
Reservations can be made through their website, and both locations are simple to reach whether you’re staying in the capital or exploring Malta’s quieter towns. The staff are helpful, the contact info is simple to find, and the experience is unforgettable.
