Ah, Il Gabbiano Restaurant in Gozoāwhat can I say? Iāve had the pleasure of dining there not once, not twice, but four glorious times, and honestly, Iād go back in a heartbeat. Each visit has left me with a belly full of deliciousness and a heart bursting with appreciation for this hidden gem tucked away in the charming Marsalforn Bay.
Let me take you on a little culinary journey because if you ever find yourself on the magical island of Gozo, this is one spot you canāt afford to miss.

Seaside Serenity Meets Culinary Bliss
The moment you step into Il Gabbiano, youāre greeted by more than just friendly facesāyouāre welcomed by the soul of the Mediterranean itself. The restaurant is perfectly nestled along Marsalforn Bay, offering sweeping views of the glistening sea. Whether youāre there for a romantic dinner or to indulge in solo foodie therapy (no judgement, Iāve been there), the setting is pure perfection.
Imagine this: a gentle sea breeze, the soft sounds of waves crashing, and a plate of the freshest seafood youāve ever tasted. You can practically taste Mediterranean in the air.



Freshness You Can Taste, Quality You Can Feel
What sets Il Gabbiano apart isnāt just the view (although, letās be honest, itās a stunner). The commitment to quality and freshness shines through in every dish. This family-run gem takes pride in serving authentic Maltese and Mediterranean cuisine that feels like a warm hug from Nonnaāif Nonna were a world-class chef.
- 100% organic vegetables? Yep, straight from their own fields.
- Line-Caught Fish? Fresh from the local sea because frozen just isnāt in their vocabulary.
- Top-Grade Meats and Homemade Pasta? You betācrafted with love and a dash of culinary magic.
This is thanks to Chef Patron Franklin Hili, whose passion for food is evident in every bite. You can almost taste the dedication in his dishesālike heās inviting you to share in his love for Mediterranean flavours.

A Menu Thatās Basically a Love Story
Every dish at Il Gabbiano feels like a carefully penned love letter to the Mediterranean. The flavours are bold yet balanced; the ingredients are fresh yet comforting; and the presentation? Instagram-worthy without trying too hard.
Starters That Steal the Show:
- Gillardeau oysters: fresh, briny, and straight from the sea.
- Bouillabaisse Fish Soup: A rich, soul-warming broth packed with seafood goodness.
- Local Red Prawn Bisque Soup: Silky, savoury, and utterly addictive.
- Fried Goat Cheese: Crispy on the outside, melty on the insideāchefās kiss.
For the Pasta Lovers (aka Me):
- Spaghetti with Organic Tomato Sauce: Simple, fresh, and proof that less is more.
- Sheep Cheese Ravioli: creamy, tangy, and downright dreamy.
Meat & Seafood Dishes That Hit the Spot:
- Chicken Kyiv: Crispy, juicy, and bursting with garlicky goodness.
- Angus Ribeye: Cooked to perfection with a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- Local Calamari: Marinated in ginger and olive oilāgame changer.
Plant-Based Perfection:
- Spiralised Zucchini: Light, fresh, and surprisingly satisfying.
- Vegan Curry: Bold flavours with a comforting kick.



Save Room for Dessert (Trust Me on This One)
Youād think after all that Iād be too full for dessert. Wrong. Il Gabbianoās desserts are not optionalātheyāre essential. From indulgent chocolate lava cakes to refreshing homemade ice creams, the sweet ending makes you question if you have room for just one more bite (spoiler: you do).

The Real Secret Ingredient? The Experience.
Itās not just the food that keeps me returningāthe experience. Thereās something magical about Il Gabbiano that goes beyond whatās on the plate.
- The staff? Warm, welcoming, and genuinely passionate about making your meal memorable.
- The atmosphere? Relaxed yet romantic, it is perfect for date nights and family gatherings.
- The vibe? Time slows down just enough for you to savour every momentāand every bite.

Plan Your Visit
- Location: St. Mary Street, Marsalforn, Malta
- Contact: +356 2155 4040 | Email: franklinhili@hotmail.com
- Website: ilgabbianorestaurant.com
- Dining Options: Dine-in, Outdoor Seating, In-Store Collection
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday – Sunday: 8 AM – 1 AM
- Closed on Mondays (because even culinary geniuses need a break!)
Why I Keep Going Back (And Why You Should Too)
Il Gabbiano isnāt just a restaurantāitās a place where every meal feels like a celebration of life, love, and the incredible flavours of the Mediterranean. The magic never wears off, whether itās your first or fifty-first visit.
So, if you ever find yourself in Gozo (or even need an excuse to visit), make sure Il Gabbiano is on your foodie bucket list. Itās more than just dinnerāitās an experience youāll want to relive repeatedly. Hereās to many more visitsāand maybe Iāll see you there next time. Iāll be the one happily drowning in Prawn Bisque with zero regrets.