Palazzo Parisio: Lunch like you’re wealthy

An old summer house and gardens are the perfect setting for a posh lunch and wander

Not just for the rich: Let your inner aristocrat out for the afternoon

Introvert rating: 🌿🌿🌿

We went on a weekday when only two other tables were occupied, It’s peaceful but you’ll still need to interact with staff, hence the 3/5 Introvert Rating.

Food: Starters begin at EUR 14 with mains between EUR 18 - 30. There are vegetarian options and vegan options. Check out the menus here

Parking: 2 options: take your chances with the street parking or use the Trade Fair car park, about a 5 min walk away.

Entry fee: None, but you'll need to buy at least a drink if you want to enjoy the gardens from the restaurant terrace.

Dress code: Unspoken, but smart casual feels about right

Toilets: Nice, fully stocked, (but not as fancy as the ones at the Phoenicia)

Dogs welcome: yes, both inside and out

Accessibility: Wheelchair users are welcome. If you're planning a visit, a quick phone call beforehand wouldn't hurt.

Opening times: Best checked using the online booking system as availability varies

Contact: +356 21412461 or info@palazzoparisio.com

Years ago, I came for Afternoon Tea (which they still serve) at the Palazzo Parisio. Since Vinz and I had one of our Random Wednesdays off work, we took a pleasant walk from Mosta to Naxxar for lunch to see if anything had changed.

The answer was not much. The palace and gardens remain every bit as lovely as I remembered. It’s hardly surprising. The palazzo has been turning heads since the days of Marquis Giuseppe Scicluna who bought it in 1898. The welcome, such as it was, included a warning that it was going to close to the public in to two hours. Still, that was plenty of time for us to eat drink and enjoy the sun, cocktails in hand.

Wedding venue alert: If you’ve ever fancied tying the knot at a palace, here’s your chance.

We ordered a couple of mocktails. The waitress didn’t write the order and the wrong cocktail arrived. Luckily I’m British and never say no to a drink. The Moscow Mule that showed up by mistake was deliciously fresh and tasty and the gentleman who delivered it was charming.

For lunch, we shared the vegetarian platter which was perfect for what I call ‘lazy eating’: lots of things to nibble on including a particularly silky hummus, olives and my favourite: roasted carrot, ginger and coconut.

The price, including drinks and a dessert came to EUR 50, which was reasonable, especially given the luxury surroundings. The garden is exceptionally well kept and worth a post-lunch wander, even as palace staff began looking nervously at their watches.

Feeling dippy: Vinz and I made short work of the Vegetarian Mese. The mocktails didn't last long either.

Choose your own adventure: The gardens unfold gradually with mini-paths leading to spaces with their own character

Topping up their tans: Terrapins living their best lives under the fountain

‘Another cup of tea?’ The Mad Hatter called. He wants his furniture back.

Feeling important yet? Just missing the red carpet… which is inside.