Duo | The festive season
The festive season is upon us and dining out is becoming more of the norm than a treat. When choosing a restaurant to go to I often stick to the St Julian’s area and forget about the hidden gems further afield.
Rachel Zammit Cutajar
Duo is one such restaurant, located on the Qawra seafront, wintertime provides a quiet spot for a fantastic meal.
The décor
The bar area is perfect for a pre-dinner drink, or a choice of classy cocktails, with high tables and stools providing the perfect place to get ready for the marathon meal ahead.
Christmas is definitely in the air at Duo with tasteful decorations brightening up the place. The modern furniture is complemented by bright colours giving the place a funky look. A smokers haven is available outside with tables and chairs to make sure patrons are comfortable throughout their meal, even when taking a short break from the food to go have a cigarette.
The food
The menu at Duo is short, with a selection of meat and fish dishes. The lighter bites section includes tapas style dishes intended for sharing and include dishes like homemade country loaf served with Parma ham, chilli squid and sirloin bites.
If you’d rather go for a proper meal they have the regular starter and main course option. Try the warm camembert wrapped in filo pastry served with a berry compote for a festive taste of heaven.
The pasta dishes are made from scratch. Try the indulgent ravioli stuffed with pork belly in a beef and wild mushroom consommé, the flavours of which are fresh and delightful with no hint of Bovril style additives.
Starters cost approximately €6, pasta dishes just under €10 and main courses of fresh fish or meat at approximately €18.
There is no dessert menu but the waiter is happy to come round and tempt you into ordering one of the delectable home made desserts. Everything is made from scratch with delightful treats including a mars cake and white chocolate cheesecake served with a raspberry compote.
The wine list contains a good selection of whites, reds and roses from the old world as well the new, with some bottles coming out of more interesting areas such as Lebanon. Prices range from €10 for a bottle of local wine to €70 for the finest French champagne. For those who can’t manage a whole bottle, half bottles are also available.
The service at Duo is second to none as Natasha and her team anticipate every thought the diner has, ready and waiting to give advice, take your order or top up your glass.
Duo is a great place for a festive celebration. Just because Qawra is a summer place doesn’t mean this restaurant should be forgotten. The easy parking and delightful atmosphere coupled with a fantastic meal is just what everyone is looking for over the festive period. Whether it’s a cozy meal for two or dinner with a group of friends Duo has what it takes to make the night that little bit more special.
Address: Qawra Road, Qawra
Opening hours: Daily 12:00 – 23:00 (closed Tuesday)
Contact: 21578236
