We have often dined at this establishment in Mdina. It is a typical trattoria insofar as it offers an informal style menu and ambiance, yet being in Mdina and more so as part of the Xara Palace, it also withholds a certain level of class and refinement.

In the warmer months we thoroughly enjoy eating outside in the splendid square. On this particular occasion however, especially as we were there in the evening, we preferred being seated inside, although their outside area was well heated. I would immediately recommend that a simple spring be installed on their main door, enabling the staff to enter and exit without either having to turn back after their hands have been freed to close it, or as was more often the case, leaving it wide open, regaling us with chilly drafts most of the evening.

We started off with a bottle of French Domaine La Baume sauvignon blanc, which was very pleasant, especially for its relatively humble category. As expected with good French sauvignon, this was less aromatic and floral than most new world equivalents, however it presented lovely crisp, elegant, and fresh flavours instead.

There were three of us dining and for starters one of us had a lovely, largely assorted salad with gorgonzola, pears, Grana shavings, nuts and mixed greens, which was more than satisfactory.

While two of us had a beef carpaccio with all the trimmings and seasoning, which also proved to be delicious.

For mains we went for the fettucine with prawns, asparagus and spinach, in a prawn bisque, which was also very much enjoyed, especially as the various flavours and ingredients seemed to blend in and to compliment each other perfectly.

Also the ravioli with ricotta and artichokes, which were a slightly plainer dish, yet still of a very high standard. And a black Angus beef tenderloin, which was ordered blue and accompanied with salad, rather than vegetables.

When the steak arrived it was deemed to be slightly overcooked. It is true that in the centre it was still rather blue, however as admitted by the staff, it had effectively been sealed a little bit too much, rendering quite a large proportion of its edges well cooked. Additionally, they erroneously served vegetables instead of salad.

However, in keeping with the friendly and streamlined service throughout the meal, this was immediately remedied without fuss or bother. In no time whatsoever we were served another, perfectly blue steak, as well as a dish of salad, although we repeatedly insisted that this was not necessary, especially as the vegetables were beautifully prepared.

No problem is ever a problem when it is immediately solved, and this was one of those cases where good service and keen customer care more than saved the day.

I finished off with a nice apple pie, before we embarked on a wondrous walk around of Mdina by night.