Mgarr’s Hidden Gem Earns Prestigious Bib Gourmand in MICHELIN Guide Malta 2026
Verbena, a family-run restaurant in Mgarr, Malta, earns a Bib Gourmand in MICHELIN Guide 2026, celebrated for its local, seasonal Mediterranean cuisine and Chef Manuel Schembri’s dedication to quality and sustainability.
Verbena may still be a hidden name for many in Malta’s culinary circles. Tucked away on the outskirts of Mgarr, overlooking Żebbiegħ Church, this family-run restaurant has quietly built a loyal following since opening in October 2019. Now, it has stepped onto the international stage with a remarkable achievement: being awarded a Bib Gourmand in the MICHELIN Guide Malta 2026 selection.
The Bib Gourmand distinction, introduced in 1997, recognises restaurants that offer exceptional quality cuisine at excellent value. It is widely regarded as one of the most respected accolades in the culinary world, and for a relatively low-profile, independent restaurant like Verbena, it represents a significant and well-deserved honour.
Unlike many of Malta’s better-known dining establishments located in bustling tourist hubs, Verbena has quietly pursued its philosophy away from the spotlight. Its “From Earth to Plate” ethos centres on local, seasonal ingredients sourced from surrounding farms, supporting young producers and minimising environmental impact.
Freshness is non-negotiable. Sustainability is a priority. Local produce is championed.
This approach has allowed Verbena to craft a refined Local Mediterranean cuisine that balances creativity with authenticity, a symphony of flavours rooted in Maltese soil.
Chef Patron Manuel Schembri
At the heart of the restaurant is Chef Patron Manuel Schembri, whose culinary journey began at the age of 16. After studying at ITS Malta and gaining experience through stages at prestigious Michelin-starred establishments abroad, including Belmond Le Manoir in Oxfordshire, Wild Honey and Hibiscus in Mayfair, Schembri returned home with a vision.
Following 13 years at the Radisson Blu Golden Sands, where he eventually led the hotel’s à la carte outlets, he took a leap of faith and opened his own family-run restaurant in 2019. Verbena was not conceived as a flashy project, but as a personal milestone, a place where experience, passion, and local pride could come together.
The Bib Gourmand recognition now validates that decision.
In a competitive culinary landscape featuring 48 selected restaurants and seven reconfirmed starred establishments, Verbena’s inclusion is particularly meaningful. It highlights that excellence does not always need a central location or widespread publicity, sometimes it thrives quietly, waiting to be discovered.
For Mgarr, for its local farmers, and for a team that has worked steadily behind the scenes, this award is more than a line in a guide. It is recognition of years of dedication and belief in doing things the right way.
Verbena may have flown under the radar, but with this honour, it firmly earns its place among Malta’s most respected dining destinations.
