A sleek new wine bar with creative sharing plates to open in Ta’ Xbiex

Valletta is usually the area that pops to mind (or where I flock to) when asked for wine bar recommendations, but given what this new vino joint has lined up, I think I'll be putting Ta’ Xbiex on my radar.

Opening in February, Harlequin (named after the comic servant characters from the Italian commedia dell'arte), promises to put a smile on those who are avid for liquidised grapes and small plates. 




Don’t just expect cheese and cold cuts like the rest of them, Harlequin's menu will go that extra mile by offering gourmet dishes such as prawn crudo (with pickled shimeji, enoki, green tea broth), beef tartare, anchovies (with stracciatella, pesto brioche), artichoke ravioli (with pecorino sauce, crispy artichokes), coffee rubbed brisket and risotto (with guanciale, prunes & prosecco).




Currently on the wine front you'll be able to enjoy some fine local wines, as well as wines from Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Austria, Chile, South Africa, and Argentina. The bar will offer ten different wines by the glass, 22 different labels of white wines, 23 reds, six sparklings and a handful of rosés and dessert wines.

Mark Pace and Melissa Giordimaina from MMK Studios took charge of the interior design. Think black walls cladded in raw steel and light fittings installed on steel arches to highlight the beauty of the old stone ceiling (how sultry). The space will seat approx 22 people.

Fun Fact: the bar’s logo (which features on the plates) was designed by Maria Shebets' (the owner) 8 year old son!

Harlequin
112 Ix Xatt Ta' Xbiex
Ta' Xbiex
Website