Ta’ Tona
Ta’ Tona, tucked between Mġarr’s harbour and hillside, was originally a fisherman’s boathouse. In 1991, Tona began serving food here, marking the beginning of one of Gozo’s longstanding dining institutions. Tona’s daughter, Josefa, and son-in-law, Jacob, have steered the business for the past 21 years. Recent upgrades have weatherproofed the terrace and improved overall comfort but have kept the atmosphere as convivial as ever. The front-of-house team effortlessly balances explaining the menu to tourists with providing efficient service to meet the demands of local diners, many of whom have been eating here for generations. Booking ahead is highly recommended for weekends and the height of summer.
While the menu offers something for everyone including meat, pasta, and vegetarian dishes, Ta’ Tona’s longevity is built on its reputation for outstanding seafood. The kitchen sources its catch daily from a mix of commercial fleets, fishmongers, and hobby fishermen to ensure maximum freshness and variety. The most popular choices are the seafood sharing platters, available as crudo, shellfish, or a mixed combination of perfectly cooked fresh fish, prawns, octopus, calamari, and crisp fritti. The chef also loves incorporating seasonal produce from local fields, so be sure to ask about daily specials. With locally harvested sea salt, Gozitan olive oil, and balsamic vinegar on the table, plus a choice of island wines, a meal here offers a true taste of Gozo.
