De Mondion delivers a stylish dining experience that fully matches the magnificent, fortified city of Mdina in which it is set. The gourmet restaurant occupies the top floor of the charming Xara Palace hotel, a 16C edifice. The indoor dining room is intimate and elegantly appointed, with lush carpets that lend it a soft, refined vibe, while the outdoor terrace commands a breathtaking view stretching over the island’s eastern side all the way to the coast. Chef Clint Grech and his team add a modern, light twist to Mediterranean fare, accented by a few French influences. An example: the tarte tropézienne paired with zabaglione at the end of the meal is particularly noteworthy. Technique is used thoughtfully, in a bid to achieve culinary harmony and balance. We particularly enjoyed the sea bass, with perfectly seared skin, flanked by pomelo, mushrooms, and an intense gutsy jus. In addition to swish, spot-on service, the restaurant is also proud of its savvily curated, well-stocked international wine cellar.