During our June (2023) visit to Mellieha my wife and I had the pleasure of dining at the Commando Restaurant. It was our repeat visit from our last in 2014. At that time the restaurant was just starting to develop as a fine dining destination...under Chef Damian and his wife Rossana
who greeted us warmly and gave us a wonderful experience. That visit was reviewed at that time in the Commando’s collection by my wife, Sally D. Our visit this June therefore was full of expectations. Our dinner this time around was excellent as before with impeccable good food and wine along with excellent service. The staff was friendly and attentive and made us feel welcome. Though we expected as much based on past experiences, it was great that nine years had not changed the “Commando” experience.
Since 2014 the Commando had undergone several changes and challenges. For one we were happy that the Commando had survived the global change of the pandemic and was awarded (and rewarded) the recognition of a Michelin Bib Gourmand several times since. Though Chef Damian has handed the kitchen to other chefs (sorry I did not get the name of the current one), he and his wife still own and run it and maintain their signature high quality.
I was curious how a restaurant like the Commando navigated and survived the pandemic, especially in somewhat remote Mellieha. So, I sifted through their Facebook postings during the pandemic years. There is a great story there on how to fight back with innovation and grit. Among those were doing home delivery of their food in containers suitable for reheating. I understand they even kept a staff member on hand to answer any phone calls customers might have with this method. Also, they reinvented the donut and several other things that kept them afloat. So, I applaud their ability to stay on mission and get back to providing the quality they are known for. We missed not meeting Chef Damian and Rossana on this visit as their role has changed but knowing they are still at the helm; we wish them and their budding family the best.
Manuel DMore