The Friends ex The Riva
International restaurant · St Paul's Bay, Malta
Perched on Triq Il-Gifen in St Paul’s Bay, The Friends ex The Riva has earned a loyal following with its authentic Romanian-inspired cuisine, drawing praise for its expertly grilled meats and hearty platters. The restaurant’s warm, inviting atmosphere is matched by its commitment to quality, with diners consistently highlighting the standout mixed grill and perfectly cooked chips as must-tries. As Archith Singh put it, "Wow.! Nice grilled meat and chips.! They nailed the texture and taste.! 1st time trying Romanian grilled platter and this restaurant has impressed me and set up the bench mark very high."
The menu features a range of Romanian classics, from the sarmale (cabbage rolls) to the mici (grilled sausages), alongside local favourites like polenta with cheese. With wheelchair access, reservations accepted, and options for dine-in, takeaway, or delivery, it caters to all dining preferences. Its proximity to Amarcord Italian Pizza makes it a convenient stop for those exploring the area’s culinary scene.
Open daily from midday to 11pm, The Friends ex The Riva is a go-to spot for lunch or dinner, offering a relaxed yet authentic taste of Eastern European flavours in Malta. The wine list, including Romanian selections, complements the robust dishes, while the friendly service ensures a memorable visit for both locals and tourists alike.
What Diners Say
"Wow.! Nice grilled meat and chips.! They nailed the texture and taste.! 1st time trying Romanian grilled platter and this restaurant has impressed me and set up the bench mark very high."
— Archith Singh · 9 months ago · via Google
"Coming from belgians, you did your fries really good ! We took the mixed grill platter for 4 and we enjoyed every bite of it, we came back the next day for the fish and it was the best!!! The wine was great we suggest you choose the romanian wine and thanks for the palinka see you next year when we ..."
— Nono · 8 months ago · via Google
"The sarmale were ok, but too oily The mici were nice, truky recommend!!! The cabbage and the smoked ham quite yumny, a bit oily though And the polenta with cheese was great!!!! Overall, if you miss romanian food is a go, but go for the cabbage with the pork!!!"
— Madalina Gulerez · 5 years ago · via Google
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Menu prices and opening hours are correct as of July 2026 and are subject to change. Always confirm directly with the restaurant before visiting.
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