Nenu the Artisan Baker

In a narrow Valletta street, behind a door marked "Nenu," lies an establishment the Order classifies as the Official Bakery Chamber of the Archipelago. Built into the wall is a wood-fired oven — the original, from the days when this building was a real bakery. The oven still works. From its depths emerge ftiras: Maltese flatbreads topped with tomatoes, olives, capers, onions, and olive oil. The aroma carries three streets away. Explorer Marek ordered the "traditional" ftira and received a plate the diameter of a knight's shield. The Commander chose Maltese rabbit (fenkata) — braised in wine with garlic and herbs. Both ate in silence. The kind of silence that means respect. The interior has preserved the soul of the old bakery: stone walls, wooden ceiling beams, baking tools on the walls. But the food is far from museum fare — this is living, hot, aromatic Maltese cuisine served in an authentic setting. TACTICAL NOTE: Address: 143 St. Dominic Street, Valletta. Reservations recommended for dinner. Ftira straight from the wood-fired oven is worth rearranging your day's plan for. Prices moderate for Valletta. The Order rates: 4.5 shields out of 5. Half a shield deducted because the evening queue demands a knight's patience. But the oven-fresh ftira makes up for everything.