Our Story
From Boathouse to Culinary Haven
Churchill Restaurant's journey began in 1947 when Anthony Grech, assisted by his sons Anthony and Nicholas, excavated a cave in the picturesque Xlendi Bay. Initially used as a boathouse for small fishing craft, it was Nicholas who envisioned transforming this humble space into something more.
Inspired by his lifelong admiration for Sir Winston Churchill, Nicholas named the establishment after the great statesman when he converted it into one of only two bars in Xlendi at the time.
In 1979, the restaurant faced closure, but Nicholas' youngest daughter, Rosie, took over at the age of seventeen. Her determination and entrepreneurial spirit led her to fight for a liquor license in court, and on August 7, 1984, The Churchill was reborn as a bar serving drinks and sandwiches.
Evolving Through the Years
Under Rosie's guidance, The Churchill expanded to include a pizzeria, quickly becoming the top catering destination in Gozo. As tourism flourished, so did the restaurant's reputation, attracting both local holidaymakers and foreign tourists.
Over the decades, The Churchill's unique character, waterfront setting, and Rosie's innate entrepreneurship have welcomed various local and foreign personalities. The restaurant has earned an international reputation for consistently serving an inspiring fusion of local and Mediterranean cuisine.
Today, Churchill Restaurant stands as a testament to culinary excellence, being the only restaurant on the island offering innovative, succulent lava-stone steaks - a true gourmet's delight. Rosie's incomparable charisma continues to set the backdrop for an unforgettably relaxing meal, whether indoors or outdoors, as we celebrate our 80th year of success.
