'Goodbye Nonno' – renowned restaurateur Benny Muscat dies

Restaurateur Benny Muscat, the “heart and soul” of many a popular Maltese eatery, has passed away at 86, leaving more than just restaurants in his wake.

Muscat was the man behind La Buona Trattoria del Nonno, Ta’ Marija and Palazzo Pescatore, which “carried his heart, passion and endless dedication every single day”.

In a Facebook tribute to “our beloved Benny, our Nonno”, as he was called, Muscat was described as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, mentor, businessman and friend to so many.

“Benny was more than a restaurateur; he was a true icon and pioneer of hospitality in Malta. A visionary, larger than life, and truly one of a kind.

"Nonno built more than just restaurants – he built experiences, memories, friendships and a way of life centred around generosity, passion, respect and love for people.

“His creativity, charisma, wisdom and unmistakable presence touched generations of guests, employees, friends and family alike,” the post said.

Known for his passion for Maltese cuisine, which he injected into Ta’ Marija in Mosta, Muscat started off as a teacher, coupling his profession with a passion for entertainment as he entered the hospitality and catering scene with his wife.

He soon moved on to realising his dream to open a Maltese restaurant serving the authentic dishes his grandparents had taught him to cook as a child.

As mass tourism started booming, Muscat caught onto the idea that many holidaymakers wanted to try local cuisine, so he ventured beyond the fenkata canteens and pastizzi to “do Maltese cuisine justice”.

Ta’ Marija was the first traditional Maltese à la carte restaurant, named after his muse and wife, who kept up the Muscats’ tradition of offering live entertainment during the dining experience.

Condolences have flooded in from the many patrons who knew him from his restaurant and described him as a “true gentleman and a legend”.

The reel by La Buona Trattoria del Nonno on Facebook showed the man who was “known by everyone” talking about having the pleasure of going round the tables, greeting and introducing himself to his guests.

McBenny's in St Paul's Bay in the 80s.

Muscat, who is succeeded by his children Ben and Lara in running the business, also said how the love of family was the most important thing to him.

“His story, values and love for hospitality will continue through all of us,” they wrote.

Benny Muscat was affectionately known as "nonno".

Amid the sadness, they also took comfort in the fact that, somehow, “as if written in the stars”, Muscat finally got to witness his favourite football club Arsenal become champions once again – “something he had waited and hoped for over the last 22 years – before leaving us as a champion himself”.

The family also expressed their gratitude to the doctors, nurses and carers who supported Muscat throughout these past years, including Hospice Malta, SAMOC and SVDP Palliative Care.

The funeral mass will take place at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish Church, St Paul’s Bay, on Thursday at 8am.