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Looking for a few good tips for the best Malta restaurants around?
You’ve come to the right place.
Both locals and tourists are spoiled for choice when it comes to eating out in Malta and the quality of food served in local restaurants has improved a lot over the past decade. You can find gems hidden in the quietest towns and enjoy tasty food at reasonable prices even in popular tourist destinations. And if you’re looking for fine dining options, Malta has a few Michelin guide-listed restaurants that offer a great dining experience.
Having said that, not all restaurants offer top-notch dining and that’s why I created this guide to shortlist the best Malta restaurants on offer.
Table of contents
Before you dive in to pick a few restaurants to try, here are a few notes to get you started:
- I’ve listed my recommendations by location further below, to make things easier and you can click/tap on the “My review” section for each to get more info.
- You’ll find restaurants that suit most budgets, with an indicator to give you an idea of how much a regular starter/dinner/drinks meal will cost you, with€€ being in the mid-range €30-35 per person bracket for a main course and (non-alcoholic) drinks.
- Maltese street names are listed (locally English translations are used sometimes) for you to be able to easily locate them on Google Maps.
If you’ve already had a good experience at a restaurant in Malta and would like to share your tips, leave a comment (at the bottom of the page) and let me know!
My top 10 Malta restaurants right now
1. Sole by Tarragon
St. George’s Bay, St. Julian’s |€€€€
Following the success that Tarragon has received throughout the years, Sole Seabar by Tarragon has taken its place as its successor. It has now taken centre stage as one of St Julian’s hot spots where you can truly unwind and enjoy an evening on the water’s edge.
The location perfectly complements the seafood menu, which is brimming with award-winning dishes by Chef Marvin Gauci. Adding to this, the co*cktail and lists feature several showstoppers, all bearing Chef Marvin’s creative flair.
Put simply, Sole by Tarragon doesn’t disappoint!
2. Root 81
22A Telgha tas-Saqqajja Rabat | €€€-€€€€ | Michelin Guide listed
Under the direction of Chef Patron Robert Cassar, Root 81 offers a culinary journey of the senses. Nestled in a beautifully restored farmhouse in Rabat, the name of this restaurant is a direct reference to the old bus route that connected Rabat to Valletta for over 91 years. However, the name also carries the restaurant’s ethos that ‘good food starts from its root”.
Both the À La Carte and Tasting Menu already showcase some of the finest culinary masterpieces made with the freshest of ingredients. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, you can also opt for the Balcony Experience Menu, where you will enjoy a more intimate dining experience in one of the restaurant’s private balconies.
Definitely one to try!
3. The Harbour Club
4/5 Barriera Wharf, Valletta | €€€ | Michelin Guide listed
It’s no surprise that The Harbour Club is listed in the Michelin guide: This Valletta restaurant offers creative flair in its dishes that’s hard to find elsewhere while maintaining consistently high standards in the food it serves, wine selection offered and the service provided.
Not only is the dining experience one of the best I’ve tried in the capital, but the location is also unique, alongside the quaint harbourside. Book an outside table during the warmer months to get the best views, though keep in mind their outside terrace is small. Book well in advance.
Tip: Ideal in summer as the terrace overlooks the Grand Harbour and allows for magnificent views.
4. Noni
211 Republic Street, Valletta | €€€€ | Michelin Star
Chef Jonathan Brincat serves some of the finest dishes, with elevated blends of Maltese and Mediterranean cuisine.
With a concise but varied menu, seasonal ingredients play a starring role.
While staff ensure your evening is a pleasant one, the historical, rustic setting adds to a memorable experience you’ll want to repeat. I certainly have, and will continue to do so.
5. Ta Tona’
Triq ir-Rebħa, Mġarr (Gozo) | €€-€€€
Ta’ Tona is a lovely family-run restaurant located just a few steps away from the Mġarr Harbour, Gozo.
With its array of fish and seafood specials, pasta dishes, grills, platters and plant-based options, Ta’ Tona is an ideal spot for the whole family.
Some dishes include Calamari Fritti, Local King Prawns, Ravioli Filled with Sheep Cheese, and Duck Breast. However, keep in mind that the menu is subject to change according to the availability of the ingredients.
The homemade deconstructed cannolo is a stunning dessert, so make sure you leave room!
To sum up, the location is great, especially if you’ve just arrived or leaving Gozo, the food is divine, and it is reasonably priced. Highly recommended!
6. Rubino
53, Old Bakery Street, Valletta | €€€ | Michelin Guide – Bib Gourmand
Rubino is a small bistro in Valletta that serves authentic dishes, mostly Mediterranean/European cuisine.
Although its characterful facade (proudly displaying its heritage as a 1906-founded confectionery shop) doesn’t allude to it, this little restaurant is a real gem.
With an excellent menu and wine list, this is a great choice for fine dining in the capital.
7. Bahia
Corinthia Palace Hotel De Paule Avenue, Balzan | €€€€ | Michelin Star
A dining experience at Bahia truly captures the joy and all the emotion one feels when enjoying a meal with a loved one on a special occasion.
Located at the Corinthia Palace Hotel in H’Attard, Bahia offers an À La Carte Menu as well as several Degustation Menu. These are switched up throughout the year, ensuring that the ingredients reflect the season.
Best of all, you also have the choice to wash your meal down with a plethora of great wines when choosing the optional beverage pairing.
Highly recommended!
8. Risette
Casa Ellul, 81, Old Theatre Street, Valletta | €€€
Get ready to indulge in an informal fine-dining experience at Risette. Located within Casa Ellul, an experience at Risette centres around the fusion of French cuisine with Japanese ingredients and techniques.
You can opt for the à la carte menu or the tasting menu; irrespective of the culinary experience you choose, you are guaranteed a feast of the senses. Highly recommended!
9. Azar
Triq Manwel Dimech Sliema | €€€
Right in the heart of Sliema, you’ll find Azar; a restaurant offering an international dining experience with a laidback sophistication.
As per their ethos, Azar is “a culinary experience that is born of flame”. Under the direction of Chef Michele Zahra, the restaurant’s main focus is on how traditional cooking methods can create the most scrumptious food.
10. Amami
Marfa Road, Mellieħa | €€€
Few restaurants in Malta do Asian, let alone Japanese, cuisine justice but Amami gets it very, very right.
Located in the corner of Għadira Bay (at Mellieħa), you can enjoy high-quality Japanese dishes with a sea view.
This is a firm favourite with me and it deserves all the praise it gets.
Restaurant and eating out FAQs
Is the food in Malta good?
Yes, overall food served in Malta is good and there’s a good standard of quality for restaurants. Most of the cuisine served is Meditteranean, so flavourful savouries that typically consist of meats and seafood, pizza and pasta, salads and risottos and mostly sweet desserts.
Is Malta expensive for food and drink?
Although cheap lunches and dinners that are of good quality can be found (mostly in villages away from the popular tourist destinations), prices are reasonable.
What do they eat in Malta?
The Maltese generally eat a typically Mediterranean diet and traditionally eat fairly large portions of food. Pasta, pizza, pastry but also rice-based dishes are commonly served, while beef, pork, lamb and chicken are popular choices as well.
As a tourist, there are plenty of other choices as well, however, from regular fast food to Asian tastes.
Often in summer, you’ll find simple snacks like local (hard-crusted) bread with olive oil and tomato paste or crackers with bigilla dip (a thick, brown paste made of beans that tastes better than it looks).
More “exotic” meat like that of rabbits, quail and even horse meat can be found in restaurants serving Maltese food. More info here:33 Examples of Traditional Maltese Food.
Is the food in Malta halal?
Most restaurants in Malta do not serve halal food but halal options are increasing steadily, for example:
- Hugo’s Burger Bar (specific items on the menu) in St. Julian’s
- Suruchi (Indian)in St. Julian’s
- Ali Baba (Lebanese) inGżira
- Sharma Ethnic Cuisines in Swieqi
- Falafal Street in Ta’ Xbiex
- House of Spice inBuġibba/St. Paul’s Bay
- Turkish kebab shops (popular all around Malta).
How much does a meal cost?
Starters are usually between €8-12 each, mains vary in price from €15-35 (from pizza/pasta to steak) and desserts cost anywhere between €8 and €12.
Tips and guide for eating out in Malta
- You can book online for most restaurants. To help you out, we’ve included links for all hand-picked restaurants. With just a few clicks, you can book for a particular date/time and indicate any dietary requirements.
- Book well in advance, especially for weekend bookings and around public holidays.
- Some restaurants that offer a fine dining experience do not accept children, so that’s something to keep in mind if you have a family.
- Similarly, you’ll find restaurants that accept pets. It’s best to always check beforehand if this is possible.
- Most restaurants open for dinner at 6 or 7 pm, and will rarely take calls for reservations during the day. Either try your luck if it’s a normal weekday or call the evening before.
- Even in tourist hotspots,it’s not common to be billed for cover charges. If you do encounter such restaurants, obviously don’t feel obliged to tip.
- Speaking of tipping:Yes, tipping is common and usually, a tip of 5-10% is just fine.
- Major credit cards are widely acceptedat restaurants in Malta.
- Saturday nights are, as you’d expect, the busiest, closely followed by Sunday lunch and often you’d need to make your reservation several days in advance for the more popular restaurants.
- When you get offered specials, even though you can ask for a price estimate they will always tell you it depends on the weight of the protein chosen. You can count on having to pay higher prices than you’d expect in those instances but you can always ask in advance.
- If you or someone within your dinner party has specific dietary requirements, it’s best to confirm with the restaurant beforehand that options are available for you.
- You’ll find plenty of restaurants that are wheelchair accessible. However, it’s good to keep in mind that in some areas like Valletta, there might be a couple of steps to get to the restaurant.
Need a Malta guidebook (2024)?
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Valletta: An Insider’s Guide to Malta’s Capital
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The best Valletta restaurants
Malta’s capital city of Vallettais home to some of the best restaurants around the Maltese islands.
Cheap eats are hard to find for dining out, however, there’s no shortage of restaurants that offer great value in terms of quality and overall experience.
For more options in the capital have a look at my Top 10 Best Restaurants in Valletta.
One80 Valletta
45, 45A, St. Christopher’s Street, Valletta | €€-€€€
Over the years, the One80 chain of restaurants in Malta has entertained locals and tourists from all over the world. With the opening of the fifth restaurant in Valletta, the bar has been set even higher.
Both the lunch and dinner menus are a feast of the senses. If you can’t decide what to go for, One80’s sharing plates concept comes in handy since you can savour more than one dish. Moreover, you can wash down the food with a signature co*cktail or perhaps a bottle of wine.
All in all, One80 Valletta is simply a great restaurant for any occasion.
Guzé
22, Old Bakery Street, Valletta | €€€ | Michelin Guide listed
Guzé has been going strong as one of the top restaurants in the capital city, with a varied menu of Mediterranean flavours and high-quality ingredients for a very nice fine dining experience.
Despite having a choice of interesting dishes and a gourmet take on staples, the prices charged are very reasonable for the quality served. Highly recommended.
Dimitri
339, St. Paul’s Street, Valletta | €€-€€€
Nestled in a 450-year-old building just a stone’s throw away from Auberge de Castille is Dimitri; one of Valletta’s boutique restaurants that offers quite the dining experience.
Throughout the entire duration of your meal, Dimitri will take you on a culinary journey around Malta, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. The menu changes seasonally to ensure that only the freshest ingredients are used and ultimately to always surprise patrons with new creations.
All in all, its ambience and delectable dishes make Dimitri a great place for a romantic night out.
Aki
C/o Strait Street and Santa Lucia Street, Valletta | €€€ | Michelin Guide listed
Aki is the number one place in the Capital for contemporary Japanese food.
Sushi lovers will be delighted with the available selection of nigiri, maki and sashimi platters, as well as other delicacies such as lobster, octopus or surf and turf rolls.
If sushi isn’t your cup of tea, you can still savour other staple dishes such as various grills, small sharing plates, and so much more.
Finish off your meal at the trendy bar with a co*cktail (or two!) I highly recommend the Kawaii co*cktail. You’re in for a surprise!
ION Harbour
11 St Barbara Bastion, Valletta | €€€€ | Michelin Star
From the moment you step inside ION Harbour, you know you’re in for a treat. Every effort is made to ensure diners get an experience to remember.
Set on the 4th floor of the Iniala Harbour House 5-star hotel, ION offers its guests stunning views over Grand Harbour, attentive service and a skilfully prepared menu.
Dishes served are a unique blend of local, Mediterranean and European flavours and the knowledgeable sommelier makes excellent wine recommendations.
ION deserves its Michelin star fully.
Looking for more restaurants in Valletta?
I’ve listed my full top 10 for Valletta here:Top 10 Best Valletta restaurants guide
Restaurants in St. Paul’s Bay, Buġibba and Qawra
St. Paul’s Bay,BuġibbaandQawraare three neighbouring towns where plenty of restaurants can be found that are worthwhile trying out.
But if you’re looking for an enjoyable dinner don’t stick to just these towns and explore a few places on the outskirts, in places like Xemxija and Salina. You can find a few great eateries there as well.
La Stalla
Triq it-Turisti, Buġibba |€€
A quaint little family-run restaurant in Qawra (one of the few left in the area) that serve good food at reasonable prices.
The type of food is Mediterranean, with a selection of salads, plates of pasta, pizzas, steaks, fresh fish, etc.
The interior could do with a bit of a facelift but with food being the priority it’s worth paying a visit.
Taverna Bistro
Pioneer Road, Buġibba |€€-€€€
Taverna Bistro is a great local restaurant for casual dining, located in the heart of Buġibba, a 5-minute walk away from the main square.
Chef Alain serves a variety of home cooking-inspired food, from fresh pasta dishes to local fresh fish and meat. If you’re looking for good, tasty food at reasonable prices, you’re at the right place.
Staff are friendly and attentive, and dining here is always an enjoyable experience.
Vecchia Napoli Qawra
Dawret Il-Qawra, Qawra | €€-€€€
Pizza, pasta, grills, fish specials, salads…Vecchia Napoli has it all.
This restaurant has been entertaining guests for many years. Simply put, it’s the place to be for all the family and to ultimately experience a taste of Naples.
Some typical dishes include Pasta e Patate con Provola, Cozze Pepate, Mozzarella di Bufala, Paccheri con Baccalà and of course the famous Neapolitan pizza! What’s not to like?
Lovage Bistro
Triq L-Imhar, Qawra
+356 7959 4098 |€€€
It’s not uncommon to find great little restaurants in the most unassuming of places in Malta.
Lovage Bistro is a perfect example of that.
Located in a regular residential street, in a side road from main street Triq it-Turisti, Lovage Bistro offers a lovely dining experience with flavourful dishes.
Giuseppi’s Bar & Bistro
Salina Resort, Salina
+356 2157 4882 |€€€-€€€€
Giuseppi’s is a great dining option on the edge of Qawra (at a small place across the bay called Salini).
Whether you order from the a la carte menu or opt for one of the specials of the day, there’s a good variety of interesting dishes, full of flavour and different concepts.
It’s definitely one of the pricier choices, but well worth it in my opinion.
Ta’ Cassia Salina Restaurant
Triq il-Katakombi, Salina
+356 7989 8293 |€€€
This restaurant is another one of my favourites.
Ta’ Cassia is an established name in the local restaurant scene and is a family-run establishment, with excellent food, consistent quality and very friendly service who are happy to accommodate any special requests. They offer a good selection of meats and fresh fish – great Mediterranean food.
There’s nothing wrong with the decor either, with the restaurant housed in an old-style farmhouse with a lovely garden at the back where food is served in summer.
La Buona Trattoria Del Nonno
Triq San Pawl, San Pawl il-Baħar | €€€
La Buona Trattoria del Nonno does a great job providing a fun dining experience with a creative flair. This family-run restaurant prides itself on welcoming guests with open arms.
Although this restaurant is known for its signature dish; Lara’s Ribs, rest assured that there is something for everyone; pasta dishes, pizza, fish delicacies, grills, and weekly specials, as well as homemade gelato and other delectable desserts. I’ll tell you one thing; you will never leave the Trattoria with an empty belly!
What’s more, you can have an aperitif or an after-dinner drink at the recently renovated bar.
Adding to this, this trattoria also has a private lounge where you can host birthday parties, anniversaries and other memorable occasions.
Eating out in Sliema and Gzira
There’s plenty of choice inSliemawhen it comes to restaurants, but that doesn’t mean quality is top wherever you go. These are a few (mostly casual) restaurants to try.
Briju
Triq l-Imsida, Il-Gżira | €€€ | Michelin Guide listed
The Maltese word briju loosely translates to having a good time/something that is full of life.
With this in mind, the restaurant Briju certainly lives up to its name; it is a true celebration of a local dining experience intended to be shared with your nearest and dearest.
Think good food, good wine and good vibes all around. The cuisine is centred around Maltese and Mediterranean delicacies, with a contemporary twist from Chef Patron Rafel. All dishes are concocted with the finest ingredients and can be shared (or not!).
The Chophouse
Tigné Point, Sliema | €€€-€€€€ | Michelin Guide listed
If you’re a meat-lover you’ll enjoy The Chophouse. Although they offer a variety of meats that go beyond just beef, their variety of steaks is hard to beat.
Very tasty, has good service and has a great location. Ask to be seated outside if you’re in Malta during the high season, to enjoy the views of Valletta across Marsamxett Harbour.
Fratelli La Bufala
Piazza Tigne, Tigné Point, Sliema | €€-€€€
Fratelli La Bufala is a great little Italian restaurant at the modern Tigné Point square at the tip of Sliema.
Whether you fancy a delicious plate of pasta, a burger or a classic Neapolitan pizza, Fratelli La Bufala offers everything under one roof. What’s more, wine lovers are also treated to a variety of bottles from the Campania region.
Great for families, lunch for one, business events and more!
Medasia Fusion Lounge
90 The Strand, Sliema
+356 2133 3221 |€€€
Medasia Fusion Lounge offers Asian and Mediterranean cuisine.
The menu includes dishes from sushi to traditional dishes inspired by Japanese, Thai, Chinese and Mediterranean cuisines.
La Cuccagna
47Amery Street, Sliema
+356 2134 6703 |€€
La Cuccagna has a reputation for serving genuine, hearty food and is a great place if you like pizza and pasta, with a mostly Mediterranean menu.
Gets good ratings and is a solid choice for a good but inexpensive meal.
Tiffany’s Bistro
18a, Tigne Seafront, Sliema
+356 9958 6280 |€€
Tiffany’s Bistro is a lovely little eatery for casual dining, located at the Sliema Ferries seafront.
Very much a mix of pizzas, pasta, gourmet burgers and other mains off the grill.
Tasty food, good service and great views. What’s not to like?
Tip: Save some space for dessert, trust me!
Il-Merill
9, Triq San Vincenz, Sliema
+356 7960 4770 |€€
Il-Merill is a small, family-run restaurant tucked in a side street away from the hustle and bustle of the main street.
Their menu consists of a mix of Mediterranean and Maltese dishes and is highly rated, also for its friendly service.
The best restaurants in St. Julian’s
St. Julian’sis a bit of a restaurant hotspot, attracting both tourists and locals for dining out. Although styles and cuisines can be very similar, these are some individual stand-out restaurants I recommend trying.
Caviar & Bull
Corinthia San Gorg Hotel, St. Julian’s
+356 2759 3301 | €€€€ | Michelin Guide listed
Caviar & Bull are one of the few fine dining options in the area, with an interesting and varied menu with Mediterranean flavours at its core.
Apart from the sublime food and great selection of wines, there’s a great view out over St. George’s Bay to enjoy a great dinner over.
Well worth trying if you’re not on a budget and looking for gourmet dining.
Peppinos
65 St. George’s Road, St. Julian’s | €€-€€€
For the last 24 years, Peppino’s has been treating locals and tourists who love Italian food alongside a touch of French dishes.
Along with the standard signature dishes featured in the à la carte menu, you can also try the exquisite specials that are freshly prepared on a daily basis. Needless to say, make sure you have some room for dessert; the homemade sorbets and gateaux are a must-try!
In a nutshell, Peppino’s is a great place for any occasion; be it a quick meal, dinner for one, a business lunch, a family get-together or a romantic date night.
I highly recommend booking a table on the terrace upstairs for spectacular views of Balluta Bay.
U Bistrot
27 Censu Tabone, St. Julian’s
+356 2311 2361 |€€
U Bistrot is another great choice for Mediterranean flavours, with Balluta Bay as a backdrop to your brunch, lunch or dinner.
Hearty, flavourful food and attentive service make it an easy recommendation to make.
Two Buoys Restaurant
106, Triq Spinola, Saint Julian’s |+356 2122 2221 | €€-€€€
Two Buoys are a great restaurant with a varied choice of Mediterranean flavours. Specialised in seafood, they also offer different Vegan and Vegetarian options.
Outdoor seating offers nice views out over Spinola Bay. A great dining experience, good choice of food and reasonably priced.
Don Royale
Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort, St. Julian’s | €€-€€€
Chef Marvin Gauci invites you to an authentic Italian dining experience with a contemporary twist that will surely tantalise your taste buds.
Get ready to savour pasta dishes, pizza, fish and seafood dishes and grills paired with a classic co*cktail or perhaps a bottle of wine.
All in all, Don Royale is a reasonably priced restaurant that offers something for the whole family.
Restaurants in Mellieħa
Known for its beautiful natural surroundings and nearby beaches,Mellieħa is a popular destination for beachgoers.
That doesn’t mean you’ll only be able to find casual or fast food places there. The following options can be enjoyed all year round and serve high-quality Mediterranean flavours.
Mitħna
58 Triq Il-Kbira, Mellieħa |€€€€
Mitħna is a more upmarket restaurant, in the heart of Mellieħa that consistently racks up great reviews thanks to their delicious dishes and varied menu.
Paired with a fine wine from their quality wine list, it’s a great dining experience to enjoy.
Commando Restaurant
1,2 Misrah iz-Zjara tal Papa, Mellieħa | €€€ | Michelin – Bib Gourmand
A landmark restaurant in Mellieħa, Commando is a cosy restaurant that focuses on high-quality Mediterranean flavours in a homely environment.
Chef Daniel Vella McIntyre serves an excellent variety of dishes bursting with flavour, while his team look after your every need.
Awarded with Michelin’s Bib Gourmand, the restaurant is one of the few in Malta recognised for its exceptional quality of food and high value dining experiences.
Rebekah’s Restaurant
12, Triq It-Tgham, Mellieħa
+356 2152 1145 | €€€€ | Michelin Guide listed
Set in a rustic old farmhouse, this romantic restaurant on the edge of Mellieħa offers a great ambience with genuine food and high-quality Mediterranean dishes.
Although not particularly budget-friendly, its a la carte menu is balanced with a nice selection of local fish, beef and pasta dishes.
Best restaurants in Mdina and Rabat
There’s nothing quite like dining out within the walls of Mdina and Rabat’s quaint streets.
Interested in exploring some options you might consider for date night or another special occasion? I’ve got you covered!
The Fork and Cork
Telgha Tas-Saqqajja, Ir-Rabat | €€€-€€€€ | Michelin Guide listed
Offering a selection of tasting menus as well as an à la carte menu, The Fork and Cork sets the bar high for its patrons.
Every season, Chef Carl curates a menu using only the freshest local produce. What’s more, the daily specials are truly a feast of the senses.
The wine list features an array of local and foreign wines that can be perfectly paired with all the available dishes.
As per their ethos, the Fork and Cork is truly “A place to wine, a place to dine”. Highly recommended!
Trattoria AD 1530
Misrah il-Kunsill, Mdina | €€€
Trattoria AD 1530 forms part of the prestigious Xara Palace Hotel and is a good option for both lunch and dinner.
Having a covered outdoor terrace, the menu at Trattoria AD 1530 is varied but its strengths are the pizzas, pasta dishes and salads. Located in the Silent City of Mdina, it’s a great place for a quiet lunch or dinner.
Other restaurants in Malta
Although the busier parts of Malta offer a good choice of restaurants, if you venture out of the larger towns you can find a few real gems around.
These are a few options I recommend:
Marea
Triq Marina, Kalkara | €€-€€€ | Michelin Guide listed
Taking inspiration from Asia, Marea’s dishes centre around a fusion of flavours from Japan. Whether you’re a sushi lover or whether you’d like to savour other items such as meat dishes, fresh fish, pasta and tapas, Marea is the perfect place for any occasion.
Its stunning location at the Kalkara Waterfront will certainly make your dining experience extra special. Not to be missed!
Tartarun
Xatt is-Sajjieda, Marsaxlokk | €€€-€€€€ | Michelin Guide listed
There are plenty of seafood restaurants to choose from in Marsaxlokk, but few do the fresh fish justice like Tartarun.
A firm favourite among locals, this is a well-established restaurant in Malta with a great reputation.
Enchanté
Triq Juan B Azzopardi, L-Isla | €€-€€€
Enchanté is quite simply a fish and seafood lover’s paradise. Nestled in Senglea, one of the Three Cities, Enchanté invites you to savour plates bursting with flavour and ultimately a dining experience that will exceed your expectations.
Whether you want to plan a business dinner, a catch-up with your loved ones or a romantic night out, Enchanté offers something for everybody’s tastes and preferences. There is a selection of platters, fish specialities, pasta, meats, a selection of plates…need I say more? Dig in.
Marilu’s
66, 67, 68 Pjazza San Nikola, Siġġiewi | €€-€€€
Located in the heart of Siġġiewi, Marilù’s is a charming restaurant that offers contemporary Maltese cuisine with a creative flair.
What’s so great about Marilù’s is the concept they work around with; our house is your house. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, or a birthday party or you’re simply out for date night, all the rooms within the house—the living room, the dining room, the library, the courtyard and the terrace—set the scene for a special evening.
The menu changes seasonally, ensuring the freshest local produce is used to create some of Marilù’s showstoppers. What’s more, this restaurant has curated an excellent Mediterranean wine selection along with several handcrafted artisan drinks and craft beers.
The best restaurants in Gozo
Gozohas plenty to offer when it comes to eating out, with several options in popular seaside places like Marsalforn and Xlendi, but also in quieter villages around the island.
These are a few options to consider for starters, though I offer more recommendations here: Gozo Restaurants: 20 Best Local Eateries to Try.
Tmun Mġarr Gozo
Martino Garces Str, Mġarr, Gozo | €€€ | Michelin Guide listed
Tmun is a great little restaurant in Gozo, overlooking the harbour at Mġarr.
Chef Paul Buttigieg and his team serve a variety of dishes with a varied menu and specialise in deliciously prepared fresh fish.
This is a family-run business and it shows – they care about your dining experience and make sure you will want to return to have another taste off their menu.
One80 Kitchen Gozo
Triq Martino Garces, Mġarr |€€€
One80 is located at the Mġarr Yacht Marina, near the Gozo ferry.
Sweet and savoury breakfast is served on the weekends, and the small dishes to share allow you to taste everything on the lunch and dinner menu.
Dine while enjoying the view of the harbour and witness the peaceful haven life while sampling delicious food.
Maldonando
18 Mons. Luigi, Mons Vella, Victoria, Gozo | €€-€€€
Maldonado is a hidden gem located in the narrow streets of Rabat, Gozo. Offering a Mediterranean menu that changes seasonally coupled with an exceptional wine list, you can expect nothing short of a memorable dining experience.
Wine enthusiasts will also be delighted to hear that this restaurant organises tasting events all year round. Eight wines from some of the best-renowned vineyards across Malta and Gozo are paired with a special four-course meal degustation menu.
What’s more, you can book a private room if you’re organising a business dinner or an
All in all, Maldonado most certainly ticks all the boxes.
The best restaurants for Maltese food
Gululu
133 Triq Spinola, St. Julian’s
+356 2133 3431 | €€-€€€
One of the few restaurants serving Maltese food in the St. Julian’s area, Gululu do a good job of serving a selection of typically Maltese dishes in one of the nicest dining locations on the island of Malta, at Spinola Bay.
I wouldn’t say theirs is the best restaurant for Maltese food on the island, but the quality is good, prices fair and you can’t beat the location either.
Gululu opened another restaurant in Buġibba as well, which is a similar experience.
Ta` Marija
71, Triq il Kostituzjoni, Mosta
+356 2143 4444 |€€€
Ta` Marija in Mosta is a family-run restaurant and a recommendation for an evening out rather than just dinner with Maltese food.
The food served is mostly Maltese, of very good quality, and over and above guests are provided with entertainment in the form of traditional musical performances by traditionally clad performers. It makes for a different type of dining experience and is well worth a try.
The staff are very friendly, helpful and happy to meet any dietary requirements and it’s not surprising the restaurant has won several awards over the years, as well as good reviews from its diners.
Nenu the Artisan Baker
143, St Dominic Street, Valletta |€€€
Nenu the Artisan Baker is a highly popular restaurant in Valletta, offering a wide variety of typically Maltese foods and dishes that go beyond baked foods. Very tasty, genuine ingredients and even the restaurant itself is a good establishment for a quality dinner
When I was there with a few Maltese friends there seemed to be a sense of nostalgia towards some of the dishes they had last tasted when cooked by their Nanna (grandmother). There’s no better rating of the quality of Maltese food than that, I suppose!
Tal-Petut
20, Triq Pacifiku Scicluna, Birgu |€€€
Tal-Petut is a unique little restaurant and a food experience I highly recommend you try.
Chef Donald and his team serve a variety of traditionally prepared Maltese dishes and bite-size tastes, set within an old townhouse in the heart of the old village of Birgu(part of the Three Cities).
The staff is attentive, always happy to tell you a little more about the food they serve you and it’s a lovely dining experience in a homely setting.
DISCLAIMER: My reviews of the above restaurants were collected in late 2023. Restaurants come and go and change owners regularly, so although I update these reviews whenever I’m aware of changes in quality, I cannot guarantee this info is 100% accurate and up to date all the time.
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If you’ve tried any of my recommendations and agree or disagree, please leave a comment below and let me and other readers know!
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29 comments
My Great Respect to the Author!
Me and my girlfriend are about to go for a trip to Malta and I found your articles EXTREMELY helpful!
Thank you for your huge effort and indispensable tips!If I may recommend, I would also make an article devoted to special dishes worth trying in Malta. I am sure that a person with such handful experience would have much to share in this regard.
Best wishes!Reply
I’d like to second the recommendation of Rebekah’s in Mellieha. We were dining there in October 2021, and it’s been one of the best places I’ve ever visited for fine dining.
Service is super attentive, but not intrusive, the food was Michelin Star worthy, great local wines – it isn’t cheap but in our opinion worth every penny.Reply
Thanks for leaving a review Angie, happy to hear! 🙂
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These restaurants can be the best in the whole world! Thanks for sharing this post.
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Hi Edward, thanks to your recommendation I have had an amazing time trying great food all over Malta. Unfortunately, as a solo traveller, I didn’t get a table at Da Pippo as they appear to be only available for couples or groups. However, I had a superb lunch at Legligin after this incident. Thanks again for your blog, it was a tremendous help for my stay in Malta.
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We are coming to Malta end of October and we would enjoy food and culture experiences with locals, as well as updated recommendations for restaurants that would cover a range of different styles: traditional, street food and more creative Maltese cuisine.
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Great timing Marina, I’ve just made a few updates to this page so you’ll find everything you’re looking for here!
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We have had lovely experiences in the Ocean Basket restaurant in Qawra. It was so good we went back multiple times! The seafood sharing platters were incredibly good value, extremely delicious and fresh, we even had the same platter twice. The views are beautiful with a clear cut view of the sea and sky which is just beautiful as the sun begins to set. The restaurant is decorated beautifully with a clean blue and white interior and the staff are very friendly. Could not recommend this restaurant enough!
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Thank you for the tip India, I’ve added it to my “to test” list. 😉
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Hi Edward,
At first thanks for the great information you provide on your blog they have been very helpful throughout our 1 week visit to Malta!
There is definitely one restaurant missing in your list: Bouquet Garni in Mellieħa.
We lived nearby and went in cause of the excellent Tripadvisor comments. It is a small family run restaurant with great passionate service and outstanding food (especially the grilled octopus)
BR PatrickReply
Thank you for chipping in that suggestion Patrick, I’ve added it to my list to try!
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Hi Edward,
I’m visiting Mellieha with my partner from 16th to 19th June. Any great authentic dinner recommendations for our final night? Something with great views and traditional food (seafood?) Would also appreciate other lunch/dinner recommendations in the same area. We probably won’t be renting a car so something in the area would be great..
Thanks,
Ash.
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Hi Ash, the two restaurants I can think of are the Hilltop, located in the main road of Mellieha and Munchies, at Mellieha Bay. The first for the traditional food (although not a wide selection), the second for the view (AND the food, even if it’s not necessarily traditional Maltese food).
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Hi Edward,
Great tips. Do you know of any restaurants in the Mellieħa / St Pauls area that are suitable for vegetarians?
ThanksReply
Hi Georgina, the only restaurants that come to mind in those areas (that serve at least a few dishes specifically for vegetarians) are:
* Mezzaluna Bistro & Pizzeria (St. Paul’s Bay)
* House of Spice (Indian – Buġibba)
* One80 Kitchen & Lounge (Mellieħa)If you’ll be renting a car I can also recommend Agliolio who have a decent choice of vegetarian dishes. They’re part of the Radisson Golden Sands at Golden Bay, which is a 10-15 min drive away from St. Paul’s Bay.
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As a solo vegetarian traveller, are there any restaurants you would recommend in particular?
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Hi Niki, if location isn’t an issue, these are the places that are most vegetarian-friendly (that I know of):
* The Grassy Hopper (Valletta, Gżira)
* Pure (Sliema)
* Mint (Sliema)
* Tate (Birgu)Reply
Went with four friends to Tal-Majjistra in Mġarr. The rabbit dish was excellent. The whole evening was excellent actually, the food was really good, the service was great and the food was served with a smile. All in all quite recommendable.
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Thanks for the tip Josef. They do know how to prepare a tasty rabbit dish in Mġarr!
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Hi, I want to celebrate my wife’s 50th birthday with 4 others. Do you have any suggestions?
We are foodie people staying Cirkewwa and need it to be special.Reply
Hi Brian, I would suggest either heading down to Mellieħa Bay for a place called Munchies (I assure you that it’s much better food than you’d expect from a place bearing that name) or head to Mellieħa centre, for Rebekah’s.
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This was awesome. My husband and I will be going in June for 5 nights. What would be your absolute top 5 for us to experience? We will be staying in St Julian’s area. But I don’t care-happy to rent a car or taxi.
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Hi Sudi, that’s a very good question and one to which I’ll probably have a slightly different answer for every month. In no particular order, I’d say these are my current top 5:
* La Vecchia Napoli (Sliema or Salini Resort at Salina/Qawra)
* Legligin (Valletta)
* Rebekah’s (Mellieħa)
* Tartarun (Marsaxlokk)
* Munchies (Mellieħa Bay)Reply
Hi Edward, thanks for all the tips. Been to malta a couple of times but do you know of any authentic Maltese restaurants in Bugibba? Thank you and keep up the good work!
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Hi Paul, Charlie’s Inn gets good reviews, particularly because of their traditional Maltese rabbit dishes. They’re located just outside of Buġibba/Qawra in a small locality on the coastline, called Salina.
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Thank you so much for sharing this experience! We tried Ta ‘ Cassia in Salina and it was very good. Still in Malta so will try others as well.
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Glad you like that recommendation and hope you enjoyed your trip Gunnar!
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Sepia in Marsascala near playground…absolutely great food.
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Thanks for the tip Carmen!
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