This is post 4/9 in our Malta series.
A huge part of any holiday is the quality of the local food. It can make or break a trip. Seeking out the best eateries can become a challenge and most of the advice suggests that if the locals eat there, then it’s a winner. Although this holds up in most scenarios it does not always ring true. Therefore, we have compiled a guide to the best eateries in Malta so you won’t have to play that game of restaurant roulette.
Traditional Maltese food has a variety of influences. It would be fair to consider it a mix of North African, Italian and British cuisines. As Malta was a British colony for over 150 years, and there’s an annual influx of tourists from the UK, it can be hard to escape British food. It may be difficult to seek out traditional Maltese food, but it is definitely worth it. With this list in mind, you can travel round the island in your rental car on a mission to discover which restaurant you think is the best.
Valletta
In Valletta’s main piazza is this charming traditional restaurant. The restaurant offers two extremely different dining experiences though. You can sit outside, basking in the sun and gazing at the glorious view of the Grand Master Palace, or you can eat inside the atmospheric stone cellar. The food here is not the cheapest in the city but the quality is as good as any, and you can listen to live jazz music in the evenings.
If you are looking for a cheaper option where you can grab a light lunch, then head over to this fantastic pizzeria. The ftira (maltese flatbread) topped with cheeses, olives, fish or meat, is the dish of choice for the many locals that regularly visit the restaurant. The owners are proud of the building’s heritage as a former bakery and as you enter you will cross a glass floor over the original working ovens. The interior is completely modernised and it has a bright contemporary atmosphere.
Mdina
This family run restaurant is right in the centre of Mdina. The food here is excellent and there are offerings of traditional Italian cuisine. This is also one of the few restaurants that offers gluten-free dining. The courtyard terrace is a fantastic place to sit whilst eating as it is surrounded by orange trees and there are water features which add to the atmosphere. The courtyard comes to life during the evenings when they are basked in candlelight making them the perfect spot for a romantic meal.
Right in the heart of the city, this café is more a place to grab a light bite than have an evening meal, but you should definitely give it a go. The views over the surrounding countryside from the rooftop terrace are fantastic and it is easy to sit here for hours. The menu offers great pizzas and sandwiches but the cakes are the real treat. Make sure you save room for a slice of homemade chocolate or strawberry meringue cake.
Sliema
This new family run restaurant prides itself on serving traditional Maltese dishes with a twist. The friendly atmosphere and excellent service complements the delicious food. The most adventurous item on the menu is the mushroom and strawberry soup, which is a must try. Alternatively there are a selection of more traditional dishes, including some of the best local seafood, which should leave everyone satisfied.
This funky waterside café is always busy and this is for a good reason. Their ethos of not having a set menu reflects the freshness and seasonality of their ingredients. It is a great place to grab a light lunch as they do a delicious range of salads, sandwiches and smoothies. There are also some indulgent homemade cakes that should not be missed.
St. Julians
If you are looking for fine dining in St. Julian’s then this is the place for you. The restaurant is attached to The Westin Dragonara Resort but you don’t have to be a guest to eat here. The Sunday lunch buffet is the star of the show and the range of Asian, Mediterranean and South American foods are complemented by an excellent carvery. The restaurant itself is formal, but it doesn’t lack a friendly atmosphere.
With great views over the bay, Wigi’s Kitchen is a firm favourite with both locals and tourists. The service is excellent and the food is carefully prepared. There is a range of food, from local fish and calamari to exquisitely cooked lamb. There should be something for everyone on the menu, which regularly changes to suit the season. It’s suitable for lunches and evening meals but be sure to book to avoid being turned away.
If you are heading to Malta for a trip you may also like to read our Malta Travel Guide.
Great advice, having regularly visited Malta, it is always worth trying their traditional fare. Stuffat tal-fenek or Rabbit Stew is a local dish which is well worth trying (forget the cuddly bunny). If you enjoy a good steak try the Commando Restaurant in Mellieha, I have eaten steaks all over the world but this cosy little restaurant beats them all in my opinion.
The Maltese bread (Ftira)is out of this world, traditionaly made and baked in wood fuelled ovens, takes some beating. Get to the bakers first thing for something rather special. Qormi is renowned for the best bakers in Malta. Be prepared to gain a few pounds.
You should definitely visit Fontanella’s in Mdina and sample their Fishermans Baguettes not to mention their beautiful cakes, friendly staff and fantastic views.
BTW I have no connection with any of the above, I live in Plymouth and work in the Dockyard, my wife and I hope someday to partially retire to Malta. They all speak good English, drive on the correct side of the road and use 3 pin plugs and their local brew Cisk is pretty good too, not to mention the weather, nuff said.
Wow! What a fantastic piece of advice, thanks Paul. We hope you an your wife make it there soon!
Great article, thank you! I’m heading to Malta this summer so will definitely visit some of these! Very well written too.
Hannah
Hi Hannah, thanks for the comment, we hope you have a great time in Malta.