The Best Restaurants in Malta

Last Updated: Jan 04, 2024
Reading Time: 10 minutes
By: Shaun

Malta has a lot to offer when it comes to dining out. Whether you are looking for traditional Maltese cuisine, international flavours, or fine dining options, you will find something to suit your taste and budget in Malta.

The Maltese islands have a rich and diverse culinary heritage, influenced by their history, geography, and culture. You can enjoy dishes that reflect the Mediterranean, Arabic, Italian, French, and British influences that have shaped the island over the centuries. With many people from all nations relocating to Malta over the last few years, you can easily find a restaurant for any cuisine your heart desires.

In this article, we will help you discover some of the best restaurants in Malta that you should try. We will categorise them by cuisine, so you can easily find the ones that suit your taste and convenience. If you are looking for a more high-end experience, we will also highlight the restaurants that have been awarded the prestigious Michelin star.

The best restaurants in Malta by cuisine

One of the best ways to explore the culinary diversity of Malta is to try the different cuisines that are available on the island. You can find restaurants that specialise in various types of cuisines, from Mediterranean to Asian, from Italian to fusion.

Here are some of the best restaurants in Malta by cuisine, which we have handpicked for you.

Mediterranean cuisine

Sauted Squid with Leek | Image by Dinkun Chen on Wikimedia Commons

Obviously, Mediterranean cuisine is one of the most popular and prevalent cuisines on the islands. It is based on fresh ingredients, such as vegetables, fruits, fish, seafood, olive oil, herbs, and spices, with typical dishes like pasta, pizza, salads, soups, stews, grilled meats, and seafood.

If you are looking for some of the best restaurants in Malta that serve Mediterranean cuisine, here are some of our recommendations:

Wigi’s Kitchen

Wigi’s Kitchen is a steakhouse and Mediterranean restaurant located in St. Julian’s, one of the most popular tourist areas in Malta. It is known for its high-quality meat, fresh seafood, and homemade desserts.

The restaurant has a warm and elegant atmosphere, and the service is friendly and professional. Some of the dishes you can try here are the octopus with avocado, the beef carpaccio, the lobster roll, and the tarte tatin.

Venus Restaurant

Located in Bugibba, a seaside resort town, is the Venus Restaurant. This seafood and Mediterranean restaurant is known for its fresh and delicious seafood, prepared with local ingredients and traditional recipes.

The restaurant has a spacious and modern decor, and the service is attentive and courteous. Make sure to try the fresh prawn tempura, the fresh mussels, or the grilled swordfish.

one80 Kitchen & Lounge

one80 Kitchen & Lounge is another seafood and Mediterranean restaurant, this time located in the town of Mellieħa. It is situated on a hill overlooking the bay, offering stunning views of the sea and the sunset.

It has a chic and elegant ambience, and the service is professional and friendly. You definitely can’t go wrong at one80.

Italian cuisine

Carbonara | Image by Wow Phochiangrak on Pixabay

Italian cuisine is probably the most famous of all Mediterranean cuisines, and with Malta’s close proximity to Italy, it is very prevalent in Malta.

Italian cuisine is based on simple ingredients such as pasta, pizza, cheese, tomatoes, and olive oil, and in Malta you can find some amazing Italian cuisine like lasagna, spaghetti carbonara, pizza margherita, tiramisu, and obviously gelato.

If you are looking for some of the best restaurants in Malta that serve Italian cuisine, here are some of our recommendations:

Casa Sotto

Casa Sotto is an Italian restaurant located in Valletta. It is known for its authentic Roman pinsa, as well as its pasta, salads, and desserts. Casa Sotto has a rustic and charming atmosphere, and some of the dishes you can try here are the pinsa romana with burrata cheese, the pasta alla carbonara, and finishing off with a tiramisu.

Papannis Italian Restaurant

Papannis Italian Restaurant is an elegant Italian restaurant located as well in Valletta, near the Grand Master’s Palace. It is known for its homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and traditional recipes. We recommend trying the salmon linguine, the papannis ravioli, and the smoked salmon tagliatelle.

Asian cuisine

Red Curry | Image by Elli O. oelli on Wikimedia Commons

Asian cuisine is quite a broad term that encompasses various cuisines from different regions of Asia, such as China, Japan, India, Thailand, and Vietnam. Here are some of our recommendations if you are in the mood for some Asian cuisine.

Amami

Amami is a Japanese and sushi restaurant located in Mellieħa. It is named after the Amami Islands, a group of small islands in Japan that are known for their natural beauty and rich culture. The restaurant has a modern and minimalist decor, and the service is efficient and courteous. Some of the dishes you can try here are the spring rolls, the lobster roll, and the steak teriyaki.

Kaiseki

Kaiseki is a Mediterranean and Asian restaurant located in Valletta, near the Upper Barrakka Gardens. It is named after the traditional Japanese multi-course meal that showcases seasonal ingredients and artistic presentation. It has a cosy and intimate atmosphere, and the service is attentive and knowledgeable. Some of the dishes you can try here are the rabbit starter, the duck main, and the brownie dessert.

Fusion cuisine

Japanese burrito | Image by Quinn Dombrowski on Flickr

Fusion cuisine is a type of cuisine that combines elements from different cuisines to create new and innovative dishes. It can be influenced by various factors, such as cultural diversity, globalization, creativity, or experimentation. Some of the typical dishes of fusion cuisine include tacos al pastor, chicken tikka masala, sushi burritos, and cronuts.

If you are looking for some of the best restaurants in Malta that serve fusion cuisine, here are some of our recommendations:

LOA

LOA is a fusion and South American restaurant located in St. Julian’s, near the Portomaso Marina. It is named after the Hawaiian word for “long”, which reflects the restaurant’s concept of offering long-lasting flavours and experiences.

Decorated in a very colourful decor, at LOA, you can try the ceviche, the quinoa salad, and the churros, together with some cocktails.

ION Harbour

ION Harbour is a fusion and European restaurant located in Valletta, on the fourth floor of the Iniala Harbour House hotel. It is named after the Greek word for “violet”, which symbolises luxury and elegance.

The restaurant has a stunning view over the Grand Harbour, and the service is impeccable and professional. Some of the dishes you can try here are the scallop with caviar, the lamb with artichoke, and the chocolate with hazelnut.

Maltese Cusine

Rabbit Stew

While in Malta, you cannot pass up trying out the local cuisine. Traditional Maltese food is hearty, savoury, and packed with fresh ingredients, making it a must-try for foodies. Maltese cuisine has something for everyone, whether you like meat or are a vegetarian.

Here we have compiled a list of the top 3 Maltese restaurants in Malta that offer authentic, delicious, and affordable dishes that will make you want to come back for more. Here are our picks for the best Maltese restaurants in Malta:

Ta’ Kris Restaurant

Located in a former bakery in the heart of Sliema, Ta’ Kris Restaurant is a charming place that serves traditional Maltese dishes with a modern twist. The menu features classics such as rabbit stew, bragioli (beef olives), timpana (baked macaroni), and lampuki pie (fish pie), as well as salads, pasta, and grilled meats. The portions are generous, the prices are reasonable, and the service is friendly and attentive.

Ta’ Kris Restaurant has received rave reviews from customers who praise the quality of the food, the ambiance of the place, and the professionalism of the staff. With a high rating on sites like TripAdvisor, you can’t go wrong when dining at Ta’ Kris.

Legligin Wine Bar

If you are a wine lover and a foodie, you will love Legligin Wine Bar. This rustic wine bar in Valletta offers a selection of over 80 wines from around the world, as well as a variety of Maltese dishes that are served in tapas-style portions. You can enjoy a cheese platter, a meat platter, or a mixed platter that includes local delicacies such as bigilla (bean dip), gbejniet (cheeselets), zalzett (sausage), and hobz biz-zejt (bread with tomato paste).

You can also try some of their signature dishes, such as rabbit liver pate, octopus stew, or lamb shank. If you are looking for a relaxing and enjoyable evening with good wine and good food, Legligin Wine Bar is a great choice.

Tal-Petut Restaurant

Tal-Petut Restaurant is a hidden gem in Birgu that offers a unique and personalised dining experience. The restaurant is run by Kenneth Spiteri, a passionate chef who creates dishes based on his own recipes and preferences. There is no fixed menu at Tal-Petut Restaurant; instead, you can choose from a range of seasonal ingredients that are displayed on a board and let the chef surprise you with his creations.

You can expect to enjoy dishes such as stuffed calamari, lamb chops, rabbit ravioli, or Maltese pizza, as well as desserts such as imqaret (date pastries), kannoli (ricotta-filled tubes), or helwa tat-tork (sesame candy).

So when you are visiting the Three Cities, make sure to head to Tal-Petut Restaurant for a memorable and adventurous dining experience that you should not miss.

Michelin Star restaurants

Fine Dining | Image by LeonardKong on Wikimedia Commons

Malta joined the Michelin Guide in 2020, becoming the 32nd country to be included in this prestigious publication that highlights the most outstanding restaurants in the world. In the first edition, which featured Maltese restaurants, three were awarded a one-star award. If you are looking for an exceptional dining experience, look no further than these three restaurants. If you do decide to visit these restaurants, make sure you make a reservation.

De Mondion

De Mondion is located on the top floor of one of Malta’s top hotels, the Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux. The hotel is housed in a 17th-century palazzo in the mediaeval city of Mdina and the restaurant offers stunning views of the island and the sea, as well as a refined and romantic ambiance.

The cuisine at De Mondion is inspired by Mediterranean and French influences, with a focus on seasonal and local ingredients. The menu changes regularly, but some of the signature dishes include:

Roasted quail with foie gras, figs, and port wine sauce
Lobster ravioli with bisque foam and caviar
Fillet of beef Rossini with truffle sauce and potato gratin
Chocolate soufflé with vanilla ice cream and salted caramel sauce

Noni

Noni is located on Republic Street, the main street in Valletta. The restaurant occupies a historic building that dates back to the 16th century, with exposed stone walls and wooden beams that create a rustic atmosphere.

The cuisine at Noni is a modern interpretation of traditional Maltese dishes, with a touch of creativity and flair. The menu features classics such as:

Rabbit tortellini with broad beans and mint
Braised octopus with fennel and orange salad
Slow-cooked lamb shank with barley risotto and gremolata
Maltese bread pudding with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce

Under Grain

Under Grain is also located in Valletta, this time on Merchants Street. It is situated on the lower level of a 17th-century building that was once a grain storehouse and has been converted with a contemporary decor of wooden floors, leather seats, and copper accents.

The cuisine at Under Grain is based on Mediterranean flavours, with an emphasis on fresh and organic ingredients. The menu offers dishes such as:

Seared scallops with cauliflower puree and hazelnut dressing
Duck breast with sweet potato mash and cherry sauce
Sea bass with artichoke hearts and lemon butter sauce
Pistachio cake with white chocolate mousse and raspberry coulis

Conclusion

As you can see, Malta has a lot of options when it comes to restaurants. You can find restaurants that suit your taste, budget, occasion, and location. We hope that this article has given you some ideas and inspiration for your next dining experience in Malta. We wish you a happy and tasty journey!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average price range for a meal at the best restaurants in Malta?

Prices at the best restaurants in Malta vary, but on average, customers can expect to pay between €20-€40 per person for a meal.

What are the most important features of a restaurant that customers consider when making a reservation?

Customers look for a convenient location, a comfortable atmosphere, and the availability of outdoor seating when making a reservation at a restaurant in Malta.

How do Malta's best restaurants cater to customers with dietary restrictions or preferences?

Malta's best restaurants are well-equipped to cater to customers with dietary restrictions or preferences, offering vegetarian and vegan options, gluten-free dishes, and other allergen-free choices.

Are there any Michelin star restaurants in Malta?

De Mondion in Mdina, Noni and Under Grain in Valletta have all been awarded a one Michelin star in the 2020 edition of the Michelin Guide.