Explore the culinary scene of Malta - from local favorites to fine dining.
Malta is a sun-soaked Mediterranean archipelago between Sicily and North Africa, renowned for its ancient fortified cities, crystal-clear waters, and 7,000 years of history. This UNESCO World Heritage jewel blends baroque architecture, prehistoric temples, and vibrant coastal life into one of Europe's most captivating destinations.
Maltese cuisine is a unique blend of Mediterranean, Arab, Sicilian, and British influences reflecting the islands' layered history. Staple dishes revolve around rabbit (fenek), fresh seafood, sheep's cheese (gbejniet), and humble pastry street food like pastizzi. The flavors are honest and hearty rather than refined, built on locally-grown tomatoes, capers, olives, and sun-ripened vegetables. Malta's small wine industry produces distinctive Gellewza and Ghirgentina varietals worth exploring.
These iconic dishes define the culinary identity of Malta.
Flaky diamond-shaped pastry filled with either ricotta cheese or mushy peas — Malta's most iconic street food eaten at any time of day. The best are fresh from the oven at a local pastizzeria, not sitting in a display case.
Malta's national dish — rabbit slow-cooked in red wine, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs until tender, typically served with pasta or bread. Every family has their version; restaurants serve it as the ultimate traditional meal.
Thin beef slices stuffed with hard-boiled egg, bacon, breadcrumbs, and herbs, then rolled and braised slowly in red wine sauce. A distinctly Maltese take on Italian involtini with much deeper flavor.
A hollowed Maltese bread roll rubbed with ripe tomato, drizzled with olive oil, filled with tuna, capers, olives, onions, and gbejniet cheese. The quintessential Maltese working lunch.
A seasonal golden pastry filled with fresh lampuki (dolphin fish), spinach, capers, and olives — only available September to November when lampuki season runs. One of Malta's finest traditional dishes.
Small rounds of fresh, dried, or peppered sheep's milk cheese unique to Malta and Gozo. Eaten fresh as a starter or aged with black pepper as a snack; pairs perfectly with local wine.
100+ restaurants, local recipes, and dining recommendations for Malta.
Our handpicked recommendations for the best dining experiences.
Michelin-starred restaurant offering exceptional tasting menus with Mediterranean flavors and stunning Grand Harbour views. This elegant Valletta establishment delivers world-class cuisine in a sophisticated atmosphere.
Authentic Maltese restaurant in St Julians serving traditional dishes including rabbit, sea bass, and Irkotta with the typical dessert Mqaret. This popular eatery offers generous portions and local atmosphere.
Relaxed waterfront restaurant in Marsaxlokk serving fresh seafood and grilled meats with harbor views. This family-friendly spot offers excellent fish platters and traditional Maltese dishes at reasonable prices.
Legendary Rabat pastizzeria serving fresh pastizzi (flaky pastries filled with ricotta or peas) since 1967. This local institution offers Malta's most authentic street food at rock-bottom prices.
Iconic Mdina rooftop cafe famous for spectacular views and enormous chocolate cake slices. This must-visit spot offers panoramic island vistas with coffee, pastries, and light meals.
Michelin-starred waterfront restaurant in Valletta combining innovative cuisine with spectacular Grand Harbour views. Chef Alex Dilling creates artistic dishes using local ingredients in this sophisticated setting.
Highly popular Valletta restaurant offering wide variety of traditional Maltese foods beyond baked goods. This bustling eatery serves authentic home-style cooking including ftira, mqaret, and seasonal specialties.
Authentic Thai restaurant in St Julians offering traditional curries, stir-fries, and noodle dishes. This casual eatery serves flavorful Thai classics in generous portions with vegetarian options.
Find restaurants that match your taste preferences.
The best local flavors at affordable prices.
Flaky pastry filled with ricotta or peas, baked fresh hourly at pastizzerias across Malta. The ultimate on-the-go snack at €0.45-0.65 each; eat them hot.
Circular open-top pastry filled with ricotta, spinach, or peas — cousin to the pastizz but thicker and more substantial. Available at all pastizzerias.
A Maltese sourdough ring bread used as the base for filled sandwiches with tuna, tomatoes, capers, and gbejniet. The Valletta variation is a local institution.
Deep-fried diamond-shaped pastry filled with dates, orange, and aniseed — a Maltese sweet treat of Arab origin served at Maltese festas and some pastizzerias.
Malta's iconic Sunday market combining fresh fish vendors, produce stalls, and general goods along the waterfront. The fish section operates daily from early morning with the freshest lampuki, swordfish, and local catch.
A covered daily market in the heart of Valletta selling fresh local vegetables, fruit, fish, and household goods. Genuine local atmosphere with Maltese-grown produce at better prices than supermarkets.
The crafts village hosts food producers selling traditional Maltese honey, olive oil, gbejniet cheese, and preserved goods alongside the craft stalls. Direct from producers with tastings available.
Navigate the local food scene like a pro.
Lunch is the main meal for Maltese families — Sunday lunch especially is a long, multi-course affair; book popular restaurants well in advance for Sunday noon
Restaurants near major tourist attractions (Mdina walls, Valletta Waterfront) typically charge 30-50% more for the same quality available one street away
Traditional Maltese restaurants may not have printed menus in English — ask for the daily specials which are usually the freshest and best value
Most Maltese restaurants serve dinner from 7pm; arriving before 7:30pm gets better table selection
Tipping 10-15% is appreciated but check your bill first — some restaurants add a 10% service charge automatically
What to expect at different price points.
Get our complete food guide with 100+ restaurant recommendations, local recipes, and foodie walking routes.
Download Food Guide