Best Restaurants in Malta 2025
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.
Must-Try Dishes
These iconic dishes define the culinary identity of Malta.
Pastizzi
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.
Stuffat tal-Fenek (Rabbit Stew)
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.
Braġjoli (Beef Olives)
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.
Ħobż biż-Żejt
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.
Lampuki Pie (Torta tal-Lampuki)
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.
Gbejniet (Sheep Cheese)
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.
Complete Food Guide
100+ restaurants, local recipes, and dining recommendations for Malta.
Top Restaurants
Our handpicked recommendations for the best dining experiences.
Bahia
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.
Gululu Restaurant
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.
Surf N' Turf
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.
Crystal Palace Pastizzeria
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.
Fontanella Tea Garden
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.
ION - The Harbour
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.
Nenu the Artisan Baker
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.
Blue Elephant
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.
Restaurants by Cuisine
Find restaurants that match your taste preferences.
Mediterranean Fine Dining Cuisine
Bahia
Traditional Maltese Cuisine
Gululu Restaurant
Nenu the Artisan Baker
La Pira Maltese Kitchen
Tal-Familja Restaurant
Ta' Kris Restaurant
Seafood & Grills Cuisine
Surf N' Turf
Maltese Street Food Cuisine
Crystal Palace Pastizzeria
Cafe Jubilee
Is-Serkin
Ta' Cent L-Art
Cafe & Desserts Cuisine
Fontanella Tea Garden
Contemporary Mediterranean Cuisine
ION - The Harbour
Street Food & Markets
The best local flavors at affordable prices.
Pastizzi
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.
Qassatat
Circular open-top pastry filled with ricotta, spinach, or peas — cousin to the pastizz but thicker and more substantial. Available at all pastizzerias.
Ftira Bieb il-Belt
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.
Mqaret
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.
Food Markets
Marsaxlokk Fish Market
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.
Valletta Daily Market (Merchants Street)
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.
Ta' Qali Crafts Village Food Producers
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.
Dining Etiquette & Tips
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
Food Budget Guide
What to expect at different price points.
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