South Eastern Malta covers fifteen towns around the Grand Harbour and the southeast coast, from the capital Valletta and the fortified Three Cities to the prehistoric Hypogeum and Tarxien temples and the fishing port of Marsaxlokk.
South-eastern Malta eats Maltese: rabbit stew, bragioli, ftira, pastizzi and imqaret, with Sicilian and Italian influence in Valletta's cafes and confectioners. Marsaxlokk is the seafood destination, with lampuki (dorado) in season and fresh catch from the luzzu boats. The Three Cities and Valletta add restored-palazzo dining and Michelin-listed kitchens. Lunch is usually 12:30-15:00 and dinner from 19:00.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define South Eastern.
Stuffat tal-fenek (rabbit stew)
Rabbit slow-cooked in wine, garlic and tomato, Malta's national dish.
Where to try: Nenu the Artisan Baker, 143 St Dominic Street, Valletta; Tal-Petut, Birgu
Price: EUR 14-22 (USD 16-25)
Fresh catch and fish soup (aljotta)
Whole grilled fish and garlic-and-tomato fish soup from the Marsaxlokk boats.
Where to try: Tartarun, Ta' Victor and Liska, Xatt is-Sajjieda, Marsaxlokk
Price: EUR 18-35 (USD 21-40)
Ftajjar
Maltese bread round baked in a traditional wood-fired oven, eaten with tomato, tuna and olives.
Where to try: Tunajja Bakery, 90 Triq Santa Marija, Zejtun
Price: EUR 2-5 (USD 2.30-5.75)
Pastizzi
Flaky pastry filled with ricotta or mushy peas, a cheap Maltese snack.
Where to try: Pastizzerias across Valletta, Paola and Zejtun; Caffe Cordina, 244 Republic Street, Valletta
Price: EUR 0.50-1.20 (USD 0.58-1.38)
Sicilian-style cannoli and desserts
Ricotta-filled pastries from a confectioner founded in 1906.
Where to try: Rubino, 53 Old Bakery Street, Valletta
Price: EUR 4-8 (USD 4.60-9.20)
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Mediterranean
Italian
Seafood
European
Lebanese
Maltese
Traditional Maltese
Food tours & tastings in South Eastern
Eat your way through South Eastern with a guide.
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Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Pastizzi and qassatat
Savoury baked pastries sold hot from small shops and kiosks across the region
Find it at: Valletta, Paola, Zejtun and Cospicua bakeries
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Marsaxlokk fish market
Daily waterfront stalls with a large Sunday morning fish and souvenir market beside the luzzu fishing boats.
Hours: Sunday morning is the main market day; arrive before 10:00
Is-Suq tal-Belt (Valletta Food Market)
Historic covered market hall in Valletta with food stalls and a bar.
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Lunch runs about 12:30-15:00 and dinner starts around 19:00; many Marsaxlokk seafood restaurants close one or two days a week, often Monday.
Reserve Under Grain, ION Harbour and Marsaxlokk waterfront tables well ahead, especially for Sunday lunch.
Fresh fish is sold by weight; ask the price per kilo before ordering.
A service charge is not always added; 5-10 percent tipping is usual.
Valletta restaurants are on steep, stepped streets; allow extra walking time.
Prices here are indicative and use 1 EUR = 1.15 USD.
- Vegetarian
- Widely available: ricotta pastizzi, ftira, vegetable stews and pasta; ask for no meat stock in soups.
- Vegan
- Limited at traditional places; Mediterranean menus offer vegetable mezze and pasta without cheese.
- Halal
- No certified halal restaurant was confirmed in this region; Mood Bistro in Cospicua serves Lebanese food and can advise.
- Gluten free
- Grilled fish and meat are naturally gluten-free; pasta, bread and pastries are not, so ask in advance.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | EUR 20-30 per day (USD 23-35) | Pastizzi or ftira breakfast, a bakery or pizzeria lunch and a simple dinner. |
| Mid-range | EUR 40-65 per day (USD 46-75) | Cafe breakfast, a sit-down lunch and a bistro or waterfront dinner with wine. |
| Upscale | EUR 100-250+ per day (USD 115-288+) | Tasting menu at a Michelin-listed restaurant or a Marsaxlokk seafood feast. |