Exploring Malta
A culinary tour of Malta
The best restaurants, markets and dishes
Learn more
A trip to Malta isn’t complete until you’ve savoured the delectable delights of the island nation’s cuisine. With a rich culture which stretches back thousands of years, it’s little surprise Malta has developed a culinary landscape which can rival any country in Europe.
Whether you want to try out a restaurant, head to a market for the freshest produce, pick up a quick and easy takeaway, or even try making a local delicacy of your own, this guide is your one-stop-shop for everything you need to know. Let’s explore the best of what Malta has to offer.
Contents
The best restaurants in Malta
The best markets in Malta
Michelin Star restaurants in Malta
Maltese dishes to try yourself
The best restaurants in Malta
If you’re feeling confident, why not give cooking a traditional Maltese dish a try? You’ll be able to pick up ingredients from markets, as well as grocery stores, which give you the chance to experiment with new recipes if you’re fortunate enough to have a kitchen where you’re staying. Here are some great ideas to try yourself:
Taproom
Found in the beating heart of the capital city of Valletta, this charming restaurant blends traditional Maltese cuisine with foods from across the rest of Central Europe and the Mediterranean. Locals will often meet here after work, seeing the intimate nature of the property create a cosy spot to catch up with friends.
Taproom is also famed for its wine and cocktail selections, which are available to patrons late into the night, without ever descending into a bar or club atmosphere. It’s fashionable fusion at its finest.
The Fork and Cork
Found on the edge of Rabat and Mdina, this charmingly named eatery specialises in Mediterranean cooking. The menu, which offers diners great variety, is accommodating for both vegan and vegetarian visitors, while the service has been described as excellent.
Private rooms are available and the catering staff are always happy to fine-tune a dish in accordance with someone’s wishes. Like good Maltese restaurants, the wine list is just as comprehensive as the food.
Sciacca Grill
Those with a passion for steak should definitely take a trip to the Sciacca Grill during their visit. With two locations (one in Valletta, and one in the equally-popular tourist region of St Julian’s), your options are twofold for this much-loved grillhouse.
Impressive slabs of meat are meticulously roasted by grilling experts, with a host of different cuts and types of meat to choose between. As a very popular choice, it’s always wise to book a couple of days in advance. We also wouldn’t recommend a visit if you’re a non-meat eater.
Two Buoys Bistro
Lovers of seafood need look no further than the Two Buoys Bistro in St Julian’s. Outdoor seating over Spinola Bay is one of the highlights of this spot, as well as the spectrum of seafood, vegan dishes and vegetarian options that you’ll find on the menu. And with produce often fished right out of the sea the day it’s served up, you know you’re getting your money’s worth.
The best markets in Malta
As fantastic as eating at a restaurant can be, it’s hard to look past a traditional market for a real flavour of what a country has to offer. Whether it’s light bites from food stalls, or fresh ingredients for you to take away and sample yourself, these bustling hubs are the best place to visit for a true taste of Malta.
Valletta indoor market
Ask anyone in Malta to point you towards the island’s most important market, and they’ll tell you to head to Is-Suq tal-Belt on Merchant’s Street. This iconic indoor market has origins which stretch back to British colonial rule in the 1860s, and is believed to be one of the first buildings in Malta constructed of iron.
The basement level of the marketplace is where shoppers of all things food-related should head. They’ll find fishmongers, butchers, delicatessen counters, fine wine stores, bakeries, fruit and vegetable stands, and a range of other offerings. Meanwhile on the ground floor you’ll find stalls ready to sell you finished products for immediate enjoyment.
Ta’ Qali farmers market
This charming market not only lets you give back to the local community of Ta’ Qali, but also gives you the confidence to know the food you’re buying is completely fresh.
The market is held every Tuesday and Saturday morning, offering a huge choice of locally grown fruit and vegetables. As well as the incredible quality of the produce on sale, you’ll also find prices to be considerably cheaper than at stores.
Marsaxlokk market
If you’ve ever read a travel guide to Malta, there’s a good chance you will have heard of the Marsaxlokk market. This fish-centric marketplace features a variety of freshly caught seafood, as well as fruit jams, wine and even clothes if you need them.
While perhaps lacking the tourist-friendly refinery of other locations, this market is a fantastic spot to check out if you’re looking to see the local people of Malta going about their daily lives.
Michelin Star restaurants in Malta
If you’re feeling confident, why not give cooking a traditional Maltese dish a try? You’ll be able to pick up ingredients from markets, as well as grocery stores, which give you the chance to experiment with new recipes if you’re fortunate enough to have a kitchen where you’re staying. Here are some great ideas to try yourself:
Noni
This former bakery and confectionary store has been transformed into the quintessential dining experience for anyone looking to taste refined Maltese cuisine. Traditional dishes have been given a modern twist, while patrons are able to enjoy a lively atmosphere in a stone-walled downstairs cellar. Cap your night off with a delicious Italian wine.
ION
As the name might suggest, this amazing venue takes seafood and puts it at the forefront of everything they do. With views looking out over the beautiful Grand Harbour, diners can practically see where their food has been sourced from. Once again the culinary style sees a traditional Mediterranean theme blended with modern classics.
De Mondion
The 16th floor of the Xara Palace Hotel plays host to this classy and elegant restaurant, which offers diners the chance to enjoy the stunning views of Mdina. Sophistication is at the core of everything that happens at De Mondion, with all food washed down by vintage French and Italian wines.
Bahia
In contrast to the other names on our list, Bahia takes a charming, understated approach to fine dining. Found in a sleepy little village, this hidden gem has a rotating menu, which highlights all the culinary classics of good Mediterranean cooking. The venue takes its name from the oranges which are grown in the local region.
Under Grain
This fusion of classic and contemporary Maltese cuisine sources all ingredients from nearby markets and stalls. Restaurant goers can indulge in fresh fish caught the morning they eat it, and meat bred ethically and sustainably in pastures across the surrounding region. The premises itself is housed in an old tailoring factory, with modern decor juxtaposed perfectly alongside the rustic architecture of the original building.
Maltese dishes to try yourself
If you’re feeling confident, why not give cooking a traditional Maltese dish a try? You’ll be able to pick up ingredients from markets, as well as grocery stores, which give you the chance to experiment with new recipes if you’re fortunate enough to have a kitchen where you’re staying. Here are some great ideas to try yourself:
Ftira biż-Żejt (Open sandwich)
Perfect for a lunch down by the sea, or at a picnic, the dish sees sliced Maltese bread covered in kunserva (a type of sweet tomato paste), before being topped with tomatoes, tuna, salt and pepper. It takes just minutes to make, but is a staple of local cooking.
Ftira Għawdxija (Gozitan pizza)
Visitors to the island of Gozo should give this delectable pizza dish a try. Made with a special type of dough, the pizza is usually topped with ricotta, goat’s cheese and even potato slices. This hearty dish is a fantastic option for anyone who has a penchant for Italian cuisine, but wants an authentically Maltese meal.
Lampuki pie
Recipes for this type of pie will be handed down from generation to generation. For the uninitiated, the Lampuki itself is a type of swordfish, which is chopped and added to a pie with ingredients like carrots, black olives, cauliflower, garlic, tomatoes and capers.
Beef olives
This intriguingly named dish sees stuffed, olive-shaped rolls of beef braised in wine. The stuffing consists of egg, bacon, parsley, breadcrumbs and garlic, which is slow-cooked in a rich red wine sauce. Onions and carrots are added before being served up with a side of Maltese bread and potatoes.
Make sure to keep this guide to hand when you next visit Malta. With so many delicious delights to choose from, you’ll kick yourself if you miss out during your trip.