Malta's culinary scene has exploded in recent years, transforming from traditional Maltese fare to a sophisticated dining destination. Whether you're seeking authentic local dishes or innovative Mediterranean fusion, Malta offers extraordinary dining experiences across all budgets.
Fine Dining Restaurants
Noni (Valletta)
Cuisine: Modern Mediterranean | Price: €€€€
Chef Jonathan Brincat's flagship restaurant offers innovative interpretations of Maltese classics. Located in a beautiful 16th-century palazzo, Noni consistently ranks among Malta's best restaurants. The tasting menu showcases local ingredients with international techniques.
Address: 1, Republic Street, Valletta | Phone: +356 2122 7331
Official Website | TripAdvisor
Under Grain (Valletta)
Cuisine: Contemporary European | Price: €€€€
Intimate restaurant focusing on seasonal ingredients and creative presentations. The open kitchen allows diners to watch the culinary artistry unfold.
Address: 343, St. Paul Street, Valletta | Phone: +356 2122 5086
Official Website | TripAdvisor
Bahia (St. Paul's Bay)
Cuisine: Mediterranean Fusion | Price: €€€€
Stunning waterfront location with panoramic sea views. Chef creates dishes that celebrate Malta's Mediterranean position with influences from North Africa and Southern Europe.
Address: Dolmen Hotel, Qawra | Phone: +356 2355 2355
Official Website | TripAdvisor
Traditional Maltese Restaurants
Rubino (Valletta)
Cuisine: Traditional Maltese | Price: €€
Family-run restaurant since 1906, serving authentic Maltese dishes in a historic setting. Famous for their fenkata (rabbit stew) and traditional bragioli.
Address: 53, Old Bakery Street, Valletta | Phone: +356 2122 4656
Ta' Kris (Sliema)
Cuisine: Home-style Maltese | Price: €€
Beloved local institution serving generous portions of traditional Maltese comfort food. The atmosphere feels like dining in a Maltese family home.
Address: 80, Bisazza Street, Sliema | Phone: +356 2133 7367
Diar il-Bniet (Dingli)
Cuisine: Farm-to-table Maltese | Price: €€€
Set in a 17th-century farmhouse, this restaurant grows most of their ingredients on-site. Traditional recipes prepared with exceptional attention to quality and authenticity.
Address: Dingli Cliffs Road, Dingli | Phone: +356 2145 4870
Official Website | TripAdvisor
Seafood Restaurants
Tartarun (Marsaxlokk)
Cuisine: Fresh Seafood | Price: €€€
Waterfront restaurant in Malta's most picturesque fishing village. Daily catch displayed on ice, prepared with Mediterranean simplicity. Perfect for Sunday lunch after the fish market.
Address: 87, Xatt is-Sajjieda, Marsaxlokk | Phone: +356 2165 5956
Official Website | TripAdvisor
Zeri's (Marsaxlokk)
Cuisine: Traditional Seafood | Price: €€
Family-run establishment serving the freshest fish in a casual, friendly atmosphere. Known for excellent value and authentic preparation methods.
Address: Xatt is-Sajjieda, Marsaxlokk | Phone: +356 2168 9753
International Cuisine
Tarragon (St. Julian's)
Cuisine: French | Price: €€€
Authentic French bistro with an extensive wine list. Classic dishes prepared by French chef using local ingredients where possible.
Address: 88, Main Street, St. Julian's | Phone: +356 2137 8759
Official Website | TripAdvisor
Rampila (Mdina)
Cuisine: Italian | Price: €€€
Located in the silent city, this restaurant offers refined Italian cuisine in a stunning medieval setting. The terrace provides magical views over Malta.
Address: 1, Il-Wesgħa tal-Mużew, Mdina | Phone: +356 2145 4656
Official Website | TripAdvisor
Casual Dining & Street Food
Crystal Palace (Rabat)
Cuisine: Maltese Pastries | Price: €
Legendary pastizzi shop serving Malta's favorite snack since 1960. The ricotta and pea pastizzi are considered the island's best.
Address: 10, Saqqajja Square, Rabat | Phone: +356 2145 4845
Scoglitti (Naxxar)
Cuisine: Pizza & Casual Italian | Price: €€
Popular with locals for authentic wood-fired pizza and casual Italian dishes. Great value and consistently good quality.
Address: Naxxar Road, Naxxar | Phone: +356 2141 7896
Official Website | TripAdvisor
Restaurants by Area
Valletta Dining
- Noni - Fine dining Mediterranean | Website
- Rubino - Traditional Maltese since 1906 | Facebook
- Legligin - Wine bar with excellent small plates | Website
- Palazzo Preca - Romantic courtyard setting | Website
- Under Grain - Contemporary European | Website
St. Julian's & Sliema
- Zest - Asian fusion with harbor views | Website
- Ta' Kris - Home-style Maltese cooking | Facebook
- The Chophouse - Premium steakhouse | Website
- Mint - Modern Mediterranean | Website
- Tarragon - Authentic French bistro | Website
Gozo Restaurants
- Il-Kcina tal-Barba - Traditional Gozitan fare | Facebook
- Ta' Frenc - Award-winning fine dining | Website
- Oleander - Farm-to-table cuisine | Website
- Ir-Razzett l-Aħmar - Rustic traditional cooking | Facebook
Other Notable Areas
- Marsaxlokk: Tartarun & Zeri's for fresh seafood
- Mdina: Rampila for Italian cuisine in medieval setting
- Dingli: Diar il-Bniet for farm-to-table experience
- Rabat: Crystal Palace for the best pastizzi
Online Reservations & Contact Information
Many of Malta's top restaurants now offer online reservations. Here are the direct booking options:
- OpenTable Malta: Book multiple restaurants
- TheFork Malta: Restaurant reservations with discounts
- Direct restaurant websites: Most fine dining establishments accept online bookings
- Phone reservations: Traditional restaurants prefer phone bookings - numbers provided above
Dining Tips
- Reservations: Essential for fine dining restaurants, especially in summer (June-September)
- Lunch time: 12:30-2:30pm. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner (3:00-7:00pm)
- Dinner time: 7:30-11pm. Maltese dine later than Northern Europeans - peak time is 8:30pm
- Tipping: 10-15% is standard for good service, though not mandatory
- Sunday closures: Many restaurants close Sunday evenings or all day Monday
- Cash vs. Card: Most restaurants accept cards, but carry cash for smaller establishments and tips
- Dress code: Smart casual for fine dining, relaxed elsewhere
- Children welcome: Malta is family-friendly, most restaurants accommodate children
- Dietary restrictions: Vegetarian options widely available, vegan and gluten-free improving but call ahead
Food Experiences & Tours
For a deeper dive into Malta's culinary scene, consider these food-focused experiences:
- Valletta Food Walking Tour: Sample local specialties while exploring the capital
- Marsaxlokk Fish Market & Lunch: Visit Sunday fish market followed by seafood lunch
- Wine Tasting Tours: Visit local wineries like Meridiana, Marsovin, or Delicata
- Cooking Classes: Learn to prepare traditional Maltese dishes with local families
- Gozo Food Tour: Discover the sister island's rural culinary traditions
💡 Pro Tip: Ask your hotel concierge for restaurant recommendations and assistance with bookings. They often have relationships with top restaurants and can secure tables even when fully booked.
Must-Try Maltese Dishes
- Fenkata: Rabbit stew with wine and herbs
- Bragioli: Beef olives stuffed with breadcrumbs and herbs
- Lampuki pie: Fish pie with lampuki (dolphinfish)
- Pastizzi: Flaky pastry with ricotta or peas
- Ġbejniet: Traditional goat cheese
- Kapunata: Maltese version of ratatouille
- Imqaret: Date-filled pastries
Wine Pairing
Malta produces excellent wines, particularly from local grapes like Ġellewza and Għirgħentina. Ask your server for local wine recommendations to pair with traditional dishes. Maltese wines offer excellent value and unique flavors you won't find elsewhere.
Whether you're seeking a romantic dinner overlooking the Mediterranean or a hearty traditional meal in a village restaurant, Malta's diverse dining scene ensures every palate is satisfied. From humble pastizzerias to Michelin-recommended establishments, the island's culinary offerings reflect its rich history and vibrant present.
