I’m picky when it comes to food — so when I say these spots are worth visiting, I really mean it. This is a curated list of my favorite places to eat in Malta, from casual brunch cafés and local snack bars to proper restaurants and wine bars. I've personally visited and enjoyed every spot mentioned here. While Malta is full of dining options, this guide highlights only the ones I’d go back to.
Most restaurants in Malta tend to offer a mix of Mediterranean staples like pasta, pizza, seafood, and grilled meats. If you’re looking for traditional Maltese cuisine, check out the Traditional Maltese Restaurants section. You’ll also find Indian and Chinese restaurants listed — with their cuisine clearly noted. Whether you're in the mood for a casual bite, a relaxed brunch, or a nice dinner out, there's something here you'll enjoy.
And whatever you do, don’t leave without trying a pastizz—a beloved Maltese pastry that’s golden, flaky, and traditionally filled with ricotta or mushy peas. You’ll find them in pastizzerias and some cafés. Locals enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or whenever hunger strikes. Best of all? A pastizz usually costs less than €1!
My Favourite Brunch Spots in Malta:
- Danny's, Qormi
- Two Buoy's, St. Julians
- Crust, St. Julians
- Loaf, Gzira
- Tiffany's Bistro, Sliema
- Word of Mouth, Sliema
- Tribe, Valletta
- Elephant Shoe, Valletta
- Kingsway, Valletta
- La Nave, Qawra
- Fontanella Tea Garden, Mdina
Affordable & Casual Restaurants in Malta:
- Mamma Mia, Ta' Xbiex
- Mamma Mariella, Gzira
- Pulcinella Pizzeria The Strand, Gzira
- Naar Restobar, St. Julians
- King's Own Band Club, Valletta
- Zero Sei, Valletta
- San Paolo Naufrago, Valletta
- Sally Port Pizzeria, Valletta
- Lili's Chinese Restaurant, Xemxija
- New Madras Indian Restaurant, Bugibba
- Bottega Frawli, Mgarr
Upscale Restaurants in Malta:
- 59 Republic, Valletta
- Palazzo Preca, Valletta
- Wigi's Kitchen, St. Julians
- Buffalo Bill Steakhouse, St. Julians
- Ruby Ray's Indian Restaurant, St. Julians
- Barbajean, Dingli
- One80, Mellieha
- Commando, Mellieha
Traditional Maltese Restaurants:
- Ta' Kris, Sliema
- Nenu the Artisan Baker, Valletta
- Ta' Rita, Ghar Lapsi
- Ta' Celita Sunny Bar & Restaurant, Mgarr
- United Restaurant, Mgarr
Best Pastizzerias and Snack Bars in Malta:
- Buchman's Snack Bar, Gzira
- Step On Take Away, Gzira
- Novi Burger, Gzira
- Four T's Pastizzeria, Gzira
- Busy Bee, Msida
- Grasshopper, Hal-Lija
- Crystal Palace, Rabat
The Best Gelato in Malta:
- Amorino Gelato, Valletta
- Busy Bee Gelateria, Msida
- Yummy Gelato, Gzira
- Sottozero Gelateria, Sliema
Best Wine Bars and Wine Tasting in Malta:
- Trabuxu Wine Bar, Valletta
- La Bottega, Valletta
- Fra Giuseppe Wine Bar, Balzan
- Meridiana Wine Estate, Ta' Qali
Here are some of my favorite dishes from the places mentioned above—ones I find myself going back for again and again. In my opinion, these are the absolute standouts on the menu. Let me know if you try any of them and if you like them as much as I do!
- Sloppy eggs from Danny's, Qormi
- The Queen (smashed avocado toast) from Kingsway, Valletta
- Olive pizza from FourT's, Gzira
- Pastizzi from Crystal Palace, Rabat
- Linguine fillet from Mamma Mia, Ta' Xbiex
- Cacio e Pepe from Mamma Mariella, Gzira
- Gnocchi Sorrentina from Zero Sei, Valletta
- Diavola pizza from Pulcinella Pizzeria The Strand, Gzira
- Parma & straciatella focaccia from Bottega Frawli, Mgarr
- Parmigiana from King's Own Band Club, Valletta
- Bourbon BBQ burger from Novi burger, Gzira
- Maple bliss pancakes from La Nave, Qawra
- Crêpes from Sottozero Gelateria, Sliema
- Imqaret from One80, Mellieha
There’s no shortage of restaurants in Malta, so this list isn’t meant to cover everything. I’ll keep updating it as I come across new spots worth mentioning.
Have questions or want a personalised recommendation? Drop a comment or reach out on Instagram @journeywithme.mt - I'm always happy to help fellow travellers discover the best of my islands.
Happy Travels! x
Disclaimer: All content and photos in this blog post are my own unless otherwise stated. Please do not copy, reproduce, or use any images or text without written permission.