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
Iconic dishes that define 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.
Where to try: Any pastizzeria; best at Crystal Palace Rabat or Is-Serkin at City Gate Valletta
Price: $0.45-0.65
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.
Where to try: Gululu Restaurant St Julians, Ta' Kris Restaurant
Price: $16-22
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.
Where to try: Gululu Restaurant, La Pira Maltese Kitchen Valletta
Price: $14-18
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.
Where to try: Maxokk Bakery Qormi, Nenu the Artisan Baker Valletta
Price: $2.50-5
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.
Where to try: Traditional restaurants in autumn; Tal-Familja Marsascala
Price: $14-18
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.
Where to try: Legligin Wine Bar Valletta, any traditional restaurant as starter
Price: $4-8
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks 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.
177 St Christopher Street, Valletta VLT 1465
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.
203 Main Street, St Julians STJ 1017
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.
Marsaxlokk Waterfront, Marsaxlokk MXK 1311
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.
6 Saqqajja Hill, Rabat RBT 1031
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.
1 Bastion Square, Mdina MDN 1241
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.
Vault 19, Pinto Wharf, Valletta Waterfront, Floriana FRN 1913
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.
143 St Dominic Street, Valletta VLT 1211
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.
Triq Gorg Borg Olivier, St Julians STJ 1081
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Maltese Street Food
Cafe Jubilee
Traditional Valletta cafe famous for pastizzi, qassatat, and Maltese ftira. This no-frills spot serves authentic local snacks fresh from the oven throughout the day.
125 St Lucia Street, Valletta VLT 1102
Is-Serkin
Popular Valletta pastizzeria near the bus terminus serving hot pastizzi, qassatat, and traditional Maltese snacks. This busy spot is perfect for budget breakfast or quick bites.
City Gate, Valletta VLT 1100
Ta' Cent L-Art
Hidden Sliema pastizzeria known among locals for excellent fresh pastizzi and low prices. This hole-in-the-wall spot serves authentic street food away from tourist areas.
Tower Road, Sliema SLM 1605
Traditional Maltese
La Pira Maltese Kitchen
Cozy Valletta restaurant specializing in traditional Maltese cuisine including exceptional pulled rabbit pasta. This authentic spot serves hearty portions of local favorites in a welcoming atmosphere.
36 Melita Street, Valletta VLT 1122
Tal-Familja Restaurant
Award-winning family restaurant in Marsascala serving authentic Maltese cuisine with waterfront views. This beloved establishment offers fresh seafood, rabbit dishes, and warm hospitality in a relaxed setting.
186 Main Street, Marsascala MSK 1602
Ta' Kris Restaurant
Rustic countryside restaurant near Sliema offering traditional Maltese fare in a farmhouse setting. This family-run establishment serves authentic recipes passed down through generations with local wines.
Triq il-Forna, Sliema
Italian
Ta' Kris Pizzeria
Popular pizzeria in Sliema serving authentic wood-fired pizzas with quality toppings. This busy spot offers crispy thin-crust pizzas, pasta dishes, and Italian classics in casual atmosphere.
Bisazza Street, Sliema SLM 1642
Piadina Caffe
Casual Sliema cafe specializing in Italian piadinas (flatbread wraps), salads, and coffee. This local favorite offers quick, fresh meals perfect for lunch or light dinner at reasonable prices.
Bisazza Street, Sliema SLM 1640
Mediterranean
Rebekah's
Cozy Mdina restaurant offering Mediterranean cuisine in medieval setting with panoramic views. This charming spot serves fresh salads, grilled meats, and pasta in historic ambiance.
12 Bastion Street, Mdina MDN 1241
Legligin Wine Bar & Restaurant
Historic Valletta wine bar and restaurant in 16th-century building serving Mediterranean small plates and extensive wine selection. This atmospheric spot offers vaulted ceilings and romantic ambiance.
119 Santa Lucia Street, Valletta VLT 1102
Bistro
The Harbour Club
Stylish Valletta waterfront cafe-bistro with Grand Harbour views serving breakfast, lunch, and cocktails. This contemporary spot offers outdoor terrace dining and Mediterranean light meals.
Vault 17, Pinto Wharf, Valletta Waterfront, Floriana FRN 1913
Breakfast & Brunch
Two Buoys Cafe
Trendy Sliema waterfront cafe serving specialty coffee, healthy breakfasts, and brunches with sea views. This modern spot offers avocado toast, smoothie bowls, and quality espresso drinks.
Tower Road, Sliema SLM 1605
European
Caviar & Bull
Upscale Valletta restaurant specializing in premium steaks and caviar with wine cellar containing over 400 labels. This sophisticated eatery combines luxury ingredients with impeccable service in historic vaulted rooms.
3 St John's Cavalier, Valletta VLT 1165
French
Tarragon
Intimate fine dining restaurant in Sliema offering sophisticated French-Mediterranean cuisine in an elegant townhouse setting. This award-winning establishment features seasonal tasting menus and extensive wine selection.
89 Windsor Terrace, Sliema SLM 1878
Fusion
Zest
Modern Asian fusion restaurant in St Julians offering sushi, Thai, and Chinese cuisine in contemporary setting. This popular spot serves fresh seafood, creative rolls, and wok dishes with cocktails.
Baystreet Complex, St George's Bay, St Julians STJ 3311
Historic Cafe
Caffe Cordina
Historic 1837 Valletta cafe serving pastries, gelato, and coffee in elegant surroundings. This landmark establishment offers outdoor seating on Republic Square with people-watching and traditional sweets.
244-245 Republic Street, Valletta VLT 1116
International Comfort Food
Wigi's Kitchen
Trendy Valletta cafe-restaurant serving burgers, sandwiches, and comfort food in a hip setting. This popular spot offers quality ingredients, creative menu items, and excellent coffee.
159 St Lucy Street, Valletta VLT 1104
Maltese Bakery
Maxokk Bakery
Traditional bakery in Qormi (Malta's bread village) producing ftira, hobz biz-zejt, and fresh bread. This authentic bakery offers Maltese bread specialties and savory snacks at local prices.
St Sebastian Street, Qormi QRM 2034
Maltese Desserts
Serkin Wafers
Family business in Mdina producing traditional Maltese wafers and almond sweets since 1976. This artisan shop sells freshly made traditional confections perfect for gifts or snacks.
4 Bastion Street, Mdina MDN 1241
Sicilian
Rubino
Family-run Valletta institution since 1906 offering refined Sicilian-Maltese cuisine in a charming old-world setting. This beloved restaurant serves traditional recipes with fresh local ingredients and warm hospitality.
53 Old Bakery Street, Valletta VLT 1455
Specialty Coffee
Lot Sixty One Coffee Roasters
Hip Valletta specialty coffee shop roasting own beans and serving pour-overs, espresso drinks, and light bites. This minimalist cafe attracts coffee enthusiasts with quality single-origin beans.
61 Strait Street, Valletta VLT 1432
Steakhouse
The Chophouse
Premium steakhouse in St Julians specializing in aged beef and grilled meats with extensive wine list. This contemporary restaurant offers quality cuts in a stylish atmosphere with professional service.
Spinola Road, St Julians STJ 3012
Food tours & tastings in Malta
Eat your way through Malta with a guide.
Browse food experiences in MaltaWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours 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.
Find it at: Every town in Malta; best at Crystal Palace Rabat (6 Saqqajja Hill) and Cafe Jubilee Valletta
Qassatat
Circular open-top pastry filled with ricotta, spinach, or peas — cousin to the pastizz but thicker and more substantial. Available at all pastizzerias.
Find it at: Pastizzerias throughout Malta; Is-Serkin at Valletta City Gate
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.
Find it at: Nenu the Artisan Baker, 143 St Dominic Street Valletta; Maxokk Bakery Qormi
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.
Find it at: Serkin Wafers Mdina, pastizzerias during festas, Caffe Cordina Valletta
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
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.
Hours: Daily 7AM-1PM (fish); Sundays full market 7AM-1PM
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.
Hours: Mon-Sat 8AM-1PM
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.
Hours: Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM, Sat 9AM-1PM
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
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.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-12/meal | Pastizzi, pastizzeria snacks, supermarket food, street vendors |
| Mid-range | $18-35/meal | Casual sit-down restaurants including traditional Maltese cuisine |
| Upscale | $60-150+/meal | Fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants in Valletta |