Food in Malta is not going to give you a hard time, as everywhere on the island you will find quality flavors for every taste. The Maltese cuisine is an alloy of Mediterranean/Arabic/Italian/English and other flavors. As a matter of fact, all peoples that lived on the island left their mark on the Maltese cuisine!

The main kind of meat on the island is rabbit, while horse meat is also high on the locals’ preferences. But Malta is also an expert on good fish. With the fishing village of Marsaxlokk as their main supplier, restaurants and taverns daily serve fresh fish in every form (fried, soup, baked and in pies!). Furthermore, we should highlight that everywhere on the island you will find pasta, pizza and freshly-baked bread!

Bread in Malta has always played a definitive role, as poverty was much extended. For this reason they made use of stale bread, even as pastries. Nowadays, these recipes not only remain on the menu, but are also served with a modern twist.

And let us not forget the Maltese wines. They may not be that famous, as the Italian or French ones, yet they are noteworthy and much more affordable. For a complete two-person meal the average cost is 30€ without wine and 45€ with wine. The ones that prefer more economical solutions will find a lot of them. We simply mention that one can fill up on three pastizzi that cost 1€ in total! Of course, pizza, kebab, Ftira and other delicacies enrich the street food options…

Do not leave the island without having tried the Lampuki fish in soup, baked or in a pie, the traditional rabbit (fenek) fried or stew, the special Bragioli (stuffed beef), the vegetarian Kapunata, the classic hobz biz-zejt (bruschetta), the Ftira (Maltese bread with filling) and the Pastizzi filled with ricotta, peas or chicken. To quench your thirst drink Kinnie (local refreshment) or Cisk (traditional beer), and, finally, feed your sweet tooth with the exquisite cannoli, Pudina tal hobz (pudding), halva and the incredible Imqaret (stuffed pastries).

Important: a) In order to get a table (in quality restaurants), you will have to make reservations 2-3 days earlier, otherwise you will end up eating fast food or food of mediocre quality! b) The greatest advantage of the Maltese cuisine is that they serve dishes made only with in-season products.

Within a distance of just 25 minutes from Valletta you will find Ferdinand’s Bar. It is a local, traditional gem in the village of Siggiewi that offers drinks as well as food. In Claude’s shop you will taste authentic Maltese cuisine in a 500-year-old space. There is no menu, as only the best in-season products get in the pot! Service is more than friendly, as Claude and her family members make you feel special from the very first moment. The dishes are tasty, quite large and prices are extremely reasonable, in a restaurant that will instantly immerse you in the Maltese culture. Highly Recommended (H)

Our suggestion: whatever Claude has cooked!
Our order: 1 Variety of meatballs/sausages, 2 dishes of Pasta with rabbit sauce, 1 Platter with rabbit stew and horse fillet, 2 Beers, 2 espressos with ice-cream, 1 Imqaret with in-season strawberries (from the uncle’s garden)!
Cost: €-€€

Total score: ?????

Sofia Bar & Restaurant is located in the village of Xlendi in Gozo and offers Greek-Bulgarian-Mediterranean cuisine. In a space that strongly reminds of some Greek island, Alex and his gang serve meticulously presented dishes of excellent quality. Their tzatziki, kontosouvli, smoked cheese, as well as hand-made pies are only a few of the viands that will satisfy your palate. Finally, it is worth noting that both the staff and prices are very good, rendering it a value-for-money restaurant. Highly Recommended (H)

Our suggestion: Their special tzatziki!
Our order: 1 Tzatziki, 1 Kontosouvli, 1 Bulgarian smoked cheese, 1 Zucchini and 2 beers!
Cost: €€-€€€

Total score: ?????

Nenu artisan bakery is located in Valletta on a narrow street, away from the tourist buzz. It started out as a bakery and during the last few years they have been serving dishes from the Maltese cuisine. The shop is the no.1 location to try the traditional Ftira, which is made with their own dough and fresh products, in their 100-year-old wood oven! The delicious, crunchy and very filling delicacy is served in an underground, bright and especially well-kept space. Recommended (R)

Important: 1 Ftira for two people is enough!

Our suggestion: The traditional Ftira!
Our order: 1 Ftira, 1 Beer, 1 Kinnie.
Cost: €€-€€€

Total score: ????

In the picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk you will find the Rising Sun Bar. The restaurant is right by the sea and serves fresh fish and pasta with fish in good prices. The Rising Sun Bar is far remote from the logic of the tourist restaurant, which most other shops in the village abide by, and offers a great quality to price ratio. Also, their service is quick and polite. Important: On Sundays, due to the crowdedness caused by the street market, you will have to make reservations. Recommended (R)

Our suggestion: The fresh fish.
Our order: 1 Menu of the day, 1kg of Sea bream & 1 Bottle of water.
Cost: €€-€€€

Total score: ????

Diar il bniet is located in the village of Dingli, near the Dingli Cliffs and Mdina. The restaurant has warm décor and swiftly makes you feel at home. They serve original Maltese dishes, made with quality materials and nice presentation. In the shop you will also find a space with delicatessen products, which are largely part of their own production (meat, marmalades, spoon sweets and more). Highly Recommended (H)

Our suggestion: the Maltese dishes.
Our order: 2 Menus.
Cost: €€-€€€

Total score: ?????

The small restaurant Ta’ Bertu is on the beach of St. Paul and can fit just over 20 people! The restaurant’s heart is Albert, who serves on all posts (one man show) and attends to you throughout the whole night! The wooden, traditional, space in combination with the delicious local dishes, make it an excellent choice for dinner…as it opens after 6p.m.! Portions are satisfying and prices are reasonable. Important: Reservations are imperative, while in low season it is not open every day. Recommended (R)

Our suggestion: The traditional Bragioli.
Our order: 1 Platter with Maltese delicacies, 1 Bragioli, 1 platter with traditional desserts, 1 Bottle of wine
Cost: €€-€€€

Total score: ????

Dimitri Cafe-Bistro-Wine is located in the heart of Valletta and it is a fine choice for lunch or dinner. The restaurant does not offer a standard menu, as they prepare meals only with in-season products. High prices are justified by the quality of products, dishes presentation and politeness of staff. Important: The space is limited and you must certainly have made reservations (any day you visit it). Good Choice (G)

Our suggestion: The fresh fish.
Our order: 1 Sea bass, 1 Swordfish fillet, 1 Bottle of wine.
Cost: €€€-€€€€

Total score: ????

Bouquet Garni is in the north side of the island, in the area of Mellieha, and it is –probably- the best gourmet option for a meal. The restaurant specializes in fish, with the menu and availability of materials changing according to the season. Service is very good, presentation of the dishes very pretty, but prices are high compared to the island’s average. If you want to dine in style and taste fine sea flavors, then Bouquet Garni must be your first choice. Recommended (R)

Our suggestion: The fresh fish.
Our order: 7 Kinds of fish on the grill, 1 marinated octopus, 1 Bottle of wine.
Cost: €€€-€€€€

Total score: ????

In the village of L-Imġarr, 20 minutes away from Valletta, you will find Mgarr Farmers Snack Bar. In this traditional café, among locals enjoying tea with milk, you can taste the Maltese rabbit stew and only a few more local delicacies. Their portions are very large and prices really low, but service and politeness are not among the shop’s advantages. The traditional atmosphere and tasty dishes, however, are sufficient reasons to pay a visit. Good Choice (G)

Our suggestion: The rabbit stew.
Our order: 2 Traditional rabbit stews, 1 Beer, 1 Kinnie and 1 traditional halva.
Cost: €-€€

Total score: ???

Il-Merill is located on a narrow street of Sliema, near the ferries station. The small shop is a hangout for locals and tourists alike. Its menu is quite limited, a characteristic that does not apply to its portions, which are rich in quantity and taste! Also, service is alright, while prices are a little above the city’s average. Important: In order to find a table on weekends, you must have made reservations. Good Choice (G)

Our suggestion: Their rich pasta.
Our order:2 Dishes of pasta, 2 Glasses of wine & 1 Bottle of water.
Cost: €€€-€€€€

Total score: ???

Skuna is in the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, away from the tourist establishments, and serves fish, pasta and pizzas at economical prices. Quality of dishes and service might not be top-notch, yet it attracts those who would like to enjoy an affordable meal. Their portions are satisfying and decoration of the space is plain and simple. Good Choice (G)

Our suggestion: Their pasta.
Our order: 1 Platter of seashells, 1 Bottle of wine.
Cost: €-€€

Total score: ???

Fast Food Malta

Malta loves Fast Food, so we present you with a few options for fast and cheap food (Pastizzi & Snacks).

Crystal Palace: It is located in Rabat, outside the walls of Mdina and serves the most delicious Pastizzi on the island. Try them with ricotta, peas and our favorite pastizzi with chicken. Prices are low and quantity satisfying.

The Submarine: It is located in the center of Valletta and serves sandwiches with tasty, traditional and fresh products. Excellent choice for a cheap and filling snack!

Mr Maxims Pastizzeria: This chain has a wide variety of Pastizzi, sandwiches and other breakfast delicacies. It is a cheap and very good option for fast food.

Breakfast

Debbie’s Cafe is in the area of Mellieħa, only 25 minutes away from Valletta. Inside an oblong space, you have the chance to enjoy a full breakfast made with quality products. Options are many, the staff offers you their brightest smile, while prices are a bit above the island’s average! Every day dozens of locals gather at Debbie’s Café to enjoy pancakes, sandwiches, English breakfast and freshly-baked cakes. Recommended (R)

Our suggestion: The fresh chocolate cake.
Our order: 1 Ftira with tuna, 1 Chocolate cake, 1 Serving of eggs with salmon, 1 Tea.
Cost: €-€€

Total score: ????

A traditional bakery hides in the alleys of Rabat, next to the catacombs of St. Paul. It is the village’s traditional bakery, which is out of the tourist spotlight. It does not have big flashy signs, but great strong smells of delicious breakfast food (mainly sweet flavors) and bread! Falzon Bakery Rabat has very reasonable prices and stays open 24/7. Recommended (R)

Our suggestion: The Milka Donut.
Our order: 1 Milka Donut & 2 Sesame breads.
Cost: €-€€

Total score: ????

Caffe Berry is located in Sliema, only 3 minutes away from the ships that transport you to Valletta. Small, stuffed, with beautiful décor, Caffe Berry steals the show with its coffee. It is said that they serve the most delicious espresso in Malta, but this is something you can determine yourselves. Options for food are limited and mainly consist of cakes, tarts and biscuits, which are pretty fresh. Recommended (R)

Our suggestion: Their rich coffee.
Our order: 1 Carrot cake & 1 Cappuccino.
Cost: €€-€€€

Total score: ????

Fresh & French is a French style bakery located in the area of St. Julian’s. A small, traditional shop outside the tourist trails that serves tasty breakfast delicacies! The leading roles belong to the desserts and pastries, which are all fresh (as are all products). Prices are reasonable and the staff is pleasant and willing to attend. Fresh & French is a very good choice for breakfast. Good Choice (G)

Our suggestion: Their croissants.
Our order: 1 chocolate croissant and 1 Quiche Lorraine.
Cost: €-€€

Total score: ???

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The texts depict objectively and honestly everything that we saw and encountered during our stay, at the specific time period that we visited them. Travelen holds no responsibility for any possible changes regarding prices, decorations, service, change of management or anything else that you might find different during your visit. It is also worth mentioning that our review/opinion pertains ONLY to shops that we have visited.