Places to eat
Where we like to eat
A short list within walking distance, from quick snacks to a long dinner. Opening times change, so please check before you go.
Close to home
In Floriana
On the doorstep, away from the tourist crowds.
Floriana
Balzunetta
A gastropub in the former Floriana Boċċi Club, with live music at weekends.
Floriana
La Loggia
A café and bistro under the arches near the Loġoġ.
Floriana
The Phoenix
An art deco interior and bastion views, with bistro classics.
Floriana
Lollies Snack Bar
Build-your-own ftira and English breakfasts.
Floriana
The Young Falcons
A large menu in a relaxed setting.
Floriana
Il-Gażin at Vilhena Band Club
Traditional band club snacks and live music, a taste of local life.
Floriana
Olive House
Lebanese dishes, including falafel.
Floriana
Tad-Dulċier
A bakery for something sweet or a quick bite.
Floriana
Beefbar Malta
A steakhouse for a more special evening.
Five minutes on foot
In Valletta
Cafés, wine bars and restaurants inside the walls.
Valletta
Ġugar
A casual Mediterranean café on Republic Street.
Valletta
Guzé Bistro
Modern Maltese cooking in a 16th-century building on Old Bakery Street.
Valletta
Il-Ħorża
Views over the Grand Harbour from St Christopher Street.
Valletta
Legligin
A wine bar with small plates on Santa Lucia Street.
Valletta
Malata
A cellar restaurant at Palace Square, with jazz.
Valletta
Piadina Caffe
Quick piadine near the Santa Lucija steps.
Valletta
Rubino
Maltese desserts and traditional cooking on Old Bakery Street.
Valletta
Trabuxu Bistro
A wine bar and bistro on South Street.
Valletta
Zero Sei Trattoria
Italian cooking near the Manoel Theatre.
Valletta
Caffè Cordina
A historic café on Republic Street, good for coffee and pastries.
Valletta
Sotto Pizzeria
Roman-style pizza.
Valletta
Tal-Kaptan
Pizza at the Waterfront.
Local flavours
Maltese dishes to try
Try first
Pastizzi
Flaky pastries filled with ricotta or peas, eaten warm for a snack or breakfast.
Bread
Ftira
A Maltese flatbread, often filled with tuna, olives, capers and tomato.
Main
Stuffat tal-fenek
Rabbit stew, often called the national dish.
Seasonal
Torta tal-lampuki
A fish pie made with lampuki (dolphinfish), usually in autumn.
Main
Braġioli
Beef olives in a rich sauce.
Soup
Aljotta
A garlicky fish soup.
Sweet
Imqaret
Deep-fried date pastries, sold from kiosks near City Gate.
Drink
Kafe tal-Malti
A traditional spiced Maltese coffee.
This list is a starting point and not an endorsement, and places open, change and close. Please check opening times and book ahead for dinner. Ask us for our current favourites. Sources include Lovin Malta (opens in a new tab), Culture Trip (opens in a new tab) and Fodor’s (opens in a new tab).