Restaurants in Malta
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A
La Sicilia
You're sure to find something to fill a gap at this unpretentious eatery overlooking a tranquil little square. There are lots of hearty Italian pasta dishes (under €8), grilled meats and fish.
reviewed
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B
Caffe Cordina
There's some prime people-watching on Misraħ ir-Repubblika, where several cafes command the ranks of tables around the statue of Queen Victoria. This is the oldest (and busiest) option, established in 1837 and now a local institution. You have the choice of waiter service at the sunshaded tables in the square or inside, or joining the locals at the zinc counter inside for a quick caffeine hit. Be sure to look up; the ceiling is exquisite.
reviewed
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C
Fusion Four
For us, this stylish, well-hidden restaurant is the culinary highlight of the capital. It houses a small bar, funky furnishings, a dining room under vaulted ceilings and a perfect, private courtyard. Icing on the cake is a small but innovative menu of fusion dishes such as mussels with lemongrass, white wine and parsley, ravioli of rabbit in a parmesan cream sauce or crisp pancetta-wrapped pork fillet on a bed of apples. Finish with a delectable white chocolate and honeycomb mousse.
reviewed
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Bobbyland Restaurant
At the northwest end of the Dingli Cliffs you’ll find Bobbyland Restaurant, where you can chow down with the locals before walking off your meal with a postprandial cliff-top stroll. This friendly, rustic former Nissen hut is 500m from the Dingli junction; on Sundays in particular the indoor and outdoor tables are crowded with diners munching contentedly on house specialities like spaghetti with rabbit sauce. They also serve pizza.
reviewed
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D
Rubino
Rubino earns rave reviews for reinventing Maltese cuisine while staying true to its roots. There's no menu, just a selection of the day's dishes depending on seasonal produce, with taste sensations like sfinec ta l-incova, a deep-fried savoury doughnut with anchovies. Leave room for dessert – the house speciality, cassata siciliana (sponge cake soaked in liqueur, layered with ricotta cheese), is particularly recommended. Tuesday night is usually fenkata (a communal meal of rabbit) night; bookings are advised.
reviewed
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Fumia
Widely acknowledged as one of Malta’s best seafood restaurants, Fumia is tucked away in an atmospheric vaulted dining room in the basement of the Manoel Theatre. Classic Sicilian dishes include an antipasto of mixed marinated seafood, fresh fish baked al sale (in a salted dough crust), and lobster and squid ink ravioli. Dress code is smart casual or jacket and tie, so it’s a bit more formal than most other places.
reviewed
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E
La Cave
In a 400-year-old cellar beneath Castille Hotel, this busy restaurant churns out crunchy pizzas big enough for two – the pizza Maltija is topped with goat’s cheese, olives and Maltese sausage. There’s also a good assortment of pasta dishes (and a few salad options best avoided), and you can wash your food down with a selection of local wine – you might need more than one bottle though, as service can be slow.
reviewed
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F
Point de Vue Guesthouse & Restaurants
Point de Vue, just outside Mdina's city walls, overlooks Mdina's car park from its simple Java Lounge & Terrace, which is popular with locals for its tasty pizzas and traditional dishes. At the rear, the more formal Butcher's Grill prepares a steak-heavy mix of African and continental dishes, and has a rather better 'point of view' across the local countryside.
reviewed
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G
Blue Room
Recently renovated in a tasteful blend of oriental and modern decor, the Blue Room scores points for polished service and well- prepared Chinese food – this is one of very few places in the capital not offering pizza and/or pasta. There are vegetable and rice/noodle dishes at the lower end of the price scale, plus aromatic crispy duck, seafood and sizzling hotplates if you want to lash out.
reviewed
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Melita Gardens
Taking the effort out of deciding where to dine is this all-pleasing option, right by the entrance to the San Anton Gardens. The complex houses an atrium cafe (open 10am to 9.30pm), large courtyard, restaurant, wine bar, pizzeria and even an internet cafe (and everything on the menu is available to take away). You’re bound to find something here to suit your fancy.
reviewed
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H
Carriage
A consistently polished performer, the Carriage is on the top floor of a Valletta townhouse and enjoys a great view over Marsamxett Harbour. The menu is French influenced, with dishes such as stuffed quail with black truffle sauce, and roast lamb with thyme jus and braised leeks. Entry is through a nondescript office building next door to Cocopazzo restaurant.
reviewed
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I
Café Jubilee
A feel-good place you can drop in to anytime, for bacon and eggs or breakfast the Maltese way (coffee and a pastizza ), a lunchtime baguette or a simple dinner of salad, pasta or risotto. It’s a convivial continental-style bistro, with low lighting, cosy nooks and poster-plastered walls. It’s also a good option for a late-night drink.
reviewed
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J
Ambrosia
This is one of Valletta's loveliest restaurants, with paintings covering the walls and a relaxed, intimate feel. Locals love this place and the welcome is warm (the chef might just pop by to see how you enjoyed your meal). They use mainly local produce, farmed and cooked according to the Slow Food philosophy, and create Maltese dishes that play with traditions.
reviewed
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Trattoria AD 1530
Next door to the entrance to Xara Palace, this stylishly casual trattoria offers outdoor seating on the pretty square, and warm, yellow-washed walls inside. There’s a kids’ menu, and the grown-ups can choose from pizza and pasta choices, plus more substantial mains of fish and meat.
reviewed
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K
Papannis
This cosy bistro combines a good-looking menu of pasta, risotto and seafood with cheerful, friendly service. The traditional soup is a hearty, rustic delight, full of local sausage, beans and vegies, so you can feel virtuous when you order another glass of local wine and move on to the tiramisu.
reviewed
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L
282 Coffee Garden
This place is right in the thick of things. It's a little touristy but nicely done - the upstairs area with comfy rattan chairs and greenery (fake) offers respite from the bustling main street below. Don't look for surprises in the 'classic hits' menu: pasta, pizza, salads, sandwiches, cakes.
reviewed
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Café Juliani
From the chic decor (blues, greens and neutrals) to the comfy couches, water feature and smooth tunes being played, this place oozes understated style. There’s a modern menu of platters, wraps, baguettes, salads and sushi, plus decadent sweets and excellent coffee.
reviewed
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M
Carmelo Azzopardi Pastizzerija
Follow your nose to a couple of friendly, hole-in-the-wall places on Triq San Pawl where you can pick up a fresh hot pastizza from around 7.30am Monday to Saturday. Carmelo Azzopardi Pastizzerija is recommended.
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N
Millennium
Millennium, the first kiosk on your right after you exit City Gate, sells hot pastizzi (small parcels of flaky pastry filled with either ricotta cheese or mushy peas).
reviewed
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Dates Kiosk
Dates Kiosk sells traditional mqaret (delicious pastries stuffed with spiced dates and deep-fried).
reviewed
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Agius Confectionery & Pastizzerija
Agius Confectionery & Pastizzerija is opposite to the Church of St Paul’s Shipwreck.
reviewed
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Q
Trattoria da Pippo
This hidden-away, informal Valletta hub, all green woodwork and gingham tablecloths, is a local favourite, with something an old boys' club feel. The food is a delightful mix of Maltese, Sicilian and Italian. Book ahead.
reviewed
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R
Salvino's
Salvino's has a sophisticated seasonal menu and proffers excellent meat and fish dishes. Its arched cellar-like interior, hung with paintings, is also a welcoming place to eat.
reviewed
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S
Grotto Tavern
Grotto Tavern, run by a French-Maltese couple, offers French-influenced wining and dining in a cavern on Rabat's main square. The menu encompasses Maltese and French dishes, for example the lapin a la Maltaise (Maltese-style rabbit) and canard au cognac et fruits rouges (duck with cognac and red fruits), plus pasta and pizza. Save room for desserts like tarte aux pommes (apple tart).
reviewed
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T
Cosmana Navarra
Cosmana Navarra was the Maltese aristocrat who paid for St Paul's Church – and this restaurant is housed in her former home. It's a lovely old building that preserves many original features, and has been brightened with colourful tiles and modern lamps. It's a good family choice, predominantly serving pizza and pasta. The pick of the desserts is the imqarets (fried date pastries) with ice cream.
reviewed