Surrounded for miles by the Mediterranean Sea, Malta benefits economically and culturally from being close to three distinct landmasses, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The island’s culinary heritage is further proof of the influence Malta’s neighbors have had on its traditions and customs. The food in Malta is a combination of local produce and worldly flavors, each element giving local recipes a distinct character. Therefore, a visit to the best restaurants in Malta is an unmissable occasion for travelers to relish the uniqueness of Maltese cuisine.
Legligin
Address: 117/119, Santa Lucia Street, Valletta, Malta
A cellar restaurant in Valletta, Legligin is a full-fledged homely affair. The quaintness of this charming eatery lies in the fact that it has no menu. Visitors only have the option of a $50 tasting menu, which changes based on fresh, seasonally available ingredients. Add to that the laidback vibe, mismatched plates and glasses, and it’s like dining in a Maltese home.
Often rated amongst the best restaurants in Malta for a quiet romantic dinner, Legligin’s seven-course meal is an unhurried culinary experience. Keep at least two hours aside for savoring the food that doesn’t disappoint in quantity or quality. Reasonably priced, the menu typically includes vegetarian, meat, and fish options, from rabbit and soup to mussels and Maltese sausages. Legligin stays open on Sunday nights, a rarity in Malta’s dining scene. Nevertheless, do make a reservation, no matter the day you plan on visiting.
Bacchus
Address: 1 Inguanez Alley, Mdina, Malta
Among the most well-known restaurants in Malta, Bacchus has been in business since 1976. Located in the iconic fort city of Mdina, the restaurant occupies stone chambers, once used to store gun powder. Although a fancy dining spot in appearance, Bacchus has a friendly and casual vibe making it popular among locals and tourists.
Offering an à la carte menu, Bacchus has both indoor and al-fresco dining. The chefs here take immense pride in using only fresh produce to prepare exotic gourmet meals that satisfy the most ardent of gourmands. The must-have dishes at Bacchus include snails, calamarata pasta, Angus rib eye, pan-fried duck breast, and espresso gateau.
Ta’ L-Ingliz
Address: 59 Triq Il-Kbira, Mgarr, Malta
Ta’ L-Ingliz in the northern town of Mgarr is a family-run establishment famous for serving a hearty version of rabbit stew, a must-have in Malta. Featuring rustic decor and a neighborhood vibe, the restaurant offers cheap food without compromising on taste or the purity of ingredients.
Popular with the locals, Ta’ L-Ingliz serves an array of non-vegetarian delicacies. It’s not an ideal restaurant to visit if you are a vegetarian. The portion sizes here are huge, although the presentation is nothing to write home about. Nevertheless, adventurous meat-eaters can try a variety of rabbit recipes, snails, quail, and horse meat while dining here.
Guzé Bistro
Address: 22 Old Bakery Street, Valletta, Malta
Another favorite cellar restaurant, Guzé Bistro, finds its home in one of Valletta’s oldest buildings. It was in this location that the city’s primary architect, Girolamo Cassar, apparently once lived. Today, the restaurant occupies two limestone-walled rooms decorated with pretty chandeliers, gold-rimmed mirrors, copper pots, and quirky artifacts like a sewing machine.
In tune with its intimate ambiance, Guzé Bistro enhances the dining experience by plating visually appealing Maltese preparations that pair rather well with local wine. When eating at Guzé Bistro, try their octopus with minted couscous, wild boar, rabbit, and pork belly.
Ta’ Marija
Address: Constitution Street, Mosta, Malta
Gourmands, in search of a traditional epicurean adventure, should make a beeline for Ta’ Marija. This legendary restaurant has amazed food lovers in Mosta with its exquisite culinary preparations since 1964. A family-run institution with several generations working under the same roof, Ta’ Marija is famous for serving local tapas fare. Diners wishing to taste the full scope of Maltese cuisine will find this particularly favorable.
Often listed among the best restaurants in Malta, Ta’ Marija is the ultimate place on the island to try fenkata, Malta’s national dish. Consisting of stewed rabbit and served in a communal manner, eating fenkata is the quintessential dining experience of Malta. The restaurant also has a variety of pasta and seafood on offer. Further enhancing Ta’ Marija’s appeal are regularly held live music sessions and cultural dance performances on Fridays.
Ta’ Philip Restaurant
Address: Saint Anthony Street, Near The Grand Hotel, Ghajnsielem, Gozo
First-time tourists are often unaware that Malta is part of a five-island archipelago. While many prefer to fly to Malta, passionate travelers like to reach the island via boat. Ferryscanner takes away all the hassles of traveling, helping you book ferries to Malta and in-between the islands. While Comino is an idyllic day-trip destination, Gozo has a pastoral personality that attracts tourists seeking solitude.
It is in Gozo that you will find one of the best restaurants in Malta. Ta’ Philip is a local eatery famous for plating Maltese cuisine with a Gozitan touch. The chef uses a wood-burning oven to slow-roast the food, giving it a delectably woody and smoky flavor. Moreover, they use plentiful local ingredients, such as marinating fish with Gozitan rock salt before cooking it.
The interiors of Ta’ Philip are lively and contemporary. Philip, the owner, is usually on-hand, mingling with guests sharing stories about Gozo and its attractions. The restaurant’s extensive menu has several vegetarian and vegan dishes. However, the homemade soup of the day, tortellini nero, and the boneless quail are not to miss.