Being completely surrounded by the sea, it should come as no surprise that the Maltese are great at seafood dishes. While the list of restaurants serving up great seafood is endless, here are 11 definite highlights from around the archipelago. 

1. Fumia, Pietà

Proof that the setting can make a meal even better. Literally inches away from the sea in Sa Maison, Fumia has consistently been given extremely great reviews, and is one of uncontested heavyweights in the area.

2. Pisces, Marsaxlokk

Malta’s picturesque village is full of great restaurants, which makes it very hard to pick just the one. Choosing one restaurant for seafood on a long road called Xatt is-Sajjieda (Fishermen’s Shore) gets even harder, but judging by online reviews, Pisces is as the top of that list.

3. The Boat House, Xlendi (Gozo)

Romantic sunsets, an endless wine list, and a daily display of fresh fish. The Boat House is an icon that’s not going anywhere any time soon.

4. La Vela, Pietà

You’re going to be hard-pressed to find a review for La Vela which isn’t excellent. Not too far off from Fumia, La Vela offers the same great views of Valletta, with just as many delicious seafood dishes. 

5. Seaview, Mġarr (Gozo)

A family-run establishment famous for its mouth-watering dishes, atmosphere and friendly service, Seaview is one of the very first restaurants you’ll see when you arrive in Gozo… and one of the last thing you’ll be forgetting.

6. Tartarun, Marsaxlokk

If you’re stuck for a great place for seafood, maybe an old favourite is your best bet. Taking its name from a special type of Maltese fishing net, the last five years have seen Tartarun going from strength to strength and is now a household name for some of the best seafood on the island. 

7. Barracuda, St. Julian’s

Barracuda was established in 1978. Approaching its 40 year anniversary, it’s one of Malta’s longest established fine dining restaurants, and an amazing place for seafood in the bustling centre of the island. 

8. L’Arzella, Marsalforn (Gozo)

3kg fresh local lobsters, crabs and fish, and that view. L’Arzella’s an instant winner every way you look at it.

9. Dolce Vita, St. Julian’s

In 2013, Dolce Vita won the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. Four years later, it’s still at the very top, both literally amongst the Spinola Bay skyline, and with its very satisfied patrons.

10. Tmun, Mġarr (Gozo)

Another naval term, tmun is Maltese for rudder, and that should already prepare you for what to expect. Slightly on the steeper side when it comes to prices, but promising to deliver what it charges for.

11. Scoglitti, Valletta

Situated in Marsamxett Harbour very close to where the ferry departs to Sliema, Scoglitti is one part Italian cuisine, one part seafood, and all parts delicious.

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David Grech Urpani

Lovin Malta's Head of Content, Dave has been in journalism for the better half of the last decade. Prefers Instagram, but has been known to doomscroll on TikTok. Loves chicken, women's clothes and Kanye West (most of the time).