7 Of Malta’s Best International Restaurants
Maltese food is undeniably hearty and delicious, but sometimes you just crave something foreign. Fear not – no matter where your stomach’s compass is pointing, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s a list of some of the best international restaurants on the island:
1. Frida Street Canteen, Ta’ Xbiex (Mexican)
There are several taco joints on the island – but none come close to real, authentic Mexican tacos like Frida does. While they admit that they’re still technically a Mexican fusion restaurant, Frida make their own corn tortillas and serve up tacos in the traditional street-food style. Tacos are slightly pricier than your average Mexican take-away, but the authentic ingredients and high quality certainly justifies the difference. Just take a look at these, and tell me you’re not craving some tacos, or fajitas, or nachos, or…
2. Nargile Lounge, Marsaskala (Indian / Arabic)
Is this the best Indian restaurant on the island? Most defintely.
Their Lamb Korma, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Naan Breads are simply exquisite, and their wide selection of top quality wines have also contributed to securing their firm place at the top of the list of phenomenal Indian restaurants in Malta. On top of their excellent traditional Indian and street food options, Nargile offer guests an array of Arabic dishes like Moroccan Harira, and Kofta. Prices are fair, and while they offer take away – the overall dining experience correlates with their top quality food, so we suggest eating there.
3. House of Ho, St Julians (Vietnamese)
This new island favourite located in Paceville offers traditional Vietnamese dishes, as well as beloved street food items, and contemporary fusion dishes from the far east. We would recommend the pork roll, soft shell crab, and spare ribs! Prices are slightly above typical eastern take-out spots, so we suggest getting a table and trying out a drink from their cocktail menu to go with your tastebud trip to Vietnam.
4. Afghan Natural, Hamrun (Afghani)
These guys are true traditionalists and artists in the kitchen who pour all of their energy into making the best possible food from Afghanistan. Afghan Natural uses a slow cooking, traditional Afghan tandoor to prepare their amazing curries, Chicken Tikka, and Naan. But because they put extra effort into each dish, they haven’t had much time to decorate. We would highly recommend their Lamb Curry, and Chicken Tikka, as well ordering take-away.
5. MedAsia Fusion Lounge, Sliema (Japanese)
MedAsia is a bit of an enigma. Usually a restaurant offering a massive array of dishes would be mediocre, to slightly-above mediocre across the board – but not so for MedAsia.
While sizzling ducks, spring rolls, and curries can certainly tempt many- they also offer some of the best sushi on the island, as well as Japense Yakitori. For those who are fancy a bit of spice in their sushi – order house specialty roll, “The Volcano”. Prices are slightly higher than other Japanese restaurants, and their cocktail menu is also quite enticing – so we would recommend soaking up the full meal experience in the restaurant.
6. China House, St Julians (Chinese)
This is hands down the best Chinese restaurant in Malta. Situated across the street from Juuls Reggae bar in the Spinola Bay area of St Julians, China House offers tantalising Chinese dishes like Crispy Duck, Satay Chicken, and Spring Rolls. All of these house specialties have earned them an impeccable reputation on the island. China House offer take-away orders, however their restaurant is beautifully renovated and makes for a great dining experience – so soak it up!
7. Bad Bull BBQ House, Bugibba (American)
Bad Bull have established themselves as the go-to BBQ spot in Bugibba – particularly for their ribs and chicken wings. Located right in Bugibba’s square, it would be hard to justify eating anywhere other than their outdoor seating, watching sunset…with a beer.
