1. Country Terrace, Għajnsielem

This award winning restaurant does not only offer the quintessential Mediterranean view, overlooking the Gozo Channel il-Fliegu to enjoy the turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon with a backdrop of Malta. It has absolutely top notch food that is beautifully presented and an enviable wine cellar

2. Giuseppi’s Bar And Bistro, Naxxar

This sea-view Mediterranean restaurant is run by prominent Maltese chef Michael Diacono with the help of some family members. Always innovative, Giuseppi’s has been awarded a coveted Michelin Plate nod.

3. Trabaxu Bistro, Valletta

A busy Mediterranean bistro in the heart of the city, Trabaxu Bistro offers casual genuine dining with a friendly service equally ideal for a business lunch or a romantic dinner date. The food is simple yet sophisticated and satisfying

4. Rebekah’s, Mellieħa

Winning a second consecutive Michelin award is proof of consistency in quality and service for any restaurant. Rebekah’s has retained its reputation for excellent French Mediterranean cuisine with an emphasis on local produce and fine ingredients since it opened.

5, Ristorante La Vela, Msida Marina

Tucked away in the Msida Yacht Marina, on the edge of the sea, La Vela specialises in Sicilian seafood staples, just what you want when you’re sitting on the water’s edge. From Crudo to Tartare to Linguine Vongole or all’ Astice (lobster) and various fresh fish ready for the grill, it is what comes to mind when someone mentions Mediterranean cuisine.

Don’t worry, you can find some fine cuts of beef as well if seafood is not your thing.

6. Tico-Tico, Valletta

Tico-Tico is the first bar in the notorious Strait Street to reopen and refurbish, keeping in the style of the swinging days when British officers roamed the streets looking for some fun to forget the horrors of war.

It is a busy buzzy place where lots merry revellers pass by to keep with the tradition of this legendary area and, though it has a bar feel, the food is surprisingly good

7. Smugglers, Balzan

This elegantly finished townhouse in the heart of Balzan has been winning accolades for its sophisticated cuisine. The praise is not in vain as fresh ingredients and attention to detail go into crafting these delectable dishes

8. Palazzo Preca, Valletta

Valletta is filled with high quality restaurants located in beautiful Baroque architecture but here is a proper 16th century palace! Talk about standing out! The food is beautifully prepared by two lovely sisters who take their job seriously.

Palazzo Preca offers the perfect blend of delicious Maltese cuisine, impeccable service, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

9.Tal-Petut, Birgu

Snuck away in the backstreets of Birgu, this place managed to surprise me, in a good way, from the beginning. The approach is different. It is a very good place to go with a small group as they have a large antipasto which is a pleasure to share.

There is no fixed menu and they allow you to finish your antipasto to see if you want to order more food. There were a lot of interestingly delightful flavours there. Ever changing fresh slow cooked meats, fish or vegetarian dishes follow. What I like is the creative use of fresh local ingredients to create local yet non-typical dishes.

Explore these restaurants and so much more by checking out Lovin Restaurants, the newest foodie guide on the island.

Which restaurants did we miss out? Tag them in the comments below!