1. Tal-Petut, Birgu

Tucked away towards the back of the illustrious city of Birgu, Tal-Petut offers home-made Maltese food without pandering to the usual formula and without being afraid of parting from tradition. There is no fixed menu and the food varies with the seasons.

A fine spread of antipasto kicks off the meal which, while using using mostly typical ingredients that are found locally, does not always prepare them in the traditional time-tested manner but tends to give them a twist, in a good way.

The old townhouse where it is located helps to give you nostalgic memories of an old, almost disappeared Malta.

2. Rogantino, Tal-Landrijiet

How about a traditional Majjalata where you meet with a group of friends or family and have a deliciously decadent bacchanal with a whole roast suckling pig and copious wine in a red palace in the countryside?

Make sure to reserve. Only for groups of minimum eight people.

3. Noni, Valletta

If you want to try the local cuisine produced by Michelin-starred chefs then this is the place for you. Here local ingredients are masterfully crafted into a whole greater than the sum of its parts using pure alchemy.

4. Rubino, Valletta

Offering a fusion of Maltese and Sicilian dishes this perennially popular Valletta eatery has been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand

Open since 1906 you can feel the tradition when you step inside. With a delicious fusion of Maltese and Sicilian food and an incredible choice of pastries make sure to reserve a table when you have a chance.

5. Legligin, Valletta

A mouth-watering tasting menu of Maltese and Mediterranean classics and a well curated wine list will make a visit to Legligin an occasion to remember. Everyone has a good thing to say about about this place.

Just kick back and enjoy the company while the food and drink flow.

6. Ta’ Kris, Sliema

Tucked into a little alleyway, Ta’ Kris is a peaceful hideaway in the centre of hectic Sliema where you can unwind away from the crowd while sampling stupendous local flavours.

From Maltese platters to rabbit to snails and fried ġbejna and other less well known delicacies both food quality and the friendly service do not disappoint.

7. Dine West, Mġarr

Ok, we can’t really leave Mġarr out completely once we’re talking Maltese restaurants can we? As I mentioned before I have never had a bad meal in Mġarr but Dine West has been my subjective favourite there since I first tried it years ago.

Though keeping with the same winning formula on as the other restaurants, they seem to put something extra in the flavour.

In my opinion I have never had better snails, cooked in a lovely stew with hints of aniseed.

The fried rabbit is delectable, obviously cooked by a skilful chef with a knack for mixing french-style sauces.

8. Farmer’s Bar, Żebbieh

For no nonsense homemade Maltese food just like nanna used to make head to this modest looking bar, preferably at lunchtime, and discover or remember what Maltese food is really all about.

Fresh seasonal ingredients, quality local meats and simple country food. Stuffed courgettes, Minestra, Ross il-Forn, rabbit and horse meat are all on offer at budget friendly prices where people go to eat for their daily need rather than for an occasion.

9. Tal-Familja, Marsaskala

Run by the talented Preca family, Tal-Familja is a very popular eatery down in Marsaskala, specialising in seafood, Maltese dishes and juicy steaks.

The dishes are presented with a touch of class as high quality ingredients such as truffles, scallops, red prawns and langoustines are available and served with gracious flair.

10. Gululu Kċina Maltija, St Julian’s

Honestly, the only thing better than eating authentic Maltese cuisine is doing it right by the sea.

Gululu’s reputation precedes them, with their exquisite menu and location one of the best options for a night out, whether its to impress some foreign guests, or explore what Maltese food can really offer.

Maltese food can have much more nuance then some people think. While the tradition needs to be remembered so must it be allowed to evolve and grow.

We have some unique ingredients such as the wonderful Ġbejna which is a cheese like no other, the incomparable Maltese bread and its Gozitan cousin, il-Ftira, and strange soups like kusksu with egg and ġbejna poached inside, a memory of our chequered history. We need to appreciate our legacy more.

You can find restaurants just like this and more on Lovin Malta’s awesome food directory Lovin Restaurants. 

And you can book with ease with Bookia, Malta’s largest online restaurant booking platform. Bookia works with over 300 restaurants across Malta and Gozo, making it easier than ever for diners to find, discover and make reservations.

And if you have your own food truck, establishment, or restaurant and want to be featured on Lovin Restaurants, get in contact with us via [email protected]

What’s your favourite Maltese speciality dish?