Lovin Recommends: 125 Maltese Bars, Eateries And Restaurants You Need To Check Out This Year
Malta is chock-full of great eateries, lavish restaurants and beloved bars, but how can you go about choosing which ones to visit? Well, we’re here to help.
Our team will soon be trekking all over the island to distribute exclusive Lovin Malta stickers to 125 restaurants, bars and eateries we think are amazing, commending them for their fantastic contribution to our local foodie scene. We want to celebrate the experience and vibe they offer!
This is the first time we are giving out these stickers and we hope to see more and more splattered across the doors of worthy joints across the islands throughout the next few years.
Next time you see a restaurant door that has a big fat red LM sticker on it, it’ll mean we’ve given it our approval and a deserving two thumbs up.
So without further ado, by area and in no particular order, here are the 125 Maltese bars, eateries and restaurants you need to tick off your list this year.
1. Taproom
Taproom is a contemporary concept eatery with a highly creative brasserie style menu.
2. Da Pippo
A quaint gem popular for seafood and business lunches. There’s no menu and plenty of art on the walls.
3. Rubinos
This family-run, award-winning institution is one of the oldest restaurants in Valletta. It has a daily-changing menu filled with Maltese and Mediterranean delights!
4. Trabuxu
You’ll want to give your compliments to the chef after tasting the seasonal menu of fresh fish, meat and pasta at this bistro.
5. Noni
Visually beautiful dishes from Malta and the Mediterranean with a French twist is what’s on offer at Noni, a recently redesigned bakery-turned-jazz-club-turned restaurant.
6. Zero Sei Trattoria
Hearty homestyle Italian food that’s authentic AF. These guys specialise in mouth-watering Italian pasta, and the carbonara is a must.
7. The Harbour club
THC serves a Mediterranean menu with a French twist in an elegantly decorated setting.
8. Sciaccia Grill
A popular steakhouse with top notch grilled meats, Sciacca will cook the perfect piece of meat in front of your very eyes.
9. Artiglio
Artiglio’s innovative daily-changing menu is impressive to say the least. Dishes so pretty, you’ll nearly feel guilty for devouring them. Nearly.
10. Vecchia Taranto
Vecchia Taranto offers a true slice of la bella Italia on a plate.
11. Giannini
An intimate Mediterranean restaurant with jaw-dropping views.
12. TukTuk
Faultless South Indian food which will leave you wanting more.
13. Pastaus
As the name suggests, this restaurant focuses entirely on many varieties pasta. Freshly prepared in-house.
14. Panorama
Picturesque views of the Grand Harbour with a majestic Mediterranean menu is what you’ll get at Panorama.
15. Il-Ħorża
Il-Ħorża is really cosy and the chef makes incredible use of the ingredients. Your new home away from home!
16. Capo Crudo
Sitting under the capital city’s bastions and almost touching the sea, this eatery has sunset views, great food and spectacular cocktails.
17. The Pub
One of the few proper Brit style pubs on the rock.
18. N Japanese
A welcoming Japanese Izakaya that offers soul food straight from Japan.
19. Charles Grech Cafe & Cocktail Bar
An elegant cafe with a delightful food and cocktail menu.
20. Risette
Risette is fine dining at its best, but with an unpretentious atmosphere.
21. Leglegin
This cosy wine bar brings out around six to eight generous platters of food (although it has no menu) for under €30.
22. No.43
The food here is healthy yet hearty AF!
23. The Submarine
A sandwich bar that lets you create your own favourites? Yes please!
24. Piadina Caffe
Avoid tourist traps and visit Piadina, a beloved cafe with a menu that brings a slice of Italy to Valletta.
25. City Lights
Grab a beer and watch a retro movie at this actual vintage cinema bar.
26. Cafe Society
Great cocktails, great ambience and great music can all be found in this cosy bar.
27. The Alchemy
Crazy Willy Wonka-style cocktails at this gem in Strait Street. The golden days are back!
28. Yard 32 Gin and Tapas
Yard 32 does what it says on the tin; gin, gin, gin and tapas. And boy does it do it excellently.
29. City Lounge
Next level meatery cooking up some serious dishes with passion.
30. Wild Honey
Valletta’s best bar for craft beer, hands down.
31. ĠUGAR – Hangout & Bar
A super inviting place to chill with good healthy food options, Ġugar is set to stand the test of time.
32. Cru Wine Bar
The perfect place for all wine lovers, focusing on exquisite bottles and bite-size dishes perfected around local seasonal produce.
33. Kingsway
A luxurious all-day cafe with dapper interiors, fresh food and great cocktails.
34. Suq Tal-Belt
Grab a bite, shop for supplies and relax in this newly-renovated three-floor foodie market.
35. 59 Republic
A casual fine dining eatery that’s excellent value for money and romantic.
36. Duo, Qawra
Two siblings teamed up to bring you beautifully-presented dishes in a friendly atmosphere.
37. Garam Masala, Qawra
Enjoy authentic Indian food in this family-run restaurant with stunning views of Salina bay.
38. Tarragon, St Paul’s Bay
Tarragon has collected so many awards over the years including the best overall restaurant in Malta and the most romantic (deservingly so). They don’t just provide great food, but an experience.
39. Benjawan, St Paul’s Bay
Tantalising homestyle fresh Thai food is served at Benjawan.
40. Chang Thai, St Paul’s Bay
If exceptional Thai food is what you want, then head over to Chang Thai. Their menu is as long as the Bible!
41. Rebekah’s, Mellieħa
A cosy (and romantic) restaurant set in a restored house of character with seasonal Mediterranean cuisine.
42. Commando, Mellieħa
Elegant dishes to be enjoyed in a charming 300-year-old stone building is what you can expect from Commando.
43. One80, Mellieħa
This award-winning restaurant has stunning views from every corner of the restaurant, an epic wine list and of course some mighty fine fare.
44. Root 81, Rabat
Featuring terrace-top meals with stunning views, this restaurant gives you that romantic, rustic feel you’ve been searching for. It’s also won two awards in this year’s Definitive(ly) Good Guide, including one for Best Food.
45. Rogantino’s, Rabat
Enjoy a fusion of exquisite Mediterranean food in a secluded 15th Century converted stone farmhouse.
46. Grotto’s Tavern, Rabat
Grotto’s carefully selected seasonal menu is only made better when you remember you’re in a Maltese house of character with a 2,000-year-old cave.
47. Crystal Palace (Is-Serkin), Rabat
A Maltese legend, Serkin’s famous pastizzi have a cult following worth queuing for at 4am.
48. De Mondion, Mdina
A unique fine dining experience that you’ll never forget.
49. Diar il-Bniet, Dingli
Famed for their seasonal menu which offers traditional Maltese delicacies in a beautiful rustic environment.
50. Giuseppi’s, Salini (Naxxar)
Here you’ll find an exceptionally creative menu which changes daily depending on the produce available.
51. Il-Ħnejja, Senglea (Isla)
A small gem excelling in seafood and pasta dishes.
52. Hammetts Macina, Vittoriosa (Birgu)
Hammett’s offer sublime dishes that look like art on a plate at very reasonable prices.
53. Bert’s Kitchen, Luqa
Bar bites, burgers, meat and lots of beer are just some of the things on offer at Bert’s.
54. Pinoy Street Food, Marsascala
Malta’s only Filipino restaurant offering traditional and authentic dishes (and exotic meats).
55. Bongo Nyah, Marsascala
Bongo’s menu includes a fusion of street food from four continents and burgers.
56. Zion, Marsascala
A badass reggae bar with small bites and fun vibes.
57. Tartarun, Marsaxlokk
Faultless fresh fish and seafood dishes is what Tartarun does best.
58. Roots, Marsaxlokk
A seafront family-run restaurant with seafood dishes we guarantee you’ll love.
59. Il Corsaro, Qrendi
An Italian restaurant with no menu, great pasta and seafood dishes that’ll have you wanting more.
60. Carmen’s, Siġġiewi
Carmen’s offer fresh Maltese seafood served in a seafront setting with beautiful views.
61. Rickshaw, Attard
A fancy award-winning Chinese restaurant set in a luxury hotel.
62. Santa Lucia, Attard
A family-run cafe since 1975, known for its delicious pastries, sweets, sandwiches and snacks and confectionery.
63. Bahia, Balzan
A chic bistro serving up some of the most gorgeous seasonal dishes this side of the Mediterranean.
64. Four Seasons, Birkirkara
A wine bar serving salads, cold cut and cheese platters and ftiras.
65. Pulcinella, Ħamrun
Pulcinella dish out one of best Neapolitan pizzas on the island.
66. Chukkas, Marsa/Mosta
Steak, steak and more (exceptional) steak can be found at Chukka’s.
67. Danny’s, Qormi
Danny’s is the perfect brunch and lunch spot serving creative dishes.
68. Brass & Knuckle, Naxxar
Most definitely one of the best steakhouses in Malta.
69. Palazzo Parisio, Naxxar
Everything (from the decor, views and the dishes) is Instagrammable AF at the regal Palazzo Parisio.
70. The Lord Nelson, Mosta
Lord Nelson has collected so many awards over the years, and we can see why. You’re definitely guaranteed a fine dining culinary journey from beginning to end.
71. Charlie’s Inn, Naxxar
Charlie’s is loved for its traditional Maltese food, especially their rabbit.
72. Ali Baba, Gżira
This joint offers tasty and authentic Middle Eastern food.
73. HiMù, Gżira
A mozzarella bar and Italian restaurant with great pizza!
74. Tikka’s, San Ġwann
We can’t get enough of Tikka’s faultless no fuss street food style Thai food.
75. Emma’s Kitchen, San Ġwann
Emma’s Kitchen serves spectacular dishes that are #BrunchGoals. The lunch daily specials are fantastic too.
76. La Vela, Pietà
A sleek Italian eatery with dishes that are pleasing to the eye and the palate!
77. Fumia, Pietà
A Sicilian restaurant that prides itself on serving mouth-watering fish dishes.
78. Ta’ Xbiex Water Polo Club, Ta’ Xbiex
Popular for its unobstructed views and Sicilian and Italian inspired menu.
79. Avotaco, Ta’ Xbiex
The only Mexican restaurant in Malta serving banging tacos and burritos!
80. The Pulled Meat Company, Gżira (+ Valletta)
This place is a meat lover’s dream. It specialises in homemade, creative, slow-cooked soul food.
81. Hole in the Wall
Sliema’s oldest pub and bar was recently transformed into the perfect place to chill and stumble upon some local talent.
82. Sottozero
Serving up excellent gelato with creative flavours, this Buġibba favourite is now also open in bustling Sliema.
83. The Chophouse
Premium meats, great service and a stunning view of Valletta can be found at this steakhouse.
84. ImPasta
A fantastic pasta bar with many different options, all super fresh and made on the spot.
85. Hammett’s Gastro Bar
The place to be for stunning sharing plates plus innovative cocktails.
86. Charles Grech Bistro
A sophisticated all-day bistro with a delectable menu to match.
87. TemptAsian
TemptAsian treats its customers to modern Asian fusion dishes with exotic flavours.
88. Mint
A cafe offering super healthy fresh food with great coffee.
89. FISH Restaurant by Fumia
A place popular for its panoramic sea views and fresh speciality Sicilian fish dishes.
90. Pure
A health and juice bar which focuses on really creative and colourful healthy dishes.
91. Emperor of India
Emperor of India serves top notch Indian cuisine right in the hub of Paceville.
92. Il Pirata Bistro
An excellent place if you like perfectly-cooked meat!
93. Tokyo Fried House
TFH serves very authentic (and fried) Japanese comfort foods.
94. Fat Louie’s
Larger than life, this BBQ smokehouse offers up epic meats, frequently-changing specials and viral-worthy Insta uploads.
95. KuYa Asian Pub
A pub which specialises in soul food from East Asia, it didn’t take long for this beloved street food to open its own brick and mortar joint.
96. Hugo’s Burgers
A popular fast food joint with creative, no-fuss burgers in one of the most conveniently central locations on the island.
97. New York Best (various locations)
Here you’ll find probably some of the best burgers on the island. They also do great slow-rise sourdough pizzas for that extra bite of the Big Apple.
98. Shoreditch Bar & Kitchen
A carnivore’s playground specialising in delicious OTT food perfect for cheat day.
99. Miro
This restaurant focuses on experiential dining creating a very unique culinary journey.
100. Thirsty Barber
This bar’s creative cocktails are stunning, quirky and scientific. Down their creations with local entertainers taking the stage on a regular basis.
101. Caviar & Bull
This firm favourite has won countless awards because of its five-star cuisine, champagne and oyster bar, striking sea views and molecular cocktails.
102. Buddhamann
An affordable, award-winning fine dining restaurant offering aesthetically-pleasing modern pan-Asian cuisine and classy cocktails.
103. Dolce Vita
A formal Italian restaurant with visually gorgeous dishes and equally gorgeous views.
104. Zeri’s
Enjoy imaginative pasta, meat and seafood dishes with a traditional Mediterranean flavour, while soaking up jaw-dropping views.
105. Sale e Pepe
A traditional Italian restaurant perfect for any occasion (and all the family) with views of the Portomaso Yacht Marina.
106. Zen
A Japanese sushi and teppanyaki eatery located in Portomaso, overlooking the glorious marina.
107. Sharma Ethnic Cuisine
The menu at Sharma showcases Indian, middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine and the colourful decor is a presentation of the exotic menu they serve. A firm favourite that recently moved from Mdina.
108. Wigi’s Kitchen
A little family-run restaurant where the menu changes every day.
109. Zest
Zest brings Asian fusion and continental cuisine where every dish has a mix of Eastern and Western flavours.
110. Rocksalt
This gem has a brasserie, gastrobar and gourmet food store… all under one roof!
111. Blue Elephant
You can’t argue with a name everyone instantly recognises. This popular international franchise offers fine dining Thai cuisine in a tropical setting.
112. Shakinah
Indian cuisine in a contemporary yet elegant setting is what to expect at Shakinah.
113. Le Bistro
The casual but effective menu at Le Bistro uses Mediterranean ingredients bursting with bold flavours. This place was also the first Maltese restaurant to officially start serving Beyond Meat burgers, so expect healthy options too!
114. Gululu Kċina Maltija
At Gululu, you can expect authentic traditional Maltese dishes with generous portions.
115. Dr Juice
Dr Juice is the perfect speedy lunch spot for health-conscious foodies and juice lovers.
116. Carob Tree
An amazing upscale food court which holds different gourmet restaurant stalls offering pizza, Indian, East Asian cuisine and more.
117. Manouche Bakery & Bistro
We have nothing but love for Manouche’s perfect baked goods, spectacular brunch dishes and brasserie all-day menu. The decor is super chic too, straight off the streets of Paris.
118. Taro at The Villa
Taro’s refined menu is expertly-crafted and beautifully presented by its award-winning chefs. Perfect for that extra special night.
119. Barracuda Restaurant
Have a memorable gastronomical experience at one of Malta’s longest established fine dining restaurants.
120. Patrick’s Tmun, Victoria
A stunning steakhouse with an award-winning wine list.
121. Mekren, Nadur
A family-run bakery praised for its impeccable ftiras and Gozitan pizzas. One half of Nadur’s holy pizza duo, Mekren becomes one of the busiest places on the islands during holidays like Carnival and Santa Marija.
122. Maxokk, Nadur
If you’re a pizza lover, then you must go to Maxokk and try one of the best pizza places in Gozo. Take photos, send them to your friends and see how quickly they get super jealous.
123. Mġarr ix-Xini, Xewkija
A perfect lunch experience providing stunning sea views of one of the quietest and most beautiful beaches in the archipelago, all topped off with exceptional seafood dishes.
124. Gleneagles Bar, Mġarr
A lively bar filled with locals and perfect for socialising with friends, Gleneagles is a staple with multiple generations of locals.
125. Ta’ Philip, Għajnsielem
Ta’ Philip offers a traditional Mediterranean menu cooked in a wood fire oven and using locally-sourced seasonal ingredients.
We would love to hear what you think, and who should definitely make next year’s Lovin Malta Recommends list in the comments below!