Malta has got great food for days – but the man or woman who has tried all there is to try might easily lose hope among all the low-quality sushi places and overpriced kebab shops.

Fortunately for them – and the rest of us – there are some impressive dishes hidden in menus all over the island. Any self-respecting foodie should turn these eight dishes into a checklist for the summer, and get down to business tasting some of the more colourful dishes around Malta.

1. This mozzarella, mortadella and pistachio pizza

Al Legna

Let’s start off easy.

2. This smoked beef rib arancina

Fat Louie’s

Fat Louie’s regularly switch up the menu, and this tasty little treat is par for the course.

3. This pasta cooked in a wheel of cheese

Capo Crudo

Seriously.

4. This burger mixing beef, chicken, peanut butter, and srirarcha mayo

Shoreditch

No explanation needed to be honest.

5. This over-the-top meat platter

The Pulled Meat Company

All the animals, in one big dish for you and your friends to devour.

6. The creamiest-looking carbonara this side of Rome

The Village Kitchen

Before you freak out, don’t worry – that’s not added cream there, but the dish’s glorious egg-based sauce. And that crazy fried egg thing on top is just the touch this original dish needs.

7. The homemade Maltese patty with deep fried pork cheeks

Al Legna

The apple slice can count towards your five-a-day.

8. This alcoholic milkshake that will soothe your soul

Stazzjon Bar and Kitchen

Light as clouds yet packing the classic Jack Daniels kick, get this honey and almond sugar milkshake on a Saturday afternoon for maximum enjoyment

Tag someone who would eat everything in this list!

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Johnathan Cilia

Johnathan is an award-winning Maltese journalist interested in social justice, politics, minority issues, music and food. Follow him at @supreofficialmt on Instagram, and send him news, food and music stories at [email protected]