The most popular restaurant serving traditional Maltese food seems to be the Malet Restaurant.

For European dishes, the Venus Restaurant and the New Bucccaneers Restaurant are recommended. If you are dining on a budget, the Capuvino is a good choice. New Madras or Anusuya is the place to dine when you are after Indian cuisine. For Italian food, go to Little Italy and or else La Stalla.

Mr. Pickwicks English Bar and Restaurant serves an excellent English breakfast/brunch. Fat Harrys also serves English food. For typically British fish and chips and seafood, Seashell Fish and Chip Shop is the place to go. Mediterranean dishes are served at Bugies. Little Wok, as its name suggests, is a Chinese Restaurant found in Bugibba as is The Forbidden City.

Pasta, baguettes and platters are served at the Oblico Restaurant and the Steak House is the place to go if you love meat dishes. Granny’s and Mirabelle Restaurant are places to go to for good food and value. For families with children and large groups, Villa Mare is recommended.

Whether you are dining al fresco in summer or else indoors, Bugibba is always a popular choice where the food is good and the prices are reasonable. Being close to the sea gives Bugibba the advantage of many restaurants having a seaview. Bugibba is also a popular choice for tourists from different countries when visiting the Island of Malta. There are many hotels which also have their own restaurants to cater for the ever growing population of foreigners who come to visit Malta especially in the hot summer months.

Here are a few restaurants which really make the grade, at least in our opinion.

The Carriage

Sumptuously situated on the fifth floor of Valletta Buildings in South Street, this quality restaurant has long been known for the excellent quality of food which it dispenses.

Add that to the stunning location and to the excellent silver service and you have a cocktail which truly demonstrates that eating out can really be that special occasion. The Carriage is also renowned for its considerable menu but its specialty is fresh fish which is a definite must have for all who savour an appetite for the marine.

La Mère Restaurant

A fascinating journey through Indian, Arabian, Mediterranean and Maltese Authentic Homemade Cuisines. La Mère wears its heart on the menu and ‘Love Your Food’ is the given command before your step through the door. There is a mesmerising variety of dishes to choose from. Also, a rarity in Malta, you can also bring your own bottle of wine at a small charge of €4.50.

Open daily from noon till 3pm & 7pm till 10:30pm (closed Monday lunch & Sunday dinner)
174, Merchant Street, Valletta | Tel: 21223256 / 99494721 | info@lamere.com.mt

Giannini

Another classy restaurant located at the end of South Street facing Manoel Island, Giannini is a favourite for those who like to have class married with style. The windswept location is also extremely romantic and the silver service on offer shows that one can truly have the best quality in Malta. The restaurant’s menu is also highly commendable and very desirable in every sense with a wide variety of meats and fish which are served quite delectably.

Rubino

Located in the heart of Old bakery Street, this fine restaurant has been on the top table for a number of years now. It has recently changed ownership but is still consistently one of the best restaurants on the island. Prices may be high and rather on the extravagant side but the quality of the food is absolutely something else. Homemade food is one of Rubino‘s specialties and the choice of ingredients and the way the food is presented is truly eclectic to say the least. This one is certainly a restaurant to visit.

So there you have three of the best restaurants in Valletta which are certainly worth a visit. Others which spring to mind are the Blue Room at the bottom of Republic Street if you want some good quality Chinese Food as well as Café Premier if you are looking for something light. The Manoel Theatre Restaurant is also a good bet if you want to tuck into a nice dinner after an event there.

I had the opportunity to visits the restaurant recently and can safely say that I was pretty much impressed with all that was going on.

The menu was widely varied and included tapas as well as a vast selection of pizzas with innovative ingredients. I selected an Amigos Nice’n Spicy and was not disappointed by the quality of the pizza base as well as the taste of the hot ingredients which can be a bit spicy for some but were definitely just up my street!

There is also a vast selection of salads which are ideal for those who are on a diet or wish to watch their weight too. The interior décor of the restaurant is extremely cool with a lot of pictures and a colour scheme which is soothing to the eyes. Amigos has also recently opened a new restaurant in Wilga Street Paceville where it continues to cater for younger clientele and boosts the culinary options in Malta’s hottest nightlife spot.

Locations:

Sliema
55 Sir Adrian Dingli Street
Opening times:
Mon – Thu: 12.00pm – 11.30pm
Fri – Sun: 12.00pm – 12.00am

Paceville
11 Wilga Street
Opening times:
Mon – Thu: 12.00pm – 2.00am
Fri – Sun: 12.00pm – 5.30am

Situated on the water’s edge, right on the quay of the yacht marina, Mamma Mia affords diners with some excellent views over to Valletta in the distance. There’s seating available outside on the terrace or in the restaurant which benefits from ample natural light and contemporary design throughout.

Mamma Mia Restaurant was originally located in Sliema, where it opened its doors in 2001, but soon outgrew the size of the premises. In 2004, the team moved Mamma Mia to its current location, where there is adequate seating for 240 people. Service is quick and efficient, with a highly experienced team looking after the front of house operations. In the 2009 edition of The Definitively Good Guide to restaurants in Malta and Gozo, Mamma Mia was rated highly in the lively, child-friendly, business categories, and was the most-mentioned restaurant by readers of the book.

There’s an absolutely massive choice on the menu. Starters include a selection of homemade soups, chicken liver pate, garlic bread, octopus in garlic and an excellent Caprese. Mains include salads, such as Parma ham and rocket, Chicken Caesar and the House salad which is a combination of nuts, feta, melon and seasonal greens, there’s also a great variety of pizza and pasta dishes. For meat lovers, there are a number of options including ribs, steak, lamb and chicken specialities. Although portion sizes are on the large side, try and leave some room for one of the delicious desserts, such as Tiramisu, Banoffee pie or the Cassata Siciliana.

There’s no doubt that the restaurant gives patrons excellent value for money, with starters ranging from €1.50 to €6.95, main courses from €6.50 to €18.95 and desserts from €3.00 to €4.00. There’s a decent range of local and foreign wines, with some half-bottle sizes available, a pint of local lager is reasonable at €2.75 and of course, a full range of soft drinks, coffees and shakes are on offer. Many customers return to Mamma Mia regularly, whether it’s with their families, friends or business associates.

Mamma Mia Restaurant Malta
Ta’ Xbiex Seafront, Ta’ Xbiex
Tel: (+356) 21337248
Tel: (+356) 27337248

Situated in St Julians at the Portomaso Marina, one of the most exclusive addresses in the country, Buffalo Bills is decked out like an old Saloon with an indoor capacity of 125, with an outside terrace seating an additional 75 patrons. There is another similar steakhouse in Bugibba, in the north of Malta.

Being a steakhouse, that’s what customers can expect; freshly imported AAA grade steaks, including Fillet, T-bone, New York Striploin and rump. Steaks are mainly Angus beef flamed over an open grill to your liking. In addition there is a range of kebabs, and main-course options for the more adventurous palate include ostrich and kangaroo.

There are a variety of side dishes, a salad bar, but be warned, portions can be huge, so you may not be able to manage a starter or dessert. There’s a variety of new and old-world wines available by the bottle, and a good selection of beers and spirits to choose from.

Buffalo Bill’s is a family-friendly restaurant, and is open daily for lunch and every evening except Tuesday for dinner. Booking is recommended.

Buffalo Bill Malta
Portomaso
St Julians
Malta

Telephone: (+356) 21 389290

Write your own review of Buffalo Bill restaurant here!

However, one of the best is found at the Corinthia Palace Hotel, bang in the centre of the island in the picturesque village of Attard. The ambience at The Rickshaw restaurant reflects the opulent 5-star surroundings; the beautifully laid tables and attentive service adds a touch of class and romance to the venue.

On warm Mediterranean evenings, patrons at this unique Chinese restaurant in Malta can dine on a selection of platters outside on the terrace in the moonlight. There are a wide choice of soups and starters, with the Rickshaw Golden Platter being a popular option for 2 or more people. This platter consists of a selection of baby barbecue ribs, honey prawns, chicken and beef satay, duck spring rolls, and crispy seaweed. Whole or half portions of aromatic crispy duck with pancakes, spring onions and hoi-sin can be ordered as an intermediate course, with main dishes to follow. These include a good assortment of beef, pork, chicken, seafood and curry favourites, including sweet and sour chicken, beef in black-bean sauce, Szechuan pork and steamed sea bass. As well as Chinese cuisine, the restaurant also serves a variety of Malaysian, Thai and Indonesian dishes, such as mi goreng and green curry.

Average price per head – Euro 32.00
The Rickshaw, Corinthia Palace Hotel, Attard
Tel (+356) 21440301

Less formal than the Rickshaw, The Peak oriental restaurant is in the heart of Sliema’s shopping district, on the top floor of The Plaza shopping centre. This venue has a modern, bright feel and can accommodate up to 90 diners inside – outside there’s a small, sheltered terrace for admiring the sweeping views out over the harbour.

The menu is wide-ranging with the Peking duck being particularly good. Starters include sesame prawn toast, spring rolls, chicken and beef satay, dim sum and a good selection of soups. Mains include the usual Cantonese menu-standards such as sweet and sour pork, beef in satay sauce, stir-fried almond chicken and prawns with green pepper in black-bean sauce, and all dishes are fresh and bursting with flavour. The Peak also offers a choice of three set meals for 2 to 6 people, a selection of desserts and some good local wines.

Its central location makes it convenient for weary shoppers, Sliema residents – many of whom are regulars – and holidaymakers staying in the numerous hotels nearby.

Average price per head – Euro 25.00
The Peak Oriental, The Plaza Centre, Sliema
Tel (+356) 21314861

The restaurant specialises in Mediterranean cuisine with an emphasis on the freshest ingredients available – particularly fish and seafood dishes. The menu is varied, with a good choice, although there is only a handful of truly vegetarian options.

Appetisers include Red Prawn Carpaccio, Fresh Mediterranean Black Mussels, Smoked Swordfish Carpaccio and Truffled Fillet of Beef. An interesting starter is the Barbuljata, a traditional Maltese recipe using fresh eggs, sun-ripened tomatoes and crisp local onions. There is a choice of two soups, the chef’s choice of the day and Aljotta, a delicious Maltese fish broth made with stock from the local catch infused with garlic. At the Barracuda Restaurant Malta you will also find mouthwatering selection of pasta dishes such as Linguine Tossed with Fresh Local Sea Urchins, Potato and Parmesan Gnocchi, Casarecce pasta with a blend of sun-dried tomatoes, olives, garlic, basil and melting peppered gbejna (a local artisan cheese), and Pear and Gorgonzola Risotto.

Leading onto mains, there is a great balance between meat and fish options. The latter includes a fresh daily catch on display and your choice can be grilled, steamed or cooked al cartoccio. The Seafood Platter is a selection of the freshest line caught fish and shellfish, mussels, clams, langustines and prawns. There are also some excellent classics on the menu including Grilled Fillet of Sea Bass, King Prawns and Fresh Lobster. For those who prefer meat or poultry, theres a wide choice from the popular Fillet of Beef with Thyme Jus to Pan Roasted barbary Duck Breast.

The wine list is varied and can offer wines from both the new and old worlds along with a great local selection. Barracuda isn’t a cheap restaurant – prices reflect the fact that this is one of the best fine-dining experiences in Malta!

Barracuda Restaurant
194 Main Street,
St. Julians – SLM05
Malta

Tel: +356 21 331817

The Arches
113, Gorg Borg Olivier Street, Mellieha

The Arches is a fine-dining classic. Launched three decades ago, it’s the ultimate in sophistication and is a destination in its own right. As the winner of many awards and accolades, including best food and service in Malta, the menu is a statement of the finest, freshest ingredients sourced locally.

Starters range from classic cold poached lobster with a twist to extravagant Wagyu-Kobe beef carpaccio with roasted figs. Mains include a Chateaubriand for 2 with traditional condiments, Pan Seared Salmon Supreme with Oyster Mushrooms and Asparagus Sauté and Seared Venison Fillet served with a Celeriac Puree, Shredded Braised Cabbage and Pear and Plum Chutney. Desserts are varied, luxurious and the choice is vast. Prices reflect the quality of ingredients, and are definitely not for those on a budget.

Margo’s
Palazzo Santa Rosa, Mistra Bay

Situated by the shoreline off the beaten track is a new venture by the talented Palazzo Santa Rosa team. Margo’s is a pizzeria with a real difference – in Malta anyway! The chef, oven and ingredients have been imported from Naples, the true home of the pizza. To eat out in Mellieha during the summer, you can sit under the olive trees in the candle-lit garden, and in cooler months the interior is cosy, with the walls displaying works by local artists. There are several pizzas available, all with one thing in common – the same light, bubbling yet well-cooked base. The pizza toppings are all carefully sourced: San Marzano tomatoes are used for the tomato passata; Buffalo di Campania is the only cheese used; Home smoked pork is the main ingredient on the Affumicata; Seasonal, locally-grown vegetables are the focal point of the Stagionale. There’s a wide variety of wines on offer. Pizzas are from €6-10 and are absolutely fantastic.

Royal China
Main Street, Mellieha

From the outside Royal China looks like just another Chinese Restaurant, but with a roof terrace available in Summer, customers can enjoy stunning views over Ghadira Bay and beyond. The restaurant serves up standard Chinese fare, but every dish is delicious. Unpretentious, friendly and swift service means that your meal arrives promptly, without any compromise on quality. Particularly recommended is the sizzling beef in black bean sauce, with melt-in-the-mouth beef in a savoury yet sticky sauce which leaves you craving more. An unusual side dish is the Chinese salad which combines cucumber, onion and Chinese cabbage and is infused with a sesame, chilli and lemon dressing. A la carte and set menu options are served for dinner 7 days a week, and a buffet option is available for lunch and dinner at the weekend.

If you enjoy eating out in Mellieha too or would like to recommend other restaurants or post your own reviews, feel free to include your comments below.

The coast is littered with authentic fish restaurants offering all sorts of warm and cold fish and shellfish dishes. Prices in this area are reasonable but if ordering fresh fish always ask for the price before. You can have a look at their menus outside but they all pretty much offer the same type of dishes. However do have a look as they also show the prices, which vary from one establishment to another.

2 of my personal favourite fish restaurants in Marsaxlokk are:

La Capanna Restaurant – Everything I have eaten there has been excellent but I simply love their shellfish platter. This usually includes different types of Mussels, Octopus, a variety of Clams and King Prawns. As I mentioned previously this may vary according to availability.

La Capanna Restauarnt
60, Xatt is-Sajjieda
M’xlokk
Tel: 21 657755

Ir-Rizzu Restaurant – Probably one of the busiest restaurants in this area, its reputation precedes it all over the Maltese islands. Their menu is very vast so ask a waiter for his or her recommendations. You can also have a look at their menu on their website: ir-rizzu.com

Ir-Rizzu Restaurant
52, Xatt is-Sajjieda
M’Xlokk
Tel: 21 651569

Restaurants in St. Julians reviews and my top choices:

Considering the fact that St. Julians was once a quiet fishing village it is not surprise that fish restaurants are abundant in this area. The choice is so vast you can try a different fish restaurant every night of the week for a few weeks at least.

Bouzouki Greek Restaurant – As Greece is also in the Mediterranean, they eat a lot of fish just like the Maltese do. Their menu is exquisite and really spoils anyone looking for fish and seafood dishes. The best way to eat in this establishment is by ordering a number of starters each and trying as many different dishes as possible. Starters are a good size but remember that seafood especially shellfish is not very filling, so if you are a big eater ask the waiter how many dishes they recommend.

You can choose between either indoor or outdoor terrace overlooking the harbour. Booking is definitely recommended.

Bouzouki Restaurant
135, Spinola Road
St. Julian’s
Tel: 21 387127

Barracuda – A fine dining fish restaurant situated at the waters edge. Tastefully decorated and with impeccable service this is definitely a restaurant you must try out at least once in a lifetime. Perfect for a variety of occasions from a romantic meal to a business dinner, there is something to please everyone. Private functions and weddings can also be held in this award-winning restaurant.

A string of celebrities have dined at Barracuda such as Orlando Bloom, David Beckham, Alex Ferguson, Madonna, Russel Crowe, Arnold Schwarzengger and Claudia Schiffer among many others.

Booking is recommended. Dining is available both indoors and outdoors.

Barracuda
194 Main Street,
St. Julians
Tel: 21 331817
Email: barracuda@wgc-group.com
Website: www.wgc-group.com/barracuda/