EAT & DRINK
Please let us share our selected list in Valletta
The following eateries are some of the best places to eat and drink in Valletta. They have been categorised for your convenience.
Cafes in the City
Cordina was established in 1837 and is now a local institution. You have the choice of waiter service at the sun-shaded tables in the square or inside, or joining the locals at the zinc counter inside for a quick caffeine hit.
The original tobacconist and bottle shop on Republic Street has evolved, reopening its doors as an elegant café serving sumptuous breakfast, mid-morning snacks and lunches. The belle époque style décor, the clean smell of fine leather and warm ambience are sure to hit all the right notes as you make your pick from the wide range of drinks and cocktails available at the bar.
You can breakfast, lunch and supper here – not to mention enjoy morning coffee, afternoon tea and evening drinks (when it turns into a night bar). Food ranges from well-filled wraps and traditional pastizzi (Maltese mini-pasties) to Nanna’s homemade cheese ravioli.
In the heart of Valletta’s epic history and unbeatable vibe, Kingsway is the place to be whether you’re after fresh food, great coffee or a strong drink. Served in welcoming luxury, our bar-café’s dapper aesthetic is exclusive to Kingsway.
Our food is inspired by fantastic local produce, which we use daily. So if you’re after a quick coffee or want to kick back and take in the Republic Street buzz with a good plate of food, pay this place a visit.
Situated in Valletta, Inspirations! is found in the heart of the historic building of St James Cavalier which in 2000 was transformed into a Centre for Creativity and Arts.
Inspirations! started operation in 2002 and has become a very popular casual diner, known for its excellent food and friendly service. Inspirations! operates a coffee shop and a restaurant, both charmed with beautiful arched ceilings and a modern decor.The unique terrace, overlooking the old opera house ruins is sought after by locals and tourists alike for their al fresco meals.
Sinful Treats
Calcedonio Camilleri started the family business as C. Camilleri & Sons in 1843 – the oldest confectionery trading company on the Maltese islands. He established a confectionery shop in Merchants Street, Valletta, which today is still the company’s flagship store.
The Shop offer a vast selection of products which include chocolate, cakes, biscuits and diabetic products. The company was also the pioneer of the ’Pick ‘n Mix’ concept in Malta offering an array of sweets purchased by weight. Furthermore, its portfolio also comprises a range of wines representing four wineries: Cabert (Friuli), Montellori (Toscana), Manfredi (Piemonte) and Terre De La Cvstudia (Umbria).
Enjoy Valletta’s finest sweet treats from Italian gelato in the summer to macarons and espresso in the cooler months. Amorino is a great place for a quick breakfast or snack at any time of day. The two founders’ passion is highlighted in their values : exacting standards of quality, consistency, pleasure and flavour, as well as the cosy atmosphere in their shops.
Paolo Benassi : “Our objective is to make the highest quality gelato as naturally as possible with no artificial colours or flavourings“.
There is nothing better than making your special day truly memorable. Over 200 flavours ranging from Sea salt Caramel, Lemon Meringue Pie, Bakewell Tart, to Ecuadorian Dark Chocolate and Cream Tea.
The gelato made fresh daily distinguishes itself for being a unique product in its texture and taste. Only few can boast of the same quality and at the same time healthiness!
City Bars
A little treasure in the heart of Valletta is this family run place, offering a relaxed, warm and quiet atmosphere, whilst enjoying local live music. Radiant Keith, with his impeccable service specializes in local and foreign wines (over 75 different type of wine to choose from) and a menu which consists of genuine and freshly home made platters.
Converted from 17th-century boathouses, the Harbour Club has been designed by Malta’s foremost architect, Chris Briffa, and has a superb terrace and wonderful harbour views, as well as a bar and a subterranean jazz club created from a cistern.
Strait Street in Valletta is world renowned for its buzzing nightlife, dating back to the British period. While the street was dormant for a few years, a bunch of young entrepreneurs is breathing life back into the magical capital city with new places to go for 30 plus set.
Tico Tico is at the very heart of Strait Street and indeed was the last to close and the first to reopen. Owners Clint Debono and Mark Zammit have sympathetically restored the bar and furnished it with an eclectic mix of old and cherished furnishings, along with posters from the famous City Lights cinema and related artworks and accessories.
In the storm of the crisis, a motley crew of free spirits lived seemingly unaffected by the economic calamity. They were writers, poets, artists, revellers, bon vivants, DJs, musicians, wisecracks, mavericks, actors, adventurers and socialites. They came from different walks of life but shared a common taste for the unusual, the inspiring, the undiscovered. The paths of these disparate characters converged in one spot: Cafe Society – the wrong place for the right people.
With the Grand Harbour as a backdrop and only a few steps away from the internationally renowned Malta Jazz Festival, the Birdge Bar Jazz sessions have been drawing jazz lovers from all over Europe.
Combining a magical atmosphere together with the grandeur of Valletta will make your Fridays memorable. Situated right on the bridge in one of the most idyllic locations in Valletta close to Victoria Gate, the Bridge Bar has become a staple favourite with locals for its weekly schedule of both Maltese and international musicians.
At the lower end of Republic Street lies Ġugar, a small laid-back hangout and restaurant frequented by a younger cohort of the island’s locals. From time to time it hosts chess matches and the occasional intimate music gig. True to its mission of promoting alternative living, it is furnished with a colorful mix of upcycled materials, serves wholesome food and refreshing smoothies, and offers a good selection of left-of-center book titles to read.
Situated on the historically significant and presently fashionable Strait Street, StrEat Whisky & Bistro comprises the day time café ambiance with the warm inviting settings of an evening bar and bistro.
Lovers of whiskies should look no further than this; the whisky menu at StrEat is probably the most extensive anywhere on the island. Housed in a vaulted rustic interior at the lower end of fashionable Strait Street, this venue also serves an enticing selection of cocktails and meat-heavy dishes, and entertains guests with a resident acoustic live duo for Friday evening aperitivo.
Traditional Restaurants
Just a few steps up Valletta Lucente you can not miss this kitchen, and friendly Paul always ready to make his clientele feel special on a normal eve.
Either for lunch or for dinner, you can enjoy a traditional dinner either on the inside, in a warm and cosy atmosphere, or you can lay back and relax on the outer area. Definitely a must try is Paul’s octopus stew. Truly a gem you cannot miss when visiting Valletta.
With tiled floors and brick arches, this is an intimate cellar wine bar, serving Maltese tapas alongside. Legligin is a Maltese onomatopoeic word for glugging down a drink. In the case of Legligin, the drinks of choice are an array of delicious wines set and kept at a good temperature in holes in the walls of this cellar-turned-wine bar.
When you order a bottle, the owner quaintly plucks it out of the wall and serves it straight to your glass. Apart from the wines, Legligin also offers small dishes such as stewed octopus. But don’t get too attached to any one dish as there is no set menu and the food on offer changes regularly.
Sweet little place in the heart of Valletta, exactly on Republic Street. This restaurant hosts attentive & friendly service, great cooking and reasonable prices. A great choice in Valletta and we highly recommend it. Roberta, with her exquisite culinary skills and friendly welcome will surely tempt you to visit her place more than once whilst in the City.
You can sit on the outside tables on the Main Street which is so atmospheric and enjoyable, especially when the restaurant itself hosts live music such as a violinist.
What more could you want? Oh … also prices are exceptionally reasonable for the standard and quality of food.
Nenu The Artisan Baker, welcomes local patrons and tourists alike to savour local, traditional, authentic cuisine in one of the oldest parts of Malta within a setting embracing a typical bakery scenario.
Apart from the meeting spots such as the ‘Bar’ and the ‘Discovery Room’ (primarily aimed at the younger generation), the premises offers an extensive dining coverage spread in many key points such as the ‘Courtyard’, the ‘Attic’ and other areas which may easily cater for special occasions and events.
Rubino is a sort of landmark in Valletta and a must for any visitor. As its original sign on the facade of the restaurant still kept intact suggests, Rubino dates back to 1906, when it was a confectionery suitably placed on Old Bakery street.
The cellar of the building was later converted into the restaurant that stands there today. Desserts still play an important role at Rubino. Among the traditional Maltese dishes, pasta and fish, your sweet tooth will be satisfied with their Cassata Siciliana, cannoli, a Maltese-style layered ice cream or the Torta tal-Marmurat, a chocolate tart with crushed biscuits, nuts and candied citrus peel.
In the shadow of the magnificent Presendential Palace, Angelica give their clientele an authentic experience, outstanding food, a fantastically happy ambience, and genuinely informed friendly service. Every night people make friends around the tables with people they have never seen before. It is known as “The Angelica Way”.
Food is packed with local colour and flavour – stuffed calamari with whatever is in season, Maltese artisanal sausage from the Food Market up the road, rabbit in champagne, crisp but yet soft, so good it have been over and over called as “the best rabbit in Malta”. The excitement of travel, discovery and eating is what Angelica is all about.
Continental Restaurants
Hidden in the small streets of Valletta, Il-Ħorża is a cozy restaurant located across the harbor from Fort St. Angelo, a fortification dating back to the 13th century. When it is good weather out – which is very likely the case on any given day in Malta – you can eat outside and enjoy the remarkable view of the Grand Harbour.
The restaurant’s interior is ornamented with stacks of wine bottles. Dim lighting gives it a romantic touch and the food is strongly influenced by French and Italian cuisine, but remains truly Maltese at heart.
BEATI PAOLI Restaurant is located at 240, St Paul’s Str, Valletta. If it is a lunch or a dinner, BEATI PAOLI is the ultimate restaurant to eat in.
Our chef Mike will be creating food with great luxury and adding his natural touch of class by choosing ingredients to produce top-class food, which will vary everyday.
In the historic city Valletta, Taproom is a contemporary concept restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and also late night drinks.
A vintage bar and a cozy chill area on 53a Old Theatre Street. The Brasserie is a relaxed and welcoming social space to meet and mingle, have a quick bite, an after-work drink or late night cocktails.
Our kitchen is open all day, every day from 11.30am until 10.00pm. (Fridays and Saturdays to 11.00pm) D’Office is perfect for lunch in the city, convenient to offices, shops or when visiting the wonderful sights that Valletta has to offer.
For a cosy dinner or just to call by at any time to relax. You can have a full meal or platter at any time of the day accompanied by a glass or two of wine from their selected wine selection from Maltese and foreign vineyards.
The Preca sisters (Ramona and Roberta) both worked at their family restaurant Tal-Familja in Marsascala. They were both in their mid-twenties and at such a young age one would easily be tempted to think that it was there that they cut their gastronomic teeth.
A 16th century Palazzo in Strait Street caught Ramona’s eye and got her creative juices bubbling with excitement and that is where she plies her trade today. Palazzo Preca is her dream.
Palazzo Preca is located in Valletta`s historic strait street. It offers a broad range of Mediterranean food and an extensive wine list. Ramona hosts a culinary team as passionate about their work as they are experienced and professionally trained. Each team member brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Going to Palazzo Preca is a lifetime experience!
Steakhouses
Named after the Sicilian Village that inspired its creation, Sciacca Grill is a unique Steak & Grill restaurant that go beyond its culinary calling. Within Sciacca’s confines, you’ll find the kind of effortless taste that’ll envelop your stay, exalt your senses, and ultimately make you party to the excellence we recite. – Welcome to an experience.
Sciacca Grill is the no menu restaurant. Food is all displayed to choose from, cooked on charcoal and wood as those are the best flavor enhancers, mains include sides. Sciacca Valletta features an ageing cabinet for the meat lovers!
Just in-front of the Presedential Palace, you find this beautiful place. One can choose to sit on the patio and enjoy the city’s views.
The staff is very friendly, the menu is specialised in different fresh meats and has a huge variety of salad to choose from the salad table that is located inside at no cost. If you are looking for a relaxing night, it is one of the places to look for.
Situated at the picturesque Valletta Waterfront, this place is the place to be for meat lovers. It offers a wide range of meats, with different cuts, grades and origins. Prepare yourself for a mouthwatering, juicy and tender meal.
Fish Restaurants
Nestled below the Valletta Bastions along the bustling Marsamxett coastline, Cockney’s Restaurant makes you feel like dining at home, as the familiar taste of garlic and perfectly-cooked fish washes over your palette and you relax watching that ferry bob to and fro between Sliema and the capital.
Being a family run business they truly care about what food makes it onto their plates, and that is clearly reflected in the taste of their dishes. Today Cockney’s is the perfect place where you can enjoy stunning views complimented by quality of food and friendly service.
Pintonino has a welcoming environment; its Mediterranean cuisine bursts with natural flavours and healthy ingredients and is Pintonino’s pride. Only the finest ingredients make it to the kitchen. It is carefully selected for quality and freshness. Daily specialities include Fresh Fish. This is supplemented by the a la carte menu, which also features delicious pasta and meat dishes.
This Mediterranean restaurant, situated at the Valletta Waterfront complex, specializes in fresh fish, seafood and other delicacies. A firm favourite with locals as well as tourists, Pintonino has established itself as one of the island’s most popular dining destinations. The inside of the restaurant is warm and welcoming while the outside terrace gives you the opportunity to dine against the stunning backdrop of the Grand Harbour – a truly unique environment for enjoying delightful food and friendly service. The external terrace unfolds a spectacular view of the Grand Harbour with the backdrop of the Valletta Waterfront – a truly unique environment.
Fusion Restaurants
Chef Patron Clinton Cachia discovered his passion for cooking early on in life. After his mother passed away at a young age, it was his responsibility to cook for the family. Over the years, what was a self-taught necessity became Clinton’s profession.
La Mѐre takes patrons through a journey of two great cuisines – Indian and Middle Eastern. The culinary team behind La Mѐre consists of Clinton, in the role of Chef Patron; two Indian Chefs, Saravanan and Yesuraj, who specialise in curries and tandoori respectively; as well as Clinton’s wife Antonella, who manages the dining area and ensures that the service matches our patron’s expectations.
Recently renovated in a tasteful blend of oriental and modern decor, the Blue Room scores points for polished service and well- prepared Chinese food – this is one of very few places in the capital not offering pizza and/or pasta. There are vegetable and rice/noodle dishes at the lower end of the price scale, plus aromatic crispy duck, seafood and sizzling hotplates if you want to lash out.
Nan Yuan caters for both indoor and al fresco dining at the water’s edge by the newly excavated Laguna, facing the Three Cities. The restaurant offers a comprehensive a la carte menu with an excellent and wide range of starters, soups, fish/shellfish, meat, poultry and hot pot dishes to choose from including a selection of Chinese tea.
Wasabi sushi express Malta offers a family type welcome atmosphere operated restaurant that keeps its traditions. Most of the chefs have dedicated their life to Asian cuisine for more than 15 years, and use their own secret recipes to create delicious, modern and traditional dishes for their clientele.
This is no ordinary dining restaurant, they believe in providing best of art sushi with an alluring ambience, set in Valletta Waterfront.
