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It’s hard to go wrong when it comes to Valletta restaurants: You really are spoilt for choice if you’re looking to dine out in the capital.
That’s something I do regularly and in this guide, I recommend my Top 15 of the best Valletta restaurants around, based on the quality of the food that’s served, value for money and overall dining experience.
I’ve used the Euro symbol (€) as an indicator of cost. For example, €€ (mid-range), indicates you can expect to pay around €30-35 per person for a starter, main and non-alcoholic drink.
Michelin Guide Listed | 4/5 Barriera Wharf, Valletta | International | €€€
It’s no surprise that The Harbour Club is listed in the Michelin guide: This Valletta restaurant offers creative flair in its dishes that’s hard to find elsewhere while maintaining consistently high standards in the food it serves, wine selection offered and the service provided.
Not only is the dining experience one of the best I’ve tried in the capital, but the location is also unique, alongside the quaint harbourside. Book an outside table during the warmer months to get the best views, though keep in mind their outside terrace is small. Book well in advance.
Tips:
Michelin Star | 211 Republic Street, Valletta | noni.com.mt | Mediterranean and local | €€€€
Another Michelin-star restaurant, Noni is a popular choice in the city, with a romantic, cosy ambience in the main street of the capital.
Chef Jonathan Brincat uses fresh seasonal, local ingredients to offer a variety of hearty Mediterranean dishes with Maltese influences. The level of care, eye for detail and quality is second to none and it’s an easy choice for a great dining experience, personally.
Highly recommended – book well in advance.
Tips:
Michelin Guide – Bib Gourmand | 53, Old Bakery Street, Valletta | rubinomalta.com | Mediterranean, Italian, Maltese | €€€
Set inside a former confectionery in the heart of town, Rubino is a regular’s favourite. Awarded the Bib Gourmand by Michelin, the restaurant is recognised for serving high-quality food at high-value prices.
The concise menu consists of hearty Mediterranean dishes, a few traditional Maltese options and delectable desserts. An excellent choice for a relaxed evening out.
Tips:
Casa Ellul, 81, Old Theatre Street, Valletta | Cuisine: French, International | €€€
Risette invites you to an informal fine dining experience within the walls of Casa Ellul, located in Old Theatre Street, Valletta. Using only the freshest ingredients, Chef Steven Scicluna curates flavourful dishes that exhibit his passion for French cuisine coupled with Japanese ingredients and techniques.
Two types of menus are available; The À La Carte Menu and the Tasting Menu. Irrespective of the one you choose, you are promised a memorable dining experience.
Tips:
45, 45A, St. Christopher’s Street, Valletta | Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean, Fusion | €€-€€€
The One80 brand certainly needs no introduction. The fifth establishment sets the bar high with its delectable Mediterranean dishes paired with Asian and Middle Eastern influences, alongside a great wine list and exquisite cocktails.
Whether you’re planning a lunch with your friends or date night, One80 is simply the perfect place for any occasion. If you’re planning something extra special, you can even book the private room downstairs.
Tips:
Michelin Guide listed | 22, Old Bakery Street, Valletta | guzebistro.com | Cuisine: French, International | €€€
Guzé Bistro consistently impresses as an all-around excellent dining experience and is a personal favourite, with an interesting variety of dishes and flavours.
With a regularly changing menu, there’s something new to discover frequently. A restaurant I visit regularly and an easy recommendation to make.
Tips:
339, St. Paul’s Street, Valletta | Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean | €€-€€€
Located in a 450-year-old building right next to the Auberge de Castille, Dimitri is quite the gem.
Featuring a mix of local, Italian, Spanish and British dishes, the menu changes seasonally, ensuring that the freshest ingredients create a symphony of flavours that will tickle your taste buds.
Whether you want to plan a get-together with your colleagues or dinner with a loved one, Dimitri never disappoints.
Tips:
Michelin Guide listed | C/o Strait Street and Santa Lucia Street, Valletta | akimalta.com | Japanese | €€€
If you’re looking for high-quality Japanese food in Valletta, AKI is the place to go. Attracting young diners looking for some tasty sushi in a trendy environment with good food and attentive service, it’s a restaurant I dine at frequently.
Although it’s pricey, it’s a really enjoyable dining experience, and with the freshest fish available (which is often also exported to Japan, by the way), you can’t go wrong in terms of sushi, maki, nigiri etc.
Tips:
Michelin Star | 11 St Barbara Bastion, Valletta | ionharbour.com | Mediterranean and local | €€€€
Set on the 4th floor of the Iniala Harbour house hotel, ION is one of a handful of Michelin-star restaurants in Malta. Offering a commanding view over Valletta’s Grand Harbour, ION is an excellent choice for fine dining from top to bottom.
As soon as you enter the establishment, staff take care of your every need, while the setting is charming.
Dishes served offer a balanced choice of Maltese cuisine-infused flavours, while wine pairings are accurate and recommended to you by a clearly passionate sommelier.
If you’re looking for fine dining in the capital, this is without hesitation my top recommendation.
I would recommend booking the outdoor area for a special evening during the warmer months of the year (May-Oct).
Tips:
53a Old Theatre Street, Valletta | Mediterranean | €€€
Taproom is a trendy, intimate restaurant at the core of the capital and a great choice for lunch or dinner. With a varied menu of Mediterranean and European fusion dishes and a great-looking interior, it’s a relaxed place to enjoy good food in good company.
Offering a menu of good cocktails, it’s also a popular Friday-night hangout for an after-work dine and drink for locals, in a friendly atmosphere.
Tips:
Michelin Guide listed | 116/119, St Lucia Street, Valletta | Mediterranean, Maltese | €€-€€€
From traditional Maltese dishes to Mediterranean specialities, Legligin offers an exquisite tasting menu that simply ticks all the boxes.
Popular menu items include the traditional Aljotta, a selection of tapas, homely slow-cooked meat dishes, seafood specials and so much more. What’s more, you can pair your dining experience with a premium range of local wines specifically chosen from Malta’s renowned vineyards.
The Dinner Tasting Menu allows you to savour 7 spectacular dishes. Meanwhile, the Lunch Tasting Menu consists of fewer dishes than the dinner one, but it has nonetheless been curated to perfection.
Simply put, a traditional Maltese dining experience at Legligin is not to be missed!
Tips:
Michelin Guide listed | St.Georges Square, Valletta | fiftyninerepublic.com | Mediterranean | €€€€
Located precisely in front of the majestic Grandmaster’s Palace, Fifty Nine Republic invites you to embark on a culinary journey that reinvents the classics with a twist.
Under the direction of Head Chef Maria Sammut, the exceptional À la Carte Menu and a Set Menu change every 3 months, ensuring that only the very best produce is used to create each and every dish. What’s more, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to washing your food down with a drink (or two).
As per Fifty Nine Republic’s ethos, this restaurant experience is “Passionate, meticulous, uncompromising, daring and above all, authentic.”
Tips:
42A, West Street, Valletta | Mediterranean | €€-€€€
Zizka Kitchen is a delightful family-run restaurant located in the heart of Valletta.
Featuring a selection of Maltese dishes such as the Local Rabbit and Traditional Octopus Stew along with various pasta dishes, and seafood delicacies, Zizka Kitchen is a great place for date night or any other special occasion.
Bear in mind that the restaurant is set up in a small building, so it’s best to make a reservation well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Tips:
32, Archbishop Street, Valletta | zeroseimalta.com/stores/casa-sotto | Italian, Pizza | €€-€€€
Dreaming of Rome and all the finer things in life? You’re in for a treat with Casa Sotto.
Located just off St George’s Square, this place is quite the gem. Whether you fancy a Pinsa Bianca or a Pinsa Rossa, Casa Sotto’s signature Roman dish that is hand-pressed and crafted to perfection. Simply put, there’s a pinsa for everybody’s tastes and preferences; Margherita, Diavola, Salsiccia & Friarielli, Burrata & Parma…Need I say more?
Of course, there is always room for dessert. In this case, you can’t go wrong with the Tiramisù and traditional homemade desserts like the cannoli.
Having dined out at Casa Sotto plenty of times, this place has my highest recommendation.
Tips:
South Street, Valletta | Steakhouse, Barbecue | €€-€€€
As opposed to offering a traditional fixed menu, Sciacca Grill prides itself on doing things differently. Patrons are given the opportunity to feast their eyes on the selection of fresh and dry-aged prime steaks, homemade sausages, and smoked meats from Sciacca’s everchanging display, ageing cabinet, and smoker.
Not sure where to start? Don’t fret! The knowledgeable team at Sciacca will gladly give you an explanation of the available cuts as well as the daily specials. All dishes are then paired with a side dish of your choice.
Alongside this unique dining experience, Sciacca Grill offers a plethora of liqueurs, spirits, and whiskeys as well as an excellent selection of local wines.
Tips:
Have a look at my Top 50 Best Restaurants in Malta article.
Edward is the Founder and Editor of Malta Uncovered and author of two guidebooks on Malta and Valletta.
As a tourist-turned-expat with Maltese roots, he knows the islands inside out and helps thousands of visitors enjoy a memorable trip every year.
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