Our guide for the best food spots on the beautiful island of Malta
We got back from a weeks visit to Malta in July and it was the first time we have both been to Malta, and let me tell you, it was a dream and a place I already cannot wait to go back to. The whole place is beautiful with each area having its own personality and equally beautiful restaurants.
We ate our way around the island, from the quaint capital city of Valletta to the lively coastal town of Sliema and the charming streets of in-land Attard, Mdina and Rabat. This isn’t one of those boring/ same old tourist guides with busy tourist spots but a list of all the places we actually loved and would return to.
Heres my top places to eat in Malta…
Il Bitha
Address: Triq San Pawl, Ir-Rabat, Malta
Il-Bitฤงa, nestled in the heart of Rabat, Malta, is a hidden gem that was so good we visited twice in one week!
Set in the peaceful courtyard of a restored chapel, the atmosphere is both intimate and full of charm making it perfect for a relaxed lunch or romantic dinner.
The menu showcases Maltese favourites, including rabbit. On our first visit, we only had main courses, but after seeing the starters going to other tables, we knew we had made a mistake and had to go back to try the starters. Pictured below is the Prawn Linguine, which was amazing but the only downside was that I wish there were more prawns, but overall a lovely dish.
On our second visit, we went all out and had starters of the Pulled Beef Croquettes and the Octopus to start, which were both amazing and perfectly balanced. To follow, we had the Lamb Shank and Pork Cheeks, which were the perfect end to a lovely trip to Malta and dishes we often talk about even now.
Itโs a popular spot on the entrance road into Rabat, so weโd recommend booking ahead to secure a table. We booked two days in advance and secured a table when we visited.
The Villa Bologna Restaurant
Address: 30 Triq San Anton, Attard, Malta
Visiting Villa Bologna Restaurant in Attard takes you away from Maltas beautiful coastline in land to Attard around a 20 minute drive from the capital Valletta.
Villa Bologna Restaurant is a beautiful spot, perfect for a birthday or for a date night. Set in the beautiful gardens of a historic Maltese villa, itโs worth visiting just for this.
My favourite detail was that all pottery and crockery used in the restaurant is made in their own Villa Bologna Pottery workshop and studio next door. If visiting for lunch you can visit the pottery studio and some days they have pottery workshops adjacent to the restaurant.
The Italian-Mediterranean menu features seasonal dishes , including homemade pasta, seafood, mushroom risotto and I would strongly recommend the Cotoletta Milanese (Veal) with Lemon Mayonnaise which is a really good portion size and 100% worth the 27โฌ price tag. The Tagliatelle Villa Bologna with slow cooked beef & pork ragu would be on our recommendation list too.
Itโs a memorable place to eat, it didnโt seem as though many walk ins were possible so be sure to book ahead.
Rampila
Address: St. John Cavalier, Ordnance St, Valletta VLT 1110, Malta
Rampila Restaurant in Valletta is a stunning spot, set within the historic city walls with a candlelit tunnel dining room and a terrace overlooking the cityโs entrance, the views truly are amazing and especially at sunset. The decor is romantic and atmospheric and the ultimate date night spot in the capital, with stone walls, fairy lights, and olive trees creating a memorable setting for dinner.
The menu blends traditional Maltese and Mediterranean flavours with a modern touch think maltese classics such as braised rabbit and Mediterranean dishes such as Chicken Chasseur.
With such a unique location, Rampila is a popular choice, so booking ahead and specifically for the terrace is highly recommended for the Stunning views over Valletta.
Loaf Malta
159 Vjal De La Salle, Il-Gลผira, Malta
Just a 5-minute walk from our hotel, Loaf Bakery is a must-visit in Il Gลผira. I stopped by on my boyfriendโs birthday to find him a sweet treat or some kind of birthday cake/ pastry.
Loaf had so many good pastry options and great cheesecakes, but with so much to choose from, I decided to get him a few different options, including a traditional canelรฉ, a mini tiramisu tart, and the chocolate cookie. If you visit, I highly recommend the chocolate cookie as the standout item.
The bakery is small but welcoming, and the atmosphere makes it a perfect stop for a quick breakfast or a coffee. Whether youโre grabbing a crusty loaf or indulging in their freshly baked pastries, Loaf is small but a popular spot, so arriving early is a good idea! I also loved the pantry section, which offered a variety of teas, coffees, coffee gifts, and tote bags.
Fontanella Tea Garden
Address: 1 Bastion Street, Triq tal-Infetti, Mdina, Malta
While Mdina is a must-visit for its timeless beauty and a step back in time, after taking in all of the beauty of Mdina, people make a beeline Fontanella Tea Garden. Perched on the fortified bastions, it’s the place for a truly incredible view over the
Fontanella is famous for its legendary cakes and there are countless on the menu. We shared the Chocolate and Orange Cake as the size of the cake slices could feed two people for an afternoon snack. I would also recommend the Lemon Granita drink as the ultimate cooling drink in the sunshine.
They also serve a range of other local savoury delights including Pastizzi and Ftira Maltija. It is the perfect place to take a break from exploring the Silent City and soak in the panoramic views of the island whilst treating yourself. Itโs an iconic spot that feels both historic and perfectly relaxed. Be prepared to queue for a little while, we queued for around 10 minutes.
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