The 10 Best Restaurants of Valletta

Valletta is a city renowned for its rich history as well as its lively nightlife. With stunning cathedrals, palaces, and museums dotting the city, it’s easy to overlook Valletta’s thriving culinary scene. From traditional Maltese cuisine to contemporary fusion dishes, there’s a restaurant for every taste bud.

To help you navigate through the culinary maze, we’ve narrowed down the top 10 best restaurants that Valletta has to offer.

1. Rampila

Located in the heart of Valletta, Rampila is one of the city’s oldest restaurants. The establishment has been around since the 16th century and continues to serve its patrons with delicious Maltese cuisine. Rampila’s forte is the traditional Maltese dish ‘Fenkata,’ which is a succulent rabbit dish that is very popular among locals.

2. Palazzo Preca

Palazzo Preca is known for its unique culinary technique and the use of local ingredients. The restaurant doesn’t just serve traditional Maltese dishes, but it also offers contemporary fusion dishes that combine different flavors beautifully. The restaurant’s signature dish is the grilled octopus that is served with quinoa and a citrus vinaigrette.

3. Rubino

Rubino is the perfect restaurant for those who like simple, authentic Maltese food. This family-run restaurant has been in business for over 30 years and is known for its traditional Maltese pastries, such as the Pastizzi, and the classic ‘Stuffat tal-Fenek,’ which is rabbit stew cooked with red wine and garlic.

4. Legligin Wine Bar

Legligin Wine Bar is a unique restaurant that specializes in serving small plates and wine. The restaurant’s atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and it’s perfect for those who are looking for an intimate dining experience. The menu changes regularly, but you can expect to find dishes such as the Maltese Lampuki, a fish dish that is served with capers and tomatoes.

5. Noni

Noni is a trendy restaurant that offers a modern take on traditional Maltese cuisine. The restaurant’s atmosphere is chic, and the menu features dishes that use fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The highlight of the menu is the Char-Grilled Octopus that is served with salsa verde and black risotto.

6. Legasea

Legasea is a seafood restaurant that serves some of the freshest seafood in Valletta. The restaurant’s menu changes daily, depending on what the local fishermen catch. However, you can expect to find dishes such as the grilled octopus, king prawns, and tuna tartare.

7. La Mere

La Mere is a French restaurant that offers some of the most delectable dishes in Valletta. The restaurant’s interior has a traditional Parisian feel, which only adds to the dining experience. La Mere’s signature dish is the Escargots, which are cooked in garlic butter and white wine.

8. Guze Bistro

Guze Bistro is a quaint restaurant that offers a rustic dining experience. The restaurant’s menu features classic dishes such as the beef cheek and the lamb shank that are cooked to perfection. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list that complements the menu.

9. De Mondion

De Mondion is a fine-dining restaurant that offers panoramic views of Valletta’s skyline. The restaurant’s menu features inventive dishes that creatively blend contemporary flavors and traditional Maltese ingredients. Some of the most notable dishes on the menu include the rack of lamb, the lobster ravioli, and the caramelized pork belly.

10. The Harbour Club

The Harbour Club is a seafood restaurant that is known for its stunning views of the Grand Harbor. The restaurant’s menu features a selection of fresh seafood dishes, such as the sea bass, the prawn linguine, and the squid-ink risotto.

In conclusion, Valletta has a culinary scene that caters to every palate. Whether you’re looking for traditional Maltese dishes or contemporary fusion cuisine, you’ll find it all in Valletta’s best restaurants. So, take a culinary tour of Valletta and immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant food culture.

Your Insider’s Guide to the Beautiful City of Valletta

As you explore the charming city of Valletta, Malta, there is so much more to see beyond the obvious tourist attractions. Look beyond the surface and you will discover Valletta’s hidden gems, unique dining experiences, cultural traditions, fascinating history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions. Here is your insider’s guide to making the most of your trip to Valletta.

Local Attractions: Discover Valletta’s Hidden Gems

As a local, I know that Valletta is brimming with hidden gems that most tourists miss out on. Start your day by taking a stroll through Hastings Gardens, where you’ll find an exquisite view of the Grand Harbour. From there, explore the Saluting Battery, where you can witness the firing of the cannons at noon every day. To discover more of Valletta’s remarkable architecture, visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral, a Baroque masterpiece. For an art fix, head to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, a perfect place to relax with panoramic views while experiencing some of Valletta’s most impressive sculptures.

Dining Spots: Taste Valletta’s Delicious Local Cuisine

Valletta is heaven for foodies, and if you want to experience the genuine taste of Malta, the city has a lot to offer. Start your culinary journey at Rubino Ristorante, which has been serving authentic Maltese cuisine for over a century. Head to the Giannini restaurant on Strait Street for locally sourced and seasonal gastronomy complemented by an extensive list of wines and unique cocktails. At the Charles Grech Bistro, you can savour the essence of Malta by sampling traditional dishes alongside contemporary takes on Mediterranean cuisine. For a fine dining experience, visit The Palazzo at the palace of the Grand Master, where you’ll find an opulent dining room and an impeccable tasting menu.

Cultural Experiences: Immerse Yourself in Valletta’s Traditions and Customs

Valletta is a city that takes pride in its rich cultural heritage, and there are plenty of opportunities to experience it. Visit The Malta Experience to see the city’s history come to life and learn about its struggles and triumphs. For a glimpse into Maltese customs, the Lascaris War Rooms will immerse you in the stories of the Maltese people during World War II. If music is more your scene, come to Strait Street, where jazz clubs and live performances can be found in every corner.

Local History: Discover Valletta’s Fascinating Past

Valletta’s rich history spans thousands of years, and digging into its past will enrich your entire trip. Reach for The Malta Heritage Trust, where you get detail of Valletta’s archeological sites, then go to Casa Rocca Piccola, to witness the impressive living history of Maltese noble families. A visit to the Grandmaster’s Palace, Malta’s first palazzo, will take you back to the days of Knights.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unforgettable Experiences in Valletta

To truly make the most of your time in Valletta, you have to get off the beaten path. Take a visit to Fort St. Elmo’s unique museum, where they present the battle of Malta in a uniquely engaging way. If you want to try something unexpected, take a horse-drawn carriage ride that departs from St. George’s Square, and explore the city’s narrow streets from a different perspective. Finally, take a ferry to the nearby Three Cities. It’s relatively lesser-known tourist destinations, and it offers a glimpse into Maltese life as it was before becoming a melting pot of cultures and visitors from around the world.

Now that you have an insider’s guide to Valletta, you’re now ready to go off and explore this captivating city. Enjoy the food, the culture, the traditions, the history, and the adventure that awaits you. Take home unforgettable memories of Malta, and don’t forget to share your experience with others!