FOODIE FRIDAY

The Maltese Islands have a delicious and rapidly growing culinary scene, and you will find many excellent restaurants in Malta, offering a variety of gourmet experiences, from ‘no frills’ local eateries to Michelin star restaurants.

Valletta, however, is at the heart of Malta’s gastronomy culture, with remarkable quality and variety dotted within less than a square kilometre of the city walls.

In this series of posts, we have put together a selection of the best eateries and restaurants in Valletta, and slightly further afield, including some of the most popular places where locals love to eat; from Michelin-star restaurants to great spots for a delicious snack, some of our favourite cafes, and typical Maltese food that you must try at least once!

Bon appetit!

EATING LIKE A LOCAL IN VALLETTA

Trabuxu Bistro

Opened originally in 2002 as one of the only wine bars in Valletta at the time, Trabuxu has since expanded to include a bistro which is very popular among locals. Here, delicious food is served in a hip interior where Modern paintings decorate the scarlet and exposed concrete walls.

Trabuxu offers tasty Mediterranean and Maltese cuisine alongside a great selection of local and international wines. Choose your spot within the funky street-level bistro, in the heart of Valletta, or in the 400-year-old cellar across the road for lighter bites.

Location: 8, 9 South Street, Valletta

Phone: +356 2122 0357

Legligin

Meaning ‘those who drink a lot’ in Maltese, this restaurant in Valletta has been a favourite among locals for over two decades!

The cozy bistro offers typical meze, in a casual style with no menu. All you have to do is choose the wine from a great selection of 30 odd wines, and your chef will take care of the rest, serving up course after course of very local Maltese food. This tasting menu consists of small dishes of whatever’s in season, served in mismatching crockery, giving the place a very rustic and bohemian feel!

Location: 116/119 St Lucia Street, Valletta

Phone: +356 2122 1699

Guzé Bistro

Located in an old palatial cellar, this restaurant is well known for its Mediterranean menu, which highlights the very best of Maltese seasonal produce. It is equally popular with locals as a lunch spot or for dinner,

Guzé also has an extensive wine list, which complements the restaurant's attractive dishes.

Location: 22 Old Bakery Street, Valletta

Phone: +356 2123 9686

Rubino

Rubino opened in 1906 as a confectionary store. Since 2008, it has been serving quality local cuisine in the renovated wine cellar that still maintains its original traditional facade.

Rubino's cosy dining area has a distinctly authentic feel, and its home-style menu changes daily to ensure absolute freshness.

Positioned next to the Manoel Theatre in Valletta's city centre, this family run restaurant is one of Valletta's oldest establishments.

The passion, dedication and culinary talents that the team offers, has earned Rubino numerous awards, and remains a firm favourite among locals.

We recommend the cannoli, which are often considered Valletta's best!

Location: 53 Old Bakery Street, Valletta

Phone: +356 2122 4656

Ambrosia

Owned by chef patron Christopher, Ambrosia is a delightful eatery in the capital city and another well-loved restaurant by locals and travellers alike. The food is delicious and the staff welcoming and friendly.

The place is small, and booking would be recommended, especially during the popular lunch hour.

In the fairer weather outdoor seating is also available and an enjoyable experience of the typical Mediterranean café culture!

Location: 137 Archbishop Street, Valletta

Phone: +356 2122 5923