St. Julian's, Malta: My Top Bars and Restaurants

Whenever I sit down with clients at Dr. Werner & Partners, the conversation often drifts from business to leisure. Many of our clients combine their business trip—usually regarding the setup of a Malta Limited—with a family holiday. It makes perfect sense given the sunny weather here.

I’ve written about leisure activities before, but today I want to share some specific tips for those looking to enjoy Malta’s nightlife: my personal recommendations for the best bars and restaurants in St. Julian's.

Hugo's Terrace

My absolute favourite is definitely Hugo’s Terrace. Located right on Spinola Bay, this bar is part of the well-known Hugo’s brand, which also includes a sushi restaurant and lounge. It is the perfect spot to spend an evening under the stars with trendy live music and a great atmosphere. They serve a solid range of cocktails (both alcoholic and virgin), beers, wines, and long drinks—and the prices are actually quite reasonable for the location.

https://www.hugosterrace.com/

Level 22

This is a truly exclusive spot. Located on the 22nd floor of the Portomaso Tower (the same building that houses Tipico’s offices), Level 22 offers phenomenal views. If you are planning a night out here, I strongly recommend booking a table in advance—you don't want a missing reservation to ruin the evening. The vibe here leans more towards a club than a quiet bar, so it tends to attract a younger crowd or those young at heart. It is worth checking their website for upcoming events, but as a rule of thumb: it is significantly quieter during the week than on weekends.

http://www.22.com.mt/

BarCelona Lounge

Finally, there is the BarCelona Lounge in Paceville. Like the others, this lounge transforms into more of a club on weekends, though it is far less rowdy than the typical teenage discos you find elsewhere in Paceville. Again, I'd suggest checking the schedule before you go. Wine lovers will particularly enjoy this spot, as they have an impressive selection of international wines alongside classic cocktails and their own signature drinks.

http://bar-celonagroup.com/

My Top 3 Restaurants in St. Julian's

Is there anything better than a good meal with family or friends? Now that I’ve covered the bars, let’s talk food. Whether it is clients at Dr. Werner & Partners asking for a tip or my own friends visiting, these are the three restaurants in St. Julian's I always recommend.

Wigi’s Kitchen

Located right on Balluta Bay (the next bay south of Spinola), Wigi’s Kitchen looks unassuming from the outside, but the interior is incredibly charming. They offer pretty much everything your heart desires, and the quality is consistent. Price-wise, it is absolutely acceptable for the standard. You really can't go wrong here. However, it is definitely more than just an insider tip nowadays, so make sure you book a table.

http://www.wigiskitchen.com/

Chapter One

Chapter One is a fine dining restaurant that isn't located directly on the seafront. Chef Hiram Cassar serves primarily French-inspired cuisine here. It is no surprise the food is excellent—he honed his skills at the Michelin-starred Les Violon D’Ingres in Paris. As mentioned, this is a more upscale experience, which is reflected in the price. If you want to treat yourself to something special, Chapter One is worth the visit.

http://chapteronemalta.com/

Peperoncino Restaurant

When it comes to fish and seafood, the chefs at Peperoncino really know what they are doing. Also located at Balluta Bay, they serve excellent fish dishes that are incredibly fresh. You can taste the Italian influence in every Mediterranean dish, which is a huge plus in my book. The limestone walls and the intimate size of the restaurant create a unique, cozy atmosphere. I highly recommend it, especially since the prices are very fair for the quality you get.

http://peperoncino.com.mt/