My Top 3 Restaurant Recommendations in Malta

Malta's Culinary Highlights

Malta's food scene is a fascinating mix of Italian Mediterranean influences and traditional Maltese dishes. You can really taste the history here – the various settlers over the centuries have all left their mark. Today, you'll find a rich blend of Arabic, French, and British flavours enhancing the island's gastronomy.

Gillieru – Excellent Fish in St. Paul’s Bay

Fish is obviously a staple here. By far the most popular fish in Malta is Lampuki (dolphin fish), which you'll mostly find on menus between August and November.

In my opinion, Gillieru prepares this delicacy better than almost anyone else. Located right in St. Paul’s Bay, this is arguably one of the best fish restaurants on the island, offering impressive sea views to go with the food.

If you drop by for lunch, you can usually find a table without much trouble. However, for dinner, I'd definitely recommend making a reservation. The restaurant is well-known far beyond St. Paul's Bay and is a favourite for locals and tourists alike.

Authentic Maltese Cuisine: Ta’Marija

If you're looking for authentic regional cuisine, Ta’Marija is a fantastic choice. Located in the heart of Mosta, this traditional family-run business has been serving some of the best steaks in the area since 1964. For nearly 30 years now, they've also been famous for their outstanding Maltese cuisine.

This owner-managed spot works exclusively with fresh, local produce. They even grow their own fruit and vegetables, and the chef often hands out samples to help you decide what to order.

On selected evenings, they host folklore music and dance shows where guests are encouraged to join in. It creates a really special atmosphere that's popular with the Maltese just as much as with visitors.

Dining Tip: The Avenue in Paceville

Located in St. Julian’s, The Avenue serves up a huge variety of dishes from all over the world. The focus is on pizza, pasta, and salads – some recipes are familiar classics, others are quite original. If you're booking a table for the evening, I'd suggest asking for a spot in the lovely conservatory area.

The portions are generous, the ingredients are fresh, and the service is known for being attentive and friendly.

The Avenue offers one of the most extensive Mediterranean menus around. With excellent value for money and a cosy atmosphere, it's definitely worth a visit.