Malta is known for its vibrant multiculturalism and vibrant culinary culture, drawing visitors both locally and from abroad to try its variety of restaurants.
From pastizzi and rabbit stew, to sun-ripened vegetables, rustic pasta dishes and sea-fresh seafood – Malta offers something delicious for every palate. Let Yellow help you discover your perfect dining experience!
1. Ta’ Marija
Ta’ Marija, established since 1964, offers traditional culinary traditions and flavors expertly prepared using only local ingredients. From rabbit stew to pastizzi, this family-run restaurant features an incredible menu sure to transport diners back in time.
At Maltese Restaurant & Wine Bar, the atmosphere is both cozy and welcoming, reflecting Malta’s unique cultural heritage and traditions. Our menu boasts traditional Maltese dishes like homemade ricotta ravioli in tomato basil sauce; stuffed aubergines; beef olives as well as fresh seafood options and home-made desserts made by hand!
Benny and Marija Muscat founded Ta’ Marija Restaurant over two decades ago, quickly becoming one of Malta’s premier dining venues and garnering national acclaim with their delicious food. Ta’ Marija soon became culinary icons – their cookery shows have even been broadcast internationally as far as Canada and Australia!
Benny and Marija’s son now runs Ta’ Marija successfully, guaranteeing you an unforgettable dining experience, exceptional service, and live entertainment every Wednesday and Friday evening – featuring guitar-playing musicians accompanied by mandolin-singing musicians playing traditional and popular tunes on guitar and mandolin!
2. Il-Barri
Il-Barri restaurant is an exceptional dining experience for travelers seeking to learn about Malta through its cuisine. Situated in Mgarr, this historic village restaurant serves an authentic menu which celebrates Malta’s longstanding traditions and culinary spirit – guests can enjoy everything from hearty traditional stews to freshly caught seafood dishes with locally sourced ingredients for an exquisite taste of the island’s heritage.
This restaurant is housed in an historic underground location that served as a bomb shelter during World War II, still bearing evidence of the pickaxe marks used to dig it out. Guests may choose between dining indoors or outside on its terrace depending on their personal preferences.
Karmnu Sammut opened this restaurant in 1939 by turning part of his home into a coffee shop, soon becoming known for his rabbit cooking and drawing people from across the island to his restaurant, now bearing his name. Offering extensive vegetarian-friendly dining options as well, it remains family owned today.
3. Il-Midja
Il-Midja Restaurant features a modern and stylish design that caters to its diners with its variety of cuisine – traditional Maltese fare as well as international fare can all be found on its menu!
Il-Midja boasts not only delicious food, but also an extensive wine selection. Their staff is welcoming and attentive; service is outstanding; plus its location near the waterfront affords it an unparalleled sea-view experience!
Enjoy an exquisite dining experience at this extraordinary shipyard-turned restaurant, known for its modern dining room filled with natural light. Offering seafood and Italian dishes along with over 1,000 labels from all over the world in its wine selection – prices are reasonable, the food always fresh, and reservations can even be made ahead of time if necessary – it has long been popular with both locals and tourists. When booking ahead you may even receive complimentary aperitifs before your meal!
4. Ta’ Mena
Carmela Spiteri, better known by her moniker “Mena,” established a roadside stall selling fresh fruits and vegetables grown locally for Gozitans, Maltese residents, visitors to Gozo as day-trippers as early as the seventies – the first such venture on Malta’s shores.
Ta’ Mena currently covers an area of over 25 hectares, featuring market gardens which produce a wide variety of vegetables and fruit, as well as 10 hectares of vineyards.
Ta’ Mena was one of the pioneering agritourism complexes in Malta and offers visitors an immersive experience where nature meets tradition while they sample delicious food and wines typical to Maltese traditions. As a family business that emphasizes organic farming practices, all products sold here are of superior quality.
Visit Ta’ Mena for an unforgettable wine tasting session and to sample their delectable cheeses while taking in stunning views of Gozo. Additionally, purchase their olive oil and sun-dried tomatoes – they have many local products as well such as jams, honey and jam-making tools to bring home. Don’t miss this must-do experience when visiting Gozo!
