Malta offers outstanding cuisine from traditional to contemporary styles, all within Valletta’s charming city walls. Valletta stands out as being particularly notable with regard to quality and range within such a small footprint.
At Sole by Tarragon, enjoy breathtaking seaside dining at one of Malta’s best restaurants and discover a feast of Mediterranean seafood dishes.
1. La Pira Maltese Kitchen
Valletta’s charming restaurant is an absolute must-visit for foodies. Boasting an intimate dining area featuring local artifacts and vibrant hues, its menu boasts traditional Maltese dishes like pulled rabbit rigatoni, Maltese stuffed marrows, and fried octopus as well as its delicious imqaret dessert option – you won’t be disappointed.
On our wine list we feature several Maltese wines. Isis is an aromatic white with tropical and fruit flavors and an enjoyable crisp refreshing finish. Gellewza Frizzante is also an option, featuring light strawberry notes accompanied by fine persistent perlage for an enjoyable medium-sparkling wine experience.
2. Ta’ Nenu
Carmel Debono, commonly referred to as Nenu, has dedicated his life to upholding Maltese culinary heritage. At his restaurant – known as “Nenu’s” – traditional dishes such as fried rabbit, sheep cheese ravioli and sea bass can be found.
Restaurant also features an impressive selection of local wines to enhance each dish, making the menu ideal for both sit-down dining and takeaway orders.
Nenu is situated at the center of Valletta, within walking distance to Hal Saflieni Hypogeum and just a short drive away from Valletta Waterfront and Upper Barrakka Gardens. Additionally, numerous shopping and entertainment opportunities can be found nearby.
3. Ta’ Kris
Attaining its first Michelin star in 2020, this esteemed eatery is an exquisite culinary gem. Housed within a 17th-century windmill (il mithna), Maltese and London-trained Chef “Noni” offers classic local and regional dishes with innovative flair.
Ta’ Kris has something deliciously memorable for every palate – from rich rabbit stew to traditional octopus spaghetti! All dishes are created using locally-grown produce and served in generous portions – just the way the Maltese like it!
Just off Bisazza Street in an intimate side alley is this restaurant dedicated to upholding Malta’s home-style cooking traditions in a rustic ambience. Be sure to try Baked Awrat Fish and Dad’s Famous Bragioli dishes while there.
4. Trattoria AD 1530
Tartarun Restaurant in Marsaxlokk is an essential stop for authentic Maltese dining experience. A favourite among locals, this family-run establishment welcomes large parties for Sunday lunch and Maltese folk music nights – drawing in diners who eagerly anticipate its delicious 100% Maltese menu of aljotta, perfectly cooked fish and tangy calamari fritti – served up in traditional large portions – so be sure to come hungry.
At the top of boutique five-star Xara Palace Hotel sits a refined haute cuisine eatery characterized by white tablecloths and waiters wearing bibs and tucker, offering exquisite haute cuisine dishes from across Malta with an Italian-Maltese influence – such as cashew nut and chestnut mushroom mousse with fermented King oyster and Shimeji mushrooms, or Dwejra goat’s cheese risotto with roasted peppers and thyme oil.
5. Sole by Tarragon
Sole by Tarragon offers an unforgettable seafood dining experience in its breathtaking sea view location, providing the ideal setting for romantic meals or family reunions alike.
At Marvin Gauci Restaurant & Catering in Miami Beach, the menu emphasizes local fresh fish and resources with his creative imprint evident throughout every dish on offer. Expect classic seafood dishes given their own distinct spin, along with platters for sharing and luxury ingredients like oysters and premium sturgeon caviar for sharing or as gifts.
Enjoy an exquisite menu accompanied by fine wines and creative cocktails in an inviting space with outdoor lounge areas and bars for relaxing after your meal and taking in stunning views of St Julian’s.
6. Ta’ Kris
At home in an urban environment with numerous high-street brands and cafes, this intimate restaurant stands out as an oasis of calm with friendly service, delicious meals and an attractive ambiance.
On the menu you will find both traditional Maltese dishes and Mediterranean fare, such as braggioli (stuffed slices of beef), rabbit and the delicious hearty Maltese stew known as bhal fil-forn.
At this family-run restaurant, their original bakery oven still remains in place and old-fashioned baking utensils decorate its warm orange walls. Patronized both by locals and visitors alike, portions here can be quite large so be sure to arrive hungry!
7. De Mondion
De Mondion offers an unforgettable dining experience where culinary artistry meets breathtaking views. Situated atop centuries-old bastions within Xara Palace, De Mondion provides incredible panoramic views of Malta’s historical city walls.
We recommend our delicious blend of Mediterranean and Maltese cuisines, especially our exquisite risotto made with local red shrimps and courgette flowers, or our locally raised rabbit fillet with tomato jam as the highlight of your dining experience.
Skilfully precise cooking and inventive combinations – such as their signature Scottona beef fillet – combine with an excellent wine list that features both established labels and lesser-known gems, all delivered discreet yet attentive service – allowing diners to fully appreciate both their meals and breathtaking views.
8. La Pira Maltese Kitchen
La Pira Maltese Kitchen, an intimate family-run restaurant, serves Mediterranean and Maltese cuisine using time-honored recipes passed down for generations. Their small dining room boasts stone walls decorated with decorations to create a warm ambiance, perfect for enjoying delicious hearty meals such as rabbit stew, octopus with fresh pasta, maltese stuffed marrows and imqaret cheesecake for dessert!
This restaurant also provides a light lunchtime menu featuring salads. Thanks to friendly service and affordable prices, this is one of Malta’s highest-rated eateries; Google users have given this establishment an average rating of 4.2 stars out of 5. A warm welcome awaits at this cozy venue!
9. Grands Suites Hotel
Grands Suites Hotel features a rooftop bar and restaurant, providing stunning views across Sliema, Marsamxett Harbour, Valletta and its surrounds. Indulge in their spa facilities such as hot tub and gym to enhance their stay here.
Rooms at this hotel boast balconies or patios, sofa beds, and separate bathrooms featuring Jacuzzi baths. There are numerous dining options, such as FerBlanc and Eleven Eleven Rooftop, while high tea can be enjoyed at the lounge. Librerija bus stop provides easy access to many of the city’s major sights and attractions.
