The Best Restaurants in La Valette, Malta

The Best Restaurants in La Valette, Malta

Valletta, Malta, is one of the best places in the country for sightseeing, shopping, exploring cultural sites, sun tanning, and meeting with locals. Located in the Southeastern Region of the main island of Malta, Valletta is the capital city of the bustling island. If you are heading to Malta for a weekend getaway or a month-long stay, you need to hear about this cultural epicenter of the country. 

Valletta contains just under 394,000 people — which is quite big considering the capital is only 0.61 square kilometers! As you walk around the numerous 16th-century buildings that dot the city center, gaze at the Baroque architecture, check out the World War II remnants in the city and the World Heritage Site, you may feel peckish all of a sudden.

So, what now? Where is the best place to stop for a quick lunch or romantic dinner in Valletta, Malta? We have got you covered — check out the best restaurants on this piece of paradise. 

Gugar

Mediterraneo Malta – By Erik1980 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2881079

Are you heading to Fort Saint Elmo? You may feel a bit tired and hungry after walking up and down the numerous cobblestone steps. Located right on the Valletta peninsula, Gugar is the best place to check out if you are tired of the tourist traps and want to get the authentic natural feel for where the locals go for a quick lunch on the go. 

Not to mention, this spot is ideal for people watching. You can head here for some local food, fresh fruit, homegrown vegetables, and smoothies that are light and refreshing to keep you going all day long! The interior and the exterior of Gugar matches the laidback and easy food — you can sit here for hours reading a book or playing a board game with new friends.

Il Horza

Grand Harbour – By Henry M. Trotter at English Wikipedia – Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2253632

Il Horza is a cozy, quiet, and romantic restaurant located close to Fort St. Angelo, a massive historic fortification that stands out in the city. If you head to Malta during a sunny day and want to sit outside to catch a tan — which is nearly every single day in this country — you can enjoy the expansive view, endless rows of wine bottles for an early happy hour beverage, and the sun setting over the nearby Grand Harbor.

Guze Bistro

Freeport – By Alecastorina93 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17559398

Since you are in the Mediterranean, there is no doubt that you should have some of the local Mediterranean delicacies. Know from their fresh fruit, vegetables, and fish, the light and healthy Mediterranean cuisine will make you feel energized, and not run down, to continue exploring all day long. Not sure what to get? We recommend trying the local goat’s milk cheese royale to split for an appetizer. 

Legligin

Wine Cellar in the Jesus College, Oxford – By © Jorge Royan / http://www.royan.com.ar, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15102850

Interested in a wine cellar-type vibe? Do you want to have a romantic date with someone you met in Malta? Are you expiring Valetta with your fiance? We recommend Legligin. The downstairs features a checkered floor, white walls, wine bottles as decorations, dim lighting, candles on the tables, and dark wood booths that are great for setting the scene. Plus, getting smaller dishes to share is not an issue here — try the stewed octopus! 

Piadina Caffe

Espresso – By Lemone – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3970975

Coffee is SO important — without this espresso beverage at the beginning of the day, or for a mid-afternoon pick me up, you may not be able to keep exploring this beautiful island. Head to Piadina Caffe for Italian dishes, strong lattes, or a quick lunch sandwich. 

Malata

French cuisine – By No machine-readable author provided. Arnaud 25 assumed (based on copyright claims). – No machine-readable source provided. Own work assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1471117

Located directly across from the Grand Palace, one of the biggest cultural centers of the town, Malata is a Maltese and French fusion restaurant. Don’t think those two can go together? Think again. You will love the interesting combinations and fresh food used in this beautiful restaurant. Plus, the interior is something to die for. We love the 500-year-old wine cellar and the outdoor seating on the bustling and lively square. 

Rubino

Cannoli – By mat’s eye – cannoli sicilianiUploaded by Mindmatrix, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25642817

For those who want expansive views over the water, a chance to gaze at the sunset, and top-notch food, Rubino is a must-stop for your next trip to Malta. Known as a must-go for all locals and visitors alike, this confectionery is the perfect 3 pm stop for coffee, confectionery, and cannoli, giving you the sugar kick you need to keep exploring. 

Trabuxu

Wine bar – By PizzeriaVenti – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8625415

After its inception in 2002, Trabuxu has slowly started to grow in size and popularity over the years. Holding the reputable title of being the first wine bar in the entire country, this Valletta establishment has now expanded to include the bistro, wine bar, and additional rooms to provide all tourists with everything they are looking for in a food stop. Offering Italian dishes, Maltese cuisine, and exquisite bottles of wine, you can rest assured that the servers here will be able to tell you what pairs perfectly with the local Cabernet.

Tal-Kaptan

Pasta from durum – By CSIRO, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35498497

Known as “The Captain’s” in English, Tal-Kaptan is a restaurant chain dotted throughout Malta. Although chains are not our typical go-to for an authentic experience, this chain is something different. With locations on the Valletta waterfront, there is no better spot to sit and take in the sights. Plus, we love the casual seating, nautical theme, and modern renovations. 

Zero Sei Trattoria

Scaloppine – By Xocolatl (talk) 15:26, 4 May 2014 (UTC) – Self-photographed, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32569871

Last on our list is this Italian restaurant that focuses on the flavor, taste, and quality of the food. Focusing primarily on fishes, meats, and sauces that bring numerous flavor palettes to life, you will love taking an extended dinner break at Zero Sei Trattoria to eat some tasty lasagna and sip on a full-bodied red wine.