The Restaurant Guide

I’ve never been an actual tourist in Malta, but I am an American living in Malta. I meet local farmers, fisherman and chefs to discuss how foods are grown, harvested and prepared on the island. During this time I have gotten to try out many local restaurants and have compiled my list of top five places that are loved by locals and tourists alike. Here are five restaurants with incredible menus, impeccable service and an overall guaranteed delightful experience.

Felice Brasserie

Located in the heart of Sliema this place is a wonderful option for a date, or with family. There is even a playground fenced in and a perfect spot to send the children while you sip on the best cocktails on the island. My personal favourite, the Gin No. 5 with fresh blueberry, homemade lavender sauce and lime juice garnished with a sprig of fresh lavender and a gorgeous lavender flower is heaven on a sunny day and sitting right by the water. This place has a wide variety of selections to choose from (including a breakfast menu served from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm). Known for its pizzas and Turkish cuisine and Meze plates this place offers rare and beautiful ingredients as well as a spectacular series of choices no matter the occasion.

Ir-Rizzu

Located in the heart of the fishing village of Marsaxlokk this is a place that will please anyone who loves freshly caught local seafood. This place is situated right along the promenade of Marsaxlokk and you can see the fisherman walking in and out throughout the day with the freshest caught seafood anyone can find. What I always recommend is the experience of their saltencrusted local sea bass. It is an experience in and of itself! Baked until it’s perfectly cooked and then they come to the table with a whole set up to break the salt crust and light the salt on fire and then serve the bass only with a drizzling of local olive oil and a sprinkling of fresh parsley. That is all it takes to create a perfect, heathy, light and delicious fish. Especially during Lampuki season this place offers a perfectly grilled lampuki that the locals flock to eat.

Xatt Is-Sajjieda , Marsaxlokk

Gracy’s Malta Arts & Supper Club

Gracy’s Malta Arts and Supper Club: Located in Valletta situated along the 17th century Palazzo Verdelin this is the one restaurant we get a sitter to watch the kids and we go as a date or as a gathering. This is fine dining at its best. An upscale restaurant with a very detailed menu. You may order Al A Cart, from their express menu, a Sunday Menu or the full menu. The wine list is spectacular serving the best local wines and knowing what wine pairs with which dish. If you want to try the Oscietra Caviar or the crispy oysters with black truffle hollandaise…those are a sample of the sharing menu! Gracy’s is a place I choose for a special occasion when I want to dress up and go out on the town to experience old-world Malta right in the heart of the city. This place never disappoints.

Archbishop street, Valletta

Madliena Lodge

Located in Madliena on its own private road (and plenty of parking!), this is my favourite little getaway into a romantic setting and a seriously delicious menu. It is an absolutely beautiful aesthetic with a menu that matches the views. Served with three different menus a year depending on what’s in season this is a local favourite that serves local ingredients. This too can accommodate a wonderful date night, a family afternoon or evening meal and also caters to many events. It is the home away from home with a menu that is sure to please any fine food lovers’ senses. What I love about Madliena Lodge? It can accommodate any sensitive eater. Always is a vegetarian and vegan option across the menu and if you call ahead the chef will prepare something for those with specific allergies. This is fine dining and high-quality service at its best.

Triq il-Bir, Il-Madliena

Mykonos by Yiamas

First opening Yiamas in Mosta, now with a new location, Mykonos, located in the three cities in Cospicua. This is our family favourite! The atmosphere, the staff, the ambiance and the food make us frequent the original location in Mosta and hit the new location in Cospicua on a warm and sunny day to sit right by the water and not only enjoy the food but enjoy the view! The menus do vary between the two locations as Mykonos offers a larger menu. The owners can usually be found walking among the people, greeting with hugs and a shot of Ouzo set down immediately in front of you upon seating. The children are given a shot of juice to cheers right along with you! This is the most entertaining experience while offering spectacular meats and seafood. If you are on the hunt for the best Souvlaki in Malta, look no further than this! If you go, be sure to start your experience with the Feta Saganaki, Greek feta cheese, sesame and honey…this will knock your socks off and prepare you for the intensely satisfying meal ahead.