The Michelin Guide Malta 2023

The MICHELIN Guide Malta 2023 was launched earlier in March featuring 35 restaurants spread across the islands of Malta and Gozo and includes six restaurants awarded One MICHELIN Star and four restaurants awarded a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand.

The highlight of the launch is the addition of a new MICHELIN Star. Fernandõ Gastrotheque joins five existing Star restaurants, which all retain their award, making Malta an increasingly attractive gastronomic destination.

The five restaurants which were awarded One MICHELIN Star in the 2022 Guide all retain their Star status for another year. These are: Under Grain in Valletta; Noni in Valletta; ION – The Harbour in Valletta; De Mondion in Mdina; and Bahia in Balzan.

Five new restaurants also joined the Michelin Guide Malta 2023 selection. They are: Giuseppi’s, Naxxar; Loa, St. Paul’s Bay; Grotto Tavern, Rabat; Legligin, Valletta; and Rosamì, St. Julian’s. This brings the 2023 Malta selection up to 35 Michelin-recommended restaurants.

The Bib Gourmand status maintained the same restaurants - Terrone, Vittoriosa; Commando, Mellieħa; Grain Street, Valletta; and Rubino, Valletta. These restaurants represent good quality and good value cooking.

The inclusion of local restaurants in such a prestigious certification is a confirmation of Malta’s food excellence and a proof of the island’s talent in such a cutthroat industry. It also confirms the government’s forward looking vision for the sector as well as the efforts by both the Malta Tourism Authority and the Institute for Tourism Studies for such an important industry to continue to thrive.

As noted by Michelin Guides international director Gwendal Poullennec to The Times of Malta; “The development of the Maltese culinary scene is extremely exciting, with the selection of an additional five new restaurants that take their inspiration from the Mediterranean region, yet without holding back on the occasional touch of fusion to surprise and delight gourmets. Whether for its UNESCO-designated heritage, its status as a Mediterranean crossroads, its ancient history or its colourful and joyful cuisine, Malta has everything needed to seduce travellers.”

Nevertheless, pertinent was the press release issued by the Association of Catering Establishments (ACE) which noted that such list is not a true reflection of what is being achieved by various catering establishments.

ACE noted that there are various establishments that are heavily investing their resources and talent to achieve such level, some of which are also a clear reflection of the farm and fork concept so much touted both on an international and local level. Some are also working on niche food concepts which are at par to what is being offered by leading international eateries.

As well noted by ACE, the gist of Michelin is primarily to truly reflect the talent and quality of a country’s catering industry. A principle which they feel is not necessarily being achieved year after year with the Michelin Guide list.