11 Best Restaurants in Valletta, Malta

Looking for where to eat in Valletta? These are the best restaurants in Valletta, Malta from fine dining to casual gems.

Valletta is a city that never fails to impress, from its grand Baroque architecture to its sweeping harbor views. But beyond its historic landmarks and sun-drenched streets, Malta’s capital is home to a thriving dining scene that blends Mediterranean tradition with global influences.

With its Michelin-starred fine dining, casual bistros serving bold, flavorful dishes, or hidden gems where the food does all the talking, Valletta is a city built for eating well.

After countless meals here, I’ve come to appreciate the range and quality of its restaurants—from fresh seafood and local Maltese classics to Japanese omakase and Nepalese street food. Some meals were refined and paired with expertly chosen wines, while others were casual, eaten elbow-to-elbow in a bustling food market. Each one, in its own way, was memorable.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Valletta or stopping by on a Malta trip and wondering where to eat, this guide has you covered. These are the best restaurants in Valletta, from high-end dining to laid-back spots worth seeking out.

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The Best Restaurants in Valletta, Malta

Harbour Club

Set in a 17th-century warehouse on Valletta’s Grand Harbour, Harbour Club blends history, design, and modern Mediterranean cuisine in one of the city’s most stunning locations.

The interiors—designed by architect Chris Briffa—retain the original limestone walls while incorporating sleek, minimalist elements, creating a space that feels both timeless and contemporary.

The menu leans heavily on fresh, local ingredients with a Mediterranean influence, featuring dishes like octopus carpaccio, slow-cooked beef cheek, and fresh seafood paired with a well-curated wine list.

Both dining inside or on the terrace overlooking the harbor is an intimate yet sophisticated affair—perfect for a leisurely lunch or a romantic evening watching the boats drift by. For those looking for the best restaurants in Valletta with a view, this is one of my top picks.

It’s also a superb spot for an evening drink or aperitivo.

For those seeking a refined yet relaxed dining experience in Valletta, Harbour Club is an essential stop.

Rubino

There’s something about Rubino that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a secret. Tucked away on Old Bakery Street, this unassuming, family-run gem has been serving some of Valletta’s best Maltese and Italian dishes for over a century.

Originally a confectionery, the space still carries a touch of old-world charm—wood-paneled interiors, vintage tile floors, and a chalkboard menu that changes daily.

The moment you step inside, the air is thick with the scent of slow-cooked rabbit stew, baked ricotta pies, and seafood so fresh you’d think it was just pulled from the Mediterranean that morning. There’s no pretense here—just honest, beautifully executed food.

On my last visit, I let the waiter guide me, starting with a plate of octopus salad, followed by tender braised rabbit that fell apart at the touch of a fork and almond-crushed gurbel, a local fish with babaganoush. And then there was dessert—their signature cassata Siciliana, a nod to the past when Rubino was a pastry shop.

It’s the kind of place where meals stretch into long, wine-filled conversations, where locals and in-the-know travelers linger at their tables just a little longer. Rubino was probably the best meal I had in Malta, easily one of the best restaurants in Valletta.

Noni

Tucked away on Republic Street, Noni is where Valletta’s historic charm meets contemporary, fine dining. Run by chef-owner Jonathan Brincat, the restaurant has earned a Michelin star for its modern take on French and Mediterranean cuisine, balancing bold flavors with technical finesse.

The space itself feels intimate and inviting—set within a beautifully restored 18th-century building, where exposed limestone walls and a sleek, open kitchen set the stage for a memorable meal.

Brincat, a Valletta native, brings his deep respect for local ingredients to every dish, elevating traditional flavors with a modern, ingredient-driven approach. The menu is a masterclass in balance—think slow-cooked pork belly with pickled cabbage and apple or fresh local fish served with a delicate saffron sauce.

Each plate is meticulously plated yet never feels overcomplicated, and the service is warm and seamless, making fine dining here feel genuinely welcoming rather than stiff.

Noni is a must-visit for those seeking a refined yet unpretentious taste of contemporary Mediterranean gastronomy, a place where tradition is honored but never confined by the past.

Read more: Where to Find the Best Bars in Valletta, Malta

Chophouse

Chophouse in Sliema is more than just a steakhouse—it offers a refined dining experience with tasting menus that showcase not only premium cuts of meat but also a strong selection of vegetarian and plant-based dishes.

Despite its name, it caters well to non-meat eaters, with plant-based meat alternatives and a variety of carefully crafted vegetable-focused plates. The multi-course menus highlight expertly aged beef, fresh seafood, and seasonal produce, all prepared with precision and depth of flavor.

Wine is a key focus, with a well-curated list featuring top Maltese and international labels, as well as thoughtful pairings that enhance each dish. Whether it’s a perfectly grilled Wagyu sirloin, a delicate seafood starter, or a creative plant-based dish, the sommelier’s selections complement every bite.

With its sleek yet welcoming atmosphere, top-quality ingredients, and stunning views of Valletta’s skyline, Chophouse delivers one of Malta’s most well-rounded finer dining experiences.

Grain Street

Grain has become a standout name in Valletta’s dining scene, offering three distinct experiences under one brand. Under Grain, a one-Michelin-starred restaurant, delivers haute cuisine with impeccable service, while Over Grain, the stylish rooftop lounge, is the go-to for cocktails and relaxed skyline views. But for me, Grain Street is the spot I loved the most.

This casual yet polished spot embraces a sharing concept, making it perfect for a laid-back but elevated meal. The menu is packed with beautifully crafted, Mediterranean-inspired plates, from delicate seafood dishes to bold, flavor-driven meats and seasonal vegetable creations.

There’s a real focus on quality ingredients, and creative execution is clear, but the atmosphere remains unpretentious and inviting.

With a well-curated wine list, an ever-evolving menu, and a setting that balances sophistication with comfort, Grain Street, I found it to be, the perfect balance between fine dining and relaxed indulgence.

AKI

AKI is one of Valletta’s sleekest dining spots, a stylish basement restaurant that brings a modern, cosmopolitan take on Japanese cuisine to the city. With its dimly lit interiors, dark wood accents, and minimalist aesthetic, the space exudes an effortlessly cool, urban vibe—perfect for a sophisticated night out.

The menu is a refined mix of sushi, sashimi, and Japanese-influenced international classics. Sadly, not being too hungry, we just opted for a couple of sushi plates, which were delicious. Expect expertly crafted nigiri, fresh ceviche, and indulgent wagyu dishes alongside creative small plates that blend bold flavors with elegant presentation.

The cocktails are just as much a draw, with a mixology program that plays on Japanese ingredients and techniques.

Read more: 10 Luxury & Boutique Hotels in Valletta, Malta to Book Today

Aaron’s Kitchen

Aaron’s Kitchen is a Valletta staple, known for its warm hospitality and an honest approach to traditional Maltese cuisine. Run by chef Aaron Degabriele, the restaurant has built a loyal following by serving simple yet impeccably prepared dishes that showcase local ingredients and classic flavors.

The menu leans heavily on fresh seafood, slow-cooked meats, and home-style pasta, with dishes like rabbit stew, pan-seared local fish, and aljotta, a fragrant Maltese fish soup. There’s a real sense of comfort in every plate, and while the food stays true to tradition, the execution is elevated.

It’s not flashy, but it doesn’t need to be—it’s all about great cooking and a genuine love for Maltese cuisine.

N Japanese Bistrot

N Japanese Bistrot is the kind of place that feels like a well-kept secret—an intimate, understated spot where the focus is entirely on the food. Tucked away in Valletta, this cozy restaurant offers an omakase-style experience that blends Japanese comfort classics with careful attention to detail.

One of my favorite meals in Valletta happened here. I feasted on perfectly crisp yet juicy gyoza, followed by melt-in-your-mouth pork belly that was nothing short of sensational—rich, tender, and full of deep umami flavor. A small selection of sushi followed, fresh and delicately balanced, along with a simple, warming bowl of miso soup that tied everything together.

The beauty of N Japanese Bistrot is in its simplicity. The dishes are thoughtfully prepared, the flavors pure, and the experience refreshingly unpretentious and affordable, too.

Taproom

Taproom is where Valletta’s historic charm meets contemporary dining. This stylish restaurant on Old Theatre Street blends European influences with a modern twist, offering a menu that feels both refined and approachable.

Dishes are beautifully plated, with a focus on bold flavors and top-quality ingredients, from freshly caught seafood to expertly seared meats and house-made pastas. The steak I had here was lovely and beautifully seasoned.

The ambiance is warm and intimate, making it a great spot for a long, leisurely meal paired with a well-curated wine list or creative cocktails.

Guzé

Guzé, housed in a 16th-century Valletta building, is all about rustic elegance and heartfelt cooking. With its stone walls, dim lighting, and intimate setting, the atmosphere feels like stepping into a hidden corner of the city’s past.

The menu highlights Maltese and Mediterranean flavors with a sophisticated edge—think slow-cooked meats, fresh seafood, and handmade pasta, all executed very well. Service is polished but warm, and the experience feels effortlessly special, whether you’re in for a romantic dinner or a celebratory meal.

The Everest

Probably the most casual spot on this list, The Everest is a Nepalese/Indian food stall inside Is-Suq Tal-Belt – Valletta Food Market. They serve momos—perfectly steamed dumplings packed with flavorful fillings—and authentic curries that took me straight back to Nepal.

The rich, aromatic spices, the slow-cooked tenderness of the meats, and the comforting heat in every bite make this stall a true hidden gem in the city, ideal for a quick, casual meal.

Grab a beer from the bar inside the food hall, find a seat in the lively food hall, and dig in—I certainly did. The momos were some of the best I’ve had in years, and the curries, served with warm naan or fluffy rice, were bold, deeply spiced, and completely satisfying.

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So, which of these best restaurants in Valletta will you be visiting during your stay? Let me know in the comments below, I always love hearing from you.

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