My 5 favourite restaurants in Malta
I’m a meal prepper and I don’t eat out all that often, so when I do, I want to make sure it’s somewhere amazing. I find that most online ‘best restaurant’ lists for Malta either have no understanding of location- like I’m looking in Sliema and it’s listing places in Valletta- or it claims to be from 2025 but lists places that have not existed for years. So I thought maybe this little list will be helpful for someone out there. It’s not an advert, no one has paid to be on this list, they are just my 5 genuine favourite places to eat, where I’ve eaten multiple times and it’s always been fantastic.
#1 🛸 The Flying Saucer Cafe in Birkirkara
OK so the first one is a cafe rather than a restaurant but they do food and drinks and it’s just a really cool place. They’re super new, having only opened in spring of 2025 but I love it so much. The flying saucer theme is cool and adds a bit of interest through the decor and the food and the drinks. Their signature toastie is in the shape of a flying saucer but it’s no gimmick. Yes, it’s cute, but they’re all tasty AF and it’s definitely worth a try. But they also have pastries and salads if you don’t fancy the bread. Their coffee is the best on the island, but they also have soft drinks, smoothies, speciality coffees and booze.
As well as being just a very cool cafe, it’s also a great hangout spot, with a load of fun events aimed to bring people together and foster community. Definitely check out their Instagram and head over next time you’re in Birkirkara.
#2 🇫🇷 Bistro Boca in Ta’Xbiex
Bistro Boca is also a relatively new place but I’ve been a few times and it’s been consistently great. I love to take my team and clients there especially. It’s what I would call “accessible French’”. The food is undoubtedly French but it’s not pretentious and they try to keep it quite traditional but also not overly complicated. The food is good, I love the cocktails and the view over Valletta is spectacular, especially as the colours change during sunset.
#3 ☀️ Loa in St Pauls Bay
Loa is a South American style restaurant and a great one for people who love to share. I recommend ordering a load of plates and sharing on the table. It’s a really good option for vegetarians as they have a lot of small but delicious vegetable plates. Their cocktails are works of art.
When it comes to the food, some of my favourite plates include the corn ribs, charred corn salad (I really like corn), sweet potato dumplings, fried plantain, pan tossed greens, brussels sprouts and the buttermilk fried chicken.
#4 🍹 Tico Tico in Valletta
Tico Tico is another place that’s great for sharing plates. I love going with a group of 4+ and ordering a load of things to try. I dream about their charred confit tomatoes in a yoghurt dip and the paccheri dish. It’s located in Strait Street, Valletta, which is a very cool area. The seating is outside and in the lane so it might not be for everyone but I really like the vibe. Music, hustle and bustle and nice food.
#5 👔 Under Grain and Grain Street in Valletta
This is a two for one as they’re both part of the same group, in the same building but have very very different styles and experiences. Grain Street is the more casual and cool of the two. Mediterranean style food, also with a sharing plate concept. The service is really good and the decor is nice. It’s only a small spot, so it’s cosy and comfortable.
Under Grain is the Michelin star restaurant and located, you guessed it, under the other Grain. I am not sure if they have a tasting menu, when I’ve been to some Michelin restaurants that’s all they have but whenever I’ve gone to Under Grain we’ve ordered a la carte. It’s expensive, but as you’d expect. The food is good, the service is militant and you get some little surprises between courses.
