Malta · tool
Malta food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Malta.
Photo by Christian Seebeck on Unsplash
What to eat in Malta
5 signature dishes, 4 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Fenek (Rabbit)
$15–$25
A national dish, rabbit is prepared in various ways, most commonly fried with garlic and wine (stuffat tal-fenek) or as a rich stew. It's a deeply ingrained part of Maltese culinary heritage.
Where to try: Mgarr, known for its rabbit restaurants like Ta' L-Istazzjon.
Pastizzi
$0.5–$1.5
Flaky, diamond-shaped pastries filled with either ricotta cheese (pastizzi tal-irkotta) or mushy peas (pastizzi tal-piżelli). These are a ubiquitous and beloved Maltese snack.
Where to try: Crystal Palace Bar (Rabat) or any local pastizzeria across the islands.
Lampuki Pie (Fish Pie)
$12–$20
A savory pie made with the seasonal dorado fish (lampuki), often with spinach, tomatoes, capers, and olives encased in a shortcrust pastry. It's a taste of the Mediterranean summer.
Where to try: Traditional Maltese restaurants, especially during the lampuki season (late summer/autumn).
Bragioli (Beef Olives)
$18–$28
Thin slices of beef rolled around a filling of bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and herbs, then braised in a rich tomato and wine sauce. A comforting and flavorful classic.
Where to try: Nenu the Artisan Baker (Valletta) for a refined take.
Ftira biż-żejt
$4–$8
A rustic Maltese bread, often baked in a ring shape, generously rubbed with olive oil and topped with ripe tomatoes, capers, onions, and anchovies. Simple, fresh, and delicious.
Where to try: Local bakeries and cafes, particularly in Gozo.
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
Valletta
Historic and elegant, with a mix of traditional tavernas and modern bistros.
Upscale DiningHistoric AmbianceFine Wine
St. Julian's / Paceville
Lively and cosmopolitan, offering a wide range of international and local eateries, often with sea views.
Nightlife DiningInternational CuisineSeafood
Mdina / Rabat
Charming and traditional, with many restaurants tucked into ancient buildings offering authentic Maltese fare.
Traditional MalteseRomantic DinnersHistoric Settings
Marsaxlokk
Picturesque fishing village known for its fresh seafood restaurants lining the harbor.
Fresh SeafoodHarbor ViewsCasual Lunch
Dietary notes
Maltese cuisine is traditionally meat and fish-heavy. While vegetarian options like pastizzi tal-irkotta and various vegetable stews are available, vegan and gluten-free choices can be limited outside of major tourist areas and may require specific requests at restaurants.
Local etiquette
- •Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated for excellent service, usually around 10% in restaurants.
- •Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekend evenings.
- •While credit cards are widely accepted, it's wise to carry some cash for smaller establishments or market purchases.
- •Maltese people tend to eat lunch between 1 PM and 3 PM and dinner from 7:30 PM onwards, with a later start on weekends.
Plan the rest of your Malta trip
Food guides elsewhere