Malta · tool
Malta food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Malta.
What to eat in Malta
6 signature dishes, 4 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Fenek Moqli
Fried rabbit, often marinated in wine and garlic, is a national dish. It's tender, flavorful, and a quintessential Maltese experience.
Pastizzi
Flaky, diamond-shaped pastries filled with either ricotta cheese (pastizzi tal-irkotta) or mushy peas (pastizzi tal-piżelli). These are the ultimate cheap, delicious snack.
Lampuki Pie
A savory pie made with lampuki (dorado fish) when in season (autumn), often with spinach, tomatoes, olives, and herbs. It's a hearty and unique taste of the Mediterranean.
Bragioli
Thin slices of beef rolled around a filling of bacon, hard-boiled eggs, herbs, and breadcrumbs, then braised in a rich tomato and wine sauce. It's a comforting and deeply flavorful dish.
Ftira biż-żejt
A rustic, unleavened bread ring, split and generously filled with fresh tomatoes, olive oil, capers, onions, and tuna. It's a simple yet incredibly satisfying sandwich.
Hobż biż-żejt
Similar to ftira biż-żejt, but uses a crusty Maltese loaf. It's rubbed with ripe tomatoes, drizzled with olive oil, and often topped with anchovies or capers.
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
Bustling, modern, and tourist-centric with a wide range of international and upscale dining options.
Historic and elegant, offering traditional Maltese tavernas alongside contemporary bistros and wine bars.
Lively and cosmopolitan, with a long promenade lined with cafes, restaurants, and international chains, plus hidden gems.
Picturesque fishing village with a focus on fresh seafood served at waterside restaurants.
Dietary notes
Maltese cuisine is traditionally meat and fish-heavy, with rabbit and pork being very popular. Vegetarian options are increasing, especially in tourist areas, with dishes like vegetable pastizzi and pasta being common. Gluten-free availability can be limited outside of larger restaurants, so it's advisable to inquire specifically.
Local etiquette
- •Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service, usually around 10%.
- •While credit cards are widely accepted, it's wise to carry some cash for smaller establishments or street food.
- •Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends or during peak season.
- •Maltese generally eat lunch between 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM, and dinner from 7:30 PM onwards, with many kitchens closing by 10 PM.
- •Dress code is generally casual, but smart casual is appropriate for more upscale restaurants.