Eating in Malta: Food Guide, Typical Dishes + Restaurant Tips

Malta's cuisine is as diverse as the history of this small Mediterranean island. Here, Italian, Arabic, British, and North African influences come together - and that's what makes the food in Malta so special. Between crispy pastizzi, hearty stews, and fresh fish, you'll find numerous culinary highlights in Malta that you shouldn't miss.

During my trip, I indulged in Malta's cuisine from traditional family restaurants to trendy food markets, including one of my favorites: Aaron's Kitchen in Valletta, a relaxed yet upscale Michelin-starred restaurant. In this food guide, I will show you which typical dishes you absolutely must try in Malta - and where you can eat particularly well.

Typical Maltese Dishes You Should Try

Bigilla - The Traditional Bean Paste

Bigilla on bread - delicious. photo by viel-unterwegs.de

Bigilla: Bean paste on bread; typical food in Malta photo by viel-unterwegs.de

Bigilla is a true classic and is served all over the island as a dip or spread. It consists of Ful ta' Ġirba, which are fava beans, mixed with garlic, olive oil, parsley, and sometimes a bit of chili or vinegar to create a coarse, savory paste. Bigilla is particularly delicious with Ħobż tal-Malti, the traditional Maltese bread. I had Bigilla, for instance, as an appetizer at Aaron's Kitchen in Valletta - incredibly aromatic!

Pastizzi - Crispy, Affordable, and Everywhere

These small puff pastries filled with ricotta or pea puree can be found on almost every corner. My favorite: freshly baked from a traditional pastizzeria in Rabat.

Stuffat tal-Fenek - Malta's National Dish

Rabbit stew is the island's most famous dish. Aromatic, hearty, and a must-try for anyone wanting to truly experience local cuisine.

Hobz biz-Zejt - The Topped Country Bread

Bread with tomatoes, olives, tuna, and capers, served on Maltese bread with olive oil. — A simple snack of tomatoes, olives, tuna, and capers, served on Maltese bread with olive oil. photo by viel-unterwegs.de

A simple snack made with tomatoes, olives, tuna, and capers, served on Maltese bread with olive oil. Perfect for on-the-go or for a picnic.

Tarja Moqlija - Maltese Fried Noodles

I had these crispy fried noodles with cheese and egg at Angela's Restaurant in Marsaskala - hearty, simple, and very Maltese.

Kusksu - Soup with Ġbejniet

Traditional spring soup with broad beans, pasta, and goat cheese - simple, warming, and very popular with locals.

Lampuki Pie - Hearty Fish Pie

If you're in Malta in the fall, you must try Lampuki Pie - a dough filled with vegetables and fish, traditional and flavorful.

Imqaret - Sweet Date Pockets

Imqaret - Fried dough rolls with date filling and spices — photo by viel-unterwegs.de

Fried dough rolls with date filling and spices - best enjoyed warm from a market stand, such as in Marsaxlokk or at Angela's in Marsaskala and Aaron's Kitchen in Valletta.

Kannoli malti - Maltese Cannoli with Pistachios

Food in Malta: Typical dishes and restaurant tips — photo by viel-unterwegs.de

At the market in Marsaxlokk, I tried fantastic pistachio cannoli - crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside. A must-try!

Ravjul - Maltese Cheese Ravioli with Ġbejniet

One of the most popular specialties in Malta (and especially on Gozo) is Ravjul - filled dough pockets similar to Italian ravioli but larger and heartier. The classic filling consists of ġbejniet, the Maltese sheep or goat cheese, enhanced with herbs and sometimes a touch of nutmeg.

I had homemade Ravjul at Angela's Restaurant in Marsaskala - served with a fruity tomato sauce and fresh basil. Tender on the outside, savory on the inside - a true comfort dish that surprised me completely.

My tip: In Gozo, you often find particularly good variants, as the fresh ġbejniet comes directly from small farms.

Personally Recommended Restaurants in Malta and Gozo

Valletta

Aaron's Kitchen: Michelin restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere. My tip for Maltese cuisine at a high level.
The Masters Bakery Boutique: Delicious croissants, strong coffee - perfect for starting the day.
Enchanté Restaurant: Mediterranean cuisine with a view - stylish and especially beautiful at sunset.

Mdina

Trattoria AD 1530: Very good Maltese cuisine in a historic setting - ideal after a stroll through Mdina.

Golden Sands Bay, Mellieha

Restaurant Agliolio: Traditional Italian and Mediterranean cuisine with Maltese influences. Pizza, pasta, and grilled specialties are served on impressive plates. Enjoy your meal on the terrace with a great view of Golden Bay.

Marsaxlokk

Ta' Victor: Fresh fish right by the harbor - warm hosts and very good Maltese dishes. We ordered a few appetizers and shared everything.

Gozo (Marsalforn)

Il-Kartell Restaurant: Fish and pasta with a sea view - relaxed atmosphere and very good cuisine. We could choose a fish which was then prepared. Delicious, but unfortunately with a lot of bones.

Marsaskala

Angela's Restaurant: A hidden gem! Uncomplicated, delicious - I tried Tarja Moqlija there and was thrilled.

Street Food and Markets in Malta

Pastizzerias

You can find crispy pastizzi everywhere - best enjoyed warm and fresh from the oven.

Marsaxlokk Sunday Market

At the market, along with (tacky) souvenirs, you can also get fresh fish, cheese, vegetables, and sweet treats like Imqaret and Kannoli malti - perfect for food lovers!

Is-Suq tal-Belt (Valletta)

Modern food hall featuring local specialties and international options. Great for a snack while exploring the city.

Practical Tips for Culinary Experiences in Malta

Pay attention to seasonal dishes: Lampuki is only available in the fall, while Kusksu is more common in spring.
Reservations are advisable: Especially for popular spots like Aaron's Kitchen.
Bring cash: Markets or small restaurants might not always accept cards.
Vegetarian? No problem! Many dishes are meat-free or can be adjusted.

Conclusion: I Love Maltese Cuisine!

Malta is a paradise for foodies. The island combines the best of many cuisines: Italian classics like pizza and pasta, North African spices, British influences, and a unique, down-to-earth culinary style full of history. This blend makes dining in Malta so special - and incredibly varied.

Whether it's sweet cannoli with pistachios, crispy pastizzi, Tarja Moqlija, or a star-level dinner at Aaron's Kitchen. I indulged in a wide range of foods in Malta and was amazed by the quality, freshness, and variety.

My conclusion: Amazing food - both from Italy and influenced by Africa. I love it.

More Malta Tips:

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Food in Malta: The Best Maltese Dishes & Restaurant Tips