Interesting Places to Eat in Valletta, Malta

If you’re visiting the island of Malta in Southern Europe, Valletta is a must see city. The island nation’s capital city is full of hills with stairs, so wear your walking shoes! When you’re ready to eat, look here for my recommendations after spending five days in the gorgeous city. Here I share what you absolutely must try, from quick meals, to morning coffee and sit down dinners, these are the best and most interesting places to eat in Valetta, Malta.

Cafes

Coffee in the morning is essential for most of us… and Valletta doesn’t disappoint with it’s cute cafes. Whether to start the day, or for an afternoon pick-me-up, check out the offerings at these interesting places.

Sundays in Scotland: For the Chocolate and Pastry Lover

This adorable cafe has strong AC, nice ambience and decorations, delicious cakes and pastries, and a friendly staff. The Valletta location has upstairs seating, as well as outdoors on the street. My favourite though were the glass cubbies, which are great for people watching. Because it has wifi, Sundays in Scotland is a good place to work if you need to. I returned twice to try a few different croissants and the daunting ‘Mont Blanc’. The vanilla iced coffee is also very good!

Lot 61 Coffee roasters: For the Coffee Snob

For the coffee snob, Lot 61 roasts their own coffee and supplies a lot of the cafes in the city with their beans. There are many seats outside on the street, but only a few indoors at a counter. The coffee is delicious! They also have a few edible treats like banana bread, energy balls and cookies. The iced mocha is great, as is the flat white. Peep the equipment and beans for sale, as well.

Coffee Circus: For the View

For a lovely view during your morning cup, Coffee Circus has outdoor seating that trails down the steps of a street leading to the Grand Harbour. The coffee wasn’t my favourite, but it’s a memorable experience to sit in a bean bag chair and peer down the narrow street. The interior is set down from street level in a cozy room. They serve pastel de nata, the famous Portuguese pastry.

Restaurants 

There is a plethora of choices of restaurants to eat at in Valletta. Generally I found the quality of food to be good, and almost everything I ate was delicious! Malta has it’s own local cuisine with lots of rabbit, and even horse meat, but there is also a big Italian influence reflected in the pizza and pastas.

San Paolo Naufrago: For the ‘Gram

For a picturesque experience, check out this staple restaurant. It offers seating all the way down a stairway that also functions as a public street. The restaurant offers pizza and pasta dishes with nice cocktails and wine. The setting is a sight to see, and many tourists will stop at the top of the stairs to take photos. If you have a choice of where to sit, I’d recommend avoiding the top few tables! The price to quality ratio is good. The restaurant plays throwback music from the 80’s and 90’s. The only downside was that the service was a bit lacking. Sometimes people had to flag down staff while they mingled in the middle of the stairway. Possibly they just needed to beat the extreme heat that must come from the pizza oven indoors, though! If you visit on Friday to Sunday evening, definitely try to make a reservation.

Sotto Pensa Romana Valetta: For Delicious Pizza

This restaurant came recommended by others who visited Valletta. A reservation will be needed if joining for dinner. The pizza and beer bar sits downstairs in a cozy setting.

Manon Gastro Bar: For an Eclectic Menu

If you’re all pizza and pasta’d out, try Manon Gastro Bar. This restaurant is located on a beautiful and busy street with hanging lanterns in the shape of jellyfish overhead. At nighttime when they’re lit up, its a cute and quirky sight. The menu is eclectic and has some Asian offerings alongside more traditional Maltese dishes. The staff was very attentive and friendly, and served a bread basket before the food arrived. There is a large indoor and outdoor seating area. The ramen I ate was very flavourful.

Aki Sushi: For the Vibes

For a slightly upscale dinner with an amazing vibe, check out Aki. The location on Strait Street is central in the city. There are a few tables outdoors, but indoors has a great ambience, and will be a great choice. If you visit on the weekend, make a reservation. This spot was recommended by locals for good reason: the menu is extensive and offers sushi, grilled meats, salads and an interesting signature cocktail list. The servers are very kind. Aki is by far one of the more intriguing places to eat in Valletta!

The Bagel Hole: For Quick and Delicious Brunch

For a breakfast or lunch, The Bagel Hole is a must visit in Valletta. The interior design is thoughtful and cute. Located downstairs, the owners have created a gorgeous setting and equally awesome food. The menu consists of several signature bagels with the option to build your own. The bagels are hand rolled in house, and the cream cheeses are made on site. The shop opened in June 2022, so is a newcomer to the city, but should be around for a long time. They offer something you won’t find anywhere else in Malta. The owners, who work there, are both lovely to chat with.

Eeetwell: For the Health Conscious

This is a local chain store offering salads, wraps and smoothies. When you crave your greens, this is the place to go. The menu is extensive and has offerings for any diet. I ate here twice when all the pizza, pasta, heavy meat dishes and ice cream started getting to me. Especially during a hot day, Eeetwell is a perfect choice. There are locations in Valletta as well as St. Julian’s and Gozo, among others.

Bars

Enjoy the sounds of the streets with a cocktail or glass of wine while sitting among the cobblestone streets of Valletta! The evenings are long, and should be enjoyed fully.

Cafe Society: For a Sip

Similar to the restaurant San Paolo Naufrago, Cafe Society lets it’s patrons occupy the steps of a street leading from the Valletta city centre to the harbour. Lively music flows from indoors to the street, and awesome cocktails are on the menu. Grab a cushion on a step and enjoy the evening. Cafe Society came highly recommended by locals.

Bridge Bar: For Live Jazz

Bridge Bar is another drink spot that is recommended by locals and travellers alike. It has a great location at the bottom of the steps leading from the Upper Barrakka Gardens, and right near the harbour. In Summer, you can see (and hear) fireworks over the water from your table. On Friday’s, there is a live jazz band. If you can, make a reservation.

Grocery Stores

Within Valletta, grocery stores as we may know them in the West don’t exist. There are corner stores that sell fresh fruits and vegetables and some basic staple items, but only one market with a wider selection.

Is-suq Tal Belt: For Home Cooking or a Snack

Located downstairs in a food hall, Is-suq Tap Belt is a slightly upscale grocery where you can fill up on water (you’ll need lots, as the tap water in Malta isn’t recommended for drinking) and other grocery items. The food hall itself has many places to eat as well, and should be browsed as you head to the grocery market.

Ice cream 

If you visit Valletta in the summer, you will definitely be looking to eat some ice cream. Luckily there are plenty of options available! I had ice cream every day to cool off in the hot evenings.

Amorino Valletta: For the Best Overall

Hands down the best gelato I ate in Valletta, Amorino serves a hefty serving with an option to add soft macarons on top. The pistachio and amarena (cherry) are amazing!

Venchi Chocolate & Ice Cream: For a Delicate Taste

If you don’t care for volume, but rather quality, check out Venchi, which is located in the same food hall as the Is-Suq Tal Belt grocery store. The shop also sells handmade chocolate that look divine.

Tiffany’s Gelateria: For a Cute Touch

Tiffany’s is located on a very busy street, leading into Valletta from the city gates. In evening there was a lineup for gelato at Tiffany’s! The flavours are great and the added little cone to the cup was cute and memorable. Grab a scoop and wander through the busy streets!

Enjoy your meal in Valletta!

Have you tried any of these interesting places to eat in Valletta? Which ones? If you have a recommendation of what to add, comment below! If you’re ready to book your stay in Valletta, I recommend Booking.com for the best options and rates.