21 for 2021: FoodBlog’s Official 2021 Must-Visit Restaurants 🌟
2020 was a crazy ride, but at least we filled our bellies with some damn good food. A new year means a new restaurant bucket list, which is why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to hand out our top notch recommendations. Without further ado, here are the 21 restaurants you need to visit in 2021:
1. Noni, Valletta, Malta
After tireless waiting from some of the islands’ top chefs and restaurateurs, 2020 was the year the Michelin Guide came to Malta. One of just 3 to receive the prestigious star, Noni’s Founder and Chef Jonathan Brincat knows how to make fine dining both stunning and atmospheric. 👏🏼
2. Under Grain, Valletta, Malta
The Grain concept has something for everyone, with its modern yet casual street-level dining; under which sits an elegant and classical Michelin Star winning restaurant. Under Grain is at the forefront of fine dining in Malta, and the experience is one not to be missed. 🤩
3. Rubino, Valletta, Malta
Another location recently flipped over into greatness, this establishment has been around for over a hundred years. 😲 With a menu that changes daily, their offering is always filled with quality, traditional dishes. It’s no wonder their latest upgrade earned Rubino a Michelin Bib Gourmand.
4. Ta’ Tona (Gozo)
Our second Gozitan favourite is also located in Mgarr, and serves incredible seafood dishes plus a whole range of other great courses. Chef Silvio Grech runs the kitchen at Ta’ Tona, and we’re such big fans of the place that it made it onto our top 5 #BESTFOODEXPERIENCE list for 2020. 🔝
5. Bahia, Lija, Malta
This restaurant in Lija may look plain and simple from the outside, but walk through its doors and you’re in for an incredible experience. With options for à la carte or 3 tasting menus, as well as organised upside down and blindfolded dinners, there’s nothing ordinary about Bahia. 🍊
6. Briju, Gzira, Malta
Dedicated to serving up local produce in an innovative way, Briju is definitely deserving of its Michelin Guide spot. Owner and Chef Rafel Sammut makes sure every dish that goes out of Briju’s kitchen is 100% made with love. ❤️
7. Tapea, St Julian’s
Tapea brings its gastronomy all the way from Spain 🇪🇸, with authentic meals and sharing tapas. The restaurant is located in St Julian's, but you can also enjoy Tapea from the comfort of home with their meal-kit system, where everything is cooked and prepped for you by the chefs.
8. Aki, Valletta, Malta
This Japanese restaurant and lounge bar is the new hotspot for modern dining in Valletta. Aki is known for their contemporary style, sophisticated ambience, and signature dishes; but probably most of all for their flashy cocktail concoctions. 🍸
9. Seed, Paceville, St Julian’s, Malta
Located in the heart of St Julian’s, Seed opened its doors just a few months ago, and has proven to be a culinary experience worth having. 👌🏼 Take a look at our full restaurant review here, to get the true Seed experience... better yet, pay them a visit.
10. Barbajean, Dingli, Malta
Home of the Maltese Sausage Scotch Egg 🥚 that everyone’s been talking about, this brand new and super trendy eatery in Dingli is the perfect example of local simplicity meets modern flair. The hip interior design and ingenious creative dishes at Barbajean make for a one-of-a kind affair.
11. Giuseppi’s, Salina Bay, St Paul’s Bay, Malta
Chef Michael Diacono recently took over this location in the Salini Resort and turned it into an inviting, modern and innovative dining experience. With dishes such as the “carbonara falsa”, Giuseppi’s knows just how to take the traditional and make it their own. 🙌🏼
12. Hammet’s Macina, Isla, Malta
Another favourite we discovered this year is Hammett’s Macina, a quaint, al fresco gastronomic experience situated on the Isla harbour shore. Mediterranean cuisine meets ethnic flavours in a sharing-plate concept, set in a modernly transformed medieval-style of dining - earning them their Michelin Plate status. 🥘
13. Tmun, Mgarr, Gozo
Tmun restaurant, located in the Mgarr Harbour, is a Michelin-worthy location for seafood for when you’re visiting the sister island. The ambience is reminiscent of a ship at sea - a perfect accompaniment to the fresh, vibrant and delicious fish dishes. 🐟
14. La Vela, Pieta, Malta
The Italian food and wine at La Vela never disappoint, which is evident in the countless culinary awards bestowed upon the restaurant over the years. In 2020, Owner Michelle Muscat received the Definitive(ly) Good Guide award for Top Female Restaurateur. 💪🏼
15. Mezzodi, Valletta, Malta
The Diaconos have done it again, this time with a modern Italian bistro with a twist gaining their very own blend of TLC. Located in the Domus Zamittello hotel in the capital’s entrance, Mezzodi is chic yet classic, with dishes that please the eye just as much as the palate. 🤤
16. Tarragon, St Paul’s Bay, Malta
Sweeping up numerous awards year after year, this restaurant needs no introduction. The food is astounding, the wine list is divine, and the ambience is as romantic as it gets. For these reasons and more, it’s a surprise to nobody that Tarragon made the cut for FoodBlog’s Official 2021 Must-Visit Restaurants. 🏆
17. Root 81, Rabat, Malta
With spectacular views from hilltop Rabat, and incredible food that’s earned them a spot in the Michelin Guide, Root 81 is a showstopper. Customers’ review after review proves that this place is definitely deserving of a spot in our Top 21. 🏅
18. Ali Baba, Gzira, Malta
Anyone who loves Middle Eastern cuisine can vouch for the spectacular food at Ali Baba; and if you’re trying it out for the first time there isn’t a better joint to head to. Founder and Chef Patron Hany Harb is sure to wow you with his genuine Lebanese and North African dishes. 🇱🇧
19. Zen Sushi Bar & Teppanyaki, Portomaso, St Julian’s, Malta
An authentic Japanese thrill in Malta where you can experience the Teppanyaki table - food cooked on an iron griddle right in front of you. Zen Sushi Bar & Teppanyaki at the Marina is designated sushi heaven. 🍣
20. 59 Republic, Valletta, Malta
Not-so-surprisingly located on 59, Republic Street Valletta, this restaurant is all about fine dining filled with passion. Since opening in 2017, it’s won numerous titles and has even been awarded a Michelin Plate; so Chef Maria Sammut must be doing something right at 59 Republic. 💫
21. Ta’ Frenc, Xaghra, Gozo
Last but not least on the list, for over thirty years this restaurant has been a renowned location for excellent dining on the island of Gozo. Founded by the late Lino Cefai and Ino Attard, Ta' Frenc has always served as an elegant spot for a great meal. A hidden gem, located in the countryside, Ta’ Frenc serves signature starters, mains and flambe dishes sophisticated and tasty enough to have landed a spot in the Michelin Guide. 🎯
Do you agree with our list? If you think we’ve missed out on a few of your favourites, drop us a comment, we’d love to know what you think. 👇
Comments