Michelin Malta Pt 2: A Brief Look at Malta’s 31 Michelin Restaurants 🌟
Last time, we looked into the restaurants in Malta that earned a Michelin star or a Bib Gourmand in the latest edition of the Michelin Guide. Today, we’ll continue that list with 23 restaurants that were granted the Michelin Plate honour. 🍽️
P.S.: This list is compiled by location, starting from the south and heading along the coast to the Northern area, with a total of 7 out of 23 restaurants being located in the capital. ⭐
Michelin Plate
“Good cooking”
The Michelin Plate is simply a mention in the Michelin Guide, and denotes that a restaurant serves very good food. According to Michelin, five criteria are used to assess restaurants: quality of ingredients, mastery of flavour and techniques, chef’s personality in the cuisine, value for money, and consistency. 👌
Tartarun
When in Marsaxlokk, the seafood capital of the island; it’s no surprise that you can find some fantastic restaurants focusing on fresh, locally sourced seafood. Tartarun is one of those locations, and much like its rustic feel possesses a modern finish, the menu is also full of innovation on classic staples. 🌟
Hammett’s Maċina
Set in the Sheer Bastion of Isla where a masting-crane called “Il-Maċina” was built some 500 years ago by the Knights of St John, Hammett’s Maċina plays an ode to the culinary influences that shaped our island historically through ethnic flavours intertwined with Mediterranean cuisine. 🫓
The Harbour Club
Not many locations can beat the Grand Harbour when it comes to alfresco dining. The folks at The Harbour Club are intent on providing you with “a holistic experience for all the senses”, which is clearly communicated through their exquisite menu, elegant interior, quality service and of course amazing views. ⛵
Aaron’s Kitchen
Aaron’s Kitchen is proving that you don’t have to be full of frills to get noticed by the Michelin Guide - it’s all about genuine, good food and passion for what you put on the plate. This family-run restaurant highlights traditional Maltese dishes, with consistent quality, a relaxed atmosphere, and excellent service. 💯
Mezzodi
This modern Mediterranean bistro manages to be both relaxed and upscale at the same time, with a menu that gives a breath of fresh air to classic Italian ingredients. Mezzodi is located in the stunning Domus Zamittello hotel, and is surely one of the top dining experiences in the capital. 🏛️
Guzé Bistro
Located in a stunning palazzo in Valletta, the blue balconies and doors at Guzé Bistro stand out for all the right reasons. When you walk inside, the classic interior perfectly matches the traditional facade; whilst the menu provides an antithesis with its local dishes presented in a modern and elevated manner. 🙌
59 Republic
We can’t get enough of fine dining in the capital, and 59 Republic stands out with their ever-changing menu and endless passion for what they do. This female-run establishment pairs a chic modern interior with totally artistic and vibrant dishes - a case of eating with the eyes before the stomach no doubt. 👀
Rampila
Situated in the Valletta bastions at the city entrance, Rampila is a picture of baroque Maltese history. It combines a restaurant, private dining room, terrace, and a museum highlighting Maltese traditions; which the kitchen so clearly salutes through a menu full of local dishes that feel like home. 🫶
Capo Crudo
The last of our capital city locations, this spot presents seaside dining at its finest, with great views thanks to the Valletta peninsula. Capo Crudo is known for whipping up some of the best seafood dishes you’ll find on the island; and pairing that with outstanding service and a charming atmosphere makes it an experience not to be missed. 👏
Chophouse
Stylishly located at the Tigné waterfront, The Chophouse is an excellent choice for pretty much any occasion - dine on the spacious terrace for a gorgeous view of Valletta that you can’t get from anywhere else. Malta’s largest charcoal grill makes for a fabulously cooked cut of prime beef, which you can pair with something from the premium bar selection. 🥃
Fernando Gastrotheque
For a meal that’s truly an experience, check out the vibrant and modern Fernando Gastrotheque, where you can enjoy the finer things in life in the heart of Sliema.
Pick from over 600 wines, Spanish-inspired tapas, European, Australian cuts of Wagyu, and locally inspired desserts for a round-the-world experience. 🗺️
Briju
Local produce is the star of this Maltese and Mediterranean kitchen, committed to freshness, flavour, and no waste. Not only does owner and chef Rafel Sammut put passion into the menu at Briju, but he is also the founder of the Happy Initiative and Victory Kitchen, which makes his accolades all the more deserved. 💝
Barracuda
Barracuda is currently a private dining venue located in an old villa on the water’s edge in Balluta Bay. The focus here is Mediterranean cuisine, with locally sourced and fresh ingredients being prioritised (as any quality location would do). Choose from 3 set menus for sit-down dinners, or several tasty pass-around menu options for private events. ✨
Zest
Probably the first Asian fusion restaurant on the island, Zest is serving up everything from sushi to curries to teppanyaki, with their innovative nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) cuisine approach. 🥟 You can find inspirations from east to west on your plate, all in a contemporary fashion at the stylish Hotel Juliani.
KuYa
With a slogan like “Eat like an Asian”, you know these guys mean business with their authenticity; so much so that it has earned them a spot on the Michelin Guide. KuYa's recent move to a new shiny location, still situated in the heart of Paceville, promises to delve into the world of astounding Asian fusion street food, just like it has done in the past. 🍜
Caviar & Bull
With a menu that truly highlights the best of surf and turf, Caviar & Bull has seen so much success in the past years that Chef Marvin Gauci has opened a new location in Budapest. Snag a table next to the panoramic glass wall for an evening in between the stars and the sea, and all the lights of St Julian’s in between. ✨
Susurrus
It’s not often that you come across Southern American cuisine in Malta, which is why Susurrus is a fantastically executed, innovative concept. Sitting atop the aforementioned Caviar & Bull, Marvin Gauci’s second Michelin Plate restaurant in St Julian’s has a menu that can be navigated through the different countries from which each dish takes inspiration. 🌎
The Golden Fork
The young yet experienced Chef Letizia Vella runs this impeccable restaurant in Attard, located within a beautifully restored townhouse with a gorgeous and rustic interior. The menu is perfectly concise, with some of the most visually appealing presentation you’ve ever seen, and innovative desserts that are worth getting into a food coma for. 🍮
Root 81
Spectacular views from hilltop Rabat make Root 81 an atmospheric dining location with a simple but consistently delicious menu - after all, “good food starts from its root”. Ask for the private balcony for an extra special dining experience and a lovely four course set menu to go with it. 😌
The Fork and Cork
Fresh and seasonal ingredients are the star of the show at The Fork and Cork and feature in their ever-changing menu. Just like its neighbour Root 81, this restaurant is located on the iconic Saqqajja hill in Rabat, one of the highest points in the island, so it comes with the rare green and peaceful view that stretches out all the way to the coast. 🖼️
The Medina
As the name suggests, you can find this timeless spot in the silent city. The ancient Roman courtyard at The Medina presents a one-of-a-kind dining setting that only the old capital can provide. Unfortunately, due to the current situation, they have closed their doors until further notice and are only available for private events. 😢
Tmun
Gozo is often overlooked as a location for quality dining, however the reality is that our tiny sister island is host to some incredible restaurants. Tmun is your stop for seafood and more at the Mgarr harbour, and the ambience will surely put you in the mood to dive into an ocean of flavour on your plate. 🌊
Ta’ Frenc
Another Gozo location and the last on our list, this hidden gem in Xaghra is situated within an old farmhouse; with countryside views that are nowadays a rarity within the Maltese Islands. 🌴 Ta’ Frenc is a gorgeous location for hosting events, and the menu is varied with exceptional house-made pasta, carvery, and seafood dishes.
We hope you enjoyed our tour of the Michelin restaurants of the Maltese islands, and we can only hope there will be more to come in the future. Let us know what you think in the comments below!
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