Top 5 Hidden Restaurants in Malta
Winter blues got you feeling ready for a vacation? Malta is filled with unknown restaurants that boast amazing cuisine, great atmospheres, and often incredible views. Just remember to avoid the Maltese wines at dinner, while some may be quite good, more often than not they taste rather watered down and sour. Instead, opt for a nearby Italian wine. Don't forget to check out our guide to Malta with the best places to stay, visit and more.
1. Zero Sei, Valletta
Fausto. Image Credit: Zero Sei Trattoria Romana
Upon entering the restaurant, prepare to be confronted by an energetic Italian man who admits his English "is nota so gooda". He'll introduce himself as Fausto, the owner, asking if it's your first time at Zero Sei if he doesn't recognize you. If so, he'll pull up a seat to your table and explain all of the dishes to you while handing you handwritten menus, written in barely legible Italian. The incomprehensible menus are a clue to ignore them entirely and instead focus on Fausto's recommendations. His rule is that if you don't like your dish after the first bite, they will take it back and make something entirely new for you free of charge.
The cuisine is traditional Roman, featuring the most incredible pasta dishes known to man and a willingness to customize nearly everything on the menu. The prices are average by Maltese standards, even cheap for such excellent food. The restaurant is run Fausto's family and frequented by many Italians living in Malta, whom Fausto takes it upon himself to greet personally and chat with.
Image Credit: Italianiamalta.com
As you might have gathered from the rather hastily created menu, there is no wine list. Instead, customers are invited to explore the wine cellar themselves, where prices are scrawled on bottles in white chalk. Fausto will most-likely accompany you and make recommendations based on your price range. Repeat after me, "I will listen to Fausto." Fausto's word is gold. Following his recommendations for both wine and food will guarantee you the best culinary experience possible.
Once you've enjoyed your meal, don't forget to enquire about dessert. Not that there's much to enquire - you already know you're having the tiramisu. If you don't like tiramisu, you will be shocked at how incredible this tiramisu is. The fine cocoa powder on top effortlessly blends with the custard filling before scooping the sponge cake at the bottom that has only the slightest hint of espresso flavor. The dish is so rich and moist, you'll want to savor every last bite.
Must Try: Polpette di melanzane, suppli, carbonara and tiramisu with a Palio Pecorino white wine
Zero Sei can be busy on weekends, make sure to call ahead to make a reservation.
The same family also owns a pizzeria located a few blocks away called Sotto Pizzeria, which is excellent however less intimate than Zero Sei.
Zero Sei Trattoria Romana
75 Old Theatre Street, Valletta
+356 2122 2010
Open daily from 12:00-14:30 and 19:00-23:00.
2. Terrone, Marsaxlokk
Image Credit: Terrone
Located on the harbor front of central Marsaxlokk, Terrone is the perfect stop over on your way to or from the nearby St. Peter's Pool. A young, Australian restaurateur named Adrian owns this restaurant - who had relatives in Malta and dreamed of opening his own seafood restaurant. If you catch him on a day he's not working, he'll sit and chat with you for hours, until suddenly you realize you've been at his restaurant's beer tasting for six hours and have to sort out how to get home.
Many of the restaurant's employees are Adrian's own friends and family, making it a very intimate and friendly place to eat, while also maintaining a more upscale vibe with crisp white tablecloths and a well-dressed staff. It's often quite busy, particularly on summer weekends so be sure to call in advance for a reservation.
Image Credit: Justlanded.com
Marsaxlokk is also famous for its morning fish market, meaning that all of the fish you see on the menu have been bought fresh from the market early that morning. The menu is based on the available fish selection and changes frequently, making use of the best local ingredients available. It's often complimented by a small selection of vegetarian dishes and a willingness to adapt dishes whenever possible.
Terrone also supports the Lord Chambray local Maltese brewery, offering many of their beers on the menu.
Must Try: Absolutely anything on the menu, ask for recommendations if you're completely lost.
Terrone
1 Wilga Street, Marsaxlokk
+356 2704 2656
Open from 10:00-22:00 Monday to Friday, 8:00-23:00 Saturday and 8:00-22:00 Sunday.
3. Rampila, Valletta
Image Credit: Rampila Restaurant
When walking over the bridge that leads through the gates of Valletta, look to your left. The terrace built into the ancient walls of the city is part of the restaurant called Rampila. Trying to locate the entrance is complicated - take the left staircase just within the city walls and follow the signs directing you to Rampila. The tunnel guests must follow leads to the stunning terrace featuring incredible views over the entrance to the city.
The restaurant is extremely well decorated, with lights draped on various plants creating a romantic ambiance. The cuisine is traditional Maltese food - including rabbit dishes - but vegetarian and Italian dishes are also served. The prices are average by Maltese standards, but seem to be too cheap for the quality of the food and incredible location.
Image Credit: Facebook/Rampila Restaurant
The chic atmosphere combined with fantastic, professional service and amazing food come together to make a marvelous dining experience. The cuisine might not be as unique as Terrone or as classic as Zero Sei, but it succeeds in its simplicity.
Keep in mind that table space is limited, be sure to call ahead to reserve a table and specifically request to sit on the terrace.
Must Try: Burratina salad followed by pasta pescatore (seafood pasta). Full menu available here.
Rampila
1 St. John's Cavalier, Valletta
+356 2122 6625
Open daily from 12:00-23:30.
4. U Bistrot, St. Julian's
Image Credit: U Bistrot
Another restaurant that focuses on fresh, local ingredients; U Bistrot is renowned for its unique twist on classic dishes. With hearty portions and brunch dishes available every day, it is a favorite of locals and tourists alike.
This casual spot is perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner, serving certain dishes on black tile and with a wide variety of foods available. Their busy atmosphere makes it a great option for dining amongst friends, being sure to check out their cocktail menu as well.
Image Credit: Facebook/U Bistrot
Its location just underneath The Villa restaurant makes it a much more casual and reasonably-priced alternative, while still enjoying the same stunning views over Balluta Bay's beautiful waterfront and Baroque architecture.
Must Try: Bruschetta followed by linguini with king prawns. Full menu available here.
U Bistrot
Balluta Bay, St. Julian's
+356 2311 2361
Open from 10:00-23:00 Monday to Friday, 9:00-Midnight Saturday and Sunday.
5. The Villa, St. Julian's
Image credit: Mydestinationmalta.com
Located just above U Bistrot, The Villa's terrace overlooks the stunning architecture and waterline of Balluta Bay. Walking up the stairs facing the waterfront, you will be greeted by a host who will escort you to your table. Their stunning terrace is perfect in summer evenings where you can watch the sun set over the bay while you eat.
This jewel of the Balluta Bay waterfront is a favorite for weddings, offering two beautiful and separate terraces each looking directly over the bay. As part of Le Méridien Hotel, their quality of service and professionalism is unmatched on the island.
Image Credit: Yourmaltaweddingplanner.com
The Villa is the most expensive restaurant on our list, but their in-house recipes are well deserving of the prices. It is the perfect restaurant for a date-night or special occasion with its lights hanging over the classical architecture and garden that has been integrated into the terrace itself.
Must Try: Roast duck breast or truffle mushroom risotto.
The Villa Brasserie
Le Méridien Hotel
Balluta Bay, St. Julian's
+356 2311 2273
Open daily from 18:00-Midnight.
