Best Elegant & Chic Restaurants in Malta

Located within the historic bastion walls of Fort St Angelo in Vittoriosa, this site dates back to the medieval period when it was originally built as Castrum Maris (Latin for “Castle by the Sea”; Italian: Castello al Mare). Reconstructed by the Order of Saint John between the 1530s and 1560s as a bastioned fort, it is best known for serving as the Order’s headquarters during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565.

Situated in the heart of Mdina, one’s first encounter into the restaurant is a delightful dining area behind an iron ‘Portcullis’. Bacchus is housed in two separate chambers built by Grand Master Fra Martino De Redin in between 1657 and 1660, initially serving as gunpowder magazines for the main fortified bastion built by him to fortify the Old City of Mdina. We have been preparing and serving quality food and experiences for over thirty five years. These aristocratic chambers have been transformed into the perfect environment for enjoying a first class meal and reception with warm service. Our extensive menu features authentic Mediterranean cuisine, together with signature dishes which have proved favourites amongst patrons since the restaurant’s conception. It's more than just a recipe—it's our legacy. Our authentic Mediterranean cuisine, crafted with only the finest ingredients, embodies generations of tradition and passion. Each dish is a testament to our commitment to quality and authenticity, promising a culinary experience that is both timeless and unforgettable.

Scala is a charming restaurant located in the heart of Mdina, Malta. Known for its exquisite Mediterranean cuisine, Scala offers a diverse menu that features fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The ambiance is warm and inviting, making it a perfect spot for both casual dining and special occasions. Guests can enjoy a selection of fine wines and impeccable service, all set within a beautifully decorated interior that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Malta.

Tucked away at 62 Triq San Pawl, Rabat, Malta, Palazzo Castelletti invites you to dine in one of the island’s most atmospheric locations — a 17th-century palazzo steeped in history and charm. Here you’ll discover a refined yet welcoming environment where contemporary Mediterranean cuisine meets Maltese tradition. The menu features everything from fresh pasta and risotto to grilled meats, creative vegetarian dishes, and local specialities, all prepared with high-quality ingredients and an attentive eye for presentation. Guests can choose from multiple elegant spaces — a leafy courtyard, an atmospheric wine cellar, intimate rooms, or a scenic rooftop terrace — making the venue ideal for both romantic dinners and larger celebrations. Whether you arrive for lunch, dinner or a special event, Palazzo Castelletti delivers a dining experience that feels timeless: historic setting, creative cuisine, and warm hospitality — a perfect blend for those seeking something uniquely Maltese yet universally sophisticated.

Situated in the heart of Rabat, Il-Bitħa offers traditional Mediterranean cuisine within our own heritage. Where traditional Mediterranean food meets our historical setting. Just steps away from the Silent City, Il-Bitħa is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal, surrounded by history. Largely inspired by Italian, Spanish and Greek cuisine, the menu is a fusion of foreign and local specialities, with antipasti, platters, pasta and other dishes typical of the Maltese islands.

Chef patron Sandro Vella introduces his new venture, STEP 15. Located on Saqqajja hill, expect delicious dishes, beautiful country views and in a cosy atmosphere to be enjoyed together in good company. We strive in bringing you only the freshest ingredients to ensure every bite is to perfection. Book your table online today or get in touch with us over the phone and leave the rest up to us. Here at Step15 we can create an experience you won’t forget for your special event. From anniversaries, birthdays or that intimate get-together we’re here to create that special memorable event. Get in touch with us to come up with something truly exquisite for you and your guests.

Grotto Tavern is more than just a restaurant—it’s a celebration of heritage, artistry, and innovation. Our passionate team elevates the finest seasonal ingredients, creating an exceptional fine dining experience where flavour, artistry, and ambiance blend seamlessly. In March 2023, our commitment to excellence earned us our first MICHELIN Guide Recommendation, a distinction we have proudly retained to this day. Step into a space steeped in history, where impeccable cuisine, refined ambiance, and superior wines promise an experience of true distinction. Located in St Paul’s Square at the heart of Rabat, Mdina, Malta, Grotto Tavern sits in a town rich with centuries of history. The extraordinary cave, tucked away in the lower quarters of the restaurant, has served as a dining establishment since 1962, though its history stretches much further. During World War II, in 1942, locals carved a shelter leading to the cave as a refuge from the relentless bombings. In 1962, the space was transformed into a pioneering restaurant, bringing live music and a wine bar to Rabat for the first time. Today, Grotto Tavern continues to evolve, offering a Michelin Recommended fine dining experience, allowing guests to savour exquisite cuisine amidst thousands of years of history!

Palazzo Xara is a historical building in the winding, narrow streets of Rabat, the suburban village of the old capital city of Mdina. This imposing building was constructed by the Maltese noble family Xara at the beginning of the 18th century, following the 1693 earthquake. Its style reflects the trends of the time when Baroque architecture was at its peak. The architect was influenced by renowned engineers Mederico Blonell and Francois Mondion, who designed many imposing buildings in Malta. In the lower level of the building, one can find The Bistro, The Baroque Hall, The Courtyard and the more Intimate Private Room. The Bistro is aspiring to be one of the best restaurants in Rabat and Malta. Bottegin Palazzo Xara is the ideal party venue for any special occasion, such as Birthdays, farewells, graduations, Holy Communion, Confirmation, Baptisms, Reunions, and Hen and Stag Parties for groups of any size. With our professional team, we will help you create the ideal setting for a memorable day in one of our private party venues. Today, in the Palazzo, one can loosen up while having something genuine to eat. We pride ourselves on using local, authentic products. We promote local ingredients such as farm-to-table traditional cheeselets, pickled onions and sundried tomatoes, and, last but not least, daily fresh vegetables and bread from local markets. Experience good-quality food in a modest local band club setting, where locals hang out by the bar, and others play snooker, accompanied by a selection of soft symphonic jazz to keep the band club concept alive.

A chic space in the heart of the quaint village of Had-Dingli in Malta. Barbajean is a restaurant where young chef-patron Jean Pierre Dingli serves a Mediterranean-inspired Maltese modern menu and cocktails within its cool art deco walls. This venue aims to bring a little magic into one’s everyday life. We are driven to deliver a unique and memorable experience to everyone who steps foot into our restaurant. “Good food is at the forefront of what I do as a chef,” says the chef-patron. We care about how we source it and how we prepare and serve it. We are here for the people who care; the people who want to spend their money in a business that has a conscience and appreciates good food. People who believe, like us, that doing good things with love and passion is the only way to run a good restaurant. We’re here for all the first dates, business meetings, and overdue catch-ups with friends.

A visit to Aalto Restaurant & Bar is an escape to a wonderful dining experience. The international cuisine, trendy cocktails, plus the exquisite view of Filfla and the Mediterranean Sea create an atmosphere of elegance for a memorable getaway of culinary delight. At Aalto, we draw inspiration from the name itself, which means “wave” in Finnish. We are concerned not only with the quality and origin of our products but also with the preservation of our environment. Our chefs use fresh, mostly locally sourced ingredients in all our dishes. The waves of the sea are a constant reminder of the beauty and power of nature, which is why we strive to create delicious and beautiful dishes. We also incorporate locally grown vegetables from the surrounding towns near the restaurant, paying homage to the rich agricultural heritage of the local Maltese terroir. Visit Aalto to taste the beauty of the Mediterranean and experience our commitment to creating cuisine that is both inspired by and respectful of the natural world.

Welcome to Ostrica at Gillieru, where we blend the rich tastes of fresh, local produce with contemporary culinary innovation. Nestled on the picturesque shores of St. Paul’s Bay, Ostrica is housed within the historic Gillieru Harbour Hotel, a beloved landmark that has been delighting locals and visitors for over a century. Here, we honour a rich culinary heritage while embracing a fresh perspective on dining. Our menu celebrates the finest locally sourced ingredients, from fresh fish to succulent dry-aged meats, each thoughtfully crafted by our talented team. With stunning views of the bay and a tranquil atmosphere, Ostrica offers a truly memorable dining experience in the heart of St. Paul’s Bay. At Ostrica, our menu invites you to discover the bold tastes of the Mediterranean, reimagined with a contemporary touch. We believe in allowing the ingredients to shine, which is why we source only the freshest local produce, seafood, and meats, showcasing the natural bounty of St. Paul’s Bay. From creative, modern twists on traditional dishes to fresh takes on seasonal ingredients, each plate is a testament to our commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Whether you’re drawn to the delicate flavours of the sea, the richness of locally grown vegetables, or the boldness of expertly prepared meats, our menu promises an experience that both delights and leaves a lasting impression.

Luna Rossa is a charming restaurant located in the picturesque town of M'Skala, Malta. Known for its exquisite Mediterranean cuisine, the restaurant offers a delightful dining experience with a menu that features a variety of fresh seafood, pasta, and traditional Maltese dishes. The ambiance is warm and welcoming, making it an ideal spot for both casual meals and special occasions. With its attentive service and beautiful setting, Luna Rossa promises a memorable culinary journey for all its guests.

Ta' Cassia Salina Restaurant is set in a lovingly restored 180-year-old house of character, where its original features have been expertly preserved, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere steeped in history. Overlooking the serene Salina salt pans and the picturesque countryside, the restaurant offers a peaceful retreat, perfect for enjoying the finest traditional Mediterranean and Maltese cuisine. Each dish is crafted with fresh, local ingredients, bringing the rich flavors and culinary heritage of the region to life.