DINING
IN
MALTA

There are over 800 restaurants in Malta ranging from top-notch and expensive to bare bones. Ask around for good eating places.

Local specialties include "torta tal-lampuki" (dorado fish pie), dentici (sea bream), swordfish, and tuna. "Timpana" (baked macaroni and meat) is excellent and filling. "Minestra" is the local variant of minestrone soup. Rabbit, stewed or fried, is a national dish.

Accompany your meal with the locally produced red, white, or rose wine - "marsovin" or "lachryma vitis" - and sample the house wines, too. Maltese beers are excellent; highly popular are Hop Leaf and Cisk Lager. Lowenbrau recently began brewing in Malta, as well. Another excellent choice is "Kinnie", a refreshing, local, non-alcoholic citrus and herb drink. The water in Malta is safe to drink, with the only drawback being its salty taste. Many prefer bottled mineral water.


A SAMPLING OF RESTAURANTS

Readers are invited to suggest restaurant 'finds' in Malta and Gozo. Please send your 'find(s)' to Grazio.





DRIVE INN REST, Tamar Road, Qawra. We found this wonderful restaurant on our last visit. A family owned restaurant = run by Ruben, his wife and daughters. Ruben is also the chef who cooks = everything and anything, but he specialises in fish dishes. All dishes = cooked to your individual requirements. We tried the fresh crab which = was caught that same day. When it was served we needed an extra table to = accomadate all the side dishes and special crab cutlary.We received a = very friendly welcome from this very nice family and their staff, which = made us go back several times during our 2 month stay. There was also a = fine selection of very nice wines.

Best.....Wishes........Tony..&..Jose..from Ulverston, UK. = (Submitted by: Tony Fallows)

THE CUCKOO'S NEST TAVERN, 9 St Paul Street, Rabat. Proprietor Roger Tonna. Small, quaint. Friendly, family orientated. (Theresa, Paul (Pops) and Alexei). Excellent food, (maltese dishes, timpana, calamari, rabbit, even some canadian items on the menu.

(Submitted by Carol Tonna)

PORTOBELLO, in St. Luke's Road, St Paul's Bay, is situated above the harbour of St Paul's Bay & commands an excellent view of the seafront. Initially we were attracted by the terrace seating area, & later moved inside into the restaurant itself. Whilst we expected good quality seafood (the Swordfish was splendid), we were delighted by the meat dishes, the Beef Stroganoff being particularly excellent. But what really made the difference was the excellent service, with nothing being too much trouble. Prices seemed very fair.

(Submitted by Phil Cummings, Bristol, UK.)

CITTADELLA is on Castle Hill, Victoria, Gozo - just on the left as you walk up the hill to the ancient citadel. There are tables in a lovely shady courtyard below street level & also an indoor dining area, we were impressed by the friendly service & the excellent value. The food was of a high standard, the baked pasta in particular being very good. definitely worth a visit.

(Submitted by Phil Cummings, Bristol, UK)

NOSTALGIA, Mosta Road, Bugibba. Tel: 576887/583722
Lovely surroundings in an old converted villa with archted ceilings, honey-coloured stone walls and linen tablecloths, friendly service. Great food at surprisingly moderate prices, excellent value. Maitre de Anthony Dowling is writing a book on customer service - and it shows!
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BIS-TIT AFRICAN RESTAURANT, St Anthony Street, Bugibba
This street, down by the harbour, is full of restaurants and bars and Bis-tit is the last one you reach walking up from the harbourside. Run by a Nigerian couple, a chance to sample something really exotic - but it's not cheap and their machine wouldn't accept our credit card. This street and its neighbour are full of restaurants of all kinds. Check out the menus outside and choose one you like!
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SAVINO'S, Qawra Road, Bugibba
One of the best restaurants in Malta, run by four brothers (3 in the kitchen, 1 front of house). Check out the certificates and awards, these guys know how to cook! Expensive by Maltese standards but really excellent food and friendly, efficient service in a lovely old building, served on the balcony with views across the island. If you're lucky, one of the nearby villages will be practising the fireworks for its Festa (Not open for lunch, no shorts for men).
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PAPILLON, Blacktail Street, Bugibba
A simple restaurant run by two sisters, very cheap and cheerful. Spotlessly clean with pretty peach decor. The menu is quite basic but they'll cook Maltese dishes to order - and it's got a pool table!
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PICCOLO, St Paul's Street, Xemxija, St. Paul's Bay, Tel: 577494
Good food in quaint surroundings and a friendly, knowledgable English waitress. The lobster soup is amazing, and the rabbit is great too. Moderate prices, good value.
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IL-MITHNA (The Windmill), 45 Main Street, Mellieha Tel: 520404
Luxurious restaurant in a converted windmill, good food and attentive service, a little more expensive than some but not over the top.
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LA SORPRESA, Triq it Turisti, Bugibba
High quality italian restaurant frequented by locals and tourists alike. Good food, friendly service and moderate prices.

(Recommended by Tracey)

RISTORANTE BRIGANTI, St Julians
GOOD and healthy food, very friendly atmosphere, cheap prices.

(Recommended by Simon Elzinga, RingMaster)

LA STALLA, Triq it-Turisti, Bugibba.
Don`t be fooled by the name of the street, this is a fabulous restaurant pizzeria frequented mostly by locals & Maltese holidaymakers. Excellent value for money (daily three course set menu is probably the best buy),varied selection of fresh local fish & friendly service. Owner, Joe Pisani. tel 571368

(Recommended by George & Haidee Dandridge)

ALIA BORG BONACI in Hamrun. It's on High St., right across the street from the church of San Gaetano. They have renovated the place and expanded. Their pasti are one of the best dolcerias in all of Malta. It's not on the main path on the tourist route, but I highly recommend it. I would think any tourist who really wants to experience the local flavor of a maltese cafe. This one should be on their list. Not hyped up for the tourist trade but a true maltese land mark.

(Submitted by Elizabeth Kiomall)

CAFE OASIS 19 Tigne Seafront, Sliema Tel: 342180. Ran by a young and friendly maltese man by the name of Paul. Sicilian style dolce. Wonderful for a lunch stop or late night pick me up better known as Teremisu. Best hazel nut ice cream and fresh fruit sorbet. Say hello to Paul or Clint tell them Bella sent you. Liz Kiomall (Bella).

E-mail to Elizabeth Kiomall.

SEASIDE RESTAURANT in St. Paul's Bay. It's across the street from the roman baths between Gilliru and the Sireenes. Its a small restaurant bar. Best aljiotta in all of malta. Specializing in fresh seafood. Everything is done to perfection by a superb cook. Nena and Onest Mallia own and operate this little out of the way jewel. She takes care of the kitchen and personally prepares every dish. He tends the bar and the customers. Friendly, clean and fair priced. When you go there, tell Onest that Bella sent you from Maryland.

E-mail to Elizabeth Kiomall.

In Rabat just before you enter the old capitol of Mdina to the right is a wonderful little place called IL-VEDUTA. Believe me the name really applies. The view is breath taking especially from the renovated veranda. The food is excellent and prices more than fair. Try the gbejniet salad or their pizza. Their pisce spad is good too. Best place to eat during the summer, especially when the fire works are going on . Liz Kiomall (Bella).

E-mail to Elizabeth Kiomall.

LA SCALA RESTAURANT
Situated in Marsascala, ( Triq il-Qaliet ). Offers a wide range of dishes at reasonable prices.

(Comments to Christopher Cachia)

BOUZOUKI RESTAURANT
135 SPINOLA ROAD
ST. JULIANS
tel.317 127
Authentic Greek Cuisine offering all that's best of a wide variety of dishes. Especially popular are the dips - Taramasalata, Tzatziki, the famous Mousaka, various meat Kebabs and local fish cooked Greek Style. A wide range of wines, from local, Greek, Italian, French, are also available. Prices are very reasonable and booking is highly recommended. Closed on Sundays.
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THE OLD SMUGGLER
36 MAIN ST.
BALZAN
tel. 493 953
A very friendly local bar and restaurant situated in the heart of Balzan. The food is traditionally Maltese and the tasty rabbit is certainly worth savoring. Sunday lunchtimes are very popular with the locals and foriegners who like to read their papers over a few quiet beers. Open lunchtimes and evenings.
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POCO LOCO WINE BAR AND RESTAURANT
151 TRIQ SAN GORG
ST. JULIANS
tel. 333 586
Extremely popular and busy place for food, local art exhibitions, excellent music, and the highly frequented quiz nights. A games night has also been added to this very friendly bistro. Closed Mondays.

(Suggested by Michael Pearson)
Neil Harrison)

IL-FREJGATINA
A new open-air fish restaurant located at the water's edge across from the Casino. Forms part of the Corinthia Beach resort at St George's Bay, St Julian's. Specialities include crab salad, pasta marinara, grilled giant prawns, steaming mussels with liqueur and lobster. The restaurant boasts also a vast selection of local and imported wines and spirits. Phone: 374-114.
IL-GARRA RESTAURANT
White Dolphin Holiday Complex,
Qawra Coast Road,
Qawra.
Tel/Fax: 583-297

Restuarant, Pizzeria and Bar. Live Karaoke in a friendly atmosphere on weekends and daily in summer. Enjoy a drink by the pool. Games Room availble.

A lovely complex situated in the heart of Qawra enjoying wonderful scenic views and sea views. Very reasonable prices.

TA' MARIJA RESTAURANT
Constitution Street,
Mosta
Tel: 43 44 44 Fax: 41 81 81
A Maltese speciality restuarant with, as their cards states, Maltese Folk nights, lunch and dinner daily and private parties. It's next to Mosta dome so is easy to find. The main course meals cost from about 3ML to 6ML

(Suggested by Margaret Ridgway)

SALVINA BAR & RESTAURANT
Gharb, Gozo
Although situated a little out of the way, the effort in finding Salvina Bar/Restaurant is more than rewarded by the extremely high calibre of both food and service. The surroundings are elegant and the tables not too crowded as is often found in some more commercial establishments. There is much attention to detail and the proprietors go to every effort to pamper.

(Suggested by Gordon Knight)

PIAZZA CAFE
Rotunda Square,
Mosta
With a great view of Mosta dome this cafe serves pasta dishes and Western style fast food all day as well as a selection of pizzas in the eveings. For only 2ML a dish it's very good value.

(Suggested by Margaret Ridgway)

"INCOGNITO" Bar & Restaurant
Fliegu Street ,
Qawra - St.Pauls Bay
(opposite the New Dolmen Hotel)
Telephone : 57 20 28
E-mail: jesjames@keyworld.mt

The Incognito offers the best cuisine , enjoyment & a cordial atmosphere . The menu is varied to cater for all tastes - from Daily fresh fish to Flambee Dishes and champagne for the gourmet , to a superb Daily Set Menu for only Lm3.50 , but don't forget that the excellent service is a guarantee to all !!
The Incognito has been open for the past 21 years , with an outstanding growing reputation reflecting it's potential . "He who enters the Incognito is a stranger , but once "

GHANDI TANDOORI restaurant
Triq il-Mosta, St. Paul's Bay. Excellent Indian food, good service and a decent price: 12.40 liri for two people. Downside: no credit cards except AMEX are accepted.
PIZZERIA BOLOGNA
A street-level pizza house beside the Grand Master's Palace serves delicious pizzas with an interesting choice of ingredients. 59B Republic St., Valletta. Tel: 238-014.
BARRACUDA
This is the place for fresh seafood, warm hospitality, and mouth-watering dishes such as pasta with calvados, sliced apples, and parma ham. 194 Main St., St. Julians. Tel: 331-817.
THE CARRIAGE
Understated luxury is the keynote of this restaurant which is set up high like the bridge of a ship, atop a Valletta office building, providing splendid city roofscapes and harbor views. The cuisine is international. 22 South St., Valletta. Tel; 247-828.
BACCHUS
Housed within the fortifications of the ancient city of Mdina in two chambers where grapes once were pressed, this still is a good spot for tasting local wines. Sample the fresh fish of the day and, weather permitting, opt for a table on the terrace. Inguanez St., Rabat. Tel: 454-981.
THE LANTERN
Two brothers run this friendly spot. The 18th century townhouse location may not win any design awards, but the food is delicious and served in a traditional Maltese atmosphere. Open for lunch Monday through Friday; open for dinner only on Friday and Saturday. 20 Sappers St., Valletta. Tel: 237-521.
HOLE IN THE WALL
This small, unpretentious fish and steak restaurant offers good, simple fare at reasonable prices. 32 High St., Sliema. Tel: 336-110.
TA' KOLINA
This waterfront restaurant overlooking Malta's casino specializes in Maltese food and fish, including "bragoli" (rolled slices of beef stuffed with mincemeat and stewed in tomato sauce) and baked and grilled swordfish. 151 Tower Road, Sliema. Tel; 335-106.
MEDINA
For good local fare such as Maltese fish soup and grilled lampuki (dorado fish), dine at this converted Norman townhouse. 7 Holy Cross St., Mdina. Tel: 454-004.
SCALINI
An attractive cellar restaurant with walls of Malta's golden limestone, it features seafood and Italian-style pastas. The prix-fixe menu is a good value. 32B South St., Valletta. Tel: 246-221.
CAFE CORDINA
At this elegant cafe, dating from 1837, observing the staff and the other diners is the main form of entertainment. Sandwiches, salads and soups are on the menu. 244 Republic St., Valletta. Tel: 241-359.
PAPPAGALL
This restaurant is popular with locals and visitors alike. Traditional Maltese food is featured, and the bustling atmosphere is warm and friendly. Melita St., Valletta. Tel: 236-195.
CAFE LA VENEZIANA
A modern Italian-style ice-cream parlor/bar/pizzeria where locals drop in after dinner. The pastries are hard to pass up. 29-30 Melita St., Valletta. Tel: 222-513.
GIANNINI
Atop Valletta's mighty bastions, this is one of the city's most elegant restaurants. Leading local politicians and the fashionable set dine here on Maltese-Italian cuisine, especially seafood, while enjoying the fantastic view. Open for dinner only on Friday & Saturday; open for lunch Monday through Friday. 23 Windmill St., Valletta. Tel: 237-121.
CASTILLE
The rooftop restaurant affords a magnificent harbor view, and the pizzeria in the old vaulted wine cellar offers imaginative pasta dishes. Castille Square, Valletta. Tel: 243-677.
PICCOLO PADRE
The most innovative pizzeria-cum-art gallery on the island offers several tables overlooking the sea. A hip crowd of all ages comes to this lively spot for the good food and ambience. 195 Main St., St. Julians. Tel: 344-875.
BOLOGNA
This restaurant situated in the heart of the city specializes in Italian cuisine. 59 Republic St., Valletta. Tel: 246-149.
MAGIC CAFE
A favorite haunt of the locals, this open-air snack bar serves simple hearty sandwiches. St. Anne Square, Sliema. Tel: 335-653.
TA'CENC
This hotel in Gozo is one of the best hotels in this part of the Mediterranean. It is a luxurious paradise, and its location on the coast about 4 miles out of Victoria ensures guests' privacy and accomodates a full range of water sports. Ta' Cenc, near Sannat, Gozo. Tel: 561-522.
CALYPSO
This modern hotel has so many services and facilities that it's almost like a small town in itself. The choice of dining spots includes a Chinese restaurant. Marsalforn. Gozo. Tel: 562-000.
CORNUCOPIA
For pleasant, personal service and a restful vacation, try this lovingly restored farmhoues near the village of Xaghra - it's an ideal base for exploring the island, and the sea is just a short drive away. There's a good restaurant, with barbecues in the summer. 10 Gnien Imrik St., Xaghra, Gozo. Tel: 556-486.
IL-KCINA TAL-BARRAKKA
Known as Sammy's by its regular clients, this seafood restaurant overlooks Mgarr harbor. 28 Manuel de Vilhena, Mgarr, Gozo. Tel: 556-543.
JEFFREY'S
Works of local artists hang on the walls and add to the Italian trattoria atmosphere of this popular meeting place. The cooks bring in fresh produce from their own fields, along with home-raised rabbit and lamb. 10 Gharb Rd., Gharb, Gozo. Tel: 561-006.
IL-KARTELL
With a cozy waterfront location, this place id popular with locals who come for the large selection of pasta and pizza. Try the linguine with seafood and one of the good local wines. 102 St. Mary's St., Marsalforn, Gozo. Tel: 556-918.
GESTER
Just across the square from the OLEANDER diner, this eatery is operated by two sisters. Among the specialties, which change daily , are rabbit and fresh fish dishes. Victory Square, Xaghra, Gozo. Tel: 556-621.
OLEANDER
It's a good place to dine. Drop by for fresh fish, rabbit stew, pasta, delicious soup, or whatever is on the menu that day. 10 Victory Square, Xaghra, Gozo. Tel: 557-230.
PARADISE CAFE
Drop in at this unassuming bayfront "dive" and try the fresh catch of the day, served with a crisp helping of pommes frites. Or the pasta marinara. The ambience is provided by Elvis mmemorabilia and whatever's on the cassette player. Xlendi Bay, Gozo. Tel: 556-878.
PISCES
Diners can enjoy a superb view across Malta's largest fishing village. Seafood specialties include "aljotta" (a soup with chunks of fish), "pagell" (red bream, baked or grilled), and risotto with mussels. 4951 Xatt is-Sajjieda, Marsaxlokk. tel: 684-956.
LA PLAYA
Pizzeria & Snack Bar. Serves delicious pizzas and pasta dishes. Piazza Dun Agius, Marsascala. Tel: 616-435
GRABIEL
Giovanni the chef and his brother Carmenu as head waiter run this restaurant on the lines of an Italian trattoria. The menu consists of mostly fish and local produce. It features also excellent rabbit, bragioli, and steak. 1 Triq Mifsud Bonnici, Marsascala. Tel: 684-194.
GILLIERU
This popular restaurant is a landmark on the sea front of St Paul's Bay. A variety of items are offered on the menu, but the restaurant is noted for it's fish and sea-food dishes. Try the 'aljotta' (fish soup) which is excellent. Triq il-Knisja, St Paul's Bay. Tel: 573-480.
IL RE DEL PESCE
This restaurant serves excellent seafood dishes. Try the delicious linguine served with seafood, mushrooms, garlic, cream and brandy; or the ravioli stuffed with fish chunks in a saffron sauce. Sample one of the scrumptious desserts. Triq id-Dahla ta' San Tumas, Marsascala. Tel: 68-178.
THE ARCHES
Considered as one of Malta's outstanding restaurants. A characteristic of the The Arches is that the main menu varies seasonally. The dishes are exquisitely and perfectly prepared and cooked. The wine cellar boasting over 250 wines is one of the very few cellars on the island where wine is keptat the correct temperature and humidity. 113 Triq il-Kbira, Mellieha. Tel: 573-436.
IR RIZZU
This restaurant epitomizes what a good Maltese fish restaurant should be like. Fresh fish is cooked in the traditional Maltese manner: steamed with tomatoes, onions, garlic and herbs. Xatt is-Sajjieda, Marsaxlokk. Tel: 871-569.
LA DOLCE VITA
One of the favorite restaurants in the Spinola Bay area. The menu features a large selection of fish dishes. Food is excellent and attractively presented. 159 St George's Road, St Julians. Tel: 337-806.
SOUTHERN BLISS
Here Maltese cooking is at its very best. The selection of fish is one of the best anywhere on the island. Sample the chef's beautifully presented shellfish terrine. Zonqor Point, Marsascala. Tel: 684-222.
PALAZZO CONSTANZO
In Mdina. A top-class restaurant under new ownership. Top quality service and a maitre d' with a fine sense of humor.

(Recommended by Jan-Wouter Zwart)

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