Gourmet products local specialties and wines Malta

Before leaving the village for Ramla Bay, you can buy the bread for your picnic at Mekren's stone bakery. There's no counter, and you enter directly into the dark, old-fashioned workshop, between the large oven and the shelves of warm breads, pizzas and cakes. It's also an opportunity to see how traditional Maltese bread is made!

Situated in Xaghra, on the road between Victoria and Malsaforn, the Ta'Mena estate belongs to the Spiteri family and owes its name to the diminutive Carmen, the founder of the place. It includes a fruit garden, an olive grove, an orange grove and more than 10 hectares of vineyards. You can visit the vineyard and enjoy a wonderful view of the surrounding valley or purchase various regional and organic products such as tomato jam, olive oil, wine, dried tomatoes, vinegars and different kinds of liqueurs. Informed welcome.

Here is a coffee recognizable by its blue lazurea front but especially by its "home made" cakes and its croissants with a very good reputation. For the croissants, you will have to come before 10 am to be sure to be served. Otherwise, on the cake side, you will have the choice between orange, strawberry and cheese or simply chocolate. A small tasting area is provided, two tables and a bench running along the wall. Depending on the time of day, you can add a small gourmet cappuccino or a more refreshing drink to your break.

Francis Tabone had flair when he decided to launch this small boutique of Italian-style artisanal ice cream. To make them, he uses the best ingredients, just like the hazelnuts used in the Nocciola perfume from a Piedmontese cooperative. The result is generous and creamy balls with a wide range of universal flavors such as stracciatella, pistachio and its lemon or mango sorbets. Test the milkshake by mixing two tastes of ice cream, caramel and its touch of whipped cream. Perfect for a little snack in hot weather.

A classic tourist rendezvous and almost a must. A charming terrace covering part of the square in front of the library. The meeting place for chic Maltese, young and old. It opened in 1837, and today you can admire the period interior: vaulted ceiling covered with frescoes by Giuseppe Cali, crystal chandeliers... Here you'll find the most beautiful "zinc" on the island. Oval in shape, it's ideal for a quick espresso in the morning or a French croissant. You can also buy local pastries and sweets in attractive (and slightly expensive) packaging. The Eddie's terraces are right next door to the previous one, not to be confused and avoided. As all the tables look the same and are fairly close together, it's easy to get the wrong terrace! Be sure to check the name on the parasol before settling down at a table.

Don't look any further where to buy chocolate on the island: here is Ali Baba's cave. Dark, white, milk, tablet, miniature size to accompany a strong coffee, gluten, lactose or kosher free, take a look in this independent shop that has made itself indispensable. The owners of the shop, a couple of passionate people, will guide you, bite by bite, all their advice being sharpened.There are many French chocolates to choose from, but also a selection of Maltese, oil or carob chocolates... to try.

It's the story of a small grocery store that grew into a big one. Created in the sixties, it has grown to become a huge complex of 1,800 square metres, spread over three floors, and since 2000 it has been located in the High Street premises, still in the heart of the Sliema shopping district. Here you will find just about everything you would look for in a supermarket: bakery, butcher's, fruit and vegetables, pastries, wine and drinks and health and beauty products. Avoid going there on Saturdays, the aisles are narrow.

Here is a shop where you will have the opportunity to appreciate a beautiful cellar of premium spirits as well as beautiful vintage bottles, with racy wines from all origins. You will be able to complete your gourmet basket with a selection of products to take away: prickly pear, lemon or carob jams, dried tomatoes, numerous Gozo cheeses, etc. Located in a small street not far from the palace of the great masters, it also offers some outdoor tables to taste these products before buying them.

In the basement of the Duke Shopping mall, this very large supermarket is particularly well stocked with various groceries (beauty products...) as well as fresh and local products and its opening hours, quite ample, will be of great service to you when everything is sometimes already closed in Victoria. Cheeses, salads, sandwiches, but also traditional products, without counting water, at prices defying all competition. You'll also find plenty to do some gourmet shopping before you leave.

Very far away from the most commercial places, this shop is worth discovering after making a small detour. First of all for its brown front which reminds one of a ship's hold, and then diving inside this establishment dating back to 1894 allows you to discover a very beautiful selection of Maltese wines and alcohols such as pure island malt and scotch whisky. Whisky lovers will be served as the house brings them from everywhere: Scotland, Ireland, Japan, Taiwan or India. There is also a cigar cellar.

Founded in 1919 by Anthony Cassar, this winery is now in the hands of the fourth generation and contains over 100,000 bottles and 220 barrels. It is possible to visit the winery via different types of tours, of different lengths. Whatever you choose, it is recommended to book your visit a few days in advance during the high season. The basic tour lasts half an hour and includes a tasting session. Marsovin also organizes its festival in July, mixing music, wine tasting and tasty snacks.

Since the British Empire has left its mark on Malta, you might as well take advantage of your visit to Valletta to join the famous chain of shops. All the more so as its central location, just a stone's throw from the most popular cafés, means that you will pass by at some point. In addition to a large grocery store, you will find a fast food corner, supplied with sandwiches and salads, all presented in a very modern and British decor. Its plusses: organic products, the clothing department on the first floor and air conditioning.

As this shop belongs to a family that has been selling sweets (chocolates, candies) since 1843 and is the oldest confectionery in the Maltese archipelago, it is understandable that there is not a single Maltese who has not passed through its door. All the more so as it has grown steadily. Apart from the house specialities (date or honey rings, Qaghag tel-ghasel, or almond biscuits), you will find all sorts of sweets but also pretty cakes and one of the Maltese's favourite crackers to accompany the aperitif, the Twistees.

Its first asset is its ideal location in Victoria's central square, right in the heart of the hustle and bustle. Open from early morning until late evening, it's the perfect place to enjoy a hearty breakfast, a salad or burger, and end the evening with a cocktail. But what makes the place so special is that it's the only coffee roaster in Gozo, with a demonstration every other day. Not surprisingly, the coffee, carefully selected from all over the world, is particularly tasty.

Since its opening in 2018, the supermarket on the ground floor of Is Suq has considerably increased its offer. You will always find something to fill a gourmet basket before your departure, but not only. The fruit, vegetable, butcher's, caterer and bakery stalls now make it a major place for street food. Also with prepared salads, fresh cheeses, from Malta or elsewhere, Maltese specialities such as Bigilla, boiled bean paste, olive oil and peppers, etc. And all the sweets and drinks you need.

Rows of chocolates of all colours and pretty pumps, red and yellow, also in chocolate, the first visual makes you want to settle down and taste the achievements of this factory, installed in Buggiba since 2017. Of Belgian origin, chocolate is worked on the spot, in the sight of the consumer who will also be able to learn more about its history and manufacturing processes. Fans will be able to carry out tests combining chocolates and beer or chocolates and wines. Pretty and colourful interior space and terrace at your disposal to enjoy a moment of softness.