Malta : What to eat ? culinary specialties and gastronomy

Malta : Enjoying yourself

Timetable Malta

In Malta, we don't dine too early or too late. We start at 7:30-8pm, but the meal never lasts long. Going to a restaurant is a serious outing, business lunch at midday, family dinner in the evening. In any case, we won't go past 11pm. In Valletta, many establishments only serve lunch, but the island's good restaurants, open in the evening, are frequented by tourists and Maltese alike, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings. And it's often best to make a reservation, especially for the evening meal.

Budget & Tips Malta

Of course, it all depends on what you eat, but you can expect to spend around €30 per person on a meal. On the other hand, for those who like to eat "on the go", Malta is full of good deals, foremost among which are the pastizzerija, almost a Maltese institution, which are in fact small stalls selling hot pastizzi in strategic places. You can enjoy these turnovers, often with chicken, cheese or peas, at ridiculously low prices (between €0.40 and €0.80 each). They can also be found in the many Maltese kiosks. Maltese sandwiches will also be your friends, as will ftira, the round loaves used to make Maltese "pizzas".

What costs extra Malta

When it comes to tips, there are two possible scenarios. Either it's already included in the bill, in which case you don't need to add it. Or it's not indicated, in which case it's customary to leave a tip of 5 to 10% of your bill, if you're satisfied with the service provided. Please note that this is not France, and neither bread nor water is free. You'll be asked if you'd like some, you'll indicate what you'd like, and it will be charged: a basket of bread or a bottle of water (no carafe).

The local way Malta

The Maltese have a good fork. Dishes are generally relatively hearty. Unless you're really hungry, we recommend opting for the starter, equivalent to a starter, rather than the main, corresponding to a main course. Even the starters are already impressive. It's not systematic, but quite frequent: antipasti will be served to you to wait for your dishes.

Kids Malta

Many restaurants offer a children's menu, which is less expensive than a regular menu.

Smokers Malta

Malta banned smoking in 2004. But this ban was rarely respected in restaurants. This is now a thing of the past. From now on, you can't smoke in a restaurant, unless it has an open-air terrace.

Tourist traps Malta

A few streets from the center of Valletta, you'll be asked to go inside and sit down at a restaurant, but nothing too disturbing.

Malta : Take a break

Timetable Malta

For a drink during the day, with or without a sweet, choose from seafront kiosks, cafeterias or classic cafés, generally open from 10 a.m. in the most touristy locations, or earlier if they are also frequented by Maltese breakfasters. In the evening, Valletta's addresses close around midnight or a little later on weekends. For even longer evenings, head for the Sliema and St Julian's districts, obviously in the Paceville area.

What's very local Malta

Near Valletta, the Sliema and St Julian's districts boast the largest number of pubs, due to the British clientele. The island isn't bursting at the seams with tea rooms, but the cafeterias provide just the right amount of snacks. It's more usual to buy a pastry or an ice-cream in a store and then relax in a garden or by the sea.