In a nutshell
- Food in Malta is wonderfully diverse and shaped by multiple cultures — Italian, North African, and British influences all come together on the plate. There’s something delicious for every taste.
- We’ll walk you through the most popular Maltese specialties — so you know exactly what to order and what not to miss.
- You’ll also get our personal restaurant recommendations for different regions and towns across Malta — tried and tested by us.
What Is Typical Food in Malta?
Typical food in Malta is strongly influenced by Mediterranean cuisine, with roots in Italy, North Africa, and Great Britain.
Olive oil, tomatoes, garlic, and plenty of fish are staples across the island. What’s interesting is how often these get combined with raisins, saffron, and cinnamon — that North African influence really comes through.
The Maltese also care a lot about seasonal produce. In autumn, for example, lampuki takes center stage — a type of mahi-mahi that’s only caught during that season.
Maltese recipes tend to be hearty, rich, and wonderfully down-to-earth.
The 6 Most Popular Specialties in Malta
There’s so much delicious food in Malta. Make sure you try at least a couple of these local specialties:
Ftira
Ftira is a genuine highlight of Maltese food and has even earned UNESCO cultural heritage status.
At its core, it’s a traditional flatbread — round, slightly oval, with a hole in the middle and a seriously crispy crust.
You can enjoy it two ways: sandwich-style, topped with tomatoes, tuna, olives, onions, and arugula, or as a pizza-like baked version.
You’ll find ftira all over Malta — in bakeries, at markets, on the beach, and in cafés and restaurants. Depending on the variety, expect to pay between 1 and 6 euros.
Kannoli
Maltese kannoli are a traditional pastry — a crispy fried shell filled with sweet cream, usually ricotta-based.
It’s that contrast between the crunchy shell and the sweet, creamy filling — in flavors like vanilla, lemon, or strawberry — that makes these so irresistible.
Kannoli are mostly sold as a handheld snack at roadside bakery stands. In cafés, they sometimes come dusted with powdered sugar and paired with coffee.
Individual kannoli cost just under 2 euros — honestly one of the best value treats on the island.
Our tip: If you’re visiting Mdina, make sure to swing by Rabat and try the kannoli at Parruccan Confectionery. It’s one of our favorite under-the-radar picks in Malta.
Pastizzi
Pastizzi are small, triangular or oval pastry pockets made from thin, flaky dough, filled with savory ingredients and baked until golden.
The classic fillings are ricotta and mushy peas, but these days you’ll also find more modern versions with chicken curry, spinach, ham, and even vegan options.
Pastizzi are everywhere in Malta — and seriously cheap. These little pastry pockets usually cost no more than 3 euros, and they’re genuinely filling.
Gozo Goat Cheese
Gozo goat cheese — locally known as Ġbejna — is one of the most celebrated specialties from Gozo, Malta’s smaller sister island. Farmers traditionally make it by hand from local goat’s milk.
Like any good cheese, Ġbejna comes in several varieties. It’s especially popular fresh — similar to mozzarella — or dried with a slightly crumbly texture, or as a peppered version coated in coarse black pepper.
Flavor-wise, Gozo’s goat cheese is noticeably sharper and more aromatic than your typical cow’s milk cheese.
You can try and buy it at local markets, specialty shops, and restaurants across Malta. Prices range from 2 to 4 euros per piece.
Stuffat tal-Fenek
Stuffat tal-Fenek is Malta’s national dish — a rabbit stew slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce with onions.
The rabbit is marinated, seared, and then simmered until it’s meltingly tender. It’s usually served with potatoes and vegetables, though you’ll also find versions with pasta or just bread for mopping up the sauce.
For the Maltese, this is above all a celebratory dish for special occasions. That said, you can order it at many restaurants across Malta. The dish typically costs between 15 and 20 euros.
We’ll be honest — we haven’t tried it ourselves. Rabbit just really isn’t our thing.
Aljotta
Aljotta is a warm fish soup made with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and rice. The fish varies by season — sole, sea bass, bream, and smaller fish like sardines are all common.
Bread for dipping always comes alongside the soup, and it really does make it even better.
You’ll find it on the appetizer menu at Maltese restaurants for lunch or dinner. At 8 to 12 euros — depending on portion size and the fish used — it’s really good value.
By the way: Aljotta has its roots in Malta’s poor fishing communities, who used whatever local ingredients they had to make a nutritious, affordable meal.
Our tip: You can get really delicious Aljotta in the charming fishing village of Marsaxlokk, a popular attraction in Malta.
Drinking Wine in Malta
Wine is the perfect match for a great Mediterranean meal. Malta might not have the same reputation as Bordeaux or the Moselle Valley, but the island’s wines punch well above their weight — winning international competitions every year.
Ġellewża (red) and Girgentina (white) are the two native grape varieties. You’ll also find internationally popular options like Chardonnay, Merlot, and Syrah.
At restaurants and bars in Malta, a glass of Ġellewża or Girgentina typically costs between 4 and 8 euros.
Want to really get into Maltese wine and work your way through the different varieties? You can join a wine tasting in Valletta — a great way to spend an evening.
Our Café & Restaurant Recommendations in Malta
Here are our personal picks for where to eat well in Malta. We’ve linked everything directly to Google Maps so you can find each spot easily.
Our Restaurant Tips for Valletta
Noni: Michelin restaurant with a 3-course menu
Grain Street: Modern restaurant with vegan options
Our Restaurant Tips for Sliema
Paparazzi 29 Clubhouse: Mediterranean, European food & cocktails
Gourmet Fish & Grill: Delicious fish & meat dishes
MedAsia Fusion Lounge: Sushi & other Asian dishes
Our Restaurant Tips for Mellieħa
Ta’ Peter Restaurant: Traditional Maltese restaurant
Commando Restaurant: Upscale Mediterranean restaurant
Our Restaurant Tips for Marsaxlokk
Roots Restaurant: Small restaurant for delicious fish dishes
Liska Restaurant: A slightly more upscale spot with great fish dishes
Our Restaurant Tips for Mdina & Rabat
Parruccan Confectionery: Authentic stand with delicious baked goods
Trattoria AD 1530: Cozy Italian restaurant
Supermarkets & Weekly Markets in Malta
Want to save money but still enjoy fresh, regional, and delicious products in Malta? Supermarkets and weekly markets are absolutely worth exploring.
Malta has large chains like Lidl and Pavi as well as smaller local shops. You’ll find plenty of local products — from bread, vegetables, and milk to cheese, meat, and fish — that you can try without spending much.
If you’re after genuinely fresh island specialties: head to one of the traditional markets!
The market in the harbor town of Marsaxlokk, for example, is famous for freshly caught fish and seafood, plus fruit, honey, and tasty jams — a really lovely way to spend a morning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Food in Malta
What do people eat for breakfast in Malta?
At Maltese hotels you’ll find a wide selection of international dishes at the breakfast buffet. If you want a more traditional start to the day, we’d recommend bread with cheese, fresh fruit, and coffee or tea.
What is Malta's national dish?
Malta’s national dish is Stuffat tal-Fenek — a rabbit stew in a rich tomato sauce, traditionally served with vegetables and potatoes.
What fruit grows in Malta?
Thanks to the warm, dry climate and mild winters, quite a variety of fruit grows on Malta. These include:
- Oranges
- Lemons
- Mandarins and clementines
- Figs and dates
- Apricots and peaches
- Pomegranates
- Grapes
- Apples and pears
Should you tip at restaurants in Malta?
Tipping is not required but always appreciated in Malta. Leaving a few euros after a good meal is a nice gesture.
For more advice on local customs, check out our Malta travel tips.
Is there vegetarian food in Malta?
Yes, absolutely! Malta has plenty of vegetarian and even vegan options. Thanks to the strong Mediterranean influence, vegetables play a central role in Maltese cooking.
