Valletta’s Michelin Malta Restaurant Guide

Are you looking to indulge in an exquisite meal while you’re in Valletta? If the answer is yes – look no further! We’re giving you a run-down of some of Malta’s best restaurants – according to the internationally-renowned Michelin star rating system. 

The Michelin Red Guide – considered to be a pioneer when it comes to excellence in the hospitality industry – developed the Michelin star rating system. 

Malta’s gastronomy finally made its international mark in 2020 by being included in the Michelin legacy. The Michelin Guide mentions how the archipelago’s unique culinary culture has developed thanks to a long history of “marrying culinary influences from Italy, Mediterranean countries, North Africa, and also Great Britain – not to mention contemporary trends,” and continues by mentioning the islands’ culinary hotspots.

Let’s discover which restaurants in the Capital have been lauded as some of the best in the world.

1 Star MICHELIN

Noni, 211 Republic Street, Valletta, VLT 1118, Malta

Noni, led by chef-owner Jonathan Brincat – set out to modernise traditional Maltese dishes, establishing Malta as the hottest culinary destination along the way.

The restaurant is built on traditional Maltese foundations – metaphorically and literally. The premises were once a bakery – “Xmun Borg & Sons Bakery & Confectionery”, and the menu is full of dishes with a sense of local familiarity. What Noni excels at is re-invention, and this is the aspect that clearly impressed the Michelin food critics.

The Michelin Guide recommends the sea bass carpaccio with Cantabrian anchovy and sauce gribiche, the saddle of rabbit, belly croquette, lemon & thyme sauce and the olive oil cake with dates and pistachio ice cream.

Under Grain, 167 Merchants Street, Valletta, VLT 1174, Malta

Modern Mediterranean specialities are the order of the day at this classic cellar restaurant brimming with refined sophistication. The restaurant’s general theme is inspired by tailoring, and this is an aspect that makes Under Grain unique. Touches such as the sewing pattern menu and clothing displays continue to reinforce this theme. 

When it comes to the food, the Guide praises the chef’s skills, the top-quality, fresh ingredients and the professional service. 

Furthermore, the Guide picked the tartare of sea bass with oyster Chantilly and dill oil, the BBQ rump of milk-fed veal with pickled clams, bagna cauda and vin jaune and the yoghurt bavarois with juniper berry meringue and olive oil cake as clear favourites.

Bib Gourmand – Award for good quality and good value cooking

Rubino , 53 Old Bakery Street, Valletta, VLT 1454, Malta

This eatery dates back to 1906 when it was initially a confectionary shop. Back then, it served sweets such as the famous cassata Siciliana, which the bistro still offers to this day. Nowadays, this quaint eatery still screams Mediterranean tradition and serves classic Maltese and Italian dishes that invoke a sense of nostalgia. 

The Michelin Guide specifically recommends the pig’s head terrine, the rabbit casserole and the cassata Siciliana.

The Plate MICHELIN – Under the radar establishments that serve very good food

Cafe Crudo, Boat Street, Valletta, VLT 1821, Malta

This restaurant with a seafood speciality has an excellent unique selling point – its stunning location between the city’s forts and the sea. The fresh seafood dishes are accompanied by the picturesque views of Manoel Island – the perfect recipe for a memorable experience. 

Guzé Bistro, 22 Old Bakery Street, Valletta, VLT 1454, Malta

Housed in an authentic 400-year-old palazzo built by the Knights of St.John, this cellar restaurant is the perfect representation of what Valletta is all about – history, culture and good food. Guzé Bistro specialises traditional Maltese dishes such as rabbit and seafood (with vegetarian and gluten-free options also available). 

Rampila, 1 St. John’s Cavalier, Valletta, VLT 1110, Malta

Rampila is located deep within the city’s walls, in a 16th-century building that once belonged to the Knights of St John. This delightful eatery offers a mix of Maltese, Italian and Mediterranean dishes that are pleasant and simple. It’s ideal for a history aficionado or all those visitors longing to experience Malta’s vibrant history first-hand, as you can choose to dine inside a military tunnel, or on a terrace that overlooks Valletta’s city gate. 

59 Republic, 59 Republic Street, Valletta, VLT 1117, Malta

59 Republic is another eatery on our list that’s brimming with history. Located right on the bustling Republic Street – next to the Grandmaster’s Palace to be exact – this restaurant offers an opportunity to relax and savour the French-Mediterranean offerings with a modern twist. 

 Aaron’s Kitchen, 107 Archbishop Street, Valletta, VLT 1446, Malta

This bistro is a vital part of the city’s nightlife scene, as it is a place for locals and visitors alike to see and be seen. Drawing inspiration from its location in the heart of this baroque city, the menu is a classic take on Maltese and Mediterranean staple dishes such as the famed ‘fenek’ – the traditional Maltese rabbit dish with a family sauce that’s got a tantalising yet secret ingredient.  

The Harbour Club, 4/5 Barrierra Wharf, Liesse Hill, Valletta, Malta

This eatery derived its name from its proximity to the Grand Harbour. The building itself is as equally impressive as the Grand Harbour views as it’s an authentic 18th-century building that used to function as an ice-house. The creative food options are further elevated by the use of local ingredients and excellent presentation. 

Where to stay in Malta?

If you’re visiting Malta to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Casa Ellul will definitely tick all of your boxes.

This luxurious boutique hotel in Valletta is located on a quiet street that’s close to all of the major attractions Valletta has to offer. That being said, Casa Ellul is an attraction in itself. The modern-day hotel is housed within a Victorian-era palazzo that’s been carefully renovated and repurposed into a hotel. 

It’s safe to say that this boutique hotel is the epitome of upscale sophistication, as it offers all modern amenities without compromising traditional architectural elements that make it truly unique.