Food & Drink in Malta

Maltese cuisine is as diverse as the history of the islands themselves. Malta and Gozo are situated between Sicily and the North African coast – and you can taste this geographical location. Italian and Mediterranean influences meet Arabic spices, British traces, and a hearty island cuisine that traditionally works with what is locally available.

Those vacationing in Malta or Gozo will therefore encounter a mix of fresh fish and seafood, pasta, durum wheat, rabbit, braised meat, cheese, bread, and small savory snacks. At the same time, the gastronomy has become significantly more international today. In addition to Maltese restaurants, you will find Italian cuisine, sushi, Chinese food, burgers, BBQ, and street food.

Gozo differs slightly from Malta. The smaller sister island is more agricultural and known for local products such as cheese made from sheep and goat milk. However, the selection of restaurants is smaller. Those staying longer in Gozo will find that the menus of many restaurants are similar. This makes it all the more interesting to find places and food concepts that offer something different.

Maltese Cuisine in Brief

The cuisine of Malta and Gozo is Mediterranean, hearty, and comparatively uncomplicated. Rabbit is considered the national dish and is prepared in numerous variations on the islands. Dishes such as Bragioli, fish and seafood, Pastizzi, Ftira, and local cheese products are also included.

In Gozo, traditional cheese plays a particularly important role. At the same time, the island's gastronomy is strongly characterized by restaurants that combine Mediterranean classics, pasta, pizza, burgers, fish, and meat dishes. Distinct specialty restaurants are not found everywhere outside the tourist centers.

Rabbit: The National Dish of Malta and Gozo

If there is a dish that is particularly closely associated with Maltese cuisine, it is rabbit. In Maltese, rabbit is referred to as "Fenek." The traditional rabbit dish or rabbit meal is known as "Fenkata" and is part of the culinary traditions of the islands.

Rabbit is offered in numerous variations in Malta and Gozo. Depending on the restaurant and family recipe, it can be braised, fried, prepared with garlic, or served in a hearty sauce. Pasta with rabbit sauce is also one of the variations you can encounter on the islands.

For visitors wanting to experience traditional Maltese cuisine, rabbit is therefore one of the most important dishes. It is definitely worth trying Fenek multiple times, as the preparation can vary significantly from restaurant to restaurant.

It becomes particularly authentic in small restaurants and eateries that focus more on traditional Maltese dishes. There, the emphasis is less on modern presentation and more on hearty, rustic cuisine.

Fenkata: Rabbit as a Shared Meal

Rabbit is not just a dish on a menu in Malta. The so-called Fenkata also has a social character. Rabbit is eaten together and is often served in several preparation forms.

This fits with the traditional dining culture of the islands. Many Maltese dishes are not delicate haute cuisine but rather dishes for a large table, family, and friends. This is part of their appeal.

If you want to experience Malta or Gozo's culinary scene, you should not only look for modern restaurants. A simple eatery with traditional cuisine can be much more interesting.

Bragioli: Another Classic of Maltese Cuisine

In addition to rabbit, you should also look for Bragioli in Malta and Gozo. Bragioli are among the traditional meat dishes of Maltese cuisine and are often referred to as beef olives.

Despite the English name, the dish has little to do with olives. It consists of stuffed and then braised beef roulades. The exact filling and preparation can vary. Typically, a hearty braised dish is created that fits well with rustic Maltese cuisine.

Bragioli are a good example that traditional Maltese cuisine does not consist solely of fish and Mediterranean salads. Meat, braised dishes, and hearty sauces also play an important role.

If you have already tried rabbit and are looking for another classic Maltese dish, you should add Bragioli to your list.

Pastizzi: Malta's Most Famous Snack

Few foods are as ubiquitous in Malta as Pastizzi. These small savory pastry pockets are inexpensive, quick to eat, and available in numerous places on the islands.

Traditionally, Pastizzi are offered with ricotta or a pea filling. Today, there are sometimes additional variations.

Pastizzi are less a complete restaurant dish and more a snack for on the go. This is what makes them interesting. During a day trip, before a ferry ride, or on the way to the beach, they are an uncomplicated way to eat something typically Maltese.

Those spending several days in Malta or Gozo will hardly be able to overlook Pastizzi.

Ftira and Gozitan Ftira

Another term you will encounter in Malta, especially in Gozo, is Ftira. There are different variations, so not every Ftira automatically looks or is prepared the same way.

The Gozitan variant is particularly interesting. The Gozitan Ftira visually resembles a rustic pizza but has its own tradition. Depending on the preparation, ingredients such as potatoes, onions, tomatoes, cheese, olives, capers, or other local ingredients are used.

Especially in Gozo, a good Ftira is one of the dishes you should try at least once.

Ġbejna: Cheese from Gozo

One of the most famous specialties from Gozo is Ġbejna. These are small traditional cheeses that can be made from sheep or goat milk.

Depending on the ripeness and preparation, the taste varies significantly. There are fresh, milder varieties and aged or peppered versions with a much stronger aroma.

You will find Ġbejna not only on its own. The cheese is also used in salads, pasta dishes, Ftira, or other local dishes.

If you are specifically looking for specialties from Gozo, you should therefore focus less solely on specific restaurants and pay more attention to regional products. Cheese, bread, olive oil, tomatoes, capers, and other agricultural products are just as much a part of Gozo's culinary identity as individual dishes.

Fish and Seafood in Malta and Gozo

With two islands in the middle of the Mediterranean, it is hardly surprising that fish and seafood are on many menus. Especially in coastal towns, you will regularly find grilled or fried fish, calamari, shrimp, mussels, and various pasta dishes with seafood.

The types of fish offered depend partly on the season and catch. Instead of committing to a specific fish, it is worth asking about the catch of the day.

In Gozo, places like Marsalforn and Xlendi are particularly popular if you want to eat right by the sea. However, the quality can also vary significantly within tourist coastal towns. A nice terrace with a sea view is not automatically a sign of exceptionally good food.

Italian Influence on Maltese Cuisine

The proximity to Sicily is hardly unnoticed in culinary terms. Pizza, pasta, tomatoes, olive oil, and Mediterranean herbs are part of everyday gastronomy in Malta and Gozo.

Therefore, you will find many restaurants on the islands with Italian or Mediterranean-influenced menus. Especially in Gozo, the boundaries often blur. A restaurant can simultaneously offer pizza, pasta, fish, burgers, salads, and Maltese classics.

For vacationers, this is convenient, but it has a downside: many menus appear relatively similar.

Restaurants in Gozo: Plenty of Choices, but Often Similar Menus

Gozo has a vibrant gastronomy, but you should not expect a restaurant landscape like in a European metropolis. The island is small, and this is reflected in the offerings.

Especially in Victoria, Marsalforn, Xlendi, and around the more tourist-frequented areas, you will find a good selection. Nevertheless, there are comparatively few restaurants that consistently focus on a single specialty or an unusual gastronomic concept.

Many restaurants offer a similar mix of pizza, pasta, burgers, salads, fish, meat, and some Maltese dishes.

This is not inherently bad. However, if you spend two weeks in Gozo and want to eat consciously varied meals, you will quickly notice that many menus repeat.

This is why the slightly more unusual addresses are interesting.

Wagyu To Go: Sushi and Chinese Cuisine in Gozo

If you are looking for a break from pizza, pasta, and Mediterranean cuisine in Gozo, Wagyu To Go is an interesting address.

Here, sushi and Chinese or Asian-inspired dishes are among the highlights. Especially on a small island like Gozo, such an offering is a welcome alternative to the typical restaurant menu.

Wagyu To Go is particularly suitable if you want to eat Asian food simply and consciously seek something different from the usual Mediterranean dishes.

SO.CO Point in Xlendi: Grab Food and Enjoy Together

An interesting concept can be found at SO.CO Point in Xlendi.

The principle is particularly practical if several people want to eat together but do not all want the same restaurant or cuisine. You can pick up food from the surrounding area and then eat it there.

Especially in a holiday destination like Xlendi, this is an uncomplicated alternative to the classic restaurant visit. Instead of committing to a single menu, everyone can choose what they feel like.

The concept fits well with Xlendi because various gastronomic offerings are located in a relatively small space around the bay.

Flame Kebab in Xlendi Bay: Döner in Gozo

Sometimes, vacation doesn't require traditional cuisine or a multi-course dinner. Sometimes, you just need a good döner.

One address for that is Flame Kebab in Xlendi Bay. If you are looking for kebab or döner in Gozo, Flame Kebab is one of the best spots on the island.

Especially after a day at the beach or for an uncomplicated dinner, this is a good alternative to pizza and pasta.

Those who live longer in Gozo or spend several weeks on the island particularly appreciate such simple alternatives. Because when it comes to international street food, the selection in Gozo is significantly smaller than in larger cities.

Crunch N' Munch in Xewkija: One of the Best Burgers in Gozo

For burgers and BBQ, it's worth checking out Xewkija. Crunch N' Munch is a food truck or smokehouse snack bar that focuses on burgers, BBQ, and slow-cooked meat.

The concept stands out significantly from the classic restaurants in Gozo. Instead of a huge Mediterranean menu, the emphasis is on smoky flavors, meat, and hearty street food.

The "Low and Slow" principle is particularly interesting. Meat is cooked or smoked over a longer period at low temperatures. This results in a different texture and a more intense flavor than traditionally grilled meat.

If you are specifically looking for a really good burger in Gozo, Crunch N' Munch is, in our opinion, one of the strongest candidates – possibly even one of the best burgers on the island.

Street Food in Malta and Gozo

Street food in Malta and Gozo is not comparable to cities like London, Berlin, or Bangkok. Nevertheless, there are interesting offerings.

The most traditional form of Maltese food "on the go" is undoubtedly Pastizzi. In addition, there are Ftira, sandwiches, and increasingly international offerings like burgers, kebabs, or Asian take-away.

In Gozo, such smaller providers are particularly interesting because they bring variety to an otherwise relatively classic restaurant landscape.

If you are looking for good food, you should not only focus on restaurants. Food trucks, take-away shops, and small snack bars can be among the more interesting culinary discoveries on the island.

Where to Eat Well in Gozo?

You will find the largest selection in and around Victoria as well as in the tourist coastal towns of Marsalforn and Xlendi. In addition, there are restaurants, bars, cafés, bakeries, and smaller snack bars spread across the entire island.

Xlendi is particularly interesting if you want to combine dining with a location right by the water. Marsalforn also offers numerous restaurants along the coast. Victoria is better suited if you want to compare different cuisines and restaurant concepts in one place.

However, it is worth occasionally leaving the tourist centers. Some interesting eateries and food concepts are located in smaller towns or industrial areas that you might simply pass by as a typical tourist.

What Should You Definitely Eat in Malta?

If you are visiting Malta for the first time and want to experience the island's cuisine, you should try traditional dishes and local products.

At the top of the list is rabbit. Fenek or a traditional Fenkata is as much a part of Malta and Gozo as hardly any other dish. After that, Bragioli are a classic meat dish to consider.

For snacks, Pastizzi are a must. In Gozo, you should also try a Gozitan Ftira and local Ġbejna. Fish and seafood are particularly interesting in the coastal towns.

However, you do not have to eat Maltese every day. Especially in Gozo, it is worth trying the few restaurants, food trucks, and take-away concepts that consciously offer something different.

Is Eating in Gozo Different from Malta?

The fundamental culinary traditions of Malta and Gozo are closely linked. Rabbit, Pastizzi, Ftira, fish, pasta, and various braised dishes can be found on both islands.

However, Gozo has a distinctly more rural character. Agriculture and local products are more visible, and especially Gozitan cheese is closely associated with the island.

At the same time, the gastronomic market is significantly smaller. Malta offers a much larger selection of international restaurants, especially around Valletta, Sliema, St. Julian's, and other densely populated areas.

In Gozo, the selection is more compact. Those who stay longer will quickly notice that extraordinary restaurant concepts are significantly rarer.

Vegetarian Eating in Malta and Gozo

Even without meat, you do not have to live solely on salad in Malta and Gozo. The strong Mediterranean and Italian influence ensures that vegetarian dishes are relatively easy to find.

Pasta, pizza, salads, vegetable dishes, and various snacks are on the menu in many restaurants. Additionally, traditional products like Ġbejna and Pastizzi with ricotta or pea filling are available.

However, you should still take a closer look at traditional Maltese dishes. Some dishes that appear vegetarian at first glance may be prepared with meat broth, meat sauce, or other animal ingredients.

Breakfast and Cafés in Malta and Gozo

The classic tourist breakfast in Malta is not necessarily particularly Maltese. In tourist areas, you will find numerous cafés offering coffee, croissants, toast, Eggs Benedict, pancakes, and similar international breakfast dishes.

If you want something more local, it is worth visiting a bakery or pastizzeria. A coffee along with a fresh Pastizz may not be a luxurious breakfast, but it is much closer to everyday life in Malta.

In Gozo, you will find cafés mainly in Victoria and the coastal towns. During the season, the selection is significantly larger than in the quieter winter months.

Eating Out or Cooking Yourself?

Especially in Gozo, it can be worthwhile not to spend every meal in a restaurant. The island offers interesting local products that are perfect for simple meals.

Fresh bread, Gozitan cheese, tomatoes, olives, capers, and olive oil are enough for an uncomplicated Mediterranean meal. If you have a holiday apartment or a kitchen, you should also explore local shops and markets.

This way, you will learn about a side of Gozitan cuisine that is sometimes less visible in restaurants.

Our Conclusion on the Cuisine of Malta and Gozo

Maltese cuisine does not thrive on complicated dishes but on its history, its Mediterranean location, and hearty ingredients. Rabbit is the culinary flagship of the islands and is eaten in various forms in Malta and Gozo. Bragioli, Pastizzi, Ftira, fish, and local cheese products complement the traditional classics.

Gozo has its own culinary character. Particularly cheese made from sheep and goat milk and other regional products are part of it.

However, when it comes to restaurants, you should have realistic expectations. While there are many good dining options in Gozo, there are comparatively few true specialty restaurants. Many menus are similar and combine pizza, pasta, burgers, fish, and meat.

This is why addresses that break out of this pattern are all the more interesting. Wagyu To Go brings sushi and Asian cuisine into play, the SO.CO Point in Xlendi offers a flexible concept for food from the area, Flame Kebab is an interesting address for döner in Xlendi Bay, and Crunch N' Munch in Xewkija is one of the most exciting options for burger and BBQ fans in Gozo.

The best strategy for a culinary holiday in Malta and Gozo is therefore a mix: try traditional Maltese dishes, discover local products, eat fish by the sea, and consciously look for the small restaurants, food trucks, and take-away concepts that do something different.