3 Best Restaurants in Malta

Beati Paoli

$$ Fodor's choice
One of the buzziest restaurants in the capital is the family-run Beati Paoli, an impossibly cozy, friendly affair that still flies under the radar of most visitors. It has that neighborhood feel, boasting of its "local fresh rabbit" on the blackboard frontage, yet serves up subtly crafted, on-point Maltese and Mediterranean dishes with a changing specials menu that never fails to delight. The interior is all stone and white walls, with an open kitchen to boot. Add to that a good local and European wine list and you can't fail to be charmed.
Dinner Family Fodor's Choice Lunch Mediterranean $$
Valletta, N/A Malta, Malta
99-309–319
Known For
  • friendly service
  • excellently crafted local dishes
  • good selection of Maltese wines
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed for dinner Sun.; closed for lunch Mon. and Sat.

Noni

$$$ Fodor's choice
One of the current rising stars of Malta's dining scene is Jonathan Brincat, owner-chef of the much talked-about Noni, a chic, cozy escape set in a former jazz bar. The menu is a studied, elegant affair taking a number of Maltese and Mediterranean classics and fine-tuning them with a bit of French flair, from saddle of rabbit with confit croquette to a crackling smoked rib "gyoza" that accompanies the pork to smoky chorzio bean puree. It also has one of the better wine lists in town. Book early to get a table downstairs in the stone cellar and avoid the chilly overflow tables on the ground floor.
Dinner Fodor's Choice Lunch Mediterranean $$$
211 Republic St., Valletta, N/A Malta, Malta
21-221–441
noni.com.mt
Known For
  • imaginative cooking
  • hip atmosphere
  • good selection of local wines and craft beers
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch Mon.–Wed.

Ta' Kris

$$ Fodor's choice

This is one of the last remaining traditional Maltese trattorias along the tourist strip, and local families, along with a few in-the-know visitors, flock to this relaxed eatery. The chef is famed for his homemade succulent braġjoli (thin beef steak stuffed with pork herbs and breadcrumbs, then rolled and cooked) and mouth-watering slow-cooked rabbit. The freshly made pastas and sauces are copious and an excellent value. The menu is matched by local, reputable wines. The restaurant is a little difficult to find, located down a narrow alley off the main shopping street. There's no view, but don't worry, food and the rustic ambience add up to a typical Maltese experience.

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