For such a small archipelago in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta offers a surprisingly rich culinary identity—a convergence of European finesse, North African spice, and centuries of maritime trade that shaped its food culture. For Irish travellers seeking sunshine paired with unforgettable flavours, Malta serves up a gastronomic adventure that spans rustic street fare to refined Michelin-star dining—all with that quintessential island warmth that makes you feel at home.
A Melting Pot with Mediterranean Soul
Much like Ireland, Malta’s food is rooted in stories of community, tradition, and the sea. Every bite reveals the island’s layered history: Phoenician merchants, Arab traders, Sicilian farmers, and British influence have all left their mark. The result is a cuisine defined by simplicity, boldness, and local ingredients—ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, olives, capers, and the daily catch from the surrounding waters.
You’ll find dishes that feel rustic yet deeply flavourful. Rabbit stew (fenkata) the national dish—is slow-cooked with wine, garlic, and bay leaves, served in hearty portions meant for sharing. Pastizzi, buttery flaky pastries filled with ricotta or mushy peas, are a must-try comfort snack whether you pick them up from a corner café in Valletta or a seaside kiosk in Marsaxlokk.
Street Food and Local Eats: The Everyday Tables of Malta
No Maltese experience is complete without tucking into its street food scene. Start your morning at Crystal Palace in Rabat, where locals queue for the freshest pastizzi baked in wood-fired ovens. Pair yours with a Kinnie -Malta’s bittersweet orange soda – for a breakfast that sets the tone for the day.
In the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, the Sunday market is a feast for the senses. The scent of grilled calamari and snapper sizzling on open flames fills the air as fishermen sell their catch straight from traditional luzzu boats. Pull up a chair at Ir-Rizzu or Terrone, both known for their seafood platters and relaxed coastal vibes, perfect for a long lunch washed down with a crisp local white wine.
Street food in Malta has evolved beyond its humble past. In Valletta’s Is-Suq Tal-Belt, a bustling 19th-century market hall turned gourmet hub, you’ll find everything from homemade ravioli filled with goat cheese to artisanal gelato made with prickly pear. Think of it as the Maltese version of Dublin’s Temple Bar Food Market—buzzing, local, and irresistibly aromatic.
From Farm to Fork: Malta’s Local Bounty
Malta’s small size is an advantage for freshness. The island’s fertile soil and 300 days of sunshine mean many ingredients travel mere kilometres from farm to table. On Gozo, the greener, sleepier sister island, agritourism thrives. Visit local farms to taste olive oils, sun-dried tomatoes, and wines grown on terraced hillsides overlooking the sea. Farm tours often end with a home-cooked meal under the vines – simple, generous, and distinctly Maltese.
Cheese lovers will adore ġbejna, a small sheep’s milk cheese served fresh or peppered and dried. You’ll find it topped on bruschetta, crumbled into salads, or paired with honey as dessert. It embodies the spirit of Maltese food: local, uncomplicated, and packed with character.
Dining in Style: Michelin Stars by the Sea
In recent years, Malta’s fine dining scene has blossomed, gaining international acclaim with seven Michelin-starred restaurants showcasing modern Maltese cuisine.
At ION Harbour in Valletta, set atop the Iniala Harbour House, the views are as breathtaking as the plates – artful compositions of local seafood, herbs, and Mediterranean colour. Under Grain, also in Valletta, brings old-world elegance with dishes that reinterpret classics through refined technique. In Sliema, Chophouse and Fernando Gastrotheque cater to those seeking creative menus that draw deeply on Maltese terroir while embracing international flair.
Each of these establishments highlights something deeply Irish travellers will recognise – the connection between food, hospitality, and identity. Sitting down to dine in Malta isn’t just about the meal; it’s about being welcomed, lingering over a bottle of wine, and sharing stories as the sun sets over golden limestone façades.
A Feast Across Every Budget
One of Malta’s greatest strengths is how accessible great food is at every level. Whether you’re grabbing a €2 pastizzi from a village bakery, sharing rabbit pasta in a family-run trattoria, or indulging in a Michelin-starred tasting menu, you’re connecting to the same story of place and pride. The Maltese eat with joy, and they love when visitors join the table.
For Irish food lovers seeking something familiar yet undeniably different, Malta offers the warmth of home with the flavours of the Mediterranean. Add in sunshine, sea breeze, and the friendliest locals this side of the Atlantic, and you’ve got more than a holiday – you’ve got a culinary escape worth savouring.
