10 Places Where Locals Love to Eat in Valletta

Noni occupies a former confectionery shop and jazz bar along Republic Street in Valletta’s city centre. The fine-dining establishment is one of Valletta's only Michelin-starred restaurants, renowned for its uncompromising vision to create exceptional dishes. You have the option of sitting in a stylish ground-level dining room or a downstairs cellar.

Led by chef Jonathan Brincat, Noni's dishes showcase Malta's favourite flavours with a modern flair. Unmissable highlights include sea bass carpaccio served with Cantabrian anchovy and sauce gribiche, while the olive oil cake with dates and pistachio ice cream is an excellent way to round out your dinner.

Caffe Cordina is one of the oldest coffee spots in Valletta, having been founded in 1837. Located in the city's historic palazzo, the cafe's decorative interior features a striking spiral staircase and intricate stucco ceilings. Throughout the expansive space, you can choose to dine in the coffee bar, restaurant, tearoom, pasticceria (cake shop), or the gelateria.

The food and coffee at Caffe Cordina are just as impressive as the building's ornate design. From Maltese sweets to gourmet French pastries, almost everything is made by hand. Nearby, you'll find many of Valletta's most popular ancient landmarks like the President’s Palace and St George’s Square.

Amorino, founded by Italians and launched in Paris, is one of Europe's favourite gelato producers. The much-loved brand arrived in Valletta to much fanfare, as locals and visitors lined up to grab some top-notch ice cream during Malta’s sunny days. 

Located in Sliema, the gelateria has a prime position close to the picturesque waterfront. Renowned for its rose-shaped ice cream cones, Amorino only works with organic and natural products to produce their massive range of delicious flavours, such as Indian mango and blueberry cheesecake.

The Harbour Club offers an almost unbeatable combination of outstanding cuisine and panoramic views. Located in Valletta's age-old Grand Harbour, the restaurant occupies a converted 17^th-century boathouse with a sprawling terrace.

You can feast on a delightful meal while soaking up the equally fantastic vista, which stretches across the historic Three Cities in the distance. The Harbour Club's menu consists of tasty Mediterranean cuisine with subtle French and Asian influences. The kitchen only works with seasonal and local ingredients, ensuring that your dish makes the most of Malta's outstanding produce.

Piadina Caffe is a charming lunch venue that's located right around the corner from many of Valletta's main attractions. Named after a type of flatbread specific to Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, the café specialises in salads, soups and piadina-style sandwiches, which come full of Italian meats and cheese.

Have a sandwich and sip down an espresso at the bar before heading off to enjoy the rest of the day. The 16th-century St. John's Co-Cathedral is just a few steps away, while bustling St George's Square, Casa Rocca Piccola and the tranquil Lower Barrakka Gardens are all within walking distance.

Sciacca Grill is named after its namesake village in Sicily, drawing inspiration from the quaint seaside town. In Valletta, the restaurant is based around serving outstanding steaks, working with a range of prime cuts. Inside the restaurant, it's a sensory experience as the delicious smells drift from the kitchen and permeate the chic dining room.

Sciacca Grill offers a range of set menus and a la carte options. Popular dishes range from chargrilled Canadian beef rib eye to pan-seared Maltese pork with garlic, thyme and white wine. Located in a tight side street, Sciacca Grill is a little difficult to find but undoubtedly worth the effort.