Ultimate Guide to Maltese Cuisine: Vegetarian Highlights and Top Restaurants in Malta & Gozo
During my recent trip to Malta, I was thrilled to uncover a rich culinary landscape far beyond expectations. Despite the national dish being rabbit stew (Stuffat tal-fenek), vegetarian options abound in Maltese cuisine. Discover Malta's food specialties and the best dining spots across the islands.
Malta's strategic Mediterranean position has shaped its cuisine through influences from Africa, the Middle East, and Southern Europe. This tiny island nation boasts diverse flavors, featuring fresh tomatoes, olives, broad beans, citrus, figs, award-winning local wines, and cheeses.
Join me on a culinary tour of standout Maltese dishes and exceptional restaurants in Malta and Gozo.
Maltese Snacks
Maltese snacks are irresistibly addictive, especially pastizzi—flaky pastries filled with ricotta (vegetarian) or peas. Echoing British Cornish pasties, they're available everywhere, from cafés to specialized pastizzerias.
Another favorite is ħobż biż-żejt, sourdough rubbed with tomato and olive oil, topped with tomatoes, capers, tuna, garlic, and onion. We enjoyed a variation with separate ingredients, Gozitan cheese, bread, and oil.
Starters often include spreads like hummus (Middle Eastern), olive paste (Sicilian), bigilla (broad beans, North African), or anchovy paste, paired with wood-fired Maltese bread or homemade galletti crackers.
The star is Maltese ftira, a flatbread topped with tomatoes, eggplant, olives, and capers (vegetarian version available). As a pizza enthusiast, I craved it daily.
Gbejniet, fresh goat or sheep's milk cheese dried in baskets, drizzled with olive oil, pepper, and sea salt, makes a perfect starter.
Maltese Classics
Traditional dishes often feature fish or rabbit, but vegetarian gems shine. Soppa tal-armla (Widow's Soup) blends broad beans, peas, carrots, veggies, and gbejniet—simple yet sublime. Recreate it with this recipe.
Kapunata, akin to ratatouille or caponata, stews zucchini, eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, garlic, and onions—ideal with pasta or bread.
Desserts & Sweet Treats
Malta's pastry shops tempt with sweets. Around Easter, try figolli—almond paste-filled biscuits topped with icing, in various shapes.
Sicilian-inspired cannoli feature crispy shells with ricotta, sometimes chocolate chips or strawberries—pure indulgence.
Almond-filled pastries pair perfectly with robust coffee.
Drinks in Malta
Malta produces award-winning wines like Chardonnay, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc, rivaling European counterparts.
National beer Cisk (1928 lager) offers stouts, ales, and Cisk Chill (radler-style).
Kinnie by Farsons is a bittersweet herbal lemonade, evoking Campari Soda—excellent with vodka.
Where to Eat in Malta
Valletta
Café Jubilee
Cozy, nostalgic spot famed for homemade ravioli, pastizzi, breakfasts, and innovative salads like quinoa or beet-goat cheese. Don't miss dessert ravioli.
Address: 125 St Lucia Street, Valletta (original in Gozo).
Caffè Cordina
Historic café with opulent interiors and prime outdoor seating. Try honey rings, ħobż biż-żejt, pastizzi, or Maltese platters.
Address: 244 Republic Street, Valletta.
Badass Burger
Veggie burgers, salads (rucola-spinach divine), and Banoffee Pie or milkshake.
Address: 46 Old Theatre Street (also St Julian's).
Dolci Peccati
Decadent cakes, affordable veggie lunches (chickpea soup, eggplant pasta), gelato, coffee.
Address: St John Street, Valletta (main in Sliema).
La Mere
Diverse menu: Maltese platters, curries, salads. Great value lunch.
Address: 174 Merchant Street, Valletta.
The Grassy Hopper
Vegan/veg spot with smoothies, kale salads, burgers. Check Facebook for daily menu.
Address: 123 Old Theatre Street, Valletta (food truck in Gzira).
St Julian's
Gululu
Top pick for authentic ftira, salads, pasta. Exceptional value.
Address: 133 Triq Spinola, St Julian's.
Café Cuba
Wood-fired pizzas, pastas, salads. Sunset terrace views.
Address: Spinola Bay (also Sliema).
Gozo
Ta' Rikardu
Citadel rooftop with panoramic views, local cheese, wine.
Address: Triq il-Fosos, Victoria.
Café Jubilee
Original cozy branch with Maltese favorites.
Address: 8 Independence Square, Victoria.
Have you visited Malta? Share your must-try dishes and restaurants in the comments!
