Valletta · Restaurant Guide
Best Restaurants in Valletta for Cruise Travelers
Valletta, Malta's fortified capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage city where Baroque architecture frames an emerging food scene that blends Italian, North African, British, and uniquely Maltese influences. The Grand Harbour cruise terminal puts you directly below Valletta's city walls, with an elevator whisking you up to the dining district on Republic Street.
Republic Street and Merchant Street
Valletta's two main streets run parallel through the city center. Republic Street has café-terraces and tourist-friendly restaurants, while Merchant Street is where locals eat — open-air market stalls in the morning, wine bars and restaurants in the evening. Noni on Archbishop Street is one of Malta's most acclaimed restaurants.
Maltese Cuisine
Must-try dishes: pastizzi (flaky pastry filled with ricotta or mushy peas — Malta's beloved street snack at 0.50 EUR each), rabbit stew (fenek — Malta's national dish), ftira (Maltese bread topped with tomatoes, olives, and capers), and lampuki pie (dorado fish pie, seasonal in autumn). Wash it down with Kinnie — Malta's bittersweet orange soda.
Waterfront Dining
The Valletta Waterfront at the Grand Harbour has a row of restaurants in converted 18th-century warehouses. It's directly adjacent to the cruise terminal — convenient but touristy. For better value, take the elevator up to the city and eat on Merchant Street.
Prices and Tipping
Valletta is moderately priced — a full lunch with wine costs 15-25 EUR at a local restaurant. Pastizzi are 0.50 EUR (one of Europe's cheapest and tastiest snacks). Tipping 5-10% is appreciated. Most restaurants accept cards. Malta's local wines from Meridiana and Marsovin are surprisingly good and very affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from the cruise terminal to Valletta's restaurants?
The Grand Harbour cruise terminal is at the base of Valletta's fortification walls. A free elevator (the Barrakka Lift) takes you up to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, from where Republic and Merchant streets are a 2-minute walk.
What are pastizzi and where do I find them?
Pastizzi are small diamond-shaped flaky pastries filled with ricotta or mushy peas. They cost 0.30-0.50 EUR and are sold at pastizzerias (small bakeries) throughout Valletta. They're Malta's most iconic street food — eat them hot.
Is Malta good for vegetarian food?
Yes, Maltese cuisine has many vegetarian options due to Mediterranean and North African influences — ftira, bigilla (bean paste), pastizzi with ricotta, and excellent fresh salads. Modern Valletta restaurants also have strong vegetarian menus.