Travel Tuesday: Where to Eat and Drink in Malta – Part Two

Last Tuesday, I wrote a food guide for where to eat and drink in Malta. You can read it here.

Because I spent three weeks in Malta, I felt the need to break down the guide into two parts. So here’s Part Two.

When I shared the guide on a Facebook group, I got a request to share Sliema spots. Although I was staying in Valletta for the entire three weeks, I’ve been to Sliema a few times.

For coffee in Sliema, head to Giorgio’s – excellent Baileys latte and someone at a Valletta hotel told me she takes visitors there all the time.

For the best manicure, Lucie’s nails and beauty is the best. I highly recommend that you book with Aleksandra – she has twelve years of experience and does the best manicure in town.

There’s a cool garden in Sliema called Independence garden. I took a shot of it while walking on a stormy day in Malta!

 

When I asked the Maltese hotel owner at my third Valletta hotel of what to do and see in Sliema, he suggested that I simply walk along the rocky coast all the way to St. Julian’s and St. George’s Bay. That’s what I basically did. I also had lunch in Portomaso also based on his recommendation. You can find out where I went for lunch in Portomaso in the previous Malta food guide.

What’s interesting is that I never really took the ferry from Valletta to Sliema! This was mainly because the weather wasn’t good for the ferry to operate on the days when I wanted to take it.

So I mostly took the bus from the main Valletta bus station and I once took the vintage tour bus! If you want to explore the area like a tourist, then the vintage tour bus is a fun way to do just that! You can take it from dedicated stops around town. I came across it by pure coincidence the first time. It was on a sunny afternoon and I took the entire tour until the last stop.

 

Where to Eat and Drink in Valletta and St. Julian’s

Museum Cafe – quaint little spot near the parliament building. Try their pies or pastizzis. This is a very authentic place where locals and residents go.

 

Sotto Pizzeria – Hands down the best pizza in town! authentic, light and tasty.

 

Yard 32 Gin and Tapas Bar – A huge selection of 200 gins and 42 tonic waters. I went there on my first night in Valletta and the staff were very friendly and open.

 

 

Taste – I came here after walking around town and getting soaked wet in the rain! I truly appreciated the table they gave me in the basement and I had an amazing evening! The owner’s brother was serving and he was really friendly and open. Excellent food too!

 

Kingsway – Another favorite spot of mine – although I only visited once. Very elegant and classy bar and cafe. I highly recommend you give them a visit.

131 City Lounge – I met some really cool people at this bar. I was staying at a hotel on the same street when I went there. The hostess and bartender is such a lovely woman. She made me feel so welcome that I went back the next evening and made new friends while I was there.

Zest – This wonderful St. Julian’s Asian restaurant is not to be missed. There’s a lovely terrace overlooking the bay. I sat inside because I didn’t have a reservation and I still had an amazing time. The service is so friendly and there were two other tables with women dining solo – which I found really cool. It’s an award-winning restaurant and should be on your list if you like Asian food.

Charles Pintonino – I had the best fresh tuna fillet at this place. I was too hungry to take pictures but the food here was one of the best that I had in Valletta. The owner and Chef Patron Charles himself came to ask me for my feedback and he was very polite and friendly. The restaurant gets busy on weekends though, so you need to book. I passed by on a Sunday and they were fully booked. So I booked for another day and the place was quiet and lovely. It’s another very classy and sophisticated spot.

Palazzo Preca – A Mediterranean kitchen specializing in seafood with great, authentic dishes. The service wasn’t good at first and they basically ignored me. Then, when I stood up for myself – and I literally went to ask them to come and take my order or give me the menu – they changed their behavior 180. I only mention it because the risotto was really good. Not sure if I would go back to be honest.

 

 

Papannis – If you want an Italian restaurant with an authentic vibe, super friendly and welcoming staff, this is your place.

 

 

 

Ten-02 Pizzeria – This is a relatively hidden pizzeria in a quiet Valletta street. It’s located in St. Paul street. The pizza was good but I think they’re understaffed as the pizza guy was helping with clearing the tables. I wouldn’t be in a rush to go back. You can sit outside and it’s so peaceful and away from the crowds.

Noir by Sciacca – Located in busy Paceville, St. Julian’s, this is a new restaurant/bar concept. I sat outside and spent some time writing my itinerary for my second week in Malta. Thinking back, it was a blessing to sit outside as I experienced so much rain in my trip! The drinks were good and the food was OK. They have vegan options and make sure to ask for the complete menu. They also have daily specials. I was disappointed because at first, the waiter didn’t bring the printed menu and I didn’t know about the vegan options until I checked their online reviews. I later ordered something from that menu but it wasn’t a good start.

 

Pascucci – I had an amazing turmeric latte at this cool cafe in Bay Street shopping mall. This was in St. George’s Bay in St. Julian’s.

 

Grano – On another rainy day, I chose to grab a sandwich from Grano and I wasn’t disappointed. The person behind the counter actually made me a fresh, new tuna sandwich. Because the ones on the deli counter were sold out. He even gave me a tip on where to eat my sandwich when it was raining. I actually asked him and he guided me in a friendly way. My only regret is not taking the picture with the building in the background as I was standing in front of a colorful and beautiful building on Merchant’s street! Oh well, I guess I’ll remember that for next trip!

 

 

 

Did you visit any of these cool spots? let me know in the comments and stay tuned for more Malta tips and stories!