Malta’s dining scene is a flavourful reflection of its rich history – and if you love Italian food, you’re in for something special. Thanks to the island’s close ties to Italy, both culturally and geographically, Italian cuisine has taken root in every corner of Malta. From timeless trattorias to modern-day osterias, you’ll find Italian restaurants Malta locals return to again and again. Whether you’re after rustic southern cooking or the perfect Neapolitan pizza, this guide will help you uncover the best of what’s on the menu.
Here’s a handpicked list of Italian restaurants in Malta where passion, heritage, and a little theatrical flair are always on the table.
Trattoria da Pippo – Valletta
Lively, low-key, and famously beloved by Valletta’s inner circle, Trattoria da Pippo is one of the oldest and most cherished Italian restaurants Malta has to offer. Expect handwritten menus, bold flavours, and a lunchtime atmosphere that’s more family gathering than formal affair. A classic in every sense.
Rubino – Valletta
Once a humble confectionery, now a Michelin Bib Gourmand winner, Rubino is among the top Italian restaurants Malta visitors seek out for a reason. With seasonal menus and impeccable attention to detail, it’s a love letter to traditional Italian cooking – with a Maltese twist.
Zero Sei – Valletta
If you dream in carbonara, welcome to paradise. Zero Sei is a Roman-style trattoria that’s gathered a cult following for its unapologetically authentic pasta dishes. Regularly ranked among the best Italian restaurants Malta has for pasta lovers, it’s cosy, charming, and just a little bit addictive.
Vecchia Napoli – St Julian’s
Pizza lovers, this one’s for you. Vecchia Napoli is an Italian restaurant in St Julian’s Malta that delivers the real Neapolitan deal: wood-fired pizza with pillowy crusts, vibrant toppings, and generous antipasti to start. Casual, cheerful, and perfect for groups.
N'duja Osteria – Valletta
Calabria comes to Malta at N’duja Osteria, where spicy spreads, slow-cooked meats, and bold wines steal the spotlight. It’s one of the more unique Italian restaurants Malta has for those who like their flavours full-bodied and a little off the beaten path.
La Buona Trattoria del Nonno – St Paul’s Bay
Set in a charming converted farmhouse, La Buona Trattoria del Nonno serves hearty fare with a side of rustic nostalgia. Their wood-fired pizzas and soulful pasta dishes are consistently praised, earning them a spot on every list of top Italian restaurants Malta has in its repertoire.
Tosca – Mellieħa
Tosca brings an elevated edge to Italian dining in Malta, blending classic recipes with fresh island seafood. Stylish yet unstuffy, it’s perfect for date night or slow dinners with a view. Regularly named among the best Italian restaurants Malta offers for modern tastes.
Trattoria A Lanterna – Buġibba
Tucked away in Buġibba, Trattoria A Lanterna is a Ligurian gem serving pesto the way it’s meant to be – bright, nutty, and unforgettable. This family-run spot is one of the best Italian restaurants Malta foodies in the north should discover for themselves.
Don Royale – Verdi St George’s Bay Marina
Set within Verdi St. George’s Bay Marina, Don Royale offers a stylish take on classic Italian dining with a waterfront backdrop. Expect refined versions of beloved dishes, fresh seafood specials, and a wine list that leans Italian with local nods. Whether you’re sharing a sunset dinner or indulging in a leisurely lunch, Don Royale blends elegance with ease – ideal for travellers seeking atmosphere as much as flavour.
Whether you’re on a sun-drenched weekend in Mellieħa or a cultural ramble through Valletta, there’s always an Italian table waiting for you. The list above is just the beginning – an invitation to explore and uncover your own favourites. Malta offers an Italian experience for every palate and occasion. If you’re planning a stay near the heart of Malta’s dining and entertainment hubs, Verdi Hotels Malta provides a stylish, well-connected base that puts you within easy reach of top restaurants and local attractions. And for those who love pairing great food with great wine, check out these wine tasting experiences in Malta to round out your culinary adventure.
Buon appetite.
