8 of The Best Sea View Restaurants in Malta That Aren't Tourist Traps
A great view and a great meal in the same place? Harder to find than it sounds. Here are eight spots that earn both.
Haywharf, Floriana
Just past the Excelsior Hotel down a side street with no real street presence, which is exactly why it works. Sitting right on the water’s edge with panoramic views of the Valletta harbour, yacht marinas and Manoel Island, it’s one of the better hidden sunset spots on the island. Mediterranean menu, good Maltese wines, solid food. Book ahead on weekends.
Tribelli, Valletta Waterfront
Down on the waterfront Tribelli prides itself on showcasing local Maltese flavours with stunning views of the Grand Harbour, and the menu leans into it, rabbit, bragjoli, stuffed marrows, slow-cooked everything. Inspired by recipes passed down through generations, it takes a modern approach to traditional dishes without losing what makes them worth eating.
Hammett's Monastik, Sliema
On the Tigné Seafront with views over the sea, the boats, Manoel Island and Valletta, this one punches above its weight on the food side too. A modern European dining experience with a focus on sustainability, using seasonal crops from local farmers. The terrace at sunset with Valletta lit up across the water is really special. Cocktails first, then dinner.
Find them on Facebook.
Gululu, Spinola Bay, St Julian's
The local’s also pick on Spinola Bay. One of the few restaurants on the island that takes Maltese food seriously, proper rabbit, good pasta, honest prices. Outdoor seating right on the water. Gets busy, so arrive early.
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Luzzu, Qawra Promenade, St Paul's Bay
Up north and away from the St Julian’s crowds. Set along the Qawra promenade with sweeping vistas of Qawra Bay, it’s relaxed and good value, and has an outdoor pool and lido if you want to make a full afternoon of it.
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Enchanté, Senglea
The Three Cities are criminally underrated for a meal with a view, and Enchanté is the reason to go. Located by the sea in Senglea, right across from Valletta, where Maltese history was made through the ages, the terrace gives you one of the most dramatic backdrops on the island. The menu is mainly local fish and pasta dishes, giving it a pure authentic Mediterranean feel, and the portions are generous. One for a long, slow dinner.
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Ir-Rizzu, Marsaxlokk
No sea view roundup is complete without Marsaxlokk, and Ir-Rizzu is one of the waterfront stalwarts that actually delivers. Right on the harbour with the luzzu boats bobbing in front of you, it’s raved about for its seafood but covers the full Mediterranean menu too. Vist on a weekday when it’s quieter and the fish is equally fresh.
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Coast @ Cassarini, Wied iż-Żurrieq
Worth the drive south. The tiny picturesque inlet of Wied iż-Żurrieq looks out towards the island of Filfla, and Coast sits right in the middle of it, perfectly positioned to get the best of the fisherman’s catch as the boats come in. Most people only stop here for the Blue Grotto boats, their loss.
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Have you visited any of these restaurants? Or perhaps there’s a favourite we missed, let us know in the comments below!
