Mediterranean Malta: delicious waterfront restaurants

Appreciate some of the finest gastronomy – and spectacular views – on the archipelago

Forget salt and pepper – if you ask us, the best seasoning for a meal in Malta is fresh air and sea breezes. Luckily, there’s no shortage of attractive coastlines along this archipelago. Get a taste of Mediterranean Malta at the nine following waterfront eateries, from rustic Il-Kartell to stylish Baia Beach Club and seafood-loving Tartarun Restaurant. You’ll enjoy the best of the local gastronomy as well as the local scenery. Who knows – if you’re not too full afterwards, it may just be worth going for a dip.

Caviar And Bull

If you’re after marine-minded refreshments, make your first stop at the award-winning Caviar and Bull at Corinthia St George’s Bay. Chef Marvin Gauci’s menu is full of delectable, summer-ready fare, like local king prawns wrapped in smoked banana leaves and freshly caught fish baked in rock salt. And then there are the terrace views overlooking the bay, which go exceptionally well with a molecular cocktail or two.

Il-Kartell

Located on the coast of rugged Gozo, Il-Kartell is renowned for its gloriously fresh produce (sourced from Gozitan farmers) and delicious seafood (credit goes to local fishermen) – grab a seat on its seaside terrace to experience the best of Mediterranean Malta. And don’t forget to wash your meal down with a glass of Gozitan wine.

Baia Beach Club

Baia Beach Club does exactly what it says on the tin. If you’re after daybed lounging, breezy meals, and the chance to paddle in azure-hued waters, then this is an excellent choice. After you work up an appetite, house dishes like grilled aubergine with fresh ricotta and foie gras salad will tempt those looking to indulge.

Haywharf

After all things sleek and swanky? Make way to Valletta’s Haywharf, a clubhouse lounge and restaurant with awe-inspiring views across the Harbour and towards Manoel Island. Its terrace is the place to be seen during the summer months…and, should you be the type who finds it tempting to dance alongside the sea, on occasional evenings, DJs are invited to accompany the surf in providing a soundtrack.

The Exiles

Pasta – and sunbathing? While it might not seem like the most natural of pairings, keep in mind that Mediterranean Malta is a carb-loving land – and that the dishes at beachfront The Exiles are well worth diving into. Catch some rays and snooze a little in between, if need be – after your meal, a dip along the Sliema waterfront is required.

Tartarun Restaurant

Locals and visitors alike revere the village of Marsaxlokk for its colourful fishing boats, its pretty bay – and, of course, the fruits de mer that are hauled in by the resident fishermen. For a true taste of Marsaxlokk, book a table at the bayside Tartarun Restaurant, considered one of the best seafood restaurants on the island.

Piccolo Padre

Accessibly located in St. Julian’s, Piccolo Padre’s terrace is suspended directly over the bay’s stunning coastline. Even those who choose to enjoy their pizzas and other Italian-inspired fare indoors can admire the sea from where they’re seated, but the outdoor spots are by far the most coveted.

Marina Club VW

For an easy, meaty menu overlooking the harbour, Marina Club VW is ideal. Perched right on Valletta Waterfront, it serves tomahawks and T-bones doused in a delicious garlic and black pepper sauces. Choose a platter, piled high for a hungry party, or settle in for cocktails with a glittering view of the harbour at night.

Da Marina

On a clear day, a sighting of Italy across St George’s Bay adds extra Italian ambience to this laid-back restaurant set on a terrace above the waterfront. Ristorante Da Marina serves the best pizza and pasta in Malta on its palm tree-shaded terrace. Malta’s location in the Mediterranean grants the island access to some very fine fruits de mer, and Da Marina makes good use of these in its seafood pasta.