Malta has fast become a culinary tourism hotspot. With such a colourful history, the food of the Maltese Archipelago is equally as so!
Add into the mix incredibly talented, innovative and imaginative chefs, and you have an utter foodies paradise.
Today I’m sharing with you the 5 restaurants which have retained their One Michelin Star status in 2022. Each are utterly breath-taking and are located in beautiful buildings and settings.
Taste buds tantalised sufficiently to read on? Fabulous, here we go!
Iniala Harbour House, 11 Barbara Bastion, Valletta, Malta.
T: (+356) 9911 0166
Online table reservations
Opening hours Monday through Sunday 18.30-22:00 (21.30 last order)
65 - 175 EUR • Mediterranean Cuisine
Situated on the stunning rooftop of the Iniala Harbour House Hotel in Valletta, multi award winning Michelin starred chef Alex Dilling runs the kitchen at ION Harbour. ION Harbour describes itself as offering “a unique dining experience that ventures beyond the usual boundaries of fine dining”
The breath-taking views of the majestic Grand Harbour whilst seated indoors or outdoors on the sun or moon-lit terrace are simply magical!
Having proudly held one Michelin Star for the past 2 years in succession Chef Alex Dillings motivation is to “continuously provide guests with an unforgettable gastronomic experience”
Each Tasting Menu is guided by the season.
Corinthia Palace Hotel, De Paule Avenue, San Anton. Balzan BZN9023, Malta
T: (+356) 99991270 info@bahia.com.mt
Online table reservations
Opening Hours - Monday to Saturday – 18:00 to 21:30 (last order) Dress Code: Smart, casual
70 - 100 EUR • Creative
Originally nestled within the charming winding narrow streets of Lija, Bahia was born on the 3rd October 2016 and was originally housed in a restored 200 year old townhouse.
In February of this year, the restaurant relocated and now resides within the esteemed Corinthia Palace Hotel in San Anton, Balzan.
Bahia is named after the prestigious navel orange tree which is proudly grown in the region, and a preserved orange tree named Chloe sits at the centre of one of the dining rooms. Chloe is “a source of inspiration who reminds us that if we take care of each other, quality fruit will be reaped.”
Under Chef Tyrone Mizzi, Bahia offers three Degustation Menus (tasting menus) giving guests the option to experience their interpretation of the Past, Present and Future.
The PAST menu is inspired by selected periods from Maltese history
PRESENT is the team’s expression of seasonality in a plant-based menu
Finally FUTURE is a selection of classic local dishes reinterpreted in a contemporary way.
167, Merchants Street, Valletta, VLT 1174, Malta
T: (+356) 2235 4167
Online table reservations
Opening hours - Tuesday to Saturday: 19:00hrs till 22:00hrs (last order)
Children over 12 years of age are welcome to dine, subject to parental responsibility.
Dress code: Smart Casual (no shorts, no flip flops
Taxi booking service offered
85 - 105 EUR • Modern Cuisine
Inspired by the tailors of old whose workshops were located on Merchants Street, Grains chef, like a tailor, is “skilful with his hands, and his artistry is reflected in the finished product. When cutting fabric, a tailor cuts along the grain to make sure the material does not fray. Chef Victor Borg works with grain to produce dishes that are wholesome.”
The Grain concept has three very distinct “brands” you can dine Under, Street or Over!
Having retained their One Michelin Star status for three years now, Under Grain is the flagship haute cuisine restaurant, offering fine dining matched in equal measures with a designer ambience and excellent service.
“Classic dishes have been reinvented into contemporary works of art, introducing the combination of new ingredients, carefully curated and paired with stellar, professional service.”
Á La Carte and Tasting Menus are offered, including a Midweek Culinary Experience.
The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux, Misrah il-Kunsill, Mdina, MDN 1050, Malta.
T: (+356) 21 450560
Online table reservations
Opening hours Tuesday to Saturday 1900 - 2200
70 - 96 EUR • Modern Cuisine
De Mondian is located on the top floor of the stunning 16th century building which is the Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux Hotel in the heart of the walled Silent City of Mdina.
The restaurant promises “discreet yet impeccably attentive service allowing patrons the time and privacy to savour the cuisine, the company and the view.”
Chef Kevin Bonello continues to delight the palate of international clientele with both an à la carte and a Tasting Menu offering, which can be Sommelier paired with a choice of local or foreign wines.
Enjoy a warm summer starry evening, dining Al Fresco on the Mdina bastions, surrounded by frequent colourful Festa firework displays - the de Mondion Restaurant truly adds a whole new meaning and significance to the term “eating out”
Republic Street. Valletta, VLT 1118, Malta
T: (+356) 2122 1441
Online table reservations
Opening hours - Tuesday - Saturday 18.00-22.00
70 - 95 EUR • Modern Cuisine
211 Republic Street in Valletta has an extremely colourful history, having once been a residence, a popular jazz bar and also the Xmun Borg & Sons Bakery & Confectionery store! Now it's home to Noni!
Michelin Starred chef Jonathan Brincat, also known as “Noni”, is the founder and co-owner of the restaurant (hence the restaurant name) along with his sister Ritienne, who as restaurant manager runs front of house.
The interior has been fully converted to a modern finish but still retains its historical charm, with stone vaults, cast-iron doors and a centuries old oven!
Noni’s food blends “traditional dishes and techniques with the influences of our mercantile culture. We take an imaginative approach to eating, but without too much fuss and frill. NONI is the place to have an exciting dining experience, a serious meal that is also warm and fun”
Dining options include, private, à la carte and coming soon a Blind Tasting Menu, how much fun will that be!