These seafood restaurants in Malta and Gozo just kill it.
Fish lovers are bound to rejoice in the Maltese Islands, thanks to an incredible amount of restaurants across Malta and Gozo that offer fresh fish and seafood as their speciality. Here are five of my favourite spots to head to when I'm craving seafood.
Paranga, St Julian's
Paranga is the ultimate seafood restaurant, with its fantastic cuisine and setting right on the water's edge. The nautical themed decor makes the most out of this chic seaside spot, with its elegant table settings and beautifully designed surroundings. Your view is either the sandy beach of St George's Bay or the the striking blue Med. This, while eating beautifully presented fresh fish. There are worse things in life!
Tartarun, Marsaxlokk
To a lot of locals, Tartarun is the jewel of Marsaxlokk - which is saying something, since this is the fishing village of Malta. Tartarun's kitchen team is talented and creative, presenting extremely fresh fish in hugely interesting ways. The interior atmosphere is vibrant and welcoming, particularly at Sunday lunch - precisely what you'd want out of a bonafide locally loved (family-run) Mediterranean restaurant.
Wejla Fish & Grill, Smart City, Kalkara
You probably wouldn't think to venture down to Kalkara to get some seafood, but if you're out that way, Tartarun's baby sister restaurant, Wejla Fish & Grill at Smart City is a fantastic fish restaurant by any standards. The brother owners' passion for food shines through with their simple yet sophisticated flavours, which blend regional influences with classic dishes.
Acqua Terra E Mare, Portomaso, St Julian's
Situated within the luxurious Portomaso Marina, Acqua Terra E Mare is really the kind of restaurant you'd expect in such a chic setting. The menu is as versatile as the name suggests, with its meat, seafood, and fish sections. The outside tables allow you to take in the view of the impressive birthed yachts, while the interior design provides a luxurious fine dining setting with its open kitchen, dark wood panelling, and trompe d'oeil walls.
Mgarr ix-Xini Restaurant, Mgarr ix-Xini, Gozo
Don't expect a fine dining experience here. This is all about the seafood, cooked so simply that it's just you and the fish. The setting is so rustic that it looks like a cafe, yet the restaurant's reputation precedes it and it's always totally full. A lot of boats even stop off to allow passengers to use the beach to grab a lazy, long lunch. If you want to eat great fish and seafood in your beachwear and flip flops, this is the spot for it.