Best of Italian Malta: 9 of the top authentic Italian restaurants

Anciova, Gzira

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A Sicilian Restaurant with dishes ranging from seafood, meats and pasta, Anciova offers authentically Sicilian food and friendly service. The menu is extremely vast and varied, offering something for everyone.

Rubino, Valletta

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Originally opened as a confectionary by a Sicilian family in 1906, Rubino is one of the oldest establishments in Valletta. Located within a converted cellar which still bears the original façade, Rubino is now run by locals Karl and Michael Diacono. The eatery is always buzzing with local patrons, as well as the occasional celebrity or politician who are looking for a charming and lively place to break bread!

Papannis Italian Restaurant

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With a quaintly rustic interior design, Papannis offers seasonal, fresh food which combines a modern twist with the traditional Italian style of cooking. This friendly, family-run restaurant is filled with business types for lunch, while locals drop by in the evenings and at the weekend.

Zero Sei Trattoria Romana, Valletta

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Just as with any Roman trattoria worth their salt, the staff here make patrons feel very welcome. The menu is highly traditional with old favourites such as amatriciana, carbonara, and cacio e pepe. In true Italian style, the recipes have been passed down from generation to generation, originally based on peasant tradition. The tiramisu is extraordinary!

Osteria.Ve, Birgu

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Charming, charming and charming. This (charming) little restaurant was set up in 2014 by Stefano and Thomas, who hail from the northeastern Italian region of Veneto. The osteria offers daily fresh specials, as well as a menu you'd want to see in an authentic Italian eatery.

Mandraggio, Valletta

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At first glance, Mandraggio doesn't seem to be much of a restaurant, with the majority of its tables hidden from view as you enter. However, with ample seating outside, the Puglian restaurant and pizzeria's location in Mattia Preti Square offers great views of the sea and more. The menu is sensibly priced in an area where over-pricing is rife.

Il Gabbiano

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Start with a generous aperitivo at Il Gabbiano and dine right next to the water's edge, with a view of the picturesque Marsalforn Bay. The menu isn't extensive, but rather focuses on specific dishes, while fresh fish is available daily.

Il Panzier Sicilian Restaurant, Victoria, Gozo

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Situated in a quaint alleyway within Victoria, the exterior of Il Panzier, dressed in tiles typical of Caltagirone, could easily be located in the Sicilian town. Patrons follow the typical Maltese stoned arched corridor and a wooden wine cellar to find the flowered courtyard. The menu consists of seasonal food which you can watch being prepared through the open doors of the kitchen overlooking the courtyard.

Sale e Pepe, St Julian's

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This restaurant is extremely family-friendly, with a varied and accommodating menu. Inside, the atmosphere is warm, with terracotta tiles and traditional lava rock hand-painted table tops. Outside, the picturesque view is of the award-winning Portomaso Yacht Marina.

Did your favourite make the list? Let us know where you've had your best Italian meal in Malta in the comments below!