If you wander through the winding streets of Rabat, just steps away from the silent city of Mdina, you’ll find a restaurant that feels like a secret waiting to be discovered. Rather than just being a restaurant, Grotto Tavern is an entire experience that captures the essence of Malta, blending the island’s deep history with a modern passion for flavour.


Housed within a traditional Maltese townhouse, Grotto Tavern combines local heritage with an edge of sophistication. The natural cave is an extraordinarily unique setting where one can dine with soft candlelight reflecting off the stone walls, casting a warm glow that welcomes diners to linger, enjoy, and connect over delicious food.

Behind this celebrated restaurant is Head Chef Nikolai Abela and Sous Chef Elton Lee Abela, a culinary duo whose shared vision brings Grotto Tavern’s culinary philosophy to life. Together, they lead a talented team devoted to crafting dishes that are both imaginative and deeply rooted in Maltese tradition. Their approach is simple – honouring local ingredients, elevating familiar flavours, and presenting them with precision, creativity, and respect.


At the heart of the restaurant lies a commitment to local, seasonal, and sustainable produce. The team works closely with Maltese farmers and local suppliers, sourcing the freshest ingredients from nearby villages such as Żebbuġ, Naxxar, Rabat, and Burmarrad. This dedication to sustainability and authenticity shines through in every dish, each one a thoughtful expression of the Mediterranean’s rich flavours and textures, rooted in Maltese heritage yet guided by a spirit of innovation.


The restaurant’s menus reflect this philosophy beautifully. Whether you choose the Pre-Fix 5-Course Grotto Experience or the indulgent 7-Course Tasting Menu, each plate is an exciting combination of Mediterranean flavour. Dishes evolve with the seasons, ensuring that every visit offers something fresh.

Recognised by the Michelin Guide, Grotto Tavern stands as a testament to what happens when passion, heritage, and innovation meet. The service is attentive yet unintrusive, allowing guests to savour each course in their own time.


Have you ever visited Grotto Tavern in Rabat?