Spring and summer undoubtedly bring out the best of the Maltese islands. During these warmer months, while you may find yourself reaching for sunscreen more often and ensuring to stay hydrated, nothing compares to the breath-taking vistas of the Mediterranean. And what better way to fully immerse yourself in the Maltese experience than through the islands’ best restaurants, especially those specialising in fish and seafood?

So, grab your notepad as we’re embarking on a journey to discover the 10 best seafood and fish restaurants the islands have to offer – a quest for the ultimate culinary experience, a pilgrimage honouring our blessed taste buds.

Palazzo Preca

More than just a restaurant, Palazzo Preca is a testament to the long-standing passion the Preca family has held for food and all things culinary for many decades. This legacy is celebrated in one of Valletta’s most beautiful 17th-century palazzos. Nestled in Strait Street, Palazzo Preca stands as an oasis of beauty and exquisite flavours, curated by the dynamic sister-duo Roberta and Ramona Preca who run the show with zeal and dedication. While fresh fish takes centre stage on the menu, numerous other options ensure satisfaction for every diner at the table.

La Spigola Ristorante

Nestled in the southern town of Marsascala, overlooking the bay, La Spigola Ristorante beckons with its diverse menu showcasing fresh fish and seafood. Highlights include the enticing seafood-based appetisers and mouthwatering pasta dishes. The restaurant prides itself on serving genuine, locally inspired and generous portions. Helmed by an Italian chef and his Maltese wife, La Spigola exudes an authentic, unpretentious charm. Its quaint, old-timey décor makes dining inside a delightful experience, particularly during the colder months. However, it’s the terrace overlooking the water that truly steals the show, especially on those long, lazy summer evenings. Highly recommended for a laidback evening with friends, particularly when nobody has to worry about work the next day!

La Favorita

As its name implies, this restaurant, also in Marsascala is a local favourite. With a 30-year legacy in the business, La Favorita is the pride and joy of a local couple who run it with utmost love and care for each patron who sits at one of their tables. Indeed, La Favorita delights patrons with its authentic charm and offers a relatively competitive price range.

Zigumar Restaurant

A 25-minute drive northward to Buġibba presents Zigumar Restaurant as another top contender for fish and seafood enthusiasts. A glance at their social media profile is all it takes to tantalise your taste buds! Zigumar shines with its exquisite crudi, sumptuous seafood platters and impeccably fresh fish – an expectation easily met, given its waterfront location. With such demand, securing a table on the outdoor terrace is best done well in advance.

Ta' Carmen

Located just a few metres from the sea, among the fishing boats in the picturesque Għar Lapsi bay, you’ll find Ta’ Carmen. Run by a family of locals, the restaurant offers excellent fresh fish and delicious pasta options, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch in the sun. While the setting may be modest, the food more than makes up for it. The owner is exceptionally helpful and is always ready to recommend the freshest items available. Be sure to enquire about prices, as they may vary depending on the catch of the day.

The Seafood Market Grill by Adam

Promising ‘an ocean to grill experience’, The Seafood Market Grill by Adam introduces a touch of innovation to the local culinary scene by blending a seated restaurant experience with elements reminiscent of a fish shop environment. The emphasis here is on the exceptional quality and diverse selection of seafood available, which is truly unparalleled. Adam himself, alongside his wife, ensures an extensive variety of seafood is on offer, sourcing the most exotic catches from the around the globe. Here, diners are treated to an authentic seafood market experience, selecting their food from the counter and discussing their preferred cooking methods directly with the chef. This place is perfect for indulging in tapas and sharing dishes. And, by the way, the cocktails are not to be discounted.

Arzella 

And no tour of the best fish and seafood restaurants would be complete without a quick hop over to Gozo, particularly Marsalforn. Perched overlooking the sparkling blue sea, Arzella offers an incredible setting to spend a lazy summer afternoon or a memorable night in great company. The family-run restaurant provides a superb selection of fish, seafood, pasta, and continental cuisine, expertly served by the friendly staff. One piece of advice: ensure you have a room booked for the night somewhere in Gozo, as you won’t want to drive back to Malta after experiencing this culinary delight!

La Capanna 

Returning to the south of Malta, we find ourselves in fish-Nirvana, none other than the quintessential fishing village of Marsaxlokk. This picturesque village buzzes with the vitality of the fishing industry, ensuring that its restaurants boast the freshest and finest catches available. It’s no surprise then that La Capanna, one of the island’s most esteemed fish establishments, receives accolades from all who step inside its doors. La Capanna’s unwavering commitment to fresh fish and impeccable service results in an all-encompassing dining experience. Guided by its dedicated owner, a true epicurean and aficionado of food and wine, and walking encyclopaedia of all things fish-related, the restaurant offers a diverse array of starters and a creative spin on seafood dishes.

Roots Restaurant 

Also in Marsaxlokk, Roots Restaurant offers a wider culinary scope than most. Here, you can enjoy local cuisine, seafood delicacies and Mediterranean fusion dishes. Much like other eateries in Marsaxlokk, you have the option to dine by the sea. Roots is a family-run establishment, led by its wine-connoisseur proprietor, who is always eager to recommend the perfect wine pairing for your red snapper or dentex. Notably, the owner personally imports wines, ensuring an exceptional dining experience.

Tartarun

We’ve saved the best for last. Arguably one of the finest, if not the best, fish and seafood restaurants in Malta, Tartarun has much to be proud of. As a Michelin recognised restaurant, Tartarun embodies sophistication while maintaining authenticity and creativity, a testament to the love and dedication poured into each dish by twin brothers James and Stephen, wholeheartedly supported by their mother. This dining experience is truly elevated, yet it never feels presumptuous or pretentious for a single moment. Located across the Marsaxlokk bay, Tartarun offers extraordinarily fresh fish and seafood, with their selection of crudi, snacks and inventive pasta dishes unrivalled.

The article first appeared on Guide Me spring/summer 2024.