You won't be hard-pressed to stumble upon a great restaurant in Valletta, but Merchants Street is really where it's at! In recent years, all sorts of food establishments have popped up on this pedestrianised city street, which leads all the way from Castille down to the sea.
Merchants Street once housed Valletta's buzzing street market, hence the name, which has been moved to make way for all the blossoming cafe tables that now decorate it. Is-Suq Tal-Belt is the indoor market in the heart of Merchant's Street, and it has recently been revamped to host a vibrant food-court. But, there are plenty of other cafes and eateries scattered across the charming vicinity that you're bound to love. We've let you in on all the secret spots to look out for with this handy list.
Camerata / Facebook
Camarata is a stylish city wine bar down at the bottom of Merchant’s Street, towards the sea. It’s affectionately named after the residential area it’s located in, and is a hotspot for slick city workers and arty types alike. Open for lunch and dinner, Camarata offers a sublime selection of cheese and cold cuts platters and ftajjar—traditional Maltese bread sandwiches, filled with the classic tuna and goat’s cheese mix - Maltese sausage and bigilla, a herbed bean paste and Malta’s answer to hummus. Delicious!
C. Camilleri / Facebook
This 45 year-old traditional little shop’s pretty window display is full of all sorts of sweet Maltese delights. Around Carnival and Easter time, it’s decked out with colourful treats such as prinjolata and kwarezimal. It’s also a bona-fide bakery and cafe serving sandwiches, healthy pasta salads and baked goods such as their scrumptious feta and spinach pastries. It's also your go-to spot if you fancy a full English Breakfast!
Jeff's Pastizzeria / Facebook
You’ve probably heard of Malta’s famous pastizzi, and Jeff’s Pastizzizeria can be found down at the bottom of Merchant’s Street, past St Dominic’s Church. You can’t miss it for its bright blue doors. Grab a tasty hobż biż-żejt for €1.50 and be sure to try a couple of their flaky cheesecakes which you can buy for a mere few cents. They’re the ultimate street-food!
Soul Food / Facebook
Soul Food is a funky little joint that was one of the first to establish itself as an independent health food cafe in Valletta, and it’s still going strong! They’re famous for their inventive soups, raw salads and vegetarian Buddha Bowls topped with lentil burgers, and you can enjoy yours out in the sun on their cafe tables, while drinking a cold craft beer.
Meet Well / Facebook
Eeet Well is Malta’s equivalent to a healthy McDonald’s. This small eaterie is perfect for those on the go, though there is a small indoor seating area if you’ve got some time on your hands. They do takeaways and even deliver to city offices! Choose from yoghurt and granola cups to sandwiches, wraps and salads. They’re known for their Punjabi Chicken Salad which should set you up for a day of sightseeing!
La Via De Mercanti / Facebook
La Via De Marcanti is an Italian-run restaurant serving up some of the best pasta dishes in Valletta, and the good news is you can choose your type of pasta, as well as your choice of sauce. Their most-ordered dish is the Orecchiette Bolognese, but they also do great focaccia and mains such as sea bass with potatoes and sun dried tomatoes, as well as proper mozzarella and Parma ham ciabattas to take away!
TukTuk / Facebook
TukTuk is a modern Indian restaurant and takeaway specializing in South Indian street food. It is well known for its interesting curry dishes, authentic recipes and vegan options aplenty. They also do a great on-the-go menu where you can choose a curry, rice and a drink from Monday to Friday, which you can eat in or take-away.
La Pira / Facebook
La Pira is a traditional Maltese restaurant, and rabbit is their game. If you were planning on trying Malta’s national dish in the capital, here’s your place to do so! Rabbit stew is served as a main with roast potatoes, but La Pira is also known for their famed starter of “rabbit cakes”. If rabbit isn’t for you, not to worry, as there are plenty of other dishes to go around such as their famous ravioli, marinated octopus, pork belly, fresh fish and more!
No. 43 / Facebook
An Instagrammers dream! No.43 is Valletta’s worst kept foodie secret. There’s no wonder that queues sometimes reach well out the door of this tiny salad bar and cafe. You can build your own healthy dishes to go from their hearty selection of quality ingredients, and everything is presented beautifully. Apart from colourful salads, No.43 also prepares ready-to-go wraps including unusual fillings like quinoa, kidney beans, beetroot and hard-boiled egg. They also do amazing vegan and gluten free cakes—be sure to order a lemon and poppy seed slice!
Sesame / Facebook
If you’re after a noodle fix in the capital, look no further than Sesame Dim Sum and Noodle Bar— a tiny eatery with outside tables just off Merchant's Street. Choose your sauce and noodle type and be prepared for an explosion of Asian flavours. Apart from ramen and stir fry dishes, Sesame offers plenty of tasty starters including their famed bao buns, dumplings and samosas, with loads of veggie options!
C. Camilleri & Sons Ltd / Facebook
A sweetie shop that deserves a mention! Merchant Street’s C.Camilleri Ltd, or tal-helu (of sweets) as it’s affectionately known, holds a special place in Malta’s heart as a childhood go-to spot when visiting Valletta. They’re famous for their seasonal treats and abundant pick ‘n’ mix selection, as well as their colourful fresh cream cakes and kannoli. You can also stop for a homemade ice-cream as you roam around the city taking in all the beautiful architecture!