Tapas are the perfect way to enjoy small, delicious sharing plates with good friends (or to break the ice on an awkward Tinder date...) and their bite-sized portions mean you can sample much more of the menu! They’re a great choice for indecisive diners when the selection is so mouth-watering. We’ve rounded up some of our favourites for you to try.
Spanish restaurant La Vida in the metropolitan seaside town of Sliema is perfect for a true taste of Spain. As well as their great paella dishes, their tapas menu is full of classic small plates such as chorizo al infierno and Spanish tortilla. La Vida also caters for vegetarians and vegans, which is rare for a cuisine so typically meat-heavy! Go for their nachos with guacamole and fiery patatas bravas with a glass of Sangria.
La Vida / Facebook
Located just off Sliema’s bustling shopping district, Fernando’s is the fancy new kid on the block boasting a plethora of tapas dishes with a Maltese twist, and an eye-watering wine list! Go for a glass of Rioja and choose from dishes such as deep fried local goat’s cheese with tomato chutney, marinated octopus and potato, to snails in coconut broth. Be sure to order the slow roasted pork belly—worth ditching the diet for!
Fernando / Facebook
Down one of the winding streets in the beautiful town of Lija is hidden gem, Tal-Villaġġ, a cosy intimate space serving up a divine selection of delectable dishes made to be shared. Their specials menu changes often, which means there’s always something new to try. Don’t miss out on the smoked duck breast, Spanish cured meats and warm cheese with jam. Delightful.
Tal-Villagg / Facebook
Possibly the swankiest restaurant on the list, TAPAZ is located in the heart of Malta's entertainment district of Paceville. With a stylish decor boasting sparkly chandeliers, high stools and a well-stocked bar, you can enjoy your gambas al ajillo and albodingas along with a perfectly made passion fruit margarita. Olé!
TAPAZ / Facebook
In the seaside town of Marsaskala you’ll find Bongo Nyah, a chilled out restaurant with a huge menu to match huge appetites — and their tapas menu doesn’t disappoint! With over thirty, (yes, thirty) small plate options from around the world, you can mix Lebanese kibbeh with Greek fritters or even Korean fried chicken if you so wish!
Bongo Nyah / Facebook
Gin lovers rejoice! As well as having the largest selection of infused gins on the island, Yard 32 is also an authentic Spanish-style tapas bar. Located on Strait Street - Valletta's funky nighttime district - you can make like you're in Barcelona and enjoy a pincho de jamón y queso or five in this cool and quirky little bar!
Yard 32 / Facebook