These are our favourite local spots of the year! Discover GuideMeMalta’s 2019 Awards
Our team picks their favourite spots to visit on the Maltese Islands.
No one loves the Maltese Islands like we do, and we love nothing better than exploring all that our island home has to offer. And as we inch closer to our second birthday, some of the GuideMeMalta team share the spots they loved visiting most throughout the last year. Here they are: it’s GuideMeMalta’s 2019 Awards!
1. Favourite café
Sarah, Editor – “The little Coffee Circus at the Mosta square, for both coffee and ambiance!”
Raisa, Digital media & marketing manager – “Manouche – best coffee on the island.”
Lara, Sales Exec – “Carolina’s in Balzan. Whether it’s for a catch up or treating myself to a yummy cupcake and a good book. And the décor is so cute!”
Elena, Operations & client relationship manager – “Gabbana (Sliema front) – It’s super relaxed and it’s right by the sea.”
Lexi, Digital marketing strategist – “Manouche – They’ve got amazing coffees, sweets (more specifically the salted caramel pecan éclair) and the best hot chocolate in town.”
Caroline, Contributor – “Carolina’s, Balzan. Perfect on a sunny Sunday: no Wi-fi, beautiful décor, delightful snacks and a quaint village centre just outside.”
2. Favourite brunch spot
Sarah – “I have a few favourites, but the newest additions are Bohini and Marelli Café.”
Raisa – “Danny’s... they really know their stuff.”
Lara – “Giorgio’s, Sliema. I love going there for a cappuccino and Eggs Benedict and watching the hustle and bustle of a busy Sliema.”
Elena – “U Bistrot – their eggs Florentine are life.”
Lexi – “I’m a fan of Manouche & Debbie’s café in Mellieha... I’m such a cliché.”
Caroline – “Mint, St Julian’s. One of the greatest things about it is its location across the Sliema waterfront, but the best part is the wide variety of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. They don’t have a set menu either, which is what makes a visit to Mint such an exciting trip every time.”
3. Favourite restaurant (winter)
Sarah – “De Mondion at the Xara Palace in Mdina. I had the opportunity to attend an incredible dinner there last year, and the food was some of the best I’ve had on the island.”
Raisa – “Trabuxu. Love the vibe and the food is like no other!”
Lara – “Le Bistro, Radisson. Great food, excellent service and it’s so cosy.”
Elena – “Il-Pirata – Very cosy, great for family lunches.”
Lexi – “Guzè has a soft spot in my heart and I only go on special occasions. It’s cosy and intimate atmosphere makes it a total gem in winter. If it’s a more casual thing, the Pulled Meat Company… they have the most hearty and delish dishes for me.”
Caroline – “Caviar & Bull - The ultimate royal dining experience. Tried several tasting menus, but theirs was absolutely divine!”
4. Favourite restaurant (summer)
Sarah – “Baia Beach Club. Tasty food and lovely décor, and it’s right by the sea. Perfect.”
Raisa – “One80 Mgarr. Gorgeous backdrop and I love the idea of tapas.”
Lara – “Castelletti, Rabat. I just feel special going into this palazzo for any occasion! I even had my birthday party on their roof top and it was just splendid.”
Elena – “Giuseppi’s – Beautiful ambiance outside & amazing fresh food.”
Lexi – “One80 Mellieha – the food, view and the beautiful drive are what do it for me.”
Caroline – “Ocean Basket, Qawra. Being able to sit outside close to the sea is 75% of what comprises the ultimate summer dining experience.”
5. Favourite bar/pub
Sarah – “Grasshopper Bar in Lija or City in Mosta.”
Raisa – La Bottega in Valletta.”
Lara – “Paradise Exiles for a cold beer next to the sea on breezy summer night & The Pub in winter for a great atmosphere and great laughs.”
Elena – “Bottega – Really cool place to have a drink and listen to music.”
Lexi – “Carcass, it has a super cool vibe about it.”
Caroline – “Cork’s Irish Bar, St Julian’s. What’s not to love about drunken expats, great karaoke and 2am confessionals with your girlfriends?”
6. Favourite nightlife spot
Sarah – “Valletta.”
Raisa – “Uno Village.”
Lara – “Cafe del Mar in summer. The vibe, the atmosphere and the view is amazing!”
Lexi – “Gianpula for sure! It’s a party village so you can never go wrong.”
Caroline – “Funky Monkey used to hold the top spot for me, but sadly I haven’t found a replacement since it closed. Open to suggestions!”
7. Favourite beach
Sarah – “Ghajn Tuffieha or Crystal Lagoon in Comino.”
Raisa – “Ghadira. The crystal blue waters win me over every time.”
Lara – “Tigne’ (under the point). It’s dog friendly and has one of the best views on the Island.”
Elena – “Anywhere rocky – I don’t really like sandy beaches!”
Lexi – “Call me mainstream but I like Golden Sands and Ramla l-Hamra in Gozo (not at peak season). I just have so many childhood memories there and it never disappoints.”
Caroline – “Xatt l-Ahmar, Gozo. My grandmother lives nearby, and some of my fondest memories include the family BBQs we used to hold there.”
8. Favourite place for a walk
Sarah – “I love walking in the countryside and recently discovered Sannap Cliffs in Munxar, Gozo – I’d definitely recommend it for the views!”
Raisa – “Sliema front. I was born and raised there so it’s really an obvious choice.”
Lara – “Sliema front – Nothing beats a walk on the promenade in my hometown.”
Lexi – “Sliema, so I can do a spot of shopping… probably the only place I walk! I also like to roam around villages like Zebbug. I like to admire the facades of houses of character – there’s something unique and special about each and every one!”
Caroline – “Golden Bay. So many hills and dunes, those glutes are bound to be dead by the end of the walk.”
9. Favourite cultural attraction
Sarah – “The National Library and Museum of Archaeology in Valletta, and the Natural History Museum in Mdina… I also wouldn’t be a true Mostija if I didn’t say the Mosta Dome!
Raisa – “MUZA.”
Lara – “Mdina – I love having friends over from abroad because it’s the perfect excuse to go back. I’m always keeping an eye out for ghosts when I’m there, and I love giving facts about this beautiful Silent City.”
Elena – “Mdina – it’s magical!”
Lexi – “Mdina for sure, especially at night.”
Caroline – “Fort Ricasoli. It’s been used as a location for multiple international films, but none that I’ve worked on so far. One day!”
10. Favourite spot to get away
Sarah – “In general I love Gozo, but I also had a wonderful stay at the Corinthia Palace last year – it’s strange that it’s just a few minutes’ drive from home, but feels like a different world!”
Raisa – “Definitely Gozo. Staying at the Duke Boutique Hotel in Victoria is always a highlight. I also enjoy exploring the greener areas on the sister Isle.”
Lara – “Just outside St Mary Magdalene Chapel, Dingli. Beautiful view and it’s so serene.”
Lexi – “It has to be Gozo! It’s like you’re going away even though you’re still so close to home.”
Caroline – “Radisson, Golden Sands. I’d live there all year round if I could.”
There you have it! Did your favourite make the cut? Let us know!