In the past five years or so, Gzira has become a hub for techy expats and online startups, which can only mean one thing...more hungry office workers! You're spoilt for choice for takeaways and resto-bars in the urban town, sandwiched between Sliema and Msida.
We've put together a handy list of some of our favourite budget eats in Gzira that won't break the bank, but will have you returning time and time again!
1. Jungle Joy
A popular and fun-loving cafeteria bar with a menu full of surprises! Best known for their breakfasts, including a deluxe shared brunch for two including Prosecco, free flowing coffee, orange juice and all the breakfast foods known to man, as well as typical breakfast dishes from around the world, Jungle Joy's hearty meals will set you up for the day, and their prices will put a smile on your face! They also serve up a wide range of beers, including gluten free and non-alcoholic beers, all to a soundtrack of laid-back hip hop beats.
2. Dolce e Salato
Pizza has got to feature somewhere on this list, after all, it's a staple in any Maltese diet! Dolce e Salato is a proper Italian-run takeaway joint selling both sweet treats, arancini, homemade pies and pizza by the slice, as well as the Ripieno pizza pie - closed stuffed pizza slices with a crust that's fluffier than a normal crispy base, and similar in texture to a focaccia. Go for a Ripieno slice filled with melty mozzarella and tomato for just €2.80, and thank the gods of pizza that we're so close to Little Italy!
3. Maharaja
Not exactly the fanciest joint in town, but a mainstay on the Gzira Strand for its consistency and prices! Maharaja is an Indian restaurant and much older than all the new kids on the block, serving up curry deals at great prices! Treat yourself to a lamb curry with rice at just €6.50 for lunch or evening take-away, which you can eat across the road on one of the many benches on the promenade as you watch the little fishing boats bob up and down on the water. Lovely!
4. The Grassy Hopper
Up there with the health-pack's favourites, The Grassy Hopper was one of the first to ride the veggie wave, and is one of your best bets for a healthier menu in the area. Choose from wraps, salads, noodles and rice dishes with all sorts of fresh ingredients thrown in, or go for their soup of the day in yummy wintery flavours like pumpkin and marrow for just €5. The Grassy Hopper also does some awesome €4 smoothies to kick your system into shape, including their 'Detox Drive' smoothie blended with beetroot and carrot for when you've had a few too many over the weekend!
5. Hassan Falafel & Fatayer
It seems like everywhere you look in Gzira, you're never more than a few steps away from a kebab shop...but there's one humble falafel house that's had customers coming back for more since it opened! Although it's not much to look at, Falafel & Fatayer is an authentic Syrian takeaway serving up the crispiest, freshest falafel wraps around. Look no further if you fancy a little Middle Eastern goodness for lunch or dinner, don't forget the extra hummus! Yum.
6. Yoshi Sushi House
When you think of sushi, I bet you think of soaring prices and swanky high stools and tables. Nope, not at Yoshi Sushi House! Much more akin to an actual Tokyo backstreet sushi house, Yoshi is both affordable and super clean. Yoshi is great for takeaway platters if you wanted to bring back a variety to the office for #sushifridays, or if you prefer, they have a little indoor seating area where you can quietly battle with your chopsticks and 6 piece salmon and avocado rolls for €3.20. Wow!
7. Santa Cruz
"Bringing you the essence of The Bay right to your doorstep in The Med" is the tagline at Santa Cruz, and they do their utmost to recreate good ol' American grub for the island! Not only does their menu mirror the greats from the U.S, but their deals, combos and themed nights give the diner that star-spangled edge. Saturdays at Santa Cruz can get rammo, due to their all-you-can-eat brunches, and if you've had a hard day at the office on a Tuesday, you might want to grab your work bestie for bottomless tapas night. For just €15 per person, you can even afford a cheeky cocktail...
8. Buchman's
No list about Gzira would be complete without namedropping Buchman's. Away from the Gzira Strand, Buchman's Snack Bar is located on busy Rue D'Argens, and is somewhat legendary amongst local labourers, as well as in-the-know software Swedes. Don't go there for the glittering decor, go there for their amazing Maltese ftiras loaded with tuna and tomato spread, or outdo yourself and opt for a ftira bil-bajd u bejken...thats a bacon and fried egg sandwich to you and me. You can thank us later!