One thing you'll notice when you visit Malta is that the food is pretty fantastic, and the best way to have a memorable gastronomic experience is to ask the locals. Maltese cuisine revolves around fresh produce, traditional recipes and includes culinary influences from Sicily, France, Italy, North Africa and Britain - and you're totally going to dig them. Here's the 7 amazing restaurants you need to try when you visit Malta... 

TRATTORIA AD 1530

Image: Trattoria AD 1530 / Facebook

The charming eatery Trattoria AD 1530 is perfect for every occasion, and specialises in serving traditional and delicious cuisine. Umbrella-shaded tables sit out in the quiet old square of Mdina, next to the boutique Xara Palace Hotel, meaning it's a hot spot if you're searching for al fresco dining. The interior, however, holds an equally charming ambiance with high arched ceilings, old carpentry tools and memorabilia lining the walls. The menu offers a wide selection of traditional salads, pasta dishes, pizzas, fish and meat main courses, plus plenty of lip-smacking desserts too - if you have a taste of aging wines and trendy cocktails, then you’re at the right place! Want your trip to be a truly special one? Why not browse our list of the best hotels in Malta and select the perfect stay for you.

BACCHUS

Image: www.bacchus.com

Bacchus is an exquisite fine dining restaurant within the fortifications of Mdina. The venue is popular among both locals and international guests not only because of its outstanding architecture, but also because of its fascinating history that's been preserved since 1658. If you're looking to spend a romantic evening with your partner during your Malta holidays, Bacchus is an ideal choice. The cuisine is excellent and each of the dishes are perfectly presented, but if you don't want to do the whole fine dining thing, you can simply drop in for a bowl of pasta or glass of wine.

BARRACUDA RESTAURANT

Barracuda is a classy diner sitting on the edge of Balluta Bay, offering stunning panoramic views of St. Julian's skyline and the seaside. The restaurant occupies an 18th-century beachside villa, the transformation of which gained the architects an award from Malta's National Trust. The décor is expressed in cool shades of purple, grey and brown, in-keeping with the style of the wealthy family's living room. 

Image: Barracuda Restaurant Malta / Facebook

The gastronomic a la carte specialises in fresh fish, shellfish, and French and Maltese cuisines including Red Prawn Carpaccio, Linguine with fresh Sea Urchins and some selections of pasta dishes. Better still, the restaurant seems to be the hottest tick in the town since many Hollywood stars have been spotted wining and dining here in the past - Orlando Bloom, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Claudia Schiffer to name a few!

MEDINA

Image: The Medina Restaurant / Facebook

Located in one of the oldest buidings in Mdina, Medina features vaulted ceilings, an open fireplace and a vine-clustered courtyard for perfectly executed, laid-back dining. In the summer months, you can sit in the charming stone courtyard and sample a selection of interesting cocktails on the menu, while during winter you can stay cosy by the atmospheric fireplace. The food is meticulously adorned; you might even think twice before cutting into these culinary works of art. The á la carte menu of the Medina is a blend of local, fresh produce and Mediterranean influences.

PEPPINO'S

Image: Peppinos Malta / Facebook

Located on the pretty St Julian's waterfront, Peppino’s has been serving the finest French and Italian cuisines for over 20 years. Dine in its formal restaurant set on the first floor, with French windows that offer sweeping views of the bay, while its rooftop restaurant is ideal for al fresco dining in the summer. The menu has a delightful choice of antipasti, pastas for starters and fresh fish and prime meats for mains. Be sure to keep an eye out for delicious desserts including home-made gateaux and fresh sorbets. The restaurant is a bit of a celebrity hotspot, so you may be in good company. 

MALATA

Image: Malata / Facebook

Located at the Valletta’s lively main square, Malata serves top-notch Maltese, Mediterranean and French cuisines in a atmospheric (unused!) catacomb. The restaurant’s interior is cosy thanks to its traditional domed stone cellar, donned with caricatures of Maltese politicians, many of whom like to eat here. The outdoor seating of the restaurant gives you a perfect view of the Grand Master’s Palace. There is a lively vibe in the evening when the square, fountains and palace are atmospherically lit. Don’t forget to try chef special Chateaubriand with Sauce Bearnaise and Gratin Dauphinois Potatoes, or various fantastic fish dishes the restaurant is famous for. 

DE MONDION

This multi-award-winning haute cuisine restaurant is a great choice if you're planning a special treat. Set atop of Mdina's centuries-old bastions, and surrounded by frequent colourful firework displays, the de Mondion offers a classy fine-dining experience, enhanced by exotic panoramic views of the island. The menu honours French cuisine with a mix of local Maltese food, and the award-winning kitchen brigade is ably led by the famous chef Kevin Bonello. In summer months, make sure you book one of the tables on the narrow terrace for fantastic views with your food - you may even get a free firework display from one of the nation's many fiestas!