Malta Travel Guide: Food in Malta: Michelin star restaurants PUBLISHED JUNE 2025
My Michelin Malta
The seven Michelin stars awarded in Malta:
- ION Harbour (Valletta) – Two Michelin stars, offering Mediterranean cuisine.
- Bahia (Balzan) – One Michelin star, specializing in contemporary cuisine.
- De Mondion (Mdina) – One Michelin star, known for its contemporary dishes.
- Fernand̵ Gastrotheque (Sliema) РOne Michelin star, featuring Mediterranean fare.
- Noni (Valletta) – One Michelin star, offering contemporary cuisine.
- Rosamì (St. Julian’s) – One Michelin star, specializing in contemporary dishes.
- Under Grain (Valletta) – One Michelin star, known for its contemporary cuisine.
Malta is a picturesque island located just south of Sicily. Its historic and architectural influences are incredibly diverse, from three centuries of Byzantine rule to the devastation caused by German and Italian bombs in 1942 to gaining independence from Britain in the 1960s. It was hard to keep up with the dates and facts during the city tour I took on my first day visiting this ancient island! One thing is certain: Malta is a stunning destination. Many of the traditional Maltese houses are constructed from golden limestone, a type of sandstone locally known as globigerina limestone. This material has been quarried and used in Malta for centuries and gives buildings their characteristic warm, golden hue. The capital, Valletta, is so steeped in history it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
According to the 2024 Michelin Guide, Malta boasts seven Michelin-starred restaurants, creating a reputation for the island as a culinary destination. Of the seven listed, I tried two on my recent trip.
ION Harbour at Iniala Harbour House & Residences
Perched on the prestigious and historic St. Barbara Bastion, Iniala Harbour House & Residences is the most talked-about five-star hotel in Valletta, Malta’s capital of cool. It spans four beautifully restored Maltese townhouses and ancient vaults dating back to the 1600s. With 23 uniquely designed rooms and suites, Iniala offers luxury and charm in equal measure. Founded by philanthropist Mark Weingard in August 2021, the hotel boasts many stylish balconies that overlook the Grand Harbour—a breathtaking sight, especially at night when lights shimmer on the water and boats sway gently in the moonlight.
Iniala Harbour House is also home to Malta’s only two-Michelin-star restaurant, ION Harbour, led by the renowned Chef Simon Rogan. Situated on the hotel’s fourth floor, the restaurant offers spectacular views of Valletta’s Grand Harbour, making the dining experience unforgettable. Despite its prestigious two-star status, ION Harbour is anything but stuffy or intimidating. A cool playlist and relaxed dining setup create a welcoming vibe. Seasonality and local ingredients take centre stage, inspiring a constantly evolving menu. The food, paired with stunning handmade ceramics, does all the talking. Each dish celebrates Malta’s rich local produce, with a strong focus on seafood. Of course there’s a nod to Malta’s favourite meat, rabbit, offering stuffed rabbit from Żurrieq, jubilee sweetcorn, sauce infused with lovage sstems,and pickled tapioca.
Other standout innovative dishes on the current menu include bee pollen and goat’s jam cake with Mġarr flat peaches in lavender oil, sheep’s yogurt sorbet and fig leaf cream.
Breakfast is also served in Ion Harbour, and along with excellent coffee, you’ll find some creative options like low-calorie cottage cheese pancakes—delicious and surprisingly light.
The hotel’s spa Iniala Spa is a serene, subterranean retreat, thoughtfully designed within the building’s deepest, cavern-like spaces. Its inviting, womb-like ambiance creates a calm and restorative environment, once you stop pondering the incredible feat of engineering it took to create such opulence so deep below ground. Offering a variety of treatments, from relaxing massages to holistic therapies, the spa focuses on providing a tranquil and rejuvenating experience.
Room rates at Iniala Harbour House start from €400 per night for a double room, including breakfast.
Iniala Harbour House, Valletta
De Mondion at The Xara Palace
The Xara Palace is a hidden gem tucked away in the medieval city of Mdina, Malta’s old capital. This 17th-century palace sits on ancient bastions surrounded by gorgeous baroque architecture. It’s one of those places where you can hit pause, soak up the history, and treat yourself to some serious pampering. With just 17 rooms and suites, each uniquely designed with antique furniture, Parisian fabrics, and king-size beds, staying here feels like stepping into your own little slice of history—with a touch of modern pampering.
The hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, De Mondion, is an experience in itself. Built right into the historic bastion walls, the setting alone is noteworthy, offering sweeping views of the island that are even more magical at night. But it’s the food that truly shines. Every dish showcases seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, with creative Mediterranean flavours elevated to a high standard. The presentation is flawless, and the menu offers the chef’s innovative approach to pairing bold flavours with traditional techniques. Currently on the seasonal menu there is a Tribute to The Mediterranean Sea dish features tuna and red prawn, complemented by 'tonnato' sauce. 'Stuffat tal-Qarnit’ is a traditional Maltese octopus stew reimagined with Gozo octopus, basil, and leek, blending local flavours with a modern twist. For wine enthusiasts, the restaurant boasts an impressive selection, with a special focus on excellent Maltese vintages. The sommelier is always happy to guide you through their collection, and honestly, going local with your wine choices is strongly advised when dining in Malta. Maltese wine is excellent, so it’s no wonder they keep most of it for themselves!
Not every evening calls for Michelin stars, though, and Xara can also offer casual dining spot Trattoria AD 1530, located in the piazza just outside the main building. It is perfect for a laid-back meal with hearty, unfussy options served in a charming outdoor setting.
Because of the preservation orders on this historic building, each room at Xara Palace has its own unique character. Some come with private outdoor hot tubs, while others feature quirky additions like spiral staircases.
For those seeking even more opulence, the Palazzino Belvedere, located just steps from the main hotel, is the ultimate indulgence. This two-bedroom luxury property is a fully restored 17th-century palace with all the romance and charm of medieval Malta, paired with modern amenities and elegant design. It’s ideal for groups or anyone looking to celebrate in next-level style.
Prices start at €236 per night for rooms at Xara Palace (including breakfast)
Palazzino Belvedere begins at €2,500 per night for the ultimate luxury experience.
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