Welcome to... Malta’s must try restaurants

Lying off the coast of Italy and surrounded by the breathtaking blue waters of the Mediterranean, the island of Malta is a picturesque paradise and an established member of the European Union. 

Since the beginning of 2014, Malta has welcomed high-net-worth individuals and investors to its pristine shores, granting second passports via its revolutionary Individual Investor Program (IIP) and, since 2015, residency via the Residency and Visa Programme (MRVP).

Access to 182 countries

Today, Malta’s IIP remains one of the strongest citizenship-by-investment programmes in the world, granting successful applicants access to 182 countries and the opportunity to live, work and conduct business throughout the EU.

Twelve months' residency

Before a Maltese passport can be issued, Malta’s government requires IIP applicants to hold a residence card for 12 months and demonstrate genuine links to the country. This gives applicants a great opportunity to experience the very best of Maltese life, and one of the main attractions of this Mediterranean gem is the food!

A gastronomic delight

Latitude’s Managing Director in Malta, Ryan Darmanin, is passionate about gastronomy and speaks very highly of Malta’s thriving dining scene: “Malta is perfectly positioned at the crossroads of Mediterranean cuisine, combining the best flavours from Italy, Greece and North Africa. The island is blessed with an abundance of locally sourced produce and seafood, and a rich culinary history.”

Ryan permanently resides in Malta, and during his time on the island he’s visited restaurants of every kind, from 5-star fine dining to authentic al fresco. Here are a handful of his ‘must try’ choices.

The Luxurious Choice

Caviar & Bull

Located at Corinthia Hotel, which occupies the southern headland overlooking St George’s Bay, Caviar & Bull is a Maltese fine dining hotspot. Delicate dishes are intricately constructed and the menu showcases the very best ingredients, with Wagyu beef and caviar making regular appearances.

“Caviar & Bull is run by renowned Maltese chef, Marvin Gauci. His team's made up of talented chefs and waiting staff. Everyone leaves with a smile! The tasting menu showcases the best of the best, you can’t really go wrong here."

The Adventurous Choice

Barracuda

This waterfront restaurant sits on the edge of Balluta Bay in St Julian's and specialises in fresh fish and carpaccio. The award-winning al fresco dining area occupies an old seaside villa and has uninterrupted views across the sparkling bay.

Ryan says: “Barracuda’s unusual menu makes it my choice if you’re feeling adventurous. The carpaccio and ceviche is like nothing I’ve tried before and there are plenty of dishes you’re unlikely to find anywhere else.”

The Local Choice

Medina

Mediterranean food with a modern twist, served in one of the oldest properties in the city of Medina. An authentic stone courtyard provides the perfect setting for you to experience Medina’s imaginative menu.

Ryan explains: “This is true Mediterranean dining. The team at Medina take the best of Maltese produce and cuisine, and transform it into stunning dishes with skill & passion. Everything is fresh, delicious and prepared to perfection.”

The Wildcard

Fifty Nine Republic

An up-and-coming chic restaurant in the heart of Valletta, with a growing reputation for modern Mediterranean dishes prepared with unrivalled artistry. Fifty Nine Republic has only been open since December 2018, but the Maltese foodie community can’t stop talking about it, as Ryan explains:

“Fifty Nine Republic is the hottest restaurant in town right now. Opening at the end of last year, their dishes look amazing, use the best Maltese ingredients and taste delicious. What’s not to like?”

Want a taste of Malta?

Malta's citizenship and residency solutions have helped put the island on the map. As the population of UHNWI continues to grow, so does the demand for fine dining, and the Michelin guide is expected to review a number of Maltese restaurants within the next few years.

Malta’s exceptional dining experiences are just one of the many benefits available to successful Malta IIP and Malta Residency and Visa (MRVP) applicants.

If you’re considering Malta as second passport destination, take a moment to complete our contact form and Ryan and his team will be happy to discuss making your citizenship dreams a reality.