The 2022 MICHELIN Guide Malta was launched in February and provides in-depth information about the best places to eat across the islands of Malta and Gozo. In total, the Guide features 31 restaurants; these include 5 which have been awarded Michelin Stars and 4 which hold a Bib Gourmand.
All the establishments in the guide have been selected by our team of Michelin Inspectors. They always pay their own bills, and their anonymity is key to ensuring that they receive the same treatment as any other guest. Each year they search for new establishments to add to the guide – and only the best make it through.
In 2022, the Michelin Inspectors discovered four new restaurants worthy of a place in the MICHELIN Guide Malta: Marea in Kalkara, Rebekah’s in Mellieħa, and Aki and Grain Street in Valletta.
Here, we take a closer look at the first three of these establishments; keep an eye out for our next article to discover more about Grain Street, which was awarded a Bib Gourmand for its good quality, good value cooking.
Marea, Kalkara
This cool, contemporary, glass-fronted restaurant enjoys a special location at the edge of Kalkara Marina, where its tiered terrace boasts breathtaking views out over the historic Grand Harbour. If preferred, guests can dine in the vaulted interior, overlooking the open kitchen.
The seasonal menu mixes Mediterranean food with Asian influences in a style they call ‘Mediterrasian’, so expect everything from sushi and seafood to pork belly or pasta. Most of the great quality ingredients are sourced locally and the restaurant features a hydroponics wall where they grow their own herbs and vegetables.
Start with a cocktail before sharing a few small plates; then move on to dishes like honey-glazed duck breast, red snapper saltimbocca or sea bass with champagne, coconut & yuzu sauce. Portions are generous and plates are colourful and vibrant, with an abundance of beautiful flavours. It’s a fun, lively place which attracts all ages, and the friendly, attentive team are only too happy to help.
Rebekah’s, Mellieħa
Andrew and Julie Vella made this 200-year-old former Maltese farmhouse (located 30 minutes’ drive from the capital) their new home in 2019, and the distinct, golden sandstone brick walls inside make a welcome and warming backdrop to the smart, linen-laid tables arranged over three rooms.
Andrew’s cooking shows a strong classical base, utilising the best of the island’s larder, along with a few more luxurious ingredients from further afield, in brightly coloured dishes with hearty Mediterranean flavours. You could start with local sheep ricotta gnocchi, followed by milk-fed veal loin or the fresh fish of the day, and finish with hazelnut praline tart or a selection of tasty cheeses.
Local winemakers are plentiful on the well-chosen wine list, service is personable, and the proud chef-owner is only too happy to chat to his guests. The internal courtyard is a particularly pleasant place to sit in the summer months.
Aki, Valletta
The entrance to this sleek and stylish basement restaurant is located in the heart of Valletta. Linger awhile at the bar to try one of their unique cocktails, before moving through to the restaurant, where every table has a full view of the kitchen in action.
The focus of the menu is Japanese cuisine, with a comprehensive selection of sushi and small plates alongside some tacos and crudo; dishes like miso cauliflower or glazed pork belly cooked over the robata grill; and signature dishes like beef short rib rendang or miso black cod: all carefully prepared and with strong flavours.
Desserts have more of a western edge but are well worth saving room for, there’s an extensive wine list to accompany your food, and service comes with a smile. Those in a hurry or on a budget should take advantage of the weekday set lunch menu which comes in at less than €20.
Discover the full MICHELIN Guide Malta 2022 selection on the MICHELIN Guide website or on the free iOS and Android apps.
