The MICHELIN Guide Malta 2023 was launched today. It features 35 restaurants spread across the islands of Malta and Gozo and includes six restaurants awarded One MICHELIN Star and four restaurants awarded a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand.
The highlight of the launch is the addition of a new MICHELIN Star. Fernandõ Gastrotheque joins five existing Star restaurants, which all retain their award, making Malta an increasingly attractive gastronomic destination.
MICHELIN Stars
The five restaurants which were awarded One MICHELIN Star in the 2022 Guide all retain their Star status for another year. These are: Under Grain in Valletta; Noni in Valletta; ION – The Harbour in Valletta; De Mondion in Mdina; and Bahia in Balzan.
These are joined by Fernandõ Gastrotheque in Sliema
This small, quiet, French-style bistro is informal yet elegant, with contemporary furnishings. The highly talented chef creates Mediterranean dishes with the occasional international touch and plenty of character, all prepared from the best seasonal ingredients. The wine list is worth a mention, featuring over 600 labels from across the globe with a particular emphasis on France and Italy.
MICHELIN Bib Gourmands
All four Bib Gourmand awarded restaurants retain their status from last year. These are: Grain Street in Valletta (which comes from the same team as MICHELIN Starred Under Grain); Rubino in Valletta; Terrone in Birgu; and Commando in Mellieħa.
New Additions to the Guide
Our inspectors also discovered five restaurants worthy of a place in the Guide.
Giuseppi's, Naxxar
Situated within the attractive Salini Resort hotel, overlooking the bay of the same name, this exquisite restaurant uses top quality ingredients to create traditional Mediterranean style dishes, although modern touches do make an appearance in some dishes. The lunchtime options are slightly simpler than those available in the evening.
LOA, St Paul's Bay
This modern restaurant is named after the ancient Loa river (the longest river in Chile) and serves South American fusion cuisine which is both varied and delicious. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting with a contemporary vibe. A good choice of pre-dinner cocktails is also available.
Grotto Tavern, Rabat
Boasting an excellent location in the historic centre of Rabat, Grottos Tavern's Mediterranean cuisine pays tribute to local ingredients such as snails, cheese and other delicacies from the region. Dining in the stunning cave room is a wonderful experience.
Legligin, Valletta
This small, rustic restaurant in the historic centre has limited space and a slightly bohemian feel thanks to its informal tables, ceramics and candles. Homemade cuisine full of Mediterranean and Maltese flavours takes pride of place here, with just one tasting menu that changes almost every day.
Rosamì, St Julian's
Overlooking St Julian’s bay, Rosamì is a beautiful Maltese-style villa that is home to a classic, gently elegant and decidedly romantic restaurant. Cliff Borg's menus are modern, with international flavours, and great attention is given to the wine pairings and personalised aperitifs.
The full 2023 selection for Malta is available here on the MICHELIN Guide website and on the free iOS and Android apps.
Congratulations to all those selected as part of this year's MICHELIN Guide!
