Romantic Restaurants in Valletta: Top 12 Places to Dine in 2026
TREAT YOURSELF TO A ROMANTIC DINNER IN VALLETTA
We’ve handpicked a selection of romantic restaurants in Valletta where exceptional cuisine meets the city’s rich historical heritage.
Malta is home to several remarkable restaurants housed inside beautifully restored palaces and historic buildings, creating unforgettable dining experiences in truly unique settings.
These restaurants not only serve outstanding food but also boast remarkable atmospheres thanks to their centuries-old architecture, elegant courtyards, panoramic terraces or spectacular rooftop locations.
Valletta, Malta’s charming capital, offers a wonderful variety of restaurants set within magnificent palaces and heritage buildings, making every romantic dinner even more memorable. Our selection also includes several venues with beautiful views.
Palazzo Preca
Palazzo Preca is a family-run restaurant housed inside a beautifully preserved 16th-century Maltese palace.
It is renowned for its refined take on traditional Maltese cuisine, with an extensive selection of fresh fish and seafood alongside excellent meat and pasta dishes.
You can sample local favourites such as Fenek Moqli (breaded rabbit), Haruf il-Forn (oven-roasted lamb), the traditional Maltese fish soup Aljotta, grilled local fish, seafood platters or the famous “Ramona’s Specials”, created by the owner who has been running the restaurant since 2012.
Since 2013, Palazzo Preca has consistently been recognised among Valletta’s top 40 restaurants. Be sure to reserve your table well in advance.
The Harbour Club
Located just steps from the Upper Barrakka Gardens and overlooking Birgu, one of Malta’s famous Three Cities, The Harbour Club enjoys an exceptional setting.
The restaurant occupies a historic building dating back to 1712, commissioned by the 64th Grand Master of the Order of Malta. It originally served as an ice warehouse during the 18th century.
Today it offers refined Mediterranean cuisine with subtle French influences, magnificent panoramic views across the Grand Harbour from its terrace, and an elegant, intimate dining room.
Gracy’s Arts and Supper Club
Located in the heart of Valletta, Gracy’s occupies the magnificent 17th-century Verdelin Palace, originally built for the French Knight Jean-Jacques de Verdelin of the Order of St. John. Its stunning Baroque façade is considered one of the most beautiful in the capital, while the palace itself underwent a careful restoration in 2017.
Curiously, the building now houses both Gracy’s restaurant and a police station.
Whether you choose the elegant candlelit dining room or the rooftop terrace overlooking St. George’s Square, you’re guaranteed a truly memorable evening.
Paul’s Bistro
Another restaurant located inside a historic building, Paul’s Bistro occupies a beautifully converted 16th-century well house.
We particularly love its cosy atmosphere, rustic-chic décor, exposed limestone walls and the spectacular staircase that immediately catches your eye. It’s an exceptional setting for a romantic dinner.
The cuisine is Mediterranean with strong Italian influences, while the impressive wine cellar features more than 165 carefully selected labels.
Attentive yet relaxed service completes this delightful culinary experience.
Rubino
Rubino occupies a building that’s over a century old and originally began life as a confectionery famous for making traditional Sicilian cassata, still sold today.
Its protected historic façade means you might easily walk past without realising there’s a restaurant inside. The intimate interior consists of three charming dining rooms.
Rubino is celebrated for its traditional Maltese and Italian cuisine and has received numerous awards, including a Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction.
Muza Restaurant
MUŻA enjoys a truly unique location inside the historic Auberge d’Italie, one of Valletta’s most iconic buildings.
Constructed during the 16th century to house the Knights of St. John representing the Italian Langue, the building is now home to Malta’s National Museum of Fine Arts.
Its beautiful Mediterranean courtyard is simply stunning, while the restaurant offers four distinct dining spaces throughout the museum.
For a romantic dinner in an extraordinary historical setting, this is the place.
Expect beautifully presented contemporary cuisine served with elegance in a peaceful and refined atmosphere.
Beati Paoli
Beati Paoli is a charming and intimate restaurant tucked away inside a traditional Valletta townhouse.
With only a handful of tables spread across two small dining rooms, reservations are absolutely essential.
The chef personally greets guests, ensuring every visitor enjoys a memorable experience. Fresh fish is presented to diners before being expertly prepared.
Expect delicious truffle pasta, lobster dishes and beautifully executed Maltese classics at surprisingly reasonable prices, all enhanced by the chef’s personal touch.
Guze Bistro
Housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century building, Guze Bistro serves contemporary Mediterranean cuisine with distinctive Maltese influences.
Its elegant interior, exposed limestone walls, wooden tables and crystal chandeliers create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The menu includes rabbit, octopus, Black Angus beef, fresh seafood and two excellent tasting menus celebrating both land and sea.
Contessa
Contessa replaced the former Phoenix Restaurant following an extensive renovation completed in late 2023.
It is the signature fine dining restaurant of the prestigious 5-star Phoenicia Malta Hotel, located beside Triton Fountain at Valletta’s entrance.
The restaurant overlooks the hotel’s spectacular 2.8-hectare private gardens as well as Marsamxett Harbour, creating an idyllic setting whether dining indoors or on the terrace.
We particularly enjoy the selection of sharing starters, while seafood and fresh fish take centre stage throughout the menu. The creative braised beef cheek lasagne deserves a special mention.
Enjoy an intimate evening in the elegant glass conservatory or outside on the terrace, depending on the season.
Risette
Risette is located inside the elegant Casa Ellul, one of Valletta’s finest luxury boutique hotels, directly beneath Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.
The menu changes every week to showcase the freshest seasonal ingredients available.
The chef previously worked in Michelin-starred restaurants in London and Dublin before settling in Valletta. His cuisine blends refined French techniques with subtle Japanese influences, available à la carte or through carefully crafted tasting menus.
The restaurant serves dinner only.
59 Republic
How about dining al fresco in the magnificent surroundings of the Grand Master’s Palace and St. George’s Square?
The kitchen is led by Chef Maria, whose talent has earned multiple awards, including recognition as one of Malta’s top chefs as well as praise from the Michelin Guide.
The international menu is both original and adventurous, featuring dishes such as lampuki carpaccio, lobster burgers, beef fillet and rabbit ravioli.
There are also several sharing plates, perfect for a romantic dinner for two.
Under Grain
Launched in 2023, the new Over Grain rooftop by the Grain family has transformed Valletta’s rooftop dining scene.
Perched atop the luxurious Rosselli AX Privilege Boutique Hotel, it offers spectacular views across Valletta’s rooftops, the Jesuits’ Church and the city’s beautiful historic palazzos.
It’s the perfect place to admire a breathtaking sunset while enjoying soft music, creative seafood small plates or even their famous lobster burger.
Even if you’re not planning dinner, this rooftop is well worth visiting for a cocktail with one of the best views in Valletta.