Best Restaurants in Rabat Malta

Tucked away at 62 Triq San Pawl, Rabat, Malta, Palazzo Castelletti invites you to dine in one of the island’s most atmospheric locations — a 17th-century palazzo steeped in history and charm. Here you’ll discover a refined yet welcoming environment where contemporary Mediterranean cuisine meets Maltese tradition. The menu features everything from fresh pasta and risotto to grilled meats, creative vegetarian dishes, and local specialities, all prepared with high-quality ingredients and an attentive eye for presentation. Guests can choose from multiple elegant spaces — a leafy courtyard, an atmospheric wine cellar, intimate rooms, or a scenic rooftop terrace — making the venue ideal for both romantic dinners and larger celebrations. Whether you arrive for lunch, dinner or a special event, Palazzo Castelletti delivers a dining experience that feels timeless: historic setting, creative cuisine, and warm hospitality — a perfect blend for those seeking something uniquely Maltese yet universally sophisticated.

Situated in the heart of Rabat, Il-Bitħa offers traditional Mediterranean cuisine within our own heritage. Where traditional Mediterranean food meets our historical setting. Just steps away from the Silent City, Il-Bitħa is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal, surrounded by history. Largely inspired by Italian, Spanish and Greek cuisine, the menu is a fusion of foreign and local specialities, with antipasti, platters, pasta and other dishes typical of the Maltese islands.

Chef patron Sandro Vella introduces his new venture, STEP 15. Located on Saqqajja hill, expect delicious dishes, beautiful country views and in a cosy atmosphere to be enjoyed together in good company. We strive in bringing you only the freshest ingredients to ensure every bite is to perfection. Book your table online today or get in touch with us over the phone and leave the rest up to us. Here at Step15 we can create an experience you won’t forget for your special event. From anniversaries, birthdays or that intimate get-together we’re here to create that special memorable event. Get in touch with us to come up with something truly exquisite for you and your guests.

Grotto Tavern is more than just a restaurant—it’s a celebration of heritage, artistry, and innovation. Our passionate team elevates the finest seasonal ingredients, creating an exceptional fine dining experience where flavour, artistry, and ambiance blend seamlessly. In March 2023, our commitment to excellence earned us our first MICHELIN Guide Recommendation, a distinction we have proudly retained to this day. Step into a space steeped in history, where impeccable cuisine, refined ambiance, and superior wines promise an experience of true distinction. Located in St Paul’s Square at the heart of Rabat, Mdina, Malta, Grotto Tavern sits in a town rich with centuries of history. The extraordinary cave, tucked away in the lower quarters of the restaurant, has served as a dining establishment since 1962, though its history stretches much further. During World War II, in 1942, locals carved a shelter leading to the cave as a refuge from the relentless bombings. In 1962, the space was transformed into a pioneering restaurant, bringing live music and a wine bar to Rabat for the first time. Today, Grotto Tavern continues to evolve, offering a Michelin Recommended fine dining experience, allowing guests to savour exquisite cuisine amidst thousands of years of history!

Nested on the side stairway leading up to Rabat, enjoying breathtaking views stretching from the blossoming greenery of Verdala to the Northern Harbour District, is ROOT 81. This restaurant boasts an exciting culinary experience that promises to satisfy, with food being served either on the breezy front terrace or in the spacious warm dining atmosphere within the walls of this dining area away from home. The chef's philosophy is definitely gourmet; combining food and art, with appetising local ingredients whipped into eye-pleasing creations. Opening a restaurant of his own has always been a dream which Chef Patron Robert Cassar thought would never materialise. Sheer determination combined with his passion for the art of food, along with his 14 years’ experience in some of the leading 5-star hotels and 5 AA Red Star restaurants have infused this unique culinary art. The personal input and on-site presence of the Chef is what makes ROOT 81 a remarkable dining experience. We therefore invite you to join us for lunch or dinner and relish our distinctive dishes which change according to the ingredients in season, all founded on quality, freshness and value, in the comfort of our friendly and relaxing atmosphere.”

Palazzo Xara is a historical building in the winding, narrow streets of Rabat, the suburban village of the old capital city of Mdina. This imposing building was constructed by the Maltese noble family Xara at the beginning of the 18th century, following the 1693 earthquake. Its style reflects the trends of the time when Baroque architecture was at its peak. The architect was influenced by renowned engineers Mederico Blonell and Francois Mondion, who designed many imposing buildings in Malta. In the lower level of the building, one can find The Bistro, The Baroque Hall, The Courtyard and the more Intimate Private Room. The Bistro is aspiring to be one of the best restaurants in Rabat and Malta. Bottegin Palazzo Xara is the ideal party venue for any special occasion, such as Birthdays, farewells, graduations, Holy Communion, Confirmation, Baptisms, Reunions, and Hen and Stag Parties for groups of any size. With our professional team, we will help you create the ideal setting for a memorable day in one of our private party venues. Today, in the Palazzo, one can loosen up while having something genuine to eat. We pride ourselves on using local, authentic products. We promote local ingredients such as farm-to-table traditional cheeselets, pickled onions and sundried tomatoes, and, last but not least, daily fresh vegetables and bread from local markets. Experience good-quality food in a modest local band club setting, where locals hang out by the bar, and others play snooker, accompanied by a selection of soft symphonic jazz to keep the band club concept alive.