Malta holidays will show you that much of Malta’s culture is influenced by its rich colonial history. Maltese food is no different, based on fresh, locally available produce; Maltese cuisine is a heady mix of Mediterranean and North African gastronomy.

Restaurants in Malta benefit from a bounty of home-grown produce courtesy of the excellent climate and fertile soil, the Mediterranean also provides an abundance of fresh seafood. Bream, swordfish, tuna, red mullet, lobsters and octopus are especially common on restaurant menus on the island.  Local delicacies include “Patizzi” a pastry dish with a local cheese and vegetable filling, Lampuki pie, made from dorado fish and vegetables, is also a local favourite and must be tried.

The accommodation in Malta offers excellent dining options, especially the luxury hotels which tend to have both fine dining and more laid back options offering a mix of Mediterranean, local and French cuisine.

For those seeking a more local, independent flavour the award winning Arches restaurant in Mellieha is certainly worth a look, very much a fine dining establishment the restaurant combines first class European cuisine with local produce and a comprehensive wine list including a number of Maltese bottles.

If you are after a more informal experience Chez Phillipe in Gzira is to be recommended, with the best of French cuisine and a family run, relaxed atmosphere, it presents a different option to more formal dining.

Restaurants in Malta offer a wide range of options to suit any taste or budget from English breakfasts to old-style Maltese rabbit stew. Wine lovers are also catered for with a surprising amount of local wines to try and festivals and tastings that run throughout the summer.  There truly is something for everyone.

To find out more about Malta holidays have a look at our Malta holiday guides to the right of the screen