What We Ate in Sliema, Malta

Sliema is a bustling waterfront town in Malta, full of shops, bars, and restaurants. During our week on the island, we spent several days wandering its streets and discovering local flavours. From casual bites to traditional Maltese dishes and cosy pubs, here’s a round-up of everything we ate and drank while exploring Sliema.

Penny Black

Our base in Sliema was the AX Victoria Hotel, which came with a convenient perk: its own bar, Penny Black. This quickly became our go-to spot for a drink at the end of each day, a little ritual to unwind after wandering the streets and sampling the local food.

The hotel also had a very good breakfast spread, but it wasn’t until our last day that I realised they served Maltese pastries. Among them were qassatat, savoury pastries filled with ricotta and peas, and imqaret, traditional deep-fried date-filled pastries infused with aniseed and citrus. Definitely a lovely little local touch we wish we had noticed earlier.

Dal Siciliano Pizzeria

One evening, we were a bit unsure about trying Dal Siciliano Pizzeria because of some mixed reviews online, but it turned out to be a really good pizza spot. I went for a spicy Diavola, packed with pepperoni and just the right amount of heat, while my husband opted for a vegetarian pizza, loaded with colourful, fresh vegetables. Both were satisfying and hit the spot after a long day of exploring.

Kebab Ji

We also tried Kebab Ji, a Lebanese spot that immediately caught our eye. Both of us went for the chicken kebab with all the trimmings. The plates were enormous, piled high with tender chicken, hummus, tabbouleh, fresh salad and tomatoes, but I somehow managed to demolish mine entirely. Definitely a feast that satisfied every craving.

Salisbury Arms

We spent an evening at the Salisbury Arms, a lively British-style pub tucked away on High Street in Sliema. This family-run spot has over 33 years of experience and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. To start, we shared bruschetta and garlic butter mushrooms, both perfectly cooked and full of flavour. For mains, I had rabbit ravioli, while my husband went for grilled swordfish with chips and salad. He washed it down with a Cisk beer, while I stuck to soft drinks.

The pub was very busy, and the landlord was such a lovely man, taking the time to chat with almost everyone. Football fans will feel right at home here, with walls and screens adorned with football memorabilia, live matches regularly broadcast, and even a 3D TV for an immersive experience. It added a fun, sporty vibe to our evening.

Fratelli La Bufala

On our visit to The Point, we decided to dine at Fratelli La Bufala, a charming Italian restaurant located in the modern Tigné Point square at the tip of Sliema. This world-renowned franchise has brought genuine buffalo meat and mozzarella to Malta, along with the delightful simplicity of Neapolitan pizza and quality wines from Campania.

For dinner, I opted for my usual Diavola pizza, featuring spicy salami and a kick of heat. My husband chose the Tropea, a pizza topped with sweet Tropea onions, bell peppers and tuna, offering a delightful balance of flavours.

The restaurant's ambience was warm and inviting, with a cosy outdoor seating area that offered a refreshing breeze, perfect for enjoying a meal while soaking in the local atmosphere.

Ta' Kris

On our last day in Malta, we finally secured a reservation at Ta' Kris, a renowned spot known for its traditional Maltese cuisine. Located in a charming alley off Bisazza Street, the restaurant retains the rustic charm of its origins as an old bakery, featuring original Maltese tiles and warm, shaded walls. The atmosphere was cosy and inviting, making it a perfect setting for our final meal.

We began with bigilla, a traditional Maltese bean dip, served with warm local bread and crackers, a delightful start to the meal. For the main courses, I chose spaghetti with octopus en blanc, a dish featuring tender octopus cooked in white wine, garlic, fish stock, mint, fresh diced tomatoes, basil and lemon. My husband opted for the pasta with tuna and peppers, a flavourful combination of tomatoes, tuna, green peppers, olives, mint and cream. Both dishes were rich in flavour and showcased the essence of Maltese cuisine.

Final Thoughts

Exploring Sliema through its food was a highlight of our week in Malta. From traditional Maltese pastries at our hotel to hearty pizzas, Lebanese feasts and cosy pub meals, every spot offered a little taste of local life and flavours. Ending our culinary journey with a memorable dinner at Ta' Kris made our last day in Malta feel extra special.

Whether you’re wandering the waterfront, exploring modern shopping areas or discovering tucked-away gems, Sliema has something to satisfy every craving and plenty of memories to savour along the way.