What We Ate in Valletta: Best Cafés, Food Hall & Local Flavors

Valletta might be compact, but its food and drink scene is big on flavor. On our recent visit, we made sure to sip, nibble, and soak in the city’s charm, from breezy cocktails to hearty local bites. Here’s where we stopped and what we loved.

Kapitali

Our first stop set the tone perfectly. I went for a Limoncello Spritz, which was bright, zesty, and effortlessly refreshing—perfect for a warm Maltese afternoon. The husband opted for a lager from Magic Rock Brewery, smooth with a subtle hoppy kick. The vibe at Kapitali is casual yet stylish, making it a great spot to start our Valletta food adventure.

On our second visit, we went a bit heartier. We shared a platter stacked with ham, gjebna, cheddar, chutney, freshly baked bread, olives, hummus, and gorgonzola, paired with the husband’s beer and my Pink Gin Spritz. It was the perfect mix of flavors—savory, creamy, tangy, and fresh—and a great way to experience more of what Kapitali has to offer.

Caffe Cordina

Next up was Caffe Cordina, a Valletta institution that’s been serving locals and visitors since 1837. The café is housed in the historic Casa del Commun Tesoro, giving it a mix of old-world elegance and cozy charm. I treated myself to a Hazelnut Tart, rich and nutty with a chocolate biscuit base and velvety hazelnut cream, while the husband enjoyed a Millefoglie, a classic layered puff pastry dessert. Between the stunning vaulted ceilings and frescoes, plus the aroma of fresh pastries, Cordina is the perfect spot for a sweet pause during a day of exploring.

The Queen Victoria City Pub

After a sweet interlude at Caffe Cordina, we ventured to The Queen Victoria City Pub, a charming English-style pub nestled on South Street. I opted for a refreshing lemonade, a crisp and zesty choice that complemented the warm ambiance, while the husband enjoyed a classic pint, savoring the selection of local and international beers on tap. The pub’s cozy, traditional atmosphere makes it a great place to relax and watch the world go by.

Vero Gelato

No Valletta food adventure is complete without gelato, and Vero Gelato did not disappoint. I indulged in a pistachio ice cream, creamy, nutty, and perfectly balanced—just the right amount of sweetness to cool down on a warm Maltese day. The shop itself is charming and casual, perfect for a quick treat while strolling through the city streets.

Pinoy Street Food – Is-Suq tal-Belt (Valletta Food Market)

For a taste of the Philippines in the heart of Valletta, we visited Pinoy Street Food at Is-Suq tal-Belt (Valletta Food Market), the city’s main food hall. On our first visit, I enjoyed the sizzling Sisig, while the husband sampled other Filipino favorites. On our second visit, I treated myself to Maja Blanca with an Ube layer—a creamy coconut pudding topped with vibrant purple yam. It was smooth, sweet, and delightfully rich, offering a completely different, yet equally satisfying, taste of Filipino dessert traditions.

Dolce Peccati

For a relaxed lunch stop, we headed to Dolce Peccati, where the menu highlights classic Mediterranean flavors with a modern twist. I enjoyed a Tuna Ftira paired with a refreshing Iced Latte, while the husband went for his own Tuna Ftira and a crisp Aperol Spritz. The ftira was fresh and flavorful, and the cozy café setting made it a great spot to refuel during a day of exploring Valletta.

Final Thoughts

Valletta might be small, but the city is packed with culinary gems, from elegant cafés to lively pubs and quirky food hall stalls. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat, a refreshing drink, or a hearty local sandwich, there’s something to satisfy every craving. Exploring the city one bite and sip at a time made our visit both delicious and memorable—proof that sometimes the best way to experience a city is through its food.