Valletta
south here: it’s all about the meat, and there’s a host of cuts to choose from, all meticulously selected by the head chef. Stylish and casual, the food is reliably good, and there’s always a vegetarian choice on the menu too. It’s best to call ahead to book a table. South Street (2123 7222, www. sciaccamalta.com). Open noon3.30pm, 6-10.30pm Mon-Sat; noon-3.30pm Sun. Main courses €26. Credit AmEx, JCB, MC, V. Scoglitti This restaurant is a delight, not least because it’s set in an old police station, which gives it all sorts of character. The fish is as fresh as you can imagine, and even caught on the restaurant’s own boat and brought straight to shore. The meat, chicken and pasta choices are also very good, followed by the home-made ice-cream and torta setteveli with chocolate and hazelnut layers. 8 Boat Street (2123 5548, www. scoglitti.com.mt) Open July-Sept noon-4pm, 7-11pm daily; Oct-June noon-4pm, 7-11pm Mon-Sat; noon4.30pm Sun. Main courses €15€40. Credit AmEx, JCB, MC, V. Sicilia Bar & Restaurant Secure a table overlooking Grand Harbour and enjoy lunch in the sunshine at this simple spot. Although it may not be a grand experience (there’s no silver service here), the food is very good and authentically Sicilian. Locals love it for the hearty portions, especially for Sunday lunch when you can pretty much leave yourself in the hands of the team here. The pasta is some of the best in the city, and includes the tasty marinara, the spaghetti with lobster, capers, fresh tomatoes and mint, and the farouk versions. For mains, enjoy the fresh fish, king prawns or Black Angus fillet. End your meal with the delicious Sicilian sweets that our neighbouring island is famous for, such as the cassatella or biscotti di mandorla. And if you don’t make it for lunch, try having breakfast here while watching the city wake up to another day. 1 St John Street (2124 0569). Open 8am-5pm Tue-Sat; also 7-10pm Sat July-Sept. Main courses €15-€30. Credit AmEx, JCB, MC, V.
or an exhibition, and thanks to its sister wine bar’s influence, there’s a fantastic selection of vintages to accompany your meal. Both the restaurant and wine bar will be closed for two weeks in the middle of August. South Street (2122 0357, www.trabuxu. com.mt). Open noon-3pmMon-Sat; 7-11pm Mon-Thur; 7pm-midnight Fri, Sat. Main courses €17-€25. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V.
an extensive list, from jasmine to ginseng or green tea. The restaurant can get very busy so booking early is recommended. Vault 14, Valletta Waterfront (2122 5310, nanyuan@maltanet.net). Open 11.30am-3.30pm Tue-Sun; 7-11.30pm daily. Main courses €8.50-€20.50. Credit AmEx, JCB, MC, V.
selection of foods for light lunches and snacks all day, accompanied by the fine wines imported by Charles Grech, which are also for sale in the cellar downstairs. 10 Republic Street (2122 8848, www.charlesgrech.com). Open 8am-11pm Mon-Thur; 8am-1am Fri-Sun. Credit AmEx, MC, V.
Where to drink
Zero Sei Simple, delicious Roman cooking is the cornerstone of this trattoria, which is situated right opposite the Manoel Theatre. Roman chef Gianni has got quite a reputation for some of his pasta dishes, including the carbonara, amatriciana and cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper), as well as the daily specials. We suggest leaving your choice in his hands so as to make the most of the freshest ingredients – but do leave room for the tiramisu for dessert. 75 Old Theatre Street (2122 2010). Open 11am-3pm, 7-11pm TueSun. Main courses €14. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V.
The great Mediterranean wine bar is at the centre of most evenings out in Valletta, and there are some fantastic ones to choose from, as well as some more cosmopolitan options too.
Django Jazz Bar Live music is one of the staples at this casual venue, with jazz and blues as the favourites. Performances usually take place from Thursday to Saturday, although it’s best to check the Facebook page for updates. The atmosphere is friendly, and Raf or Josh will probably take your order – we recommend trying any one of the 40-odd craft beers, accompanied by a food platter. 211 Republic Street (9994 4939, www. djangojazzbar.com). Open 7pm1am Thur-Sun. No credit cards.
Oriental Nan Yuan If you’re craving something oriental, this Chinese restaurant is pretty hard to beat quality-wise, and you’ll be happy to know that al fresco tables are also available. We love the dim sum starters, which can be steamed to make them more healthy, followed by sizzling beef, tasty aromatic duck with pancakes or steamed seafood with ginger. We’re also keen on the good-value set menus at the fixed price of €25.50 or €30.75 per person. If you prefer tea to wine with your meal, Nan Yuan offers
Trabuxu Bistro Husband-and-wife team Kris and Krista run both this welcoming eatery as well as the Trabuxu Wine Bar (see p59) just across the road. The food here is always fresh and tasty, with a fusion of flavours. The menu includes delights such as salmon gravlax cured in salt, sugar and dill, followed by veal cooked in a fresh lemon sauce. There’s also a lovely deli counter and daily specialities. Due to its location, it is ideal for a bite before or after the theatre 56 Time Out Malta & Gozo for Visitors 2015/16
Café Jubilee Established in Gozo by the Scicluna brothers in 1998, this franchise now includes two outlets in Malta and sells its products in major supermarkets to boot. It’s busy from breakfast right up until last orders, usually packed with a chatty crowd of professionals, actors, artists and musicians. In fact, there’s a regular calendar of live entertainment every Wednesday and Friday. You should also pay particular attention to the décor while enjoying the menu. 125 St Lucia Street (2704 2332, www.cafejubilee.com). Open 8am1am daily. Credit DC, MC, V. Other locations 209 The Strand, Gzira (2133 7141); 8 Independence Square, Rabat, Gozo (2155 8921). Charles Grech Café & Cocktail Bar This trendy café-cum-bar has become Valletta’s place to be and a favourite among the ‘in’ crowd that spills out onto the street during the weekends, especially after a cultural event. There’s a great
Loop Bar. See p59.
Gifen Bar Bursting with authenticity, this city bar and restaurant – located just across from St Paul’s Church – makes for a pleasant drink, snack or meal. Both the food and drink here promise really good value, with a range of sandwiches, pasta dishes and grills. It does get very busy, very fast, so it’s best to book well in advance, and do bear in mind that the menu is reduced to toasties, appetisers and drinks on Sundays. 27 St Paul Street (2702 0014). Open 7am-4pm Mon-Sat; 7.30am3pm Sun. No credit cards. Gugar – Hangout & Bar The Gugar started when a group of friends wanted to create a space they could enjoy together, and it has quickly turned into one of Valletta’s most popular hangouts. The atmosphere is flexible and friendly, and you can expect everything from filigree workshops to tropical parties. The food is fantastic too, with lots of vegetarian and vegan choices. 89A Republic Street (2703 2837, www.gugarmalta.blogspot.com). Open June-Sept 7pm-1am Tue; 10am-4pm, 7pm-1am Wed-Sat; 7pm-1am Sun. No credit cards. Legligin Wine Bar Legligin Wine Bar does what it says on the tin, and if it’s wine you’re after, then owner Chris will be more than happy to help – in fact, he isn’t too keen on serving you anything else! Staff members are also connoisseurs so they will help you make the most of the international selection. The home-made cabernet and shiraz wines are particular favourites, accompanied by a tasting menu of Maltese and Mediterranean food for €23.95 per person. 119 St Lucia Street (2122 1699). Open 6.30pm-1am daily. Credit AmEx, DC, JCB, MC, V.