St Julian is often recognized as the party capital of Malta, or a playground for the wealthy to splurge on hotel rooms that probably cost more than my car. However, what surprised me was St Julian’s culinary scene.

I stayed in Malta for a month and mostly based myself around St Julian’s, which gave me ample time to play culinary detective, sleuthing my way through a multitude of local restaurants. St Julian’s didn’t just serve up some of the best dishes I’ve had on the island, it did so without demanding a king’s ransom – a rarity in most resort towns.

I ate so much, from devouring Japanese sweet treats at a bakery to eating some of the best pizza I have had outside of Italy, here are my favorite restaurants in St Julian’s.

Pssst – Are you planning to explore more of Malta? Check out these articles!

Why You Should Take A Gozo Jeep Tour In Malta
13 Adorable Things to do in Marsaxlokk, Malta
14 Exceptional Blue Lagoon Malta Boat Trips
19 Fantastic Gozo Tours You Will Want to Book

Best Restaurants in St Julian’s

Best Bakery in St Julian’s

Kyoto Japanese Bakery | Address: 15, Ghar il-Lembi Street Tas-Sliema, SLM 1562, Malta

Look, I know what you’re thinking… A Japanese bakery in Malta? But this place blew my mind. Kyoto Japanese Bakery is a cute café with over 30 different drink and pastry choices. Honestly, making a choice from the extensive menu was no small feat. I have been twice and the first time I got a Sakura Matcha Latte a delightful concotion of cherry blossom and, matcha powders along with milk, and I got a bunny shaped custard bread which was too adorable to eat.

I felt like a monster ripping those tiny ears off. 

Both were amazing.

My second visit, I got a matcha milkshake and a mango custard shaped like a chick – both were not my cup of tea. Despite my second visit being a flop, I am very much a fan of this small Japanese bakery. It is roughly a 30-minute walk from St Julian’s and very close to the Sliema Ferry. It’s the perfect place to stop if you’re planning to catch a ferry to Valletta or Comino.

Zwiit Craving Cafe (Churros) | Address: Home, Zwiit – Churros, Triq San Gorg, San Ġiljan STJ 3203, Malta

The churros at this delightful shop could easily stand toe-to-toe with the best from Mexico or Spain. This shop is located in the heart of Paceville, Malta’s famed party district, and open until the wee hours of the morning. These churros are freshly made upon ordering. I don’t think there is any sound better than sizzling hot oil as your churros are dropped in (cue drooling emoji!).

The best part is the dip. You get a choice between 5 different sauces. Nutella is my love language, so that is what I went with.

They also have an incredible display of donuts, but I have a rule. If a place has a reputation for serving a specific food or dessert, I am going to order that, so churros all the way for me!

Best Bar Bites in St Julian’s

Pleasure Wine and Cocktail Bar | Address: Schreiber & Triq Il- Knisja St. Julian’s, STJ 3081, Malta

I initially came in here with the intention of getting a drink when my tum tum start to rum rum. I hadn’t eaten dinner, but wasn’t particularly hungry for a big meal. The menu at Pleasure Wine Cocktail Bar had an array of small plates on their food menu, which was perfect for me, so I ordered their homemade spicy sausage plate served with a delectable chili sauce.

I was pleasantly surprised by how good it was, and I ate it too quickly to get a picture. Whoops! Other items on the menu consist of chicken wings, beer platter (sausages, cevapcici, chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, battered cheese, and fries), salads, and burgers, and they have amazing cocktails.

Best BBQ in St Julian’s

Sticky Fingers BBQ | Address: 1 triq wied ghomor St. Julians, STJ 2041, Malta

Who would’ve thought Malta, of all places, would satisfy my American BBQ cravings?

Now, coming from Murica, I’m well-versed in the art of BBQ, so I didn’t set my hopes sky-high. Yet, to my surprise, I very much enjoyed my plate of ribs. They were drenched in a delicious BBQ sauce (just how I like it) and pretty affordable.

For those that may not be huge fans of ribs, their menu is a meaty paradise of slow-cooked delights. So, if ribs aren’t your thing, you will still have A TON of choices.

Also, Sticky Fingers has a fantastic outdoor dining area with a view of the marina. I know it seems like every restaurant in St Julian’s has a view of the marina, but I thought they had one of the best.

Best Brazilian Food in St Julian’s

Picco | Address: 83 George Borg Olivier St St Julian’s, STJ 1080 | Reservation Recommended

Picco is a small blink-and-you-miss-it kind of place that serves Brazilian Japanese fusion. I went in not really knowing what to expect. Was I going to get some sort of Brazilian inspired sushi concoction or tempura Brazilian steak?

The menu did not consist of any sushi or tempura. In fact, the only Japanese dishes I saw on the menu were edamame and sashimi, but I came for the steak and well..I definitely got what I came for. They had a massive meat platter that served 2 people, so of course I ordered one just for myself. It came piled high with sausages, potatoes, Shishito peppers and of course the star of the show which was the rib eye.

Just a fair warning, asking for rare meat in Europe means it will be raw. They don’t have the same standards as we do in the US, probably because they have higher meat standards than we do. If you like your meat rare, ask for medium rare.

Everything on the menu looked good, so I really don’t think you can go wrong. My favorite part of the night was when the manager came up to me randomly and told me to pick any cocktail on the menu on the house! He totally could have felt bad I was eating alone, but I very much enjoyed my free cocktail.

Which brings me to my last point, Picco is also a cocktail bar, and they make some unique, delicious and stunning cocktails. The cocktail I ordered was spicy, yet sweet. It tasted a bit like sweet BBQ sauce, but in the best way possible.

Best Brunch in St Julian’s

Two Buoys | Address: 106 Triq Spinola San Ġiljan, STJ 3050

Ah Brunch, the best meal of the day and one of the BEST brunch places in St Julian’s is Two Buoys. This Aussie-owned hotspot boasts a picturesque view of Spinola Bay.

They serve a mix of dishes, from towering stacks of syrupy pancakes to breakfast sandwiches stuffed with eggs poached to perfection, hollandaise sauce, crispy bacon, mushrooms, and spinach. As you can see below, I went with the latter and ate that bad boy up! This was my first meal in St Julian’s and not a bad one.

I also recommend ordering a one of their smoothies. Thank me later!

Shoreditch Bar and Kitchen | Address: 43 Wilga St, St Julian’s, Malta

If you’re in the mood for the “dirtiest” and most outrageously indulgent pancakes in St. Julian, look no further than Shoreditch Bar & Kitchen. With a whopping selection of 20 delicious pancake varieties, making a decision is no easy task, especially when you’re traveling alone and unable to share.

While my personal recommendation would be the Kinder Egg pancakes you see below, there’s a delicious lineup of other mouthwatering options such as Snickers, Reese’s, Lindt, Lucky Charms, and Banoffee. Yum!

Crust Bistro & Bar | Address: 64, 65 Mensija St, San Ġiljan, Malta

Crust is THE place to be in St. Julian if you’re looking to satisfy your morning brunch cravings. They have a yummy selection of simple breakfasts from your typical English breakfast and eggs benedict to more interesting ones like miso croque madame (pictured below). If you have a sweet tooth they have nutella french toast that I will definitely have to order next time.

Best Burgers in St Julian’s

Badass Burgers | Address: No1 st Georges Road, St Julian’s, Malta

While my burger escapades in St. Julian’s were unfortunately limited, I did sink my teeth into a delicious truffle burger that I devoured so quickly I didn’t even get a picture.

This is why I am not a food blogger. 

Badass Burgers offers a menu of 9 burgers, spanning from beefy cheesy goodness to options featuring chicken and Impossible patties. They also have a wide selection of pizza’s.

Best Coffee Shops in St Julian’s

Lot 61 Coffee Roasters | Address: Triq Mikiel Ang Borg, San Ġiljan, Malta

Lot 61 is one of the biggest coffee chains in Malta. It’s not a place to come if you are looking for Instagram-worthy aesthetics, but when it comes to delivering quality coffee at a fair price, it hits the mark. The amount of times this place saved me from being a zombie for the day due to lack of caffeine is well… a lot.

Spinola Cafe & Lounge | Address: Main Street, St Julian’s, Malta

Spinola Café is a snack bar & coffee bar and there isn’t much to say about this place other than the view of the bay is really nice. It’s a lovely spot to sit if you need a break from exploring.

Sunday in Scotland | Address: 39 Main Street, St Julian’s, Malta

Sundays in Scotland takes the award for cutest coffee shop in St Julian’s. I am gutted I found them on my last day in Malta. Not only do they sell amazing coffee drinks and pastries, but they originally began as a chocolate shop! They sell some of the best and most delicious chocolate on the island.

It’s a very small shop and easy to miss if you are walking by, hence why I discovered them on my last day. Honestly, I wish I would have discovered them sooner, so I could have come here every single day.

Best French Food in St Julian’s

Manouche Bakery | Address: Spinola Park, SPK 1000, San Ġiljan, Malta

Manouche serves up French food that will make you go “Ooh la la!”

Their halloumi fries were cheesy sticks of pure joy. The Croque Madame was a heavenly combo of, ham, melted cheese, and a golden fried egg on top. And their pistachio cronut – part croissant, part donut, and fully loaded with pistachio cream goodness was the icing on the cake.

I don’t doubt that anything you order at Manouche will be incredible.

Brasserie Rodin | Address: 141a Triq Spinola, San Ġiljan, Malta

If you’re dreaming of a Parisian getaway without the hassle of travel, Brasserie Rodin is here to teleport you straight to France! I ordered the Coq Au Vin which is a classic French dish of chicken braised in red wine. The chicken was perfectly cooked, it was falling off the bone.

In terms of the ambiance, it was probably one of the most relaxing dining experiences I have had on Malta. There was soft French music playing in the background and the waiters were very attentative. Brasserie Rodin is easily one of the best restaurants in St Julian’s and one of my favorites!

Best Greek Food in St Julian’s

Manakis Greek Taverna | Address: 139, Spinola Road, St Julian’s

Greek food is not something I get very often, so you can imagine my delight when I discovered there was a Greek restaurant in St Julian’s. Nestled along the picturesque Spinola Bay, this little eatery offers the perfect spot to soak up the glorious Maltese sunshine while indulging in a mouthwatering souvlaki and refreshing greek salad.

Best Ice Cream in St Julian’s

RivaReno Gelato | Address: Triq Ross, San Ġiljan STJ 3242, Malta

When in St Julian’s, indulging in a scoop (or three) of gelato at Rivareno is an absolute must-do. Known for their masterful combinations of classic and innovative flavors, Rivareno is one of the most popular gelato spots in St Julian’s. If you are a fan of hazelnut, definitely try their hazelnut flavor.

Best Indian Food in St Julian’s

Emperor of India | Address: Elia Zammit Steet, Paceville / St Julians, Malta

Emperor of India if a family run restaurant and the best spot in St Julian’s for traditional Northern Indian cuisine, with recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. They serve some of the best curry and cheese naan I have had in a long time. It was my first time ordering lamb rogan josh, which has instantly secured a spot as my go-to order in the future, and the naan bread was oozing cheese – just as it should be.  This is one of those meals I still dream about.

If you love Indian food, don’t miss a meal here!

Best Italian Food in St Julian’s

Sciantusi | Address: Triq Milner, Tas-Sliema, Malta

Malta is home to a fairly large Italian community and since Malta is an easy ferry ride from Italy, Italian tourists love to visit. That being said, there is no shortage of amazing Italian restaurants.

One of the best restaurants for Italian food in Malta is Sciantusi which looks and smells like a traditional Italian Pizzeria the moment you walk in. They had 15 pizzas on the menu which made it very difficult to choose, but in the end I went with Donna Concetta which had a ricotta filled crust. You can drool at said pizza below.

I also ordered the pasta carbonara, but was very disappointed. The pasta needed to cook more, and the carbonara had a strange aftertaste, so I would skip the pasta at this place and go all in on the pizza. After all, that is their specialty and I should have known better.

Salumeria Gardens | Address: Spinola Gardens, San Giljan, Malta

Prepare to be whisked away to an oasis right in the heart of Spinola, St. Julians. Salumeria Gardens is located in a hidden garden, with the magnificent 400-year-old Spinola palace serving as the picturesque backdrop. They serve creative pizza combos like their chili crunch specialty which has Japanese chili pepper, artichoke hearts and black sesame. It was divine.

Best Maltese Food in St Julian’s

Gululu | Address: 133, Spinola bay, St Julians Road, San Ġiljan, Malta

Gululu is the most popular Maltese restaurant in St Julian’s. They are situated right on the water and serve an array of traditional dishes from pan fried rabbit and Bigilla dip to their specialty – spaghetti with rabbit sauce, which I very much enjoyed. To finish off my meal, I got a shot of Bajtra – a traditional pear liquor.

Gozitan | Address: Triq Paceville, San Ġiljan, Malta

“Gozitan” refers to people who come from the island of Gozo which is the second-largest island in the Maltese archipelago. The food you will find here will have a pinch of Gozitan flavor and dishes including rabbit, horse meat, and suckling pig. If you are a vegetarian, you may want to look elsewhere.

Ta’ Kris | Address: 80 Fawwara Ln, Sliema, Malta

This gem of a place is located in Sliema about a 20-minute walk from St Julian’s and the inside is so freaking cute! When I walked in, I felt like I was entering someone’s home. The food is all home cooked with a lot of love and the portions are massive. I ate some of the best Maltese food I have had on the island. I can’t recommend the braggioli enough. They are actually famous for it.

Best Swedish Food in St Julian’s

Taste of Sweden | Address: 47/49, Censu Tabone Street St Julians, STJ 1217, Malta

Okay, so a Swedish restaurant is the last thing I would have expected to find in St Julian’s. The Swede in me was very excited, so of course I had to have a meal here. The restaurant is owned by a Swedish couple, and it seems to cater to Swedes who visit the island because every time I passed by I always heard patrons speaking Swedish.

That being said, I thought if the Swedes come here, then the food has to be good, either that or they want to eat somewhere they feel at home.

Anyway, as a Swede I take my Swedish meatballs very seriously, so I definitely had to try those. Then I had to try the Skagen toast which is a delicious mixture of cooked shrimp, mayonnaise, chopped red onion, and dill, spread over toasted bread. After my meal here, I can say with full confidence I would recommend Taste of Sweden to Swedes and non Swedes alike.

Where to Stay in St Julian

Ivy Hotel (Adults Only) | Address: Francis Zammit Street St. Julianʼs, STJ 3210, Malta

Ivy Hotel is a fantastic place to stay in the middle of St Julian’s. The rooms are spacious, and it’s a 10-minute walk at most to many of the attractions and restaurants in St Julian’s. The only downside is that breakfast was not included and was 10 euro, which seems steep when I can get an amazing breakfast in St Julian’s for less than that.

For more accommodation choices in St Julian’s, search for hotels below!

Pssst – Are you planning to explore more of Malta? Check out these articles!

Why You Should Take A Gozo Jeep Tour In Malta
13 Adorable Things to do in Marsaxlokk, Malta
14 Exceptional Blue Lagoon Malta Boat Trips
19 Fantastic Gozo Tours You Will Want to Book

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