Lying off the coast of Italy and surrounded by the breathtaking blue waters of the Mediterranean, the island of Malta is a picturesque paradise and an established member of the European Union. Malta’s must-try restaurants are another benefit of a visit.
Since the beginning of 2014, Malta has welcomed HNWIs and their families to its pristine shores, granting second passports via its revolutionary Individual Investor Program (IIP). The current CBI programme is Malta’s Exceptional Investment Naturalization (MEIN). Its Residency and Visa Programme (MRVP), launched in 2015, has become the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP).
Malta continues to offer one of the strongest citizenship-by-investment programmes in the world. You will enjoy visa-free access to 182 countries and the opportunity to live, work, and conduct business throughout the EU.
Before a Maltese passport can be issued, Malta’s government requires you to hold a residence card for 12 months and demonstrate genuine links to the country. This gives you a great opportunity to experience the very best of Maltese life, and one of the main attractions of this Mediterranean gem is the food!
Latitude’s Managing Director in Malta, Ryan Darmanin, is passionate about gastronomy and speaks very highly of Malta’s thriving dining scene: “Malta is perfectly positioned at the crossroads of Mediterranean cuisine, combining the best flavours from Italy, Greece. and North Africa. The island is blessed with an abundance of locally-sourced produce and seafood, and a rich culinary history.”
Ryan permanently resides in Malta, and during his time on the island he’s visited restaurants of every kind, from 5-star fine dining to authentic al fresco. Here are a handful of his recommendations for Malta’s must-try restaurants.
Caviar & Bull
Located within Corinthia Hotel, which occupies the southern headland overlooking St George’s Bay, Caviar & Bull is a Maltese fine dining hotspot. The kitchen intricately construct delicate dishes. A stylish menu showcases the very best ingredients, with Wagyu beef and caviar making regular appearances.
“Renowned Maltese chef, Marvin Gauci, runs Caviar & Bull. His team’s made up of talented chefs and waiting staff. Everyone leaves with a smile! The tasting menu showcases the best of the best, you can’t really go wrong here.’
Barracuda
This waterfront restaurant sits on the edge of Balluta Bay in St Julian’s and specializes in fresh fish and carpaccio. The award-winning al fresco dining area at Barracuda occupies an old seaside villa. It offers uninterrupted views across the sparkling bay.
Ryan says: “Barracuda’s unusual menu makes it my choice if you’re feeling adventurous. The carpaccio and ceviche is like nothing I’ve tried before and there are plenty of dishes you’re unlikely to find anywhere else.”
The Medina Restaurant
Medina serves Mediterranean food with a modern twist. Its base is in one of the oldest properties in the city of Mdina. An authentic stone courtyard provides the perfect setting for you to experience Medina’s imaginative menu.
Ryan explains: “This is true Mediterranean dining. The team at Medina take the best of Maltese produce and cuisine, and transform it into stunning dishes with skill & passion. Everything is fresh, delicious and prepared to perfection.”
Fifty Nine Republic
An up-and-coming chic restaurant in the heart of Valletta, Fifty Nine Republic has a growing reputation for modern Mediterranean dishes prepared with unrivalled artistry. The restaurant has only been open since December 2018, but the Maltese foodie community can’t stop talking about it, as Ryan explains:
“Fifty Nine Republic is the hottest restaurant in town right now. Opening at the end of last year, their dishes look amazing, use the best Maltese ingredients, and taste delicious. What’s not to like?”
Malta’s citizenship and residency solutions have helped put the island on the map. As the population of HNWIs continues to surge, so does the demand for fine dining. The Michelin Guide is expected to review a number of Maltese restaurants within the next few years.
Malta’s must-try restaurants are just one of the many advantages of securing Maltese citizenship or residency.
If you’re considering Malta as a second-passport destination, take a moment to complete our contact form. Ryan and his team will be happy to discuss making your citizenship dreams a reality.