Best Restaurants in Sliema: Where to Eat by the Sea (2026)
Sliema is Malta's busiest resort town — a seafront hub of hotels, shops and restaurants stretching along the northeast coast. Its dining scene has grown up significantly in recent years, and it now boasts two Michelin-starred restaurants alongside reliable Italian trattorias and Asian fusion kitchens.
This guide ranks the 7 best restaurants in Sliema based on our independent scoring system, with picks for fine dining, date nights and casual meals by the sea.
The Top 3: Sliema's Best Restaurants
1. Le GV — Michelin-Starred Innovation
Le GV is Sliema's Michelin-starred standout, taking innovative cooking to new heights of artistry and discovery. Set menus offer a journey through seasonal Maltese ingredients with modern technique. The most ambitious dining in Sliema, and worth every cent.
Score: 36/40 — Food 9/20*, Service 9/10, Atmosphere 9/10 *(*The food score reflects our reviewer's experience; Michelin's standards are assessed separately.)
2. Tora — Oriental Fusion with Cocktails
Tora fills a gap in Malta's dining scene — high-quality Chinese/Asian fusion of the standard you'd expect in London or Hong Kong. The cocktail menu is excellent, making this as good for drinks and small plates as for a full dinner.
Score: 32/40 — Food 15/20, Service 9/10, Atmosphere 8/10
3. Fernando Gastrotheque — Michelin-Starred Family Dynasty
Fernando Gastrotheque is the work of Nicholai Grech, descendant of the Fernando Grech family dynasty. Michelin-starred international fusion in an intimate setting. At €€€€€ pricing, it's a special-occasion destination.
Score: 31/40 — Food 19/20, Service 6/10, Atmosphere 6/10
Best Mid-Range Restaurants in Sliema
4. Hammett's Monastik — International Bistro
Hammett's Monastik takes its name from medieval monasteries, and the atmosphere is appropriately atmospheric. International menu with California-influenced dishes — reliable and enjoyable.
Score: 30/40 — Food 15/20, Service 8/10, Atmosphere 7/10
5. Trattoria Del Mare — Waterfront Italian
Trattoria Del Mare serves classic Italian seaside fare at good prices. The menu is inventive given the small kitchen, with tuna tartare and fresh pasta standouts. Great value at €€.
Score: 29/40 — Food 14/20, Service 8/10, Atmosphere 7/10
6. AZAR — Wood-Fired Grill
AZAR brings a wood-fired grill to Mediterranean and international fusion. The smoky flavours and relaxed atmosphere make it a good choice for a casual dinner.
Score: 27/40
7. Tempt Asia — Pan-Asian Fusion
Tempt Asia covers Thai, Indian, Japanese and Chinese in one menu — ambitious, but the execution is solid. Good for groups who can't agree on a cuisine.
Score: 27/40
How to Choose a Restaurant in Sliema
For a special occasion: Le GV or Fernando Gastrotheque — both Michelin-starred.
For cocktails and dinner: Tora — the cocktail menu is as good as the food.
For a casual seafront meal: Trattoria Del Mare — good Italian at fair prices.
For groups: Tempt Asia or AZAR — something for everyone.
Practical Tips for Dining in Sliema
- The Strand is the main drag — most restaurants are along or just off the Sliema seafront
- Parking is difficult — use the Tigne Point car park or arrive by bus
- Book for weekends — Sliema is busy year-round, especially Friday and Saturday nights
- Walk the promenade — the Sliema-to-St Julian's promenade passes dozens of restaurants
