Best Restaurants in St Julian's: Top 10 Picks for 2026
St Julian's is Malta's nightlife and entertainment hub, but its dining scene has matured far beyond the chain restaurants and fast food of Paceville. Today you'll find excellent Spanish tapas, Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei, Pan-Latin steakhouses and classic Italian trattorias — many in the smarter Portomaso and Balluta Bay areas.
This guide ranks the 10 best restaurants in St Julian's based on our independent scoring system.
The Top 3: St Julian's Best Restaurants
1. Tapea — Modern Spanish Tapas
Tapea is the best Spanish restaurant in Malta, celebrating modern incarnations of traditional dishes. Grilled meat and seafood are standouts, and the sharing-plate format makes it perfect for groups.
Score: 31/40 — Food 15/20, Service 8/10, Atmosphere 8/10
2. Mamachi — Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei
Mamachi fuses Japanese and Peruvian cuisine (Nikkei style), with the emphasis on Japanese precision. Sharing plates in a stylish Portomaso setting. At €€€€ pricing, it's a premium night out.
Score: 31/40 — Food 16/20, Service 8/10, Atmosphere 7/10
3. San Giuliano — Classic Italian
San Giuliano offers classic, highly competent traditional Italian cooking. Well-executed starters and fresh pasta make this a reliable choice for Italian food lovers.
Score: 30/40 — Food 14/20, Service 8/10, Atmosphere 8/10
Best Asian Restaurants in St Julian's
4. Zest — Asian Fusion
Zest is an Asian fusion restaurant in a hotel that doesn't feel like one. Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei influences with a broad Asian menu. Well above average for hotel dining.
Score: 30/40 — Food 15/20, Service 8/10, Atmosphere 7/10
5. Blue Elephant — Royal Thai
Blue Elephant is the go-to for authentic Thai food in Malta. Thai owners have brought their recipes and the result is proper Thai cuisine, not the watered-down version you find elsewhere.
Score: 30/40 — Food 14/20, Service 8/10, Atmosphere 8/10
6. Kuya Asian Pub — Casual Asian
Kuya Asian Pub lives by its motto "Eat like an Asian." Lots of well-priced starters are the trick here — great for a casual dinner or pre-night-out food.
Score: 29/40 — Food 14/20, Service 8/10, Atmosphere 7/10
Best Fine Dining in St Julian's
7. Toro Toro — Pan-Latin Steakhouse
Toro Toro is chef Richard Sandoval's Latin American creation in the Mercury Tower. Pan-Latin steakhouse with Nikkei influences — a premium dining experience.
Score: 30/40 — Food 16/20, Service 7/10, Atmosphere 7/10
8. Barracuda — Mediterranean Fine Dining
Barracuda has been a St Julian's institution for years. International cuisine with something from every major food culture, in a fine-dining setting overlooking Balluta Bay.
Score: 29/40 — Food 14/20, Service 8/10, Atmosphere 7/10
Best Budget-Friendly Restaurants in St Julian's
9. Brasserie Rodin — French Bistro
Brasserie Rodin fills the sad gap of French restaurants in Malta. Many good French dishes at €€ pricing — a vote-winner for French food cravings.
Score: 28/40 — Food 14/20, Service 7/10, Atmosphere 7/10
10. La Majoli — Sicilian Seafood
La Majoli brings the strong Sicilian side of the Maltese food scene to St Julian's. Seafood-focused Italian with a Sicilian accent.
Score: 28/40 — Food 14/20, Service 7/10, Atmosphere 7/10
How to Choose a Restaurant in St Julian's
For a group dinner: Tapea — sharing plates and great atmosphere.
For Asian food: Blue Elephant (Thai), Mamachi (Nikkei), or Zest (fusion).
For a special occasion: Toro Toro or Barracuda.
For budget-friendly: Brasserie Rodin or Kuya Asian Pub.
Practical Tips
- Portomaso is the premium area — Mamachi and Blue Elephant are here
- Balluta Bay is quieter — Barracuda has the best views
- Avoid Paceville for dining — it's for drinking, not eating
- Parking is difficult — use the Portomaso car park
