Cheap Eats in Malta: 15 Best Budget Restaurants Under €20 (2026)
Malta can be expensive, but you don't need to spend a fortune to eat well. Here are 15 of the best cheap eats and budget restaurants in Malta and Gozo — all under €20 a head.
Best Cheap Restaurants in Malta (€€)
1. Il Horza — Valletta
Il Horza is a French-Maltese bistro in Valletta with classic dishes done properly. Great value at €€ pricing.
2. Trattoria Del Mare — Sliema
Trattoria Del Mare serves classic Italian seaside fare at good prices. The menu is inventive given the small kitchen.
3. Bebirgu — Birgu
Bebirgu offers simple food done well — soups, risottos and grilled dishes at €€ pricing.
4. Barroco — Birgu
Barroco is Terrone's casual younger brother — ideal for lunch. Good Italian cooking at €€.
5. Trabuxu — Valletta
Trabuxu is a Valletta tradition — straightforward Maltese and Italian dishes in a bistro setting at €€.
6. Brasserie Rodin — St Julian's
Brasserie Rodin fills the gap of French restaurants in Malta. Many good French dishes at €€.
7. Kuya Asian Pub — St Julian's
Kuya Asian Pub lives by "Eat like an Asian." Lots of well-priced starters — great for a casual dinner.
8. Maldonado Gozo — Victoria, Gozo
Maldonado Gozo is a Mediterranean bistro in Victoria with local seasonal cuisine at €€.
9. Roza Gozo — Victoria, Gozo
Roza Gozo offers modern Mediterranean with Gozitan local ingredients at €€.
10. AcquaBlu — Senglea
AcquaBlu is a good Italian restaurant in Senglea at €€. Great value when exploring the Three Cities.
Best Cheap Eats in Malta (€)
11. San Blas Kiosk — Nadur, Gozo
San Blas Kiosk is a hidden gem near San Blas Bay. Authentic Maltese food at € pricing — the best value on Gozo.
12. Pastizzerias (Everywhere)
Malta's pastizzerias sell pastizzi (flaky pastry parcels filled with ricotta or peas) for €0.50-1.00 each. Look for "Crystal Palace" in Rabat and any local pastizzeria.
13. Harbour Club Set Lunch — Valletta
Harbour Club offers €55 for two courses at dinner, but set lunch menus are even cheaper. Fine dining on a budget.
14. Grain Street — Valletta
Grain Street does small plates that add up to a good meal without breaking the bank.
15. Sottovento — Birgu
Sottovento serves Italian cuisine with pizza and seafood at €€. Good for a casual dinner in the Three Cities.
Tips for Eating Cheap in Malta
- Eat at pastizzerias — €0.50-1.00 per pastizzi
- Choose set lunch menus — many fine-dining restaurants offer 30-40% off at lunch
- Avoid tourist traps — restaurants on main squares are pricier
- Try the Three Cities — Birgu and Senglea are cheaper than Valletta
- Look for €€ pricing — our score system marks price bands
