With the Mediterranean climate gracing Malta with over 300 days of sunshine, outdoor dining is embedded in the culture. Even in winter, as warm afternoons unfold, you’re bound to spot locals and visitors enjoying a casual lunch beneath the golden sun. And throughout spring and summer, as daylight stretches well into the evening, outdoor feasting continues till the stars are in full bloom. Beyond the island’s many charming seaside venues, Malta’s capital, Valletta, offers a distinct and historical setting for an unforgettable al fresco dining experience. Amidst the Baroque grandeur of the famed City of the Knights, your meal becomes a sensory journey backdropped by centuries of heritage. If you’re seeking the finest outdoor restaurants in Malta’s capital, here are two exceptional choices that promise a culinary experience as remarkable as the city itself.

Grain Street: Culinary Delights Amidst Historical Splendour

Found on Merchants Street, one of Valletta’s most popular thoroughfares, Grain Street should be on any foodie’s must-visit list while in Malta. Specialising in Mediterranean sharing plates, Grain Street has earned itself a Bib Gourmand, a Michelin nod that’s testament to the restaurant’s exceptional cuisine at great value.

The restaurant’s inviting interior, with its subtle Art Deco touches, offers a comfortable retreat right in the heart of the capital. But what really makes this restaurant stand out is its beautifully crafted dining platform outside on the street. From here, you’ll get to soak up the bustle of the city surrounded by centuries-old architecture, just opposite the historic Church of the Jesuits. There’s truly nowhere else like it in all of Malta.

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Grain Street encourages a laid-back dining experience. With a mix-and-match philosophy, guests can enjoy European-inspired cuisine, including snacks, charcuterie, and sharing plates, all prepared by the kitchen brigade behind the success of its Michelin-starred sister restaurant Under Grain. A well-curated wine list adds to the pleasure, making each sip and bite at Grain Street a colourful celebration of outdoor dining in Valletta.

Over Grain: Rooftop Dining with Panoramic Valletta Views

While Valletta’s charm is undeniable at street level, you can now experience its magic from a unique vantage point thanks to Over Grain. This lauded rooftop lounge atop the 5-star Rosselli AX Privilege, promises a higher state of unwind from where to enjoy an unforgettable outdoor dining experience with a twist.

Open in the evenings during spring and summer, Over Grain invites visitors to indulge in breathtaking views of Valletta from plush chairs designed for sinking in and savouring the moment. From here, you can marvel at Valletta’s architecture … including views of the cupola at the nearby Church of the Jesuits, iconic townhouses, and palazzos that define Valletta, with views stretching towards the glistening sea of the Grand Harbour.

The menu focuses on satisfying snacks and small plates, crafted by Executive Chef Victor Borg, the creative mind behind the Michelin-starred Under Grain. Accompanied by a curated selection of handcrafted cocktails, premier champagnes, and vintage wines, the outdoor dining experience at Over Grain is one of a kind, ensuring its place as one of the best restaurants in Valletta with a view.

More dining inspiration from AX Hotels

For additional dining inspiration in Malta, AX Hotels presents a diverse array of options. Indulge in Asian fusion cuisine with breathtaking Sliema vistas at TemptAsian’s rooftop terrace. Relish Mediterranean feasts at Minoa, complemented by stunning coastline panoramas in Qawra. Enjoy gastropub delights with a side order of sea views at Cheeky Monkey. There’s plenty of other enticing offerings to explore across our hotels in Valletta, Qawra, and Sliema.