Valletta is a city of many moods. Some days, you’ll want to enjoy it as a grand open-air museum, filled with baroque splendour and stories from centuries past. Other days, experience it as a laid-back and sun-drenched city, perfect for wandering through side streets, browsing boutiques, or stopping for a coffee in a centuries-old piazza. It’s many other things too: a cultural hub, a shopping haven, a theatre district, a historic maze, and thanks to the city’s thriving food scene, it’s also home to some of the most exciting places to eat in Malta.
Naturally, with so many Valletta restaurants to explore, choosing where to dine depends on your mood. And that’s exactly why Grain has become a favourite among visitors and locals alike. Located along Merchants Street, Grain brings together three distinct dining concepts, each suited to a different kind of experience, yet all united by a passion for exceptional food, service, and atmosphere.
Whether you’re seeking refined elegance, relaxed sociability, rooftop views, or a taste of Valletta’s cultural soul, here’s your mood-matching guide to the best places to eat Valletta.
For a Relaxed Mood: Grain Street
If your idea of the perfect lunch or dinner is something casual yet delicious, then Grain Street is your match. With its chic interiors and lively outdoor dining platform set right on Merchants Street, it’s one of the most popular places to eat in Valletta for guests who want flavour without the fuss.
A Bib Gourmand restaurant, Grain Street is widely recognised for serving exceptional food at great value, such as Mediterranean-inspired sharing plates, seasonal specials, and beautifully crafted favourites. The menu embraces a mix-and-match philosophy, encouraging guests to graze, share, and discover new flavours together.
Whether you’re popping in for a relaxed breakfast, a spontaneous lunch, or a fun dinner with friends, this is one of the best places to eat in Valletta for a casual, feel-good dining experience. Add in a well-curated wine list or one of our signature cocktails, and you’ve got the ideal stop for anyone exploring the many places to eat Valletta offers with personality and charm.
For a Gourmet Mood: Under Grain
When you’re in the mood to elevate the evening into something truly memorable, Under Grain is your go-to restaurant. Located within the same palazzo that houses Rosselli AX Privilege, it stands proudly among the top Valletta restaurants and is celebrated across the island as one of the finest places to eat in Malta.
Under Grain holds a Michelin Star, an honour it has maintained for five consecutive years. Here, Executive Chef Victor Borg and his talented brigade craft menus that balance modern creativity with classic French technique. Expect seasonal tasting menus, refined à la carte options, and dishes that celebrate premium ingredients through bold, harmonious flavours.
The setting inside an intimate vaulted cellar offers the perfect backdrop for romantic dinners, celebration meals, or a special treat during your city break. For diners searching for the best places to eat in Valletta, Under Grain is always at the top of the list.
For an Elevated Mood: Over Grain (Summer Only)
Sometimes you want a drink with a view, and in Valletta, those views become magical as the sun sets over the city’s rooftops. Open during the summer months, Over Grain is an intimate rooftop lounge where you can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, spirits, wines, and sparkling creations served in a refined, relaxed setting.
While no dining service is offered here (only light gourmet nibbles), Over Grain is the ideal complement to an evening at Grain Street or Under Grain. Start your night with a pre-dinner Negroni or end with a nightcap under the warm Maltese sky. With its striking views over Merchants Street and historic rooftops, Over Grain stands out as one of the most atmospheric Valletta places to eat and drink, even if the focus is purely on the beverages.
For a Cultural Mood: Valletta’s Food Heritage
Valletta is a feast for the senses in ways that extend beyond restaurants. If you’re exploring the city’s cultural side, you’ll be delighted by the array of places to eat in Valletta that showcase Maltese traditions and global influences.
A great starting point Is-Suq Tal-Belt, the historic market at the heart of Merchants Street. This restored landmark features a bustling food court with international cuisines ranging from Asian street food to Turkish grills, perfect for grabbing a quick bite between sightseeing stops.
Then there are the classic Maltese café spots and street vendors, where you can try traditional treats like pastizzi (flaky pastries filled with ricotta or peas), and ftira (a beloved local sandwich served in crusty Maltese bread and filled with tuna, olives, tomatoes, and capers). These flavours offer a glimpse into Malta’s culinary soul and add dimension to your search for authentic places to eat in Malta.
Grain’s trio of venues sits right at the centre of this cultural mix, making them a perfect anchor for your day of exploring Valletta restaurants and street-level food traditions.
For Those Special Occasion Moods: Combine Your Grain Experience
If you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or milestone, Grain offers more than just excellent places to eat Valletta, it offers complete experiences. Start with cocktails at Over Grain, continue with dinner at Under Grain, and return the next day for a relaxed breakfast or lunch at Grain Street. With three venues under one brand, Grain makes it easy to tailor your evening based on your mood and plans.
Book Your Grain Experience on Merchants Street
With its blend of heritage, atmosphere, and delectable cuisine, Grain stands out among the best places to eat in Valletta. Whether you’re in the mood for Michelin dining, relaxed sharing plates, or summer rooftop cocktails, Grain offers something for every kind of diner exploring the many places to eat in Malta’s capital.
To make a reservation, or to ask about special requests to personalise your visit, our team is here to help you experience the very best of dining on Merchants Street.