Home > Travel > Malta > Sunday Lunch in Malta

Sunday Lunch in Malta: Where We Ate & What We Loved

Some of my links may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I might earn a small commission at no cost to you. See our Privacy Policy for details. And this post was crafted with care and occasional typos by Colleen (and not AI)

Gerry often gets a raw deal when we travel. He LOVES food and discovering new flavours but travelling with me means gluten-free, dairy-free and constantly calculating what’s safe to eat.

On our walking tour in Valletta, our guide talked a lot about food!  She told us that Sunday lunch in Malta isn’t just a meal but remains very much a family tradition. She described tables piled high with everyone gathered round and it reminded us a little of our own childhood Sundays.

She told us to go to a local favourite if we wanted a proper Maltese meal – in the small  town of Mgarr.  We booked and went and tucked into what might just be the best Sunday lunch in Malta.

From here we wondered if we could we find more incredible places to eat, including places that cater for gluten-free or dairy-free travellers like me? Turns out we could. Read on for our top choices!

Why Sunday Lunch Matters in Malta

We took two food tours in Valletta—a walking tour and a specialist food tour—and if there was one thing we learned, it’s that food really matters in Malta.

Like so many Mediterranean cultures, sharing food is at the heart of life here. My son once reminded me that the French word for friend, copain, literally means the one I share bread with. I love that—and it sums up how we feel about food.

In Malta, Sunday lunch continues to be a part of family life. Traditionally, families would gather after church—but these days, our guide explained that for her family at least, her mother cooks once a month—and everyone comes. No excuses. And it’s how they stay close.

That resonated with us and maybe you too?  We’ve always believed that, no matter what’s happening, we sit and eat together as a family. And with Gerry being a huge fan of local food, we knew finding the perfect place for his Sunday lunch was a must during our time in Malta.

Best Sunday Lunch in Malta – A Quick Shortlist

Looking for a quick shortlist? Here are our top Sunday lunch spots in Malta, based on where we ate and what we loved.  If one of these grabs your attention then click the link below to read our full review :

Our Fabulous Sunday Lunch in Mgarr

We were told that if we really wanted to eat like locals, we should head to Mgarr for Sunday lunch. Luckily, we had a car—so off we went.

The tour guide recommended United in Mgarr, specifically for the rabbit stew. That was all Gerry needed to hear. We found their website, booked a table in advance, and let them know about my gluten and dairy-free needs—no problem at all they said.

Top Tip:  There are two ‘United’ options in Mgarr. We were specifically directed to United Behind the Church—so when you’re looking, double-check you’re booking the right one. I’ve linked their website below.

Gerry’s Review of Our Sunday Lunch in Mgarr At United (Behind the Church).

Around the coast and in Valletta there are a good choice of restaurants if you search them out but be careful as some cater for tourists. So being told to go inland and off the beaten track for more traditional fare is just what I love.

We were told the best place was United in Mgarr.  We drove and parked near the church and made our way into a very Maltese style restaurant full of local clientele. I suspect we were the only tourists as a lot of Maltese was being spoken. It had a great atmosphere!

Getting to Mgarr: It’s not the easiest place to reach from the beaches or Valletta. We drove and made it part of a day trip but there is a bus! Check the Local Maltese Bus website for times to see if they work for your visit. 

Romano greeted us warmly, took the time to go through Colleen’s options, and helped us pick a local wine that paired perfectly with our meal. It all felt very professional.

We started with a Maltese Platter—olives, capers, cold cuts, pates, tomatoes, artichokes, bread, and crackers. We were full before the main even arrived!

I don’t usually go for platters, because of cross-contamination of hidden gluten.  I was so impressed with the care Romano took—he confirmed everything and Gerry’s bread and crackers were plated separately. I felt confident that this was GF and I could relax and enjoy—so this felt like such a treat.

As a small island with few cattle it’s not surprising that rabbit is the national dish, typically fried or stewed. For the main course, I chose the rabbit and I wasn’t disappointed. It was rich and earthy with a hint of cinnamon; it reminded me a lot of North African cuisine. Colleen opted for a very appetising duck breast and it was cooked exactly how she likes it.

I’m not a big meat eater like Gerry, but I had plenty of options to choose from; and the duck was just perfect and cooked really well too!

We were both too full for desserts but they looked as appetising as the other courses, we opted instead for coffee.

Desserts are usually impossible for me, which is so sad!  But if I’d had room, there were options—which was pretty impressive!  And I have to say I’d found a number of sweet GF treats in Valletta so I didn’t feel too sad!

A couple of hours after arriving, we left very full and happy with our choice. Service was still in full flow; I suspect Sunday Lunch would continue for a few more hours. If you are looking to experience a traditional Maltese Sunday lunch then I would thoroughly recommend United in Mgarr!

Website : https://www.unitedmgarr.com

Other Perfect Sunday Lunch Spots in Malta (Top-Rated Places Locals Love)

You’ve probably guessed that Gerry’s a bit of a foodie, and I’m always on the lookout for a gluten-free treat! We love researching food in new destinations—and we almost always take a food tour. (The one in Valletta was brilliant!)

So, in the name of research, we dug a little deeper into the Sunday lunch scene in Malta and found a few more little gems. If you’re after somewhere special for your own Sunday feast, here are few that really stood out.

1. Adesso

We were searching for a great restaurant in Valletta and Gerry found Adesso. One of their featured dishes was pork—and that was all he needed to hear!

Why Folks Love It: Reviews praise both the food and the service, and we can’t argue with that. The menu leans towards southern European cuisine, there’s loads of choice, and it really feels like a place to treat yourself.

Gluten-Free: While there aren’t specific gluten-free options listed on the menu, the team are happy to make suggestions—and, just like the restaurant in Mgarr, they’ll do their best to cater for gluten-free requirements. As always, contact them directly to discuss dietary needs in advance.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options: There are some vegetarian dishes on the menu, but it’s definitely meat and seafood heavy—so probably not ideal for vegans. That said, the staff are very accommodating if you ask ahead of time.

Any Concerns: This is a popular spot and can get quite busy, so service might be a bit slower during peak times.

Cost: Prices are reasonable for the quality and location. Expect to pay around €33 for a ribeye steak and from €23 for the pork duo.

Reservation: Due to its popularity and limited size, we’d recommend booking in advance.

Website: https://adesso.com.mt/

2. Diar il-Bniet

When we walked across Malta on our jolly hike, one thing that really stood out was the number of gardens still growing salads and soft fruit in November—cherry tomatoes and strawberries still on the vine! It’s no wonder that restaurants like Diar il-Bniet continue to serve fresh, seasonal, farm-to-table dishes all year round.

Why Folks Love It: Diar il-Bniet is celebrated for its authentic Maltese cuisine and its farm-to-table ethos. There’s a rustic charm to the place, and it’s clear that everything is made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant offers a genuine taste of traditional Maltese dishes and is loved for it!

Gluten-Free Options: Although gluten-free options aren’t listed on the menu, the team are happy to accommodate where they can—just let them know when you book so they’re prepared.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options: There are plenty of vegetable-based dishes, but vegan choices might be more limited. Again, it’s best to ask in advance if you have specific requirements.

Any Concerns: This is a traditional restaurant with a strong ethos—if that’s your thing, you’ll love it. The menu is more limited than some others, and it’s popular, so do expect it to be busy.

Cost: Starters are around €10 and mains from €20. We thought it was great value for the quality of produce.

Reservation: With limited seating and high demand, booking is essential.

Website: https://diarilbniet.com/the-restaurant/

3. Harbour By Johann

We stayed in Marsaxlokk and passed this restaurant most days. Gerry loves seafood and I’m allergic to shellfish (and yes—I know—could I be more complicated?). But I do like fish, and I enjoyed a lovely grilled salmon, while Gerry got stuck into the shellfish.

Why Folks Love It: Located right in Marsaxlokk, Harbour By Johann is well known for its fresh seafood and friendly service. It’s also got a great view of the harbour.

Gluten-Free: It’s not specifically gluten-free, but the staff are knowledgeable. The fish is cooked fresh, so I felt confident with my choices of fish and salad. In general, awareness of celiac is very good on the island—just make sure you mention it when booking.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options: The focus is definitely seafood, so vegetarian options may be limited, and vegan choices more so.

Any Concerns: This isn’t fine dining, but it’s honest, well-prepared seafood. It’s not the cheapest, but given the location and freshness, it’s still great value.

Cost: Dishes like the catch of the day are typically priced around €25–30.

Reservation: Recommended—especially on weekends, holidays, or when the town gets busier with day-trippers from Valletta.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/harbourbyjohann/

4. Salia

We walked from Mellieha to Popeye Village and back again, and definitely worked up an appetite in the process! We ended up at Salia—and it turned out to be a great choice.

Why Folks Love It: Salia is part of the DB Resort Hotel, but it’s open to everyone. You can dine inside or out, and if you sit on the terrace, you’ll get a lovely view over Malta’s largest sandy beach. The menu has a strong Italian influence with loads of options, so there’s something for everyone.

Gluten-Free: They’re very gluten-aware and there were plenty of choices. If you book ahead, let them know in advance so they can be prepared.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options: There are vegetarian dishes and with notice the chef will accommodate vegan requests. ​

Any Concerns: Not really! This is a really popular restaurant. Prices are reasonable, there’s lots of room and service is good and we felt the food lives up to the reviews.

Cost: There’s a wide range of dishes, but if you’re on a budget, pizzas start from around €10.

Reservation: Definitely book ahead. We turned up on a sunny day in November and it was fine, but for Sunday lunch or during the summer months, I wouldn’t risk this.

Website: https://www.dbhotelsresorts.com/en/Salia-Mellieha

5. Venus Restaurant

Another great find—and perfect if you like family-run restaurants. There’s a solid selection of gluten-free options, including pasta, and their Sunday lunch menu is excellent.

Why Folks Love It: While it’s in a more touristy part of town, Venus remains a firm local favourite thanks to consistently good food and attentive service. It’s ideal for Sunday lunch, but also great for a special occasion.

Gluten-Free Options: The restaurant offers a wide range of dishes, and while gluten-free options aren’t specifically marked on the menu, they’re happy to accommodate dietary needs—including pasta dishes.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options: The menu includes vegetarian options, and the chef will do their best to accommodate vegan requests with notice—so do explain when booking.

Any Concerns: Not much to fault here. A few reviews mention it can feel a little cramped at times—we didn’t find that in November, but it may be different during the peak season.

Cost: This is a quality restaurant and prices reflect that. Mains start from around €20, with steaks like the ribeye closer to €35.

Reservation: Advance booking is highly recommended, especially on weekends—this is a well-known favourite.

Website: https://venusrestaurantmalta.com/

6. Westin Dragonara

We didn’t eat here, so I’ll hold my hands up to that—but it was on our list. Many of the big-name hotel brands in Malta offer buffet-style Sunday lunches, and while reviews are sometimes mixed, the Westin consistently ranks among the best. We’ll have to save it for next time!

Why Folks Love It: The Terrace Restaurant at the Westin Dragonara Resort is known across the island for its fabulous Sunday buffet, offering a wide range of both local and international dishes.

Gluten-Free: While gluten-free options aren’t specifically highlighted, the variety on offer suggests you’ll find suitable choices—and the hotel caters for special dietary requirements if notified in advance.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options: The buffet includes a solid selection of vegetarian dishes. Vegan options are likely more limited, so it’s worth asking ahead of time if this is important to you.

Any Concerns: Reviews are generally excellent, though a few guests noted that not every item hit the mark—which is somewhat expected with large buffets. Overall, it’s still considered one of the island’s top hotel restaurants.

Cost: It’s not the cheapest option, at €55 per person, but that includes wine, drinks, and full access to the buffet.

Reservation: Advance booking is highly recommended—it’s one of the most popular spots for hotel Sunday lunch.

Website: https://www.morecravings.com/en/venues/the-terrace-restaurant/menu/13446

Honorary Mentions For More Amazing Food

I know this post is all about Sunday lunch in Malta—but I couldn’t leave without mentioning a few fabulous places that really stood out for us.

A Little Reminder About Our Maltese Food Tour

Gerry really does love his food—he’ll eat almost anything (with the exception of goat’s cheese!). Over the years, we’ve found that one of the best ways for him to indulge his passion—and for me to eat safely—is to reach out to a food tour operator and ask if they can accommodate my dietary needs.

That’s exactly what we did in Malta, and the result was a brilliant experience. We ate well, learned loads, and discovered places we might never have found on our own.

Booking a tour didn’t mean I could eat everything—but it does mean there was a local guide on hand to speak on my behalf. Between us, there was always something I could enjoy, and I never felt like I was missing out.

If like me you have special dietary requirements, a food tour can be a fantastic way to explore a new destination—but definitely reach out in advance to make sure they can cater for you.

Was This the Best Sunday Lunch in Malta?

This post has ended up more like a memory board of all the incredible food we enjoyed in Malta—and revisiting it all makes me want to book a return flight. Maltese cuisine has been shaped by so many great cultures over the centuries, and that rich history is most evident in the islands fabulous food.

In many tourist-heavy destinations, food can sometimes feel a little underwhelming. But not in Malta. And if you’re after a proper Sunday lunch, you won’t be alone—Sunday lunch is still very much a thing in Malta. While many locals gather at home with family, others head out to their favourite restaurant—and now you can too!

One thing we learned during our time on the islands is that there are some truly great options to choose from. Sunday lunch in Malta, much like the island itself, is surprisingly traditional, with a modern twist—and there’s something for everyone.

Planning More Time in Malta?

If you’re curious about exploring more of the island, we’ve got a few posts that might help you plan your trip—or inspire your next one:

Fingers crossed they give you some inspiration for your visit —or tempt you to book one soon!