I flew through the quiet cobblestone corridor and landed in front of a spectacular view in Malta Valletta. Twinkle lights were casting the perfect dawn aesthetic, hung perfectly above several flights of descending stairs. Chairs painted in hues of exotic tones of green, blue and red lined the sloping stairs. I grabbed my stomach as it loudly grumbled, almost jumping out of my body. I needed food!
Around the corner there was a quaint health food restaurant where the colors seemed to be emanating from. I slowly walked over and kindly introduced myself, “Hi! I notice you have vegan muffins, are they gluten-free too?”
“Hello! Why yes they are”, the waiter replied. “We also have other gluten-free options as well”. A contented smile gently filled my face, as I had hit the jackpot with finding a vegan(ish) restaurant with gluten-free options while rooming Malta Valletta one Tuesday afternoon.
Valletta is located on the beautiful Malta Island, and is the Malta capital. The island is found amongst the aqua waters of the Mediterranean Sea just south of Italy, and North of the Coast of Africa.
Historically, Malta’s strategic position between the two continents made this region highly coveted for control. Today, Malta’s history is can be witnessed through several UNESCO World Heritage sites, the beautiful Maltese language, and the distinctive Malta food.
As a vegan-ish traveler with a gluten-free diet, there are countless yummy health restaurants in Malta Valletta to try. There are dairy-free alternatives, vegan food, and the traditional Maltese cuisine ready to be delved into stomach first.
Here are some of best allergy-friendly restaurants in the city.
If you’re traveling throughout Europe, read through these popular posts for more vegan food guides in Europe:
Where to find vegan food in Malta Valletta:
Some of the best restaurants in Malta are easily found in downtown Valletta. In fact, there’s an abundance of choices, so it’s extremely hard to go wrong when dining out in Valletta. You’ll find a plethora of grab and go options, cozy restaurants, and fancier restaurants with a notable milieu of twinkle lights and romantic vibes.
An overview of the streets in Malta Valletta
In particular you’ll find excellent Malta restaurants on:
Republic Street. With a jaw dropping entrance through the City Gate, this is the main street in Valletta. The streets are lined with food stalls and colorful merchant stores. Additionally, as you continue down the street, you’ll find open squares with elegant restaurants, and inviting side streets with tasty food choices to explore.
St. Lucy Street. The famed descending staircase street, or ascending staircase, depending on what way you’re coming from. Besides that, this street offers one of the most serene ambiances while dining – colorful doors, twinkle lights and yummy Maltese food.
Strait Street is a vibrant street filled with live performances, bars, and restaurants. If you love night live, this street is worth checking out. During our walking tour, our guide mentioned out of all the places to eat, this street has some of the best restaurants in Malta.
Merchant Street. Here you’ll an abundance of restaurants and a delicious sweet shop that attracts both locals and tourists alike.
Restaurants in Malta Valletta
Eeet Well
Price: $
Address: 65, 66 Triq Il-Merkanti, Il-Belt, Valletta, Malta
Eeet Well is a tasty restaurant in Malta Valletta to grab a quick bit to eat. They serve healthy juices, fruit smoothies, salads and wraps to so you can take food on the run. While it’s not a fully vegan restaurant, they have an excellent selection of vegan smoothies to choose from or a vegan wrap.
The wrap isn’t gluten-free, but it can easily be made into a salad for an easy gluten-free vegan lunch.
For the non-vegans, they have other options here as well. I always like to include both vegan and non –vegan as my husband and I can be polar opposites when it comes to food. He doesn’t have any (or worry about traveling with) food allergies, while I’m allergic to both dairy and gluten – here’s how I found out.
At this health food restaurant, you’ll find food for each type of diet.
Website information
Pro tip: If you have food allergies here are some resources for traveling with food allergies, staying healthy while traveling, and a travel checklist.
Piadina Café
Price: $$
Address: 24 Triq Santa Lucija, Valletta, Island of Malta
Piadina Café is one of my favorite restaurants with healthy food options. The restaurant is situated on a side alley atop of a small hill, with colorful bright red and blue chairs lining the walkway. They have a wide array of selections including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
In particular, you’ll find focaccias, hearty soups, loaded sandwiches (or gluten-free sandwiches), and flat breads to share with the tables. Additionally, at the restaurant there’s a plethora of beverage options from cappuccinos to healthy smoothies, coffee and dessert.
I had a gluten-free artichoke chicken sandwich and strawberry smoothie – it was heavenly! The delightful combination of sweet flavors from the artichoke and fluffy consistency from the bread was excellent.
It’s an excellent pit stop for breakfast and lunch while enjoying the photogenic ambiance of the vibrant hued doors.
Website information
Beati Paoli Restaurant
Price: $$$
Address: 240, St. Paul Str, Valletta, Island of Malta
Located in the heart of Valletta is this quaint restaurant with a beautiful ambiance. It offers Italian cuisine featuring exquisite pasta dishes and traditional Maltese foods. On the menu you’ll find rabbit, sea bass and veal for the non-vegans. But you’ll also find pasta dishes that can easily be swapped for a vegan dish by asking for no clams on your pasta.
There are also antipasto dishes (hold the cheese for dairy-free folks please), vegetable medleys, cappuccinos, coffee and dessert. If you want an elegant restaurant experience, try the Beati Paoli Restaurant.
Website information
IM pasta
Price: $$
Address: Triq-18-4 Dobbie, San Ġiljan, Malta
Pasta, pasta, gluten-free pasta and more piquant pasta! If you’re craving some Italian food in Malta, IMpasta serves a variety of dishes for all types of diets. Here you’ll find pasta ranging from classic hearty tomato sauce to pasta topped with pungent capers, spicy chili, aromatic basil and olives.
There’s also lasagna and a couple of appetizers ranging from hot to cold dishes. Not to mention, there’s also rich dessert options– tiramisu, panna cotta, cheesecake and more.
Website information
Dr. Juice
Price: $
Address: 54 Republic St, Valletta, Malta
Dr. Juice is a tasty place to grab a health smoothie or juice as you continue touring around the beautiful island. It’s a great healthy travel snack if you’re out exploring and want to keep moving. They have dairy-free smoothies, protein smoothies, plant-powered smoothies and many more options.
In addition, you’ll find vegan and gluten-free muffins to take away. They don’t make them in store, so you don’t have to worry about cross-contamination (if you need help creating a cross-contamination kit, click here to see what I use.)
If you stop by here the carrot muffin is heavenly! It’s filled with robust flavors and sweet smelling aromas. Plus, they’ll even warm it up for you!
Website information
Soul Food
Price: $$
Address: 76 Merchants St, Valletta, Malta
Found near the Grandmaster’s Palace is the vegan restaurant in Valletta called Soul Food. Here you’ll find vegan and vegetarian friendly options to enjoy, ranging from Buddha bowls to pasta dishes and vegan meatballs.
This restaurant also has vegan dessert such as raw carrot cake, various other delicate cakes, freshly squeezed juices and wine.
Website information
Pro tip: If you’re a gluten-free traveler, they do have some gluten-free options. I had to double check with the staff to see what foods could be made gluten-free.
Falafel Street
Price: $
Address: 4, Ordnance St, Valletta, Malta
This restaurant serves fresh gluten-free vegan falafels and Lebanese kababs. Enjoy these delectable items with your choice of fresh veggies, hummus or tahini for a gluten free lunch. Or you can opt for a warm pita or wrap.
On the other hand, one of the best things about this restaurant is you can order the falafels individually. Plus, they come with a side of creamy tahini dipping sauce. You can leisurely stroll through the city or eat at Freedom Square to soak up the cheery ambiance of Valletta, like my husband and I did.
Website information
Theobroma
Price: $
Address: 123 Old Theatre Street, Il-Belt Valletta, Malta
This cozy mom and pop shop is a tasty eatery for enjoying dessert in Valletta. It’s a vegan bakery offering a wide selection of raw cacao desserts. These scrumptious vegan treats are perfectly showcased on display, so it’s fairly easy to select your desert of choice.
While it’s not a sit down shop, there are several places to find a spot to sit down if you prefer, such as the squares – St. George Square, Freedom Square, Republic Squares, Pjazza Jean de la Vallette.
You can also continue wandering down the cobblestone streets of Valletta, adventuring while you go.
Website information
Submarine
Price: $
Address: Merchant 42 B, Valletta, Malta
Located on Merchant Street, Submarine offers a plethora of quick eat dishes. It’s a great choice for both brunch and lunch, as they have a cute outdoor eating area. This restaurant offers various subs, pasta dishes, alcoholic beverages and more.
Everything looked amazing while we were visiting, and their sandwiches were quite big. You’ll find vegan, vegetarian, and some gluten-free options. Although they don’t have gluten-free bread or wraps, you can easily opt for an alternative.
Website information
IL Teatro
Price: $$
Address: VLT1437, 56 Old Theatre Street, Valletta, Malta
IL Teatro is another Italian restaurant located in the city center of Valletta, Malta. This eatery serves all the classic Italian food from marguerite pizza to fettucine or spaghetti. Similarly, you’ll also find calzones, focaccia, and various types of antipasto dishes.
What I love about this restaurant is that the menu is clearly labeled for an allergy-friendly dining experience. There are gluten free options, dairy-free foods, lactose-free options, vegetarian dishes and a “contain nuts” emblem to clearly mark the different dishes.
In fact, all of their penne and spaghetti noodles can be made gluten-free! Plus, their pizzas can be made vegan-friendly by swapping out the cheese for another topping. With so many options, a clearly marked menu, and a friendly staff, this is a wonderful location to enjoy your meal.
Website information
Other restaurants to consider in Malta Valletta:
- Luciano – A Mediterranean and Italian restaurant that serves everything from pizza, burgers, and salads to traditional Maltese food. All the vegetarian options are clearly labeled on the menu. It’s found at 21-22 Merchant Street, Valletta, Malta
- That’s Amore – Serves traditional Maltese and Italian food. It’s located on Merchant Street with a cute outdoor dining area at 27, Merchant’s Street, Valletta, Malta
- No. 43 – a health conscious restaurant serving a wide assortment of food ranging from homemade soups, freshly made sandwiches, tasty salads and desserts. It’s located at 43 Merchant St, Valletta, Malta
- Sesame – This restaurant is a Dim Sum and noodle bar (one of the few Chinese restaurants in Valletta) that offers vegetarian options. They also have gluten-free beers. It’s found at 31 Old Theater Street, Valletta, Island of Malta.
Beautiful Christmas Markets Around The Globe
Amazing I didn’t realise Malta had such a vibrant culinary scene
Malta looks fun to visit, and now I must visit for all the yummy food! Just another reason to go 😉
LOL, couldn’t agree more Megan 😉
All that food looks so good! Thanks for the tips, as a foodie I always love to know the best places to eat when I travel!
Thanks Ophelie!
Wow Valletta looks like a foodie’s dream! I would love to go here and try all of the food – your photos look incredible.
Aw, thanks Krista! Highly recommend visiting if you’re a foodie 🙂
Valletta looks like a perfect place for a history buff and a foodie. There are so many wonderful options!!! This post surely got me hungry and craving for some scrumptious Maltese and Mediterranean food.
That’s a perfect description of Valletta — delicious food and rich history–love it!
Uff look at all those food plates- salivating just looking at them. You seem to have thoroughly explored your palate in Malta and this one makes for a fantastic post for anyone traveling there for the first time 🙂
Hahaha so happy I could help Shalzmojo!
Okay wow you just made me super hungry hehe! It’s so good to know that you can find many vegan foods around the city, I wanna visit Valletta even more know!
LOL you really can and they’re tasty too! Happy travels
Oh we had a desert from Theobroma. It was amazing. Totally agree. I loved Malta and loved your post too 💛
Right! I had to go back for seconds :). Thanks Sharon!