Frankie Esposito

Too Good To Gatekeep

Frankie's favourite places, flavours and experiences around here

How to use this guide: If something catches your eye, simply click on its name and Google Maps will guide you there. When available, the Book button allows you to reserve a table or purchase tickets directly. You can also click the Website button to visit the official site for more information, reservations, tickets, etc.

Valletta, Malta
Our home away from home on this tour isExcelsior Valletta

Discover the enchanting allure of Valletta, where rich history and captivating culture unfold at every corner. Your stay at Excelsior Valletta promises an exquisite gateway to this UNESCO World Heritage gem, inviting you to explore its timeless beauty.

Where to Eat

Bar & Grill

A seasonal waterfront bar and grill located at the Grand Hotel Excelsior, featuring tropical cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired light bites with harbor views.

"Relax with tropical drinks and harbor views at this scenic waterfront spot."

2 min walk4.4Reservation recommended
WaterfrontHarbor ViewOutdoor Seating

Rubino

€€€

Restaurant

A historic, family-run restaurant since 1906, offering authentic Maltese and Italian cuisine in a charming, period-style dining room with a daily blackboard menu.

"Indulge in Michelin-recognized Maltese classics within one of Valletta's most storied and intimate settings."

14 min walk4.6Reservation recommended
Michelin Bib GourmandHistoric LandmarkFamily-Run

Guze

€€€

Bistro

An elegant bistro located within a 16th-century building, offering refined Mediterranean dishes made from fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced Maltese ingredients.

"Dine on exquisite local cuisine inside a beautifully restored historic 16th-century palazzo."

11 min walk4.7Reservation recommended
MICHELIN GuideHistoric AmbienceFine Dining

59 Republic

€€€

Chic Gastronomy

A chic and vibrant gastronomic hub located in the heart of Valletta, specializing in modern Mediterranean cuisine served in a glamorous, high-fashion atmosphere.

"Enjoy a fashionable, high-energy dining experience in the city's most prestigious square."

12 minutes4.7Reservation recommended
Best for LunchInstagram WorthyBest for Dinner

Michelin-Starred Fine Dining

Perched atop the Iniala Harbour House, this Michelin-starred sanctuary offers breathtaking Grand Harbour vistas and a hyper-seasonal tasting menu showcasing Malta’s finest sustainable ingredients.

"Experience unparalleled rooftop views and world-class sustainable gastronomy from Chef Simon Rogan."

16 minutes4.9Reservation recommended
Best for DinnerRomanticInstagram Worthy

Under Grain

€€€€

Contemporary Fine Dining

An exquisite Michelin-starred destination set within a refined vaulted cellar, delivering contemporary Mediterranean artistry and impeccable service for the most discerning palates.

"Indulge in refined Michelin-starred intimacy within a beautifully restored historical setting."

12 minutes4.8Reservation recommended
Best for DinnerRomanticHidden Gem

Noni

€€€€

Modern Maltese

Occupying a historic bakery, Noni seamlessly blends traditional Maltese heritage with modern culinary techniques, earning its Michelin star through bold, sophisticated, and memorable flavors.

"Taste the evolution of Maltese cuisine in a sophisticated, storied atmosphere."

14 minutes4.8Reservation recommended
Best for DinnerHidden GemBest for Rainy Day

Restaurant

Family-run restaurant led by celebrity chef Aaron Degabriele, offering a fusion of Maltese and Mediterranean flavors using fresh, seasonal ingredients in Valletta's historic heart.

"Savor authentic Maltese-Mediterranean fusion dishes from a renowned local chef in a charming setting."

14 min walk4.6Reservation recommended
Celebrity ChefMaltese CuisineMichelin Recommended

What to Do

Museum

Malta's national community art museum, housed in the historic Auberge d'Italie, featuring a diverse collection ranging from the 16th century to contemporary works.

"Discover Malta's artistic soul inside a stunningly restored 16th-century masterpiece of Baroque architecture."

13 min walk4.5€10 (senior €7.50)
Heritage MaltaHistoric LandmarkArt Collection

Museum

Located in the Baroque Auberge de Provence, this museum displays extraordinary prehistoric artifacts from Malta’s Neolithic and Temple periods, including the iconic Sleeping Lady.

"Witness the world-famous Sleeping Lady and Malta's remarkable 5,000-year-old archaeological treasures."

15 min walk4.5€5 (senior €3.50)
HistoryArchaeologyBaroque Architecture

Activity

An authentic artisan workshop specializing in traditional Maltese filigree, where master craftsmen create intricate silver and gold jewelry using traditional hand-twisting techniques.

"Watch master silversmiths at work and purchase genuine, handcrafted Maltese treasures."

Local ArtisanHandmadeCultural HeritageTraditional Craft

Public Garden & Panoramic Viewpoint

The crown jewel of Valletta's public spaces, providing an unrivaled vantage point over the majestic Grand Harbour and the historical fortifications of the Three Cities.

"For the most prestigious photographic opportunities and sunset views in the Mediterranean."

Instagram WorthyRomantic

Historical State Rooms & Armory

The recently restored administrative heart of Malta, showcasing magnificent State Rooms and one of the world's most impressive collections of knightly armor and weaponry.

"To explore the opulent legacy and military might of the Order of St. John."

Best for Rainy DayHidden Gem

Located 150 feet under the Upper Barracca Gardens and the Saluting Battery in Valletta, the Lascaris War Rooms represent one of Malta’s best kept secrets from World War Two.

"The War Rooms consist of a network of underground tunnels and chambers that housed Britain’s War HQ in Malta from where the defence of the island against Axis aggression was waged and all offensive operations in the Mediterranean were directed."

€20 (senior €19)

Aristocratic Heritage Home

An invitation into the private world of Maltese nobility, where centuries of history come alive within the walls of a lived-in 16th-century palace.

"An intimate, sophisticated encounter with Malta's living history and noble traditions."

15 minutes4.7Reservation recommended
Hidden GemRomantic

Cocktail Bar

A chic rooftop and lounge bar atop The Capital Boutique Hotel, offering panoramic city views, signature Mediterranean cocktails, and a refined, velvet-clad indoor lounge setting.

"Breathtaking panoramic views of Valletta's skyline paired with expertly crafted Mediterranean-inspired signature cocktails."

15 min walk4.5Reservation recommended
Rooftop ViewHandcrafted CocktailsSeasonal Venue

Street Food Stall

A popular local snack bar in Valletta specializing in traditional Maltese pastizzi, savory pastries, and quick bites at very affordable prices.

"Essential stop for authentic, budget-friendly Maltese pastizzi in the city center."

Cheap EatsLocal FavoriteOpen 24/7

Activity

A star-shaped 16th-century fortress housing the National War Museum, documenting Malta’s military history from the Great Siege to the World Wars.

"Explore a historic star-shaped fortress featuring iconic wartime artifacts and breathtaking Grand Harbour views."

19 min walk4.6€10 (senior €7.50)
Historic SiteMust SeePanoramic ViewsMuseum

Activity

An immersive 45-minute audio-visual show and guided tour of La Sacra Infermeria, detailing Malta's 7,000-year history within the historic Mediterranean Conference Centre.

"Essential introduction to Malta's 7,000-year history through a spectacular audio-visual documentary and hospital tour."

22 min walk4.3Reservation recommended€20
HistoryEducationAudio-VisualFamily FriendlyHistorical Site

Useful Info

Supermarket

A modern, conveniently located supermarket in Valletta's Savoy Arcade, offering fresh produce, groceries, a food-to-go section, and 24/7 service.

"Perfect for grabbing travel essentials, fresh snacks, or late-night supplies in the city center."

24/7 ServiceCentral LocationFresh Produce

Utility Service (Bank/ATM)

A major retail bank branch in central Valletta providing full financial services, account management, and reliable 24/7 ATM access on the main street.

"Convenient central location for currency exchange and 24-hour ATM access in the capital city."

24/7 ATMCurrency ExchangeFull Service Branch

Pharmacy

A historic and well-stocked pharmacy on Valletta's main street, providing essential health services, medications, and premium skincare products in a classic setting.

"Essential healthcare and professional advice conveniently located on Valletta's bustling main thoroughfare."

Central LocationHistoricPharmacy Services

Curated by Frankie Trip Leader