Halal Food in Malta: 15 Best Halal Restaurants to Try Now
If you’re a Muslim visiting this small country in the Mediterranean, you may wonder if it’s easy to find halal food in Malta.
To help you out, I have compiled a list of the best-rated halal restaurants on the island, that you need to consider visiting during your holiday!
Does Malta have halal food?
According to the 2022 census, nearly 7% of the population of Malta are Muslim. The country’s history has Arab influences, which are not only reflected in the local architecture and the Maltese language, but in the local foods as well. As such, there is a good number of halal restaurants in Malta to choose from, as well as a few halal butchers that provide halal meat.
In this guide, I’m hoping to help anyone wanting to find the best places to eat halal food in Malta. Most of the halal restaurants in Malta are located in Valletta, Sliema, Il-Gżira, St Julian’s and St Paul’s Bay.
Is Maltese food halal?
Although Malta has plenty of Arab influences in its cuisine, many of Malta’s traditional foods are not halal, as they contain pork or alcohol (prohibited ingredients in Islamic dietary laws). Some traditional foods, however, may be halal (such as seafood or vegetarian dishes).
Some traditional Maltese foods that may be halal:
Pastizzi
Malta’s national snack is a flaky and crunchy savoury pastry, traditionally filled with mushy peas or ricotta cheese. Other filling options may include anchovies, corned beef, or apple.
Ftira
Ftira is a leavened bread, usually served filled with ingredients such as tuna, capers, sardines, potato, fresh tomato, onion, and olives.
Kapunata
This is a summer salad made with fresh vegetables and fruits, like a Maltese version of the French dish ratatouille.
Lampuki pie
Made with lampuki (dolphinfish), a fish that swims the waters of Malta, this pie normally includes ingredients such as tomatoes, mint, capers, onions, and olives. However, recipes vary throughout the country, so no lampuki pie is the same.
Imqaret
This traditional Maltese pastry is traitionally filled with a mix of dates, citrus, and spices. Then, it’s deep-fried and powdered with sugar – sometimes served with a scoop of ice cream on the side.
Aljotta
This traditional fish soup is popular during Lent, when meat consumption is forbidden.
It is advisable to check directly with the restaurants or providers if a specific food or dish is halal before consumption. To know if a restaurant is halal, look for the halal certification logo (from recognised organisations such as the Halal Certification Authority or the Halal Food Council of Europe), or confirm with the restaurant or food provider directly.
There are also halal food apps available that can help you find halal food in Malta. Two of the most popular ones are Zabihah and HalalTrip.
If you’re looking for an itinerary to visit Malta, check out my 7-10 Day Itinerary to Visit Malta Without a Car.
15 Best Halal Restaurants in Malta
1. MÉZ
4.9 ★ | Indo Coastal Cuisine | St Julian’s | €€€€
Concept: MÉZ wins the hearts of seafood lovers as the top Indian seafood restaurant and bar in Spinola Bay, St Julians. The restaurant’s goal is to rediscover the cuisines connected by the Indian Ocean, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Kenya, Mauritius, and India at its very core.
Why go? For a relaxing dining atmosphere and the well-crafted and varied food menu, packed with flavour. It is a sister restaurant to the acclaimed Naan Bar in Valletta.
Address: 102 Triq Spinola San Ġiljan, STJ 3019, Malta (Guest Entrance from Spinola Bay waterfront)
Contact: https://mezrestaurants.com/
2. BeirutBay
4.8 ★ | Lebanese cuisine | Sliema | €€-€€€
Concept: Home of award-winning falafel in Malta, BeirutBay prides itself in serving authentic traditional Lebanese dishes.
Why go? For quality food made from scratch, and plenty of vegetarian- and vegan-friendly options. High praise for the atmosphere and friendly service from the hospitable staff.
Address: 57 St Francis St Sliema, SLM 2062, Malta
Contact: https://www.beirutbayrestaurants.com/wordpress/
3. Ali Baba
4.7 ★ | Lebanese cuisine | Il-Gżira | €€€
Concept: Started as a family-owned restaurant in 1987, Ali Baba is now a household name for authentic Lebanese cuisine in Malta. Known for serving genuine culinary heritage passed down the generations, the restaurant pairs flavoursome homemade food with excellent service and an elegant environment.
Why go? For perfectly-cooked Lebanese food and staff guiding you on what dishes to try. The menu also offers plenty of tasty options for vegetarians.
Address: 9, Sir Ponsonby Street, Gżira, Malta
Contact: https://alibaba.hanyharb.com/
4. Olive House
4.7 ★ | Lebanese fusion | Sliema | €
Concept: Middle Eastern restaurant offering a broad menu with plenty of options, including vegetarian dishes.
Why go? For affordable and no-frills food options, available for take-out and to order via Wolt & Bolt.
Address: 6, St. Vincent, Sliema, Malta
Contact: https://www.facebook.com/olivehousemalta
5. Nargile Lounge
4.7 ★ | Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine | Marsaskala | €€
Concept: This (twice) Good Guide Award-wining restaurant is fully halal, and brings together cuisines from all over North Africa, the Middle East, and India under one menu.
Why go? For a dining option in the south of Malta, as this is the only halal restaurant on this list from the area. The restaurant is praised for affordable prices and generous portions, as well as the relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff.
Address: Triq Tal Gardiel, Wied il-Għajn, Marsaskala, Malta
Contact: https://www.nargilelounge.com/
6. Naan Bar
4.6 ★ | Modern Indian cuisine | Valletta | €€
Concept: Located in the heart of Valletta, Naan Bar is establishing itself as one of the leading food spots for modern Indian cuisine in Malta. With a vibrant bar on the ground floor, and an intimate dining area on the lower ground, the restaurant promises serving a contemporary take on nostalgic traditional dishes.
Why go? For Muslims seeking an absolute guarantee of halal service, Naan Bar ensures the highest compliance with Islamic dietary laws – from working with halal-certified meat suppliers to ensuring hygienic preparation and storage of ingredients. Apart from halal foods, the restaurant also offers keto, gluten-free, and vegan dining options.
Address: 60/1 Melita Street Corner of, Old Bakery St, Valletta VLT 1450, Malta
Contact: https://www.naanbar.com/
7. Mood Bistro
4.6 ★ | Lebanese cuisine | Bormla/Cospicua | €
Concept: Mood Bistro strives to offer no-frills, convenient and authentic food options with a friendly service.
Why go? As one of the highest-rated restaurants in Bormla (Cospicua), this is a solid choice for halal and vegetarian-friendly options in The Three Cities.
Address: 14 A Santa Teresa Street, Cospicua, Malta
Contact: https://mood-bistro.business.site/
8. Kebab Factory
4.6 ★ | Turkish cuisine | Various locations | €-€€
Concept: Kebab Factory strives to accommodate all tastes and requirements. Besides providing a wide range of authentic and fresh Turkish-focused options, this place is also a go-to for quick bites like burgers, pizza, and salads.
Why go? With several locations across the island, Kebab Factory is a convenient stop for halal food. Customers praise the cleanliness of the place, as well as highlighting the good value for money.
Address: Full list of locations here.
Contact: https://kebabfactory.com.mt/
9. Halo Kebab & Tacos
4.5 ★ | Turkish and Mexican cuisine | St Julian’s | €
Concept: Bringing together Turkish and Mexican food in harmony. “Fresh food fast” is the motto, and this unusual cultural fusion is the result!
Why go? After going viral on TikTok, it is not unusual for there to be a line to enter the restaurant, but don’t let this deter you! With quick and friendly service, as well as raving reviews, this is an excellent choice for tasty halal food. Delivery is also available on Wolt and Bolt.
Address: St George’s Road, St Julian’s, Malta
Contact: https://halomalta.com/
10. Sultan Kebab and Pizza
4.5 ★ | Turkish cuisine | Il-Gżira | €
Concept: Simply good Turkish and comfort food at affordable prices.
Why go? As one of the best-rated restaurants in Il-Gżira, Sultan Kebab and Pizza has customers raving about the value for money and generous portions. A great choice for a quick bite with halal, vegetarian and vegan options available.
Address: 194 The Strand Triq ix Xatt Gzira GZR, 1023, Malta
Contact: https://sultan-kebab-and-pizza.business.site/
11. Posh Turkish
4.5 ★ | Turkish cuisine | Various locations | €€
Concept: An eatery specialising in serving healthy, authentic Turkish food, fast. The term “Posh” in the name reflects the homely and curated environment of the space. Aiming to keep traditions and values alive, the popular craft pita bread tombik and pides (Turkish-style pizza) are made fresh in-house, every day.
Why go? Customers sing praise to the quality of the bread, the tasty food and very generous portions. Taking a stand against food waste, Posh Turkish encourage customers to bring home leftovers. With a large variety of halal meat to choose from, this is a good place to stop by for good food at a reasonable price.
Address: Full list of locations here.
Contact: https://posh.com.mt/
12. Hugo’s Burger Bar
4.5 ★ | Hamburgers | St Julian’s | €€
Concept: Simple. To serve the absolute best burger you can have. Their secret? All burgers are handmade with 100% Black Angus beef, and ensuring only the best cuts are used.
Why go? If you’re looking for elevated fast food in Malta, this is the place. Along with halal options, they also offer fish and vegetarian burgers.
Address: St George’s Road, St Julian’s, Malta
Contact: https://hugosburgerbar.com/
13. Shakinah
4.4 ★ | Indian cuisine | Msida | €€
Concept: A contemporary touch on traditional Indian cuisine, in a high-end interior. Shakinah’s native Chefs import spices directly from India to achieve the flavours for the authentic curries served here.
Why go? Come here if you like elegant interiors and well-presented, high-quality food. If you love spicy food, even better! A solid option for halal Indian food, with vegetarian and vegan selections clearly marked in the menu.
Address: 11 Ta’ Xbiex Seafront, Msida, Malta
Contact: https://shakinahmalta.com/
14. Moo’s Kebab
4.4 ★ | Turkish cuisine | Il-Gżira | €
Concept: Casual Turkish dining, with space to accommodate large groups.
Why go? Wide selection of dishes for a relaxed lunch or casual dinner, with halal, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Also available for delivery on Wolt and Bolt.
Address: 177 Triq Ix – Xatt Gzira, Il-Gżira GZR, 1024, Malta
Contact: https://mooskebab.com/
15. House Of Spice
4.4 ★ | Indian cuisine | St Paul’s Bay | €€
Concept: Serving Indian Sub-Continental food, this restaurant aims to accommodate various tastes and preferences. Included in the menu are international dishes and options for children.
Why go? A great choice if you’re craving freshly-made authentic Indian and Pakistani food. For those staying near Buggiba, this restaurant is sure to satisfy lovers of spicy halal food.
Address: Triq Halel San Pawl il-Baħar, SPB 2524, Malta
Contact: https://www.facebook.com/houseofspicemalta
Final thoughts
I hope this post on where to find halal food in Malta has been useful for you. As we saw, some traditional Maltese foods can be halal, so you can look out for these.
However, if you’re looking for a different type of food (and some reassurance that you enjoy a true halal meal), I hope this list of the 15 best halal restaurants in Malta is equally helpful for your next visit to the island.
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