Malta's Burger Scene
Malta's burger scene has transformed dramatically over the past decade. What was once dominated by basic fast food chains has evolved into a diverse landscape of gourmet burger joints, smash burger specialists, and innovative plant-based options.
Whether you're craving a classic American-style cheeseburger, a premium wagyu patty with truffle aioli, or an outstanding vegan alternative, you'll find it on this small Mediterranean island. The best part? Many of Malta's top burger spots are concentrated in St Julian's and Sliema, making it easy to explore multiple venues in one evening.
From beachside burger shacks to upmarket gastropubs, this guide covers everything you need to know about finding the perfect burger in Malta - including our honest price breakdown so you know exactly what to budget.
Gourmet Burger Spots
These restaurants take burgers seriously - think premium ingredients, house-made sauces, and creative flavour combinations that justify the higher price point.
🥩 Burgers.Ink - St Julian's
Arguably Malta's most acclaimed burger restaurant, Burgers.Ink has built a cult following with their signature inked buns and premium patties. Their dry-aged beef is ground fresh daily, and the brioche buns are custom-made by a local bakery.
Must-try: The Signature Black (activated charcoal bun, aged cheddar, truffle mayo) or the Double Trouble with two smash patties.
🔥 Humo Smokehouse - Sliema
This American-style smokehouse brings Texas BBQ techniques to the Mediterranean. Their burgers feature house-smoked patties, pulled pork toppings, and signature BBQ sauces smoked in-house. The meat is prepared low and slow for maximum flavour.
Must-try: The Smokehouse Burger (smoked beef patty, pulled pork, coleslaw, BBQ sauce) or the Brisket Burger with 12-hour smoked brisket.
🍷 Avenue - St Julian's
A sophisticated venue where the wagyu burger has become legendary. Avenue combines fine dining presentation with casual burger enjoyment. Their patties are sourced from premium suppliers, and the toppings read like a gourmet menu.
Must-try: The Wagyu Burger (Japanese wagyu, foie gras butter, black truffle) - expensive but unforgettable.
🌍 Yard 32 - Valletta
Hidden in Valletta's back streets, Yard 32 serves fusion burgers with Mediterranean flair. Their chef combines international techniques with local ingredients, resulting in unique creations you won't find elsewhere.
Must-try: The Mediterranean Lamb (local lamb patty, tzatziki, pickled red onions, feta crumbles).
Fast Food Options
Sometimes you want a satisfying burger without the wait or the premium price tag. Malta has solid fast food options, both international chains and local alternatives. For more budget-friendly dining, see our cheap eats guide.
🍟 McDonald's Malta
With branches across the island, McDonald's delivers the familiar, consistent experience you'd expect. The Sliema seafront location offers decent views with your Big Mac, and they occasionally feature Malta-exclusive menu items.
Best value: McChicken meal deals, rotating promotional burgers, and late-night accessibility.
👑 Burger King Malta
The flame-grilled alternative with several locations across the island. Their Whopper remains a classic, and they've embraced the plant-based trend with decent vegetarian options. The St Julian's branch is conveniently located near the nightlife area.
Best value: King Deals, the Plant-Based Whopper for flexitarians, and family bucket meals.
🚗 Tal-Ingliz - Various Locations
A local fast food chain that's been serving Maltese families for generations. Their burgers are simple but satisfying, with prices noticeably lower than international chains. Popular with locals who appreciate good value.
Best value: The Classic Burger with chips and drink combo - hard to beat for under 8 euros.
🏖️ Beach Club Burgers
Most of Malta's beach clubs and lidos serve burgers, with quality varying significantly. The better venues use proper beef patties rather than frozen pre-formed options. You'll pay a premium for the location, but eating a burger with sea views is hard to beat.
Best spots: Cafe del Mar (Bugibba), Numero Uno (Sliema), Lido (St Julian's)
Local Favourites
These are the spots where locals queue up - unpretentious venues that focus on quality over marketing. Often better value than the tourist-focused restaurants.
🏠 Hole in the Wall - St Julian's
A legendary local institution that's been serving no-nonsense American-style burgers for years. Don't expect fancy plating or trendy toppings - just honest, satisfying burgers made with quality ingredients. The queue at lunchtime tells you everything.
Must-try: The Classic Cheeseburger or the Bacon Avocado - both are exactly what they sound like, done right.
🍺 Cheeky Monkey Gastropub - Valletta
This Valletta gastropub has earned a devoted following for its craft beer selection and outstanding burgers. The patties are made from locally sourced beef, and the beer pairings are spot-on. Atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.
Must-try: The Monkey Burger (double patty, special sauce, pickles, onion jam) with a local craft beer.
🌙 Ta' Kris - Sliema
A beloved neighbourhood spot known for its laid-back Maltese atmosphere. Their burgers aren't the main focus, but they're surprisingly excellent - thick patties, quality buns, and homemade sauces. Perfect for a casual evening with friends.
Must-try: The House Burger with local gbejniet cheese (a uniquely Maltese touch).
🎸 Hugo's Burger Bar - St Julian's
Part of the Hugo's brand, this casual offshoot focuses purely on burgers. Less formal than the main restaurant, with a fun atmosphere and solid execution. Popular with younger crowds and late-night revellers.
Must-try: The Hugo Special or the Late Night Double (available after 10pm).
Vegan Burgers
Malta's plant-based scene has flourished in recent years, with dedicated vegan restaurants and mainstream venues alike offering impressive meat-free options. These aren't afterthoughts - they're genuinely delicious.
🌱 Soul Food - Sliema
Malta's premier fully vegan restaurant takes burgers seriously. Their patties are made from scratch using combinations of beetroot, black beans, lentils, and mushrooms. The textures and flavours rival any meat burger.
Must-try: The Soul Burger (signature patty, vegan cheese, caramelised onions, secret sauce) or the BBQ Pulled Jackfruit.
🥗 Roots - Valletta
A charming vegetarian/vegan cafe in the heart of Valletta. Their burgers feature creative combinations and are made fresh daily. The courtyard seating is a lovely bonus on warm days.
Must-try: The Portobello Stack (grilled portobello, hummus, roasted peppers) or the Quinoa Burger.
🍄 Legligin Wine Bar - Valletta
While primarily a wine bar, Legligin serves an outstanding vegan burger that's become locally famous. Made with a house recipe that changes seasonally, it's proof that meat-free doesn't mean flavour-free.
Must-try: The Legligin Vegan Burger - ask what's in the current seasonal version.
Beyond Meat at Mainstream Restaurants
Many mainstream burger joints now offer Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger patties as alternatives. These include:
- Burger King - Plant-Based Whopper available at all locations
- Humo Smokehouse - Beyond Meat patty option on any burger
- Hard Rock Cafe - Moving Mountains burger
- TGI Friday's - Beyond Meat burger on the menu
The quality varies - dedicated vegan restaurants generally do it better, but these options are convenient when dining with mixed groups.
Burger Prices Guide
What should you budget for burgers in Malta? Here's our honest breakdown of what to expect across different venue types.
💰 Malta Burger Price Guide 2026
| Category | Burger Only | With Sides | Full Meal + Drink |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Food | €5-8 | €8-12 | €10-15 |
| Local Favourites | €10-14 | €14-18 | €18-25 |
| Casual Dining | €12-16 | €16-22 | €22-30 |
| Gourmet | €16-24 | €22-30 | €28-40 |
| Premium | €24-35 | €30-42 | €40-55 |
| Vegan Specialist | €12-18 | €16-22 | €20-28 |
Money-Saving Tips
- Lunch specials - Many restaurants offer 10-20% off during lunch hours (12-3pm)
- Weekday deals - Tuesday and Wednesday often have burger promotions
- Delivery app codes - Bolt Food and Wolt frequently offer first-order discounts
- Skip the sides - Some portions are huge; the burger alone might be enough
- House beer - Craft beer pairings are lovely but double your drink cost
- Share with a friend - Premium burgers are often enough for two light eaters
What Affects Price?
Several factors determine what you'll pay:
- Location - Waterfront and tourist areas charge 15-25% more
- Meat quality - Wagyu, dry-aged, or locally sourced beef costs significantly more
- Sides inclusion - Always check if chips are included or extra
- Portion size - Some "expensive" burgers are actually two meals' worth
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best burger restaurant in Malta?
Popular choices include Burgers.Ink in St Julian's for gourmet burgers, Humo Smokehouse for smoked meat specialists, and Hole in the Wall for classic American-style burgers. Local favourite Cheeky Monkey in Valletta also receives excellent reviews.
How much does a burger cost in Malta?
Burger prices in Malta range from 5-8 euros for fast food, 12-18 euros for mid-range restaurants, and 18-28 euros for gourmet options. Sides are often extra, typically adding 4-8 euros to your bill.
Where can I find vegan burgers in Malta?
Excellent vegan burgers are available at Soul Food in Sliema (fully plant-based restaurant), Roots in Valletta, and Legligin Wine Bar. Many mainstream burger joints also offer Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger patties.
What are the best local burger spots in Malta?
Local favourites include Hole in the Wall for no-frills quality, Cheeky Monkey Gastropub in Valletta for craft beer and burgers, and Ta' Kris in Sliema for a laid-back Maltese atmosphere with excellent burgers.
Can I get burger delivery in Malta?
Yes, burger delivery is widely available through Bolt Food and Wolt apps. Most restaurants in St Julian's, Sliema, and Valletta offer delivery with average times of 30-45 minutes.