Pizza Culture in Malta
Malta's love affair with pizza runs deep. With a large Italian community and proximity to Sicily, the island has developed a thriving pizza scene that rivals many Italian cities. Whether you're craving an authentic Neapolitan margherita with its pillowy cornicione or prefer the crispy, thin Roman style, Malta delivers.
The pizza landscape here has evolved dramatically in recent years. Gone are the days when thick, soggy bases were the norm. Today, you'll find certified Neapolitan pizzaiolos, imported Italian ingredients, and wood-fired ovens crafting exceptional pies across the island.
What makes pizza in Malta special? The combination of Italian expertise, fresh Mediterranean ingredients, and increasingly competitive prices. Plus, with excellent delivery coverage, you can enjoy quality pizza wherever you're staying.
Top Pizzerias in Malta
After extensive research (and considerable eating), here are the pizzerias that consistently deliver exceptional quality. Each brings something unique to the table.
🥇 Sotto Pizzeria - Valletta
Widely considered Malta's finest Neapolitan pizzeria. The dough is fermented for 72 hours, creating that perfect combination of crispy exterior and soft, airy interior. Their San Marzano tomatoes are imported directly from the slopes of Mount Vesuvius.
🥈 Zero Sei - St Julian's
The undisputed king of Roman-style pizza al taglio in Malta. Their rectangular pizzas are baked in traditional Roman pans, resulting in a crispy base with an incredibly light crumb. Perfect for a quick bite or sharing several varieties.
🥉 Piccolo Padre - Sliema
A Sliema institution serving consistently excellent pizza for over two decades. Their menu balances classic options with creative seasonal specials. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, with quick service even during busy periods.
🍕 Guze Pizzeria - Sliema
A neighbourhood favourite that punches well above its weight. The wood-fired oven produces beautifully charred crusts, and their dough has a wonderful sourdough tang. Excellent value for money with generous portions.
🍕 Sciacca Grill - Mellieha
Worth the journey north for their exceptional wood-fired pizzas. The restaurant sources many ingredients locally, including vegetables from nearby farms. Their seafood pizzas featuring fresh catch are particularly noteworthy.
Neapolitan vs Roman: Which Style?
Understanding the difference between these two dominant pizza styles will help you choose the perfect pizzeria for your mood.
Neapolitan Style
- Crust: Soft, puffy cornicione (edge)
- Base: Thin in centre, chewy texture
- Cooking: 60-90 seconds at 450C+
- Size: Individual (30-35cm)
- Toppings: Minimal, high quality
- Best for: Sit-down dining
- Try at: Sotto, Guze
Roman Style
- Crust: Thin, crispy throughout
- Base: Uniform crunch, airy crumb
- Cooking: Longer at lower heat
- Size: Large rectangles (al taglio)
- Toppings: Creative, generous
- Best for: Quick bites, sharing
- Try at: Zero Sei
Beyond these Italian classics, you'll also find Maltese-style pizza at local bakeries and casual eateries - typically thicker, with more toppings and a slightly bread-like base. While not winning any authenticity awards, it's satisfying comfort food that many locals grew up with.
Local Favourites & Hidden Gems
Beyond the acclaimed pizzerias, these spots are beloved by locals for their consistent quality and value.
Budget-Friendly Options
- Ta' Kris, Sliema - Traditional Maltese restaurant with surprisingly good pizza at local prices (EUR8-12)
- Tal-Petut, Birgu - Cosy spot in the Three Cities with authentic atmosphere and honest prices
- Village bakeries - Many Maltese bakeries serve basic but satisfying pizza slices for EUR2-4
Worth the Journey
- Ta' Philip, Mgarr (Gozo) - Legendary for their rabbit but equally impressive pizzas
- Il-Kartell, Marsascala - Local institution in Malta's quieter south-east
- L-Arka, Bugibba - Solid option in the tourist north, better than most nearby competitors
Late Night Pizza
When hunger strikes after midnight, these spots have you covered:
- Pizza Hut, various - Open late with reliable delivery across Malta
- Various kebab shops, Paceville - Basic pizza available into the early hours
- Wolt/Bolt Food - Several pizzerias accept orders until 11pm-midnight
For more dining options across the island, explore our Best Maltese Food Guide featuring traditional local cuisine.
Delivery Options & Apps
Getting pizza delivered in Malta has never been easier. Here's how the main options compare.
Bolt Food
Widest coverage across Malta. Frequent promotions. Most pizzerias available.
Wolt
Excellent app experience. Strong in central areas. Quality restaurant selection.
Direct Ordering
Often 10-20% cheaper. Phone or WhatsApp. Better for regular orders.
Delivery Tips
- Peak times: Friday and Saturday evenings see longest wait times - order early or choose off-peak
- Minimum orders: Most restaurants require EUR15-20 minimum for delivery
- Coverage: Gozo has limited delivery options; Bolt Food has best coverage there
- Quality: Pizza travels better than most foods, but collect is always best
- Discounts: First-time users get significant discounts on both apps
Pizza Prices Guide
Here's what you can expect to pay for pizza across Malta in 2026.
| Pizza Type | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Margherita | EUR6-8 | EUR9-12 | EUR13-16 |
| Quattro Formaggi | EUR8-10 | EUR11-14 | EUR15-18 |
| Meat Feast | EUR9-11 | EUR12-15 | EUR16-20 |
| Seafood | EUR10-12 | EUR13-16 | EUR17-22 |
| Pizza al Taglio (slice) | EUR2-3 | EUR3-4 | EUR4-5 |
Value Tips
- Lunch specials: Many pizzerias offer 15-25% off during lunch hours
- Takeaway discount: Collection often saves EUR2-3 versus delivery
- App promotions: Bolt Food and Wolt regularly offer 20-30% off codes
- Student discounts: Some pizzerias offer 10-15% with valid ID
- Early bird: Ordering before 6pm often means faster delivery and better prices
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best pizzeria in Malta?
The best pizzerias in Malta include Sotto Pizzeria in Valletta for authentic Neapolitan style, Zero Sei in St Julian's for Roman pizza al taglio, and Piccolo Padre in Sliema for consistent quality. Each offers a different style, so the best choice depends on your preference.
How much does pizza cost in Malta?
Pizza prices in Malta typically range from EUR8-12 for a basic Margherita to EUR14-20 for premium toppings at upmarket pizzerias. Pizza al taglio (by the slice) costs EUR3-5 per slice, making it an affordable quick meal option.
Which pizza delivery apps work in Malta?
The main pizza delivery apps in Malta are Bolt Food and Wolt, both offering wide coverage across the island. Many pizzerias also offer direct delivery through their own websites or phone orders, often with better prices than app-based ordering.
Is there good Neapolitan pizza in Malta?
Yes! Malta has several certified Neapolitan pizzerias with trained pizzaiolos and proper wood-fired ovens. Sotto in Valletta is widely considered the best for authentic Neapolitan pizza, with proper 72-hour fermented dough and imported Italian ingredients.
Where can I find late-night pizza in Malta?
For late-night pizza, your best options are delivery apps (most operate until 11pm-midnight), Pizza Hut locations, and various establishments in Paceville. Many kebab shops in the nightlife district also serve basic pizza into the early hours.
What's the difference between Neapolitan and Roman pizza?
Neapolitan pizza has a soft, puffy crust (cornicione) with a thin, chewy centre, cooked very quickly at high heat. Roman pizza is thin and crispy throughout, often served al taglio (by the slice) from large rectangular trays. Both styles are available in Malta.