Eating on a Budget in Malta
Malta has a reputation as an expensive Mediterranean destination, but here is the secret: you can eat incredibly well for very little money if you know where to look. The key is eating like a local, not a tourist.
While waterfront restaurants in Sliema and St Julian's can be pricey, locals know where to find delicious food for a fraction of the cost. Village bakeries, local kiosks, and traditional takeaways serve incredible food at prices that have barely changed in years.
A pastizzi still costs just 50 cents, and you can get a filling meal for under 10 euro almost anywhere on the island. This guide reveals the best cheap eats across Malta - from legendary pastizzerias to hidden local gems where tourists rarely venture.
New to Maltese cuisine? Check our Best Maltese Food Guide to learn about traditional dishes, then come back here to find them at the best prices.
Pastizzi Shops & Bakeries
No guide to cheap eats in Malta would be complete without pastizzi - the island's most beloved snack. These flaky, diamond-shaped pastries are filled with either ricotta cheese (tal-irkotta) or mushy peas (tal-piżelli) and cost just 50 cents to 1 euro each.
🥇 Crystal Palace, Rabat €0.50
Arguably the most famous pastizzeria in Malta. Operating since 1956, Crystal Palace serves piping hot pastizzi 24 hours a day. The ricotta ones are legendary - crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside. Expect queues at weekends, but they move fast.
🥈 Is-Serkin, Mqabba €0.50
A local favourite that many argue makes even better pastizzi than Crystal Palace. Less touristy, more authentic. Their qassatat (larger cheese pies) are also excellent at around €1.50 each.
🥉 Maxim's Pastizzeria, Hamrun €0.60
A Hamrun institution serving fresh pastizzi since the 1960s. Known for their perfectly flaky pastry and generous fillings. Try their timpana slices (baked pasta pie) for a more substantial snack at €2.
Other Notable Pastizzerias
- Busy Bee, Rabat - Near Crystal Palace, equally good, shorter queues
- Cafe Premier, Valletta - Central location, perfect for a quick snack
- Olympic Bar, Mosta - Local hangout with excellent pastizzi, open late
- Is-Serkin, Valletta - Same family as Mqabba, near the bus terminus
- Any village forn (bakery) - Almost every village has one serving fresh pastizzi from early morning
🥧 Other Pastizzeria Finds
Most pastizzerias also sell qassatat (€1.50-2.50), sausage rolls (€1-2), pizza slices (€2-3), arancini (€2-3), and timpana slices (€2-4). Perfect for a cheap, filling lunch.
Street Food & Takeaway
Beyond pastizzi, Malta has a thriving street food scene with options from traditional Maltese snacks to international flavours.
🫓 Hobz biż-Żejt (Bread with Oil) €2-4
The ultimate Maltese budget meal. Crusty Maltese bread (hobż) rubbed with ripe tomatoes, drizzled with olive oil, and topped with capers, olives, onion, and tuna. Simple, delicious, and filling. Find it at most local bars and kiosks.
🍕 Ftira (Maltese Flatbread) €4-7
Malta's answer to pizza - a traditional flatbread topped with tomatoes, onions, olives, capers, and local ġbejna cheese. The Gozitan version (ftira Għawdxija) is particularly famous. Most bakeries sell ftira by the slice or whole.
🌯 Kebab & Doner Shops €5-7
Malta has excellent kebab shops, particularly in areas with late-night crowds. Large portions, good value, and perfect after a night out. Most include chips and salad.
🥙 Qassatat & Savoury Pies €1.50-3
Larger than pastizzi, qassatat are round pies filled with ricotta, spinach, peas, or anchovy. One or two make a satisfying light meal. Available at bakeries and pastizzerias.
🍟 Fish & Chips €6-9
The British influence lives on. Proper fish and chips are available at takeaways across Malta, especially in tourist areas and near beaches.
Local Kiosks & Village Bars
The Maltese kiosk (or "kisk") is an institution. These small bars and snack shops are found in every village and serve simple, affordable food to locals. They are the true cheap eats of Malta.
🏖️ Beach Kiosks €3-8
Every beach in Malta has a kiosk serving drinks, snacks, and simple meals. Prices are lower than nearby restaurants, and you get the same view. Try the hobż biż-żejt, toasted sandwiches, or fresh fruit platters.
🍺 Village Bars (Ħwienet) €2-6
Traditional village bars serve as social hubs for locals. They offer simple food - sandwiches, hobż biż-żejt, pastizzi, and sometimes basic pasta dishes. Prices are rock-bottom, and you will experience authentic Maltese life.
⚽ Band Clubs €3-8
Every Maltese village has at least one band club - social clubs that serve cheap drinks and food to members and visitors. Some serve excellent traditional Maltese dishes at prices well below restaurants. Entry is usually free or minimal.
Complete Meals Under 10 Euro
You do not need to survive on snacks alone. Here are the best places to get a proper, filling meal for under 10 euro.
| Meal Type | Price Range | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|
| Pasta dishes | €6-9 | Local trattorias, takeaways |
| Fish & chips | €7-10 | Marsaxlokk stalls, beach kiosks |
| Rabbit spaghetti | €8-10 | Village restaurants (Mġarr, Mosta) |
| Timpana (baked pasta) | €5-8 | Bakeries, traditional takeaways |
| Pizza (whole) | €7-10 | Pizzerias throughout Malta |
| Daily special (tal-lum) | €7-10 | Workers' cafeterias, village bars |
| Lunch specials | €8-10 | Valletta workers' restaurants |
🍝 Lunch Specials in Valletta €8-10
Many restaurants in Valletta offer weekday lunch specials targeting office workers. These typically include a main course (often pasta or meat) plus a drink for around €8-10. Look for chalkboard signs advertising "lunch menu" or "menu tal-nofsinhar".
🐟 Marsaxlokk Fish Stalls €7-12
The famous Sunday fish market at Marsaxlokk is not just about buying fresh fish. Food stalls sell fried fish, calamari, and seafood platters at prices lower than the waterfront restaurants. Grab a portion and eat by the harbour.
🍕 Pizza Takeaways €7-10
A large pizza in Malta costs €7-10 at most takeaways - enough to share between two. Quality is generally good, and many offer delivery. Look for local pizzerias rather than international chains for better value. For our top picks, see the Best Pizza Malta guide.
Budget-Friendly Restaurants
When you want to sit down for a proper meal without tourist prices, these restaurants offer excellent value.
🏠 Ta' Kris, Sliema €10-15
Traditional Maltese home cooking at reasonable prices. Their fenkata (rabbit stew) is excellent, and portions are generous. Popular with locals - book ahead for dinner.
🍝 Palazzo Preca, Valletta €12-18
Upmarket feel at mid-range prices. Their lunch specials offer exceptional value - three courses for around €15 in a beautiful courtyard setting.
🐰 Ta' Marija, Mosta €10-15
Famous for rabbit dishes at honest prices. A proper Maltese feast of rabbit spaghetti followed by fried rabbit costs around €15. No frills, just good food.
🌊 Tartarun, Marsaxlokk €12-20
Fresh seafood by the harbour without the usual waterfront markup. Their fish soup (aljotta) is excellent, and the catch of the day is always a good choice.
Areas to Avoid for Budget Eating
These areas tend to have inflated tourist prices. Visit for the atmosphere, but eat elsewhere:
- Spinola Bay, St Julian's - Beautiful but expensive waterfront
- Paceville centre - Party area with tourist pricing
- Sliema Strand seafront - Some good options, but many tourist traps
- Mdina main square - Stunning location, premium prices
- Valletta waterfront - Cruise ship pricing
For more on authentic local dishes to look for, see our comprehensive Best Maltese Food guide. If you prefer fine dining, check our Fine Dining Malta guide.
Supermarket Tips
Self-catering is the ultimate budget hack. Here is how to make the most of Malta's supermarkets.
Best Supermarket Chains
- Lidl - German discounter, excellent for basics. Locations in Ħamrun, Luqa, Fgura, Gżira, and more
- Greens - Local chain with good selection and fair prices. Multiple locations
- Pavi - Mid-range option, well-stocked. Qormi, Fgura locations
- Smart - Smaller shops, convenient locations
- Valyou - Budget chain, basic but cheap
🥖 Fresh Bread €0.80-2
Maltese bread is excellent and cheap. Get a fresh loaf from the in-store bakery or a local forn (bakery) and make your own hobż biż-żejt.
🧀 Local Cheese (Ġbejna) €3-5
Small round cheeses that are uniquely Maltese and very affordable. Try both fresh and peppered versions. Great with bread and tomatoes.
🥫 Ready-Made Deli Items €3-6
Supermarket delis sell prepared salads, rotisserie chicken, sandwiches, and hot food by weight. Often better value than restaurants.
Pro Tips
- Shop in the evening - Many supermarkets discount bakery items and prepared foods before closing
- Buy Maltese products - Often cheaper than imported goods and better quality
- Check the yellow label items - Reduced items near expiry date
- Avoid convenience stores in tourist areas - Significant markup on basics
Money-Saving Tips
Maximise your budget with these local insider tips.
Timing Matters
- Eat lunch, not dinner - Many restaurants offer the same dishes at lower lunchtime prices
- Early bird specials - Some places have deals before 7pm
- Avoid peak tourist season - July-August sees higher prices at restaurants
- Sunday lunch - Traditional family meal day; many places offer special deals
Location Strategy
- Go inland - Coastal and tourist areas are pricier than inland villages
- Walk one street back - Restaurants on the seafront charge more; side streets are cheaper
- Village over tourist area - Mosta, Birkirkara, and Ħamrun have excellent cheap options
- Bus terminals - Often have cheap cafeterias nearby for workers
Ordering Smart
- Ask for "menu tal-jum" - The "menu of the day" is often the best value
- Drink local - Cisk beer and local wine are cheaper than imported alternatives
- Tap water - It is safe to drink. Restaurants must provide it free on request
- Share starters - Maltese portions are generous
- Skip dessert out - Get pastries or gelato from a takeaway instead
Apps & Deals
- Too Good To Go - Available in Malta; rescue food at 60-70% off
- Bolt Food & Wolt - Often have discount codes and offers
- Hotel breakfast - If included, fill up at breakfast to save on lunch
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does food cost in Malta?
Food costs in Malta vary widely. Street snacks like pastizzi cost just €0.50-1 each. A takeaway meal runs €5-8, while a sit-down meal at a budget restaurant costs €8-15. Fine dining starts from €30 per person. You can easily eat three meals a day for €15-25 if you know where to go.
What is the cheapest food to eat in Malta?
Pastizzi are the cheapest and most iconic Maltese snack at just €0.50-1 each. Three or four make a filling snack for under €3. Other budget options include hobż biż-żejt (bread with oil) for €2-4, qassatat (cheese pies) for €1.50-2, and takeaway ftira for €4-6.
Where can I find cheap restaurants in Malta?
The best cheap restaurants are found away from tourist hotspots. Try village bars and kiosks, pastizzerias, local takeaways in residential areas, and the food stalls at Marsaxlokk Sunday market. Areas like Ħamrun, Birkirkara, and Mosta have excellent budget options.
Is Malta expensive for food compared to other European countries?
Malta is mid-range for Europe. It is cheaper than Scandinavia, Switzerland, or Paris, but more expensive than Eastern Europe. Eating where locals eat keeps costs reasonable - expect to spend €20-30 per day on food if you are budget-conscious.
Can I find vegetarian cheap eats in Malta?
Yes! Ricotta pastizzi, ftira with vegetable toppings, hobż biż-żejt (without tuna), bigilla (bean dip), and cheese qassatat are all vegetarian and very affordable. Most pizzerias and pasta restaurants have vegetarian options too.
What time do Maltese people eat?
Maltese eat lunch between 12pm and 2pm, and dinner from 7:30pm onwards. Many restaurants offer better value lunch specials. Pastizzerias and bakeries open early (5-6am) for breakfast snacks.