Why Malta is Perfect for Family Dining
Malta is wonderfully family-oriented, and this extends to its restaurant culture. Unlike some Mediterranean destinations where children are merely tolerated, Maltese restaurants genuinely welcome families with open arms.
The Maltese adore children, and it shows in how restaurants cater to families. From dedicated play areas to extensive children's menus and accommodating staff, you'll find dining out with little ones far easier here than in many other European countries.
Whether you're looking for a casual lunch spot where the kids can run around, or a more refined restaurant that still caters to younger diners, this guide covers all your options. We've also included practical information about high chairs, baby changing facilities, and family buffets to help you plan stress-free meals.
For traditional Maltese dishes your family should try, see our Best Maltese Food Guide.
Top Kid-Friendly Restaurants
These restaurants consistently receive praise from local families for their welcoming atmosphere, patient staff, and genuine effort to make dining enjoyable for all ages.
🍝 Tal-Familja Restaurant
True to its name ("The Family" in Maltese), this Marsascala institution has been serving families for generations. The menu spans traditional Maltese dishes and Italian favourites, with generous portions that satisfy hungry children and adults alike.
🍕 The Avenue Restaurant
Located in Paceville but distinctly family-friendly during daytime hours, The Avenue offers a varied menu with excellent pizza, pasta, and grills. Staff are particularly patient with fussy eaters and happy to accommodate special requests.
🌿 Monti
Set within the Ta' Qali Crafts Village, Monti offers a unique dining experience with ample outdoor space for children to explore safely. The Mediterranean menu includes child-friendly options, and the rustic setting feels like a countryside escape.
🍔 Hard Rock Cafe Malta
The global chain's Maltese outpost in St Julian's Bay delivers reliable family dining with an entertaining atmosphere. Children love the rock memorabilia, and the menu includes crowd-pleasing burgers, ribs, and milkshakes.
Restaurants With Play Areas
These venues feature dedicated play spaces where children can burn off energy whilst parents enjoy a leisurely meal. A true lifesaver for families with active little ones!
🎪 Playmobil FunPark Restaurant
The ultimate family destination combining dining with the famous Playmobil FunPark. Children can explore the extensive play areas whilst parents supervise from the restaurant terrace. The menu is simple but satisfying, with pasta, pizza, and snacks.
🏰 Popeye Village Restaurant
Dine at the famous film set village in Anchor Bay. The restaurant offers basic fare, but children are captivated by the unique setting and can explore the village with your entrance ticket. Perfect for combining a meal with family entertainment.
🛍️ The Point Shopping Mall Food Court
Malta's largest shopping centre features a food court with multiple dining options and a dedicated children's play zone. Choose from pizza, burgers, Asian cuisine, and more whilst the children play within sight.
🌳 Ta' Marija Restaurant
This beloved traditional Maltese restaurant in Mosta features beautiful gardens where children can play safely. Famous for its rabbit (fenkata) and other Maltese classics, it's ideal for introducing children to local cuisine in a relaxed setting.
Play Area Tips
- Weekday lunches are quieter - play areas less crowded
- Bring socks for indoor play areas (often required)
- Check age restrictions - some areas suit younger children only
- Book ahead for weekend lunch at popular venues
Best Children's Menus
Whilst almost every restaurant in Malta will accommodate children, these venues stand out for their thoughtfully designed children's menus that go beyond the standard chicken nuggets and chips.
🐙 Gululu Restaurant
This St Julian's favourite offers a creative children's menu with smaller portions of adult dishes, allowing young diners to try proper Mediterranean cuisine. They also provide colouring sheets and crayons to keep little ones occupied.
🌊 Barracuda Restaurant
This upmarket seafood restaurant in St Julian's welcomes families and offers a refined children's menu featuring fresh fish prepared simply, alongside familiar favourites. Perfect for teaching children to appreciate quality seafood.
🍳 Caffe Cordina
Valletta's historic cafe offers a wonderful children's menu including smaller pastries, sandwiches, and hot chocolate. The elegant setting in Republic Square teaches children about dining culture whilst remaining welcoming.
🍕 Piccolo Padre
An excellent Italian restaurant where children are genuinely welcome. Their children's menu includes proper pasta dishes, grilled chicken, and fish fingers made from real fish. High chairs available and staff are exceptionally patient.
What to Expect on Maltese Children's Menus
Standard children's menu offerings across Malta typically include:
- Pasta - Usually spaghetti bolognese, carbonara, or napolitana
- Pizza - Margherita or basic toppings, often smaller size
- Chicken - Grilled, nuggets, or schnitzel with chips
- Fish fingers - A reliable option at most restaurants
- Burgers - Child-sized portions with chips
Prices typically range from 6 to 12 EUR for children's main courses, often including a drink or ice cream.
High Chairs & Baby Facilities
Travelling with babies and toddlers requires extra planning. Here's what you can expect from Maltese restaurants and our recommendations for the best-equipped venues.
High Chair Availability
The vast majority of restaurants in Malta provide high chairs free of charge. However, availability can be limited, so consider these tips:
- Call ahead to reserve a high chair, especially for weekend meals
- Arrive early for the best seating with space for high chairs
- Hotel restaurants typically have the best high chair selection
- Bring a portable booster seat as backup for smaller venues
Baby Changing Facilities
Baby changing facilities vary considerably across Malta. Your best options include:
👶 Best for Baby Facilities
- Hotel restaurants - Corinthia, Westin, Hilton all have excellent facilities
- Shopping centre food courts - The Point, Bay Street have dedicated baby rooms
- Chain restaurants - McDonald's, TGI Friday's have reliable changing facilities
- Major attractions - Malta National Aquarium, Playmobil FunPark
Warming Bottles and Baby Food
Maltese restaurants are generally very accommodating about warming bottles and baby food. Simply ask your server, and most will happily heat items in the kitchen. Some tips:
- Bring your own baby food - selection in restaurants is limited
- Ask for warm water for formula rather than using microwaved water
- Request a small bowl of plain pasta or vegetables for weaning babies
- Breastfeeding is widely accepted and Malta is generally very relaxed about this
High Chair Tips
- Always request when booking to guarantee availability
- Wooden high chairs are common - bring a harness if your child is a climber
- Ask for a table away from busy walkways for safety
- Some restaurants have booster seats as an alternative
Family Buffets & Brunches
Buffets are ideal for families - children can choose exactly what they want, portions are flexible, and there's no waiting for food to arrive. Malta's hotels offer excellent family buffet options.
🥂 Corinthia Palace Hotel Sunday Brunch
The most celebrated family brunch in Malta. An extensive spread includes live cooking stations, a dedicated children's buffet section at kid-friendly height, and entertainment for younger guests. Book well in advance.
🏖️ Radisson Blu Golden Sands
This Mellieha resort offers family-friendly buffet dining with stunning bay views. The buffet features international and Maltese dishes, with a children's corner and high chairs readily available.
🏨 Dolmen Hotel Family Lunch
Located in Bugibba, this hotel offers affordable family buffet lunches with a varied selection. The poolside setting is perfect for summer months, and children's pricing makes it excellent value.
🌊 db Seabank Resort
This all-inclusive resort in Mellieha offers excellent buffet dining open to non-residents. The children's corner has all the classics, plus there's a pool complex where kids can swim before or after eating.
⭐ Westin Dragonara Friday Seafood Buffet
Whilst primarily known for its exceptional seafood, this buffet welcomes families and offers enough variety to please children who aren't seafood fans. The elegant setting introduces children to fine dining in a relaxed buffet format.
Family Buffet Tips
- Book Sunday brunches at least a week in advance
- Check children's pricing - many offer under-5s free
- Arrive when buffet opens for the best selection
- Ask about any ongoing family promotions
Practical Tips for Families
Make the most of dining out in Malta with these local insights and practical recommendations.
Best Times to Dine
Maltese dining times run later than northern Europe. For families, consider:
- Lunch: Arrive between 12:00-13:00 for quieter service
- Early dinner: 18:00-19:00 before the evening rush
- Weekdays: Generally quieter than weekends
- Sundays: Many restaurants busy with local families - book ahead
Booking Recommendations
Whilst walk-ins are often possible, booking is recommended for:
- Weekend lunches at popular family restaurants
- Any restaurant in summer months (June-September)
- Groups of 6 or more
- Special occasions or celebrations
Dietary Requirements
Maltese restaurants increasingly cater to dietary needs. Most can accommodate:
- Vegetarian: Widely available, pasta and pizza options plentiful
- Gluten-free: Many restaurants offer gluten-free pasta and pizza bases
- Allergies: Staff are generally knowledgeable - always inform them
- Fussy eaters: Kitchens usually happy to prepare plain dishes
What to Bring
- Colouring books and crayons - Not all restaurants provide activities
- A tablet with headphones - For longer waits
- Snacks - In case of delays, especially for younger children
- A change of clothes - Accidents happen, especially with pasta sauce
Payment and Tipping
- Credit cards accepted almost everywhere
- Tipping not obligatory but 5-10% appreciated for good service
- Some restaurants add service charge - check your bill
- Splitting bills is usually possible - just ask
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which restaurants in Malta have play areas for children?
Popular restaurants with play areas include Monti in Ta' Qali, Tal-Familja in Marsascala, and several venues at Playmobil FunPark in Hal Far. Many shopping centre food courts also have dedicated play zones, including The Point in Sliema and Bay Street in St Julian's.
Do restaurants in Malta provide high chairs?
Yes, most family-friendly restaurants in Malta provide high chairs free of charge. It's advisable to call ahead during busy periods to ensure availability, especially at popular weekend lunch spots. Hotel restaurants typically have the best selection.
What are the best family buffets in Malta?
Top family buffets include the Sunday brunch at Corinthia Palace Hotel (with dedicated children's section), the Radisson Blu Golden Sands buffet, and the affordable family lunch buffet at Dolmen Hotel in Bugibba. Many hotels offer special children's pricing or under-6s eat free.
Are restaurants in Malta welcoming to families with babies?
Absolutely. Malta is very family-oriented, and restaurants genuinely welcome babies and young children. Staff are typically happy to warm bottles and baby food, and most venues have high chairs available. Baby changing facilities are best at hotels and shopping centres.
What time should families eat dinner in Malta?
For the most relaxed experience, aim for early dinner between 18:00-19:00. Maltese dining tends to run late, with locals often eating after 20:00. Early dining means quieter restaurants, attentive service, and usually easier high chair access.
Do I need to book restaurants in advance for families?
Booking is recommended for weekend lunches at popular family restaurants, during summer months (June-September), and for groups of 6 or more. Many restaurants accept walk-ins on weekday evenings, but calling ahead is always advisable, especially if you need high chairs.