Why Sliema is a Food Lover's Paradise
Sliema has transformed into Malta's most diverse dining destination. Once a quiet seaside town, it's now home to hundreds of restaurants, cafes, and eateries offering everything from authentic Italian to innovative Asian fusion.
What makes Sliema special? The stunning Valletta harbour views, the buzzing promenade atmosphere, and the sheer variety of cuisines within walking distance. Whether you're looking for a romantic seafront dinner, a casual brunch with friends, or a quick bite between shopping at The Point, Sliema delivers.
The main dining areas are concentrated around Tower Road (the famous seafront promenade), Tigne Point (the upscale peninsula), and The Point shopping mall. Each area has its own character and price range.
For a complete overview of dining in Malta, check our Best Maltese Food Guide or explore nearby St Julian's dining options.
Tower Road Seafront Dining
Tower Road is Sliema's iconic waterfront promenade, stretching from Qui-Si-Sana to Tigne Point. It's lined with restaurants offering outdoor seating with spectacular sea views.
🌊 Seafront Fine Dining
The Tower Road stretch offers some of Malta's most romantic dining settings. Upscale restaurants here serve Mediterranean cuisine with views of Valletta's illuminated skyline at sunset. Expect to pay €35-60 per person for a full dining experience.
☕ Promenade Cafes
Dotted along the entire seafront, casual cafes serve everything from morning espresso to late-night cocktails. Most offer all-day menus with pasta, salads, burgers, and light bites. Prices are more accessible at €15-25 per person.
🍦 Gelato & Dessert Spots
The promenade is famous for its gelato culture. Several artisan ice cream shops serve authentic Italian gelato, perfect for an evening stroll. Expect queues in summer!
Tigne Point & The Point Mall
The Tigne peninsula has been transformed into Sliema's premium destination, anchored by The Point shopping mall and surrounded by waterfront restaurants.
🛍️ The Point Mall Food Court
Malta's largest shopping mall offers a diverse food court on the upper levels. From fast food chains to local favourites, it's perfect for quick bites between shopping. Budget-friendly at €8-15 per person.
🍾 Tigne Point Waterfront
The pedestrianised waterfront around Tigne Point hosts upscale restaurants with unobstructed Valletta views. This is where locals celebrate special occasions. Prices range from €40-80 per person.
Italian Restaurants
Sliema has Malta's highest concentration of Italian restaurants, from authentic trattorias to modern Italian dining.
🍝 Authentic Italian Trattorias
Several family-run Italian restaurants serve homemade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and classic dishes. These spots focus on quality ingredients and traditional recipes imported directly from Italy.
🍕 Pizza Spots
From Neapolitan-style to Roman thin crust, Sliema offers excellent pizza options. Many use imported Italian ingredients and traditional wood-fired ovens.
Asian Cuisine
Sliema has embraced Asian food culture with excellent options for Japanese, Thai, Chinese, and fusion cuisine.
🍣 Japanese & Sushi
Several high-quality sushi restaurants have opened in Sliema, offering fresh sashimi, creative maki rolls, and authentic Japanese dishes. Quality comes at a premium, with prices around €30-50 per person.
🍜 Thai & Southeast Asian
Authentic Thai restaurants offer fragrant curries, pad Thai, and traditional soups. Most source spices directly from Thailand for genuine flavours.
🥡 Asian Fusion
Modern Asian fusion restaurants blend Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian influences with Mediterranean ingredients. Creative cocktails and stylish interiors make these popular for younger crowds.
Brunch & Cafes
Sliema has Malta's best brunch scene, with cafes serving until late afternoon on weekends.
🥞 All-Day Brunch Spots
Several cafes specialise in all-day breakfast and brunch menus featuring eggs Benedict, avocado toast, acai bowls, and fluffy pancakes. Most offer excellent coffee from local roasters.
☕ Specialty Coffee Shops
Third-wave coffee culture has arrived in Sliema. Specialty coffee shops serve single-origin beans, pour-overs, and expertly crafted espresso drinks alongside artisan pastries.
🥗 Healthy Cafes
Health-conscious eateries serve fresh juices, smoothie bowls, salads, and plant-based options. Popular with the fitness crowd from nearby gyms and yoga studios.
Seafood Spots
Being a coastal town, Sliema offers excellent fresh seafood options, from casual to fine dining.
🦞 Upscale Seafood Restaurants
Premium seafood restaurants serve the day's catch in elegant settings. Expect grilled fish, lobster, oysters, and Mediterranean seafood platters prepared with skill.
🐟 Casual Fish Restaurants
Several no-frills restaurants focus on simply prepared fresh fish at reasonable prices. Less atmosphere, but excellent value and quality.
Budget-Friendly Options
Eating well in Sliema doesn't have to break the bank. Here are the best options for under €15 per person.
🌯 Quick Service & Street Food
Kebab shops, fast-casual spots, and takeaway joints offer filling meals for €5-10. The Point mall food court has the widest variety.
🥡 Takeaway Options
Many restaurants offer takeaway at lower prices than dine-in. Grab your food and enjoy it on the seafront benches for a budget-friendly meal with million-euro views.
🛒 Supermarket Picnics
Large supermarkets in Sliema stock deli items, fresh bread, local cheeses, and prepared salads. Perfect for picnic-style dining on the rocks.
🍽️ Explore Sliema Dining on HubpyMalta
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best seafront restaurants in Sliema?
The best seafront restaurants in Sliema are located along Tower Road and the Tigne Point promenade. Popular choices include Barracuda for fine dining seafood, Mint for Mediterranean cuisine with sea views, and numerous cafes along the promenade offering alfresco dining with stunning Valletta harbour views.
Is Sliema expensive for food?
Sliema offers dining options for all budgets. While seafront restaurants and Tigne Point venues tend to be pricier (€25-50 per person), you can find affordable options at The Point shopping mall food court, local pizza spots, and casual cafes away from the waterfront (€10-20 per person).
Where is the best brunch in Sliema?
Sliema is known for its excellent brunch scene. Top spots include Busy Bee Cafe on Tower Road for classic breakfast, Hugo's Terrace at Tigne Point for upscale brunch, and various cafes along the seafront promenade offering eggs Benedict, avocado toast, and Mediterranean breakfast options.
Do I need reservations for Sliema restaurants?
For casual cafes and the mall food court, reservations aren't necessary. However, for popular seafront restaurants and fine dining venues, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings, booking ahead is strongly recommended. During summer months, reserve 2-3 days in advance for waterfront tables.
What's the best area for nightlife dining in Sliema?
The Tigne Point waterfront and upper Tower Road (near the Ferries) are the liveliest areas for evening dining. Many restaurants stay open late and transition into bar mode after dinner service. For late-night bites, The Point mall area has options open until midnight.