The Sushi Scene in Malta
Malta's sushi scene has exploded in recent years. What was once limited to a handful of tourist-oriented spots has transformed into a vibrant Japanese dining landscape with authentic omakase counters, fresh sashimi specialists, and budget-friendly all-you-can-eat options.
The island's location in the Mediterranean means access to excellent fresh fish, whilst the growing Japanese expat community has pushed restaurants to up their game. Whether you're craving a quick salmon nigiri lunch or a full kaiseki-style dinner, Malta now delivers.
In this guide, we'll cover the best sushi restaurants across Sliema, St Julian's, Valletta, and beyond - with honest reviews, price comparisons, and insider tips.
Top Sushi Restaurants in Malta
These are the standout sushi spots that consistently deliver quality, freshness, and authentic Japanese flavours.
🏆 Zest - St Julian's
Widely considered Malta's best sushi destination, Zest at the Hilton combines stunning presentation with genuinely fresh fish. The sushi counter experience is particularly noteworthy - watch the chefs craft each piece with precision. Their signature rolls are creative without being gimmicky, and the sashimi platters are exceptionally fresh.
€€€ · €40-70 per person⭐ Sake Sushi Bar - Sliema
A local favourite for over a decade, Sake Sushi Bar on the Sliema seafront offers consistently excellent sushi at reasonable prices. The maki selection is extensive, and they're known for generous portion sizes. The terrace seating with sea views is perfect for summer evenings.
€€ · €25-45 per person
🎌 Ikigai - Valletta
The newest addition to Malta's high-end Japanese scene, Ikigai brings authentic Tokyo-style sushi to the capital. The fish is flown in regularly from Japan's Tsukiji market, and the attention to detail is remarkable. Their lunch sets offer excellent value.
€€€€ · €60-100+ per person🌊 Caviar & Bull - St Julian's
Whilst primarily known for its steaks, Caviar & Bull's sushi bar is a hidden gem. The Japanese A5 Wagyu sushi is legendary, and their fusion approach - blending Mediterranean ingredients with Japanese technique - creates memorable dishes.
€€€€ · €70-120 per person🍱 Tora - Paceville
A stylish newcomer that's quickly gained a loyal following. Tora offers modern Japanese cuisine with an emphasis on premium sushi and robatayaki. The intimate setting and attentive service make it feel more exclusive than its prices suggest.
€€€ · €45-65 per personOmakase Experiences in Malta
Omakase - the chef's choice tasting menu - represents the pinnacle of Japanese dining. Malta now offers several genuine omakase experiences for serious sushi enthusiasts.
🎎 Ikigai Omakase Counter
The most authentic omakase in Malta. Sit at the 8-seat counter and let the Japanese chef guide you through 12-15 courses of seasonal fish, prepared in front of you. Each piece is served at the perfect temperature with house-made wasabi. This is as close to Tokyo as Malta gets.
€€€€ · €95-150 per person🌸 Zest Chef's Table
A more accessible omakase option. The chef's table at Zest offers a 7-course tasting journey through Japanese flavours, with sushi as the centrepiece but also incorporating cooked dishes. Excellent for omakase newcomers.
€€€ · €75-95 per person
🏯 Caviar & Bull Private Omakase
For the ultimate splurge, book the private omakase room at Caviar & Bull. The experience includes A5 Wagyu, premium uni, and rare seasonal fish flown in specifically for the occasion. Prices are on request - if you have to ask, you know the deal.
€€€€€ · €200+ per personAll-You-Can-Eat Sushi in Malta
For value-seekers and those with big appetites, Malta has several all-you-can-eat (AYCE) sushi restaurants. Quality varies, so here are the ones worth your money.
🍽️ Wasabi - Sliema
The best value AYCE sushi in Malta. For €32, you get unlimited access to over 80 items including sushi, sashimi, tempura, and hot dishes. The tablet ordering system means food arrives fresh from the kitchen, not sitting on a conveyor belt.
€€ · €32 per person (lunch €25)🥢 Zen Sushi - St Julian's
Popular with the after-work crowd, Zen offers unlimited sushi from €28. The selection is slightly smaller than Wasabi, but the quality is consistent. Their miso soup and edamame are excellent starters.
€€ · €28-35 per person
🏪 Kirin - Qawra
The go-to AYCE option in the north. Kirin caters heavily to the tourist crowd but offers solid sushi at €25 for lunch. The dinner menu includes more premium items. Not destination-worthy, but convenient if you're staying in Bugibba or Qawra.
€€ · €25-30 per personAYCE Tips
- Start with sashimi - it's the most expensive item, so maximise value early
- Avoid rice-heavy rolls - they fill you up quickly
- Go at lunch - prices are typically €5-10 cheaper
- Don't waste food - most places charge for uneaten items
Other Japanese Restaurants Worth Visiting
Not just sushi - Malta's Japanese food scene extends to ramen, izakaya, and more.
🍜 Noodle Box - Valletta
Malta's first dedicated ramen bar. Rich tonkotsu broths, handmade noodles, and proper Japanese toppings. A welcome alternative when you want something hot and comforting. The spicy miso ramen is outstanding.
€€ · €15-25 per person🍶 Saboten - Sliema
An izakaya-style Japanese pub perfect for sharing plates and sake. The menu spans yakitori, tempura, small sushi plates, and Japanese whisky. Great for groups who want variety without committing to a full sushi dinner.
€€ · €30-50 per person
🥡 Yo! Sushi - The Point, Sliema
Yes, it's a chain, but Yo! Sushi in Malta's Point shopping centre is reliable for a quick, affordable sushi fix. The conveyor belt format works well for solo diners or quick lunches. Not destination dining, but dependable.
€ · €15-25 per personSushi Price Guide in Malta
Here's what to expect price-wise at different types of sushi restaurants in Malta:
| Type | Price Range | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Budget AYCE | €25-35 | Wasabi, Zen, Kirin |
| Mid-range | €35-55 | Sake Sushi, Tora |
| Upscale | €55-85 | Zest, Ikigai lunch |
| Premium Omakase | €95-150+ | Ikigai, Caviar & Bull |
| Quick Serve | €12-20 | Yo! Sushi, takeaways |
Typical Menu Prices
- Nigiri (2 pieces): €4-8
- Maki roll (6-8 pieces): €8-15
- Sashimi platter (12 pieces): €18-35
- Dragon/speciality roll: €14-22
- Bento box lunch: €18-28
- Sake (small carafe): €8-15
🍽️ Explore Japanese Food on HubpyMalta
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best sushi restaurant in Malta?
Zest in St Julian's and Sake Sushi in Sliema consistently rank among the best sushi restaurants in Malta. For a premium omakase experience, Ikigai offers an authentic Japanese fine dining experience with imported ingredients.
How much does sushi cost in Malta?
Sushi prices in Malta range from around €15-25 for basic rolls at casual spots to €80-150+ for omakase tasting menus. All-you-can-eat sushi typically costs €25-35 per person.
Are there any all-you-can-eat sushi restaurants in Malta?
Yes, several restaurants offer all-you-can-eat sushi in Malta including Wasabi in Sliema and Zen Sushi in St Julian's. Prices typically range from €25-35 per person with time limits of 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Do I need to book sushi restaurants in Malta?
For mid-range restaurants like Sake Sushi, weekday bookings are usually not essential but recommended. For premium spots like Zest, Ikigai, or any omakase experience, booking at least a few days in advance is strongly recommended, especially for weekends.
Is the fish fresh in Malta sushi restaurants?
Yes, Malta's location in the Mediterranean means access to excellent fresh local fish. Premium restaurants like Ikigai also import fish from Japan's fish markets. However, quality varies - stick to our recommended restaurants for the freshest options.
Are there vegetarian sushi options in Malta?
Most sushi restaurants in Malta offer vegetarian options including avocado rolls, cucumber maki, inari (tofu pouches), and vegetable tempura rolls. Wasabi and Yo! Sushi have particularly good vegetarian selections.