Where to Eat in Gzira: Local Favourites Beyond the Tourist Strip

Sliema got the reputation. Gzira got the kitchens. While its glossier neighbour filled up with chains and queueing tourists, Gzira quietly assembled one of the most interesting eating scenes on the island — Roman osterias, Michelin-listed tasting menus, serious Indian food and thirty-cent pastizzi, often on the same block. Here’s where the locals actually eat, as of summer 2026.

In short: Gzira punches far above its weight for food. For a special evening, book Briju; for Roman comfort, Mamma Mariella; for Italian wine and cured meats, Prosciutteria; for the island’s best-regarded Indian, Maharaja; for seafood on the front, Gourmet Fish & Grill; and for breakfast money well spent, any pastizzeria counter on The Strand. Most are a short walk from anywhere in town.

The special occasion: Briju

Gzira’s quiet star. Briju does contemporary Mediterranean cooking of the kind that earns Michelin Guide attention without Michelin Guide prices — think precise plates, a short menu that changes with the market, and service that remembers you. Book ahead, especially at weekends, and go hungry.

The Roman comfort: Mamma Mariella — Piccola Osteria Romana

A small Roman osteria doing exactly what small Roman osterias should: proper carbonara, amatriciana with backbone, and the sort of family-run warmth that turns first-timers into regulars by the second visit. It’s the answer to the eternal mid-week question of where to go when you want to be looked after.

The wine and cured things: Prosciutteria

Boards of prosciutto and cheese, good Italian wine by the glass, and no rush whatsoever. Prosciutteria is built for the long, grazing kind of evening — the one that starts as “just a quick glass” and ends three hours later with strong opinions about burrata.

The curry benchmark: Maharaja

Regularly named among the best Indian restaurants in Malta, and the regulars will tell you it isn’t close. Generous portions, genuine spicing, and a butter chicken with a fan club. When you’ve been on the island a month and the craving hits, this is where it gets answered.

The seafront classic: Gourmet Fish & Grill

On the water-facing side of town, doing what the address demands: fresh fish, grilled properly, with the harbour going about its business in front of you. A dependable choice for visiting parents, client dinners, or any evening that deserves a view with its catch.

The one-euro institution: the pastizzeria counter

No Gzira food guide is honest without the humble pastizz — flaky, molten, filled with ricotta or mushy peas, and costing less than your bus fare. The counters along The Strand serve them warm from early morning. Two pastizzi and a tea in a glass remains Malta’s greatest value breakfast, and it isn’t a competition.

A town built for eating well

What makes Gzira’s scene special isn’t any single kitchen — it’s density and honesty. The town grew as a residential neighbourhood rather than a tourist strip, so restaurants here survive on repeat local custom, not footfall. Prices stay fair, standards stay up, and menus stay interesting. For the fuller picture of the town itself, our Gzira area guide covers the seafront, Manoel Island and everything between — and if the evening keeps going, Malta after dark has the rest of the night handled.

Frequently asked questions

Is Gzira good for restaurants?

Yes — Gzira has one of Malta’s best-value and fastest-improving food scenes, from Michelin Guide-listed Briju to family-run osterias, top-rated Indian food and traditional pastizzi counters. Because it’s a residential town, restaurants rely on local repeat custom, which keeps quality high and prices honest.

Where should I eat near the Gzira seafront?

Along and just off The Strand you’ll find seafood at Gourmet Fish & Grill, Italian and Mediterranean options with harbour views, and pastizzeria counters for a quick bite. Many of the best kitchens sit one or two streets back from the water, where the locals eat.

Do I need to book restaurants in Gzira?

For the most popular spots — particularly Briju and the better-known Italian restaurants — booking a day or two ahead is wise, especially for weekend evenings. Casual spots, cafés and pastizzerias are walk-in friendly year-round.

The best part of eating your way through Gzira is walking home afterwards. Morrison Court is five serviced apartments in the heart of town, designed for one or two guests, with every restaurant above a short stroll from your door. Book your stay in Gzira at morrisoncourt.com.