For the first time, the MICHELIN Guide awards two Stars to a Maltese restaurant

The MICHELIN Guide Malta is pleased to present its new restaurant selection for 2024. Since the Guide first arrived on the island, the number of restaurants and the quality of dishes has continued its upward trajectory, illustrating the vitality and appeal of the destination among international gourmets. Valetta and its surrounding area are investing in the local culinary offer to guarantee a consistently higher level and increasingly generous experiences for travelers.

“Our anonymous inspectors explored the local culinary scene, which is constantly evolving, both in terms of the number of restaurants, and the quality of the cuisine prepared and products used. This year marks a milestone in the history of the MICHELIN Guide Malta, with the announcement of the first two MICHELIN Stars restaurant in the selection, underscoring the commitment of professionals to deliver the very best to their diners” explained Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides. “The inspectors also noticed that the Maltese culinary spirit is changing and becoming ever more zestful and innovative. Chefs are now focusing on local gastronomy, bringing the island’s agricultural economy to the fore and thereby consolidating a more sustainable approach to Maltese cuisine. Small kitchen gardens are springing up adjacent to restaurants, enabling chefs to take advantage of local Mediterranean-fragranced products.” 

  

The first two MICHELIN Stars accolade in the 2024 selection goes to ION Harbour, Simon Rogan’s Maltese institution. Rogan already holds Three MICHELIN Stars for his Lake District restaurant L’Enclume in the UK. In his Maltese establishment, gourmets will find impeccable service and creative and innovative cuisine. Resident chefs Oli Marlow and Eoin Smith prepare complex dishes with Asian influences, crafted from the island’s star produce which includes local vegetables, Mediterranean fish and more refined and international ingredients. Highlights include the raw red shrimp and lampuki fish tartare with berries. The view over Grand Harbour is breathtaking, while the selection of local wines is sure to impress connoisseurs.

 All of the establishments already honored in the selection retain their one Star status for another year, while Rosamì makes its debut in the Guide. Overlooking Spinola Bay, Rosamì is a beautiful Maltese-style villa housing a classic, elegant and decidedly romantic restaurant. Four menus of different lengths are proposed (Steam, Petal, Bulb and Leaf), featuring modern dishes with an international flavor. The wine list includes labels from around the world, as well as local offerings, while the house Negroni is a must-try specialty.

The Bib Gourmand section is also expanding, with the addition of AYU. Situated opposite Manoel Island, in this eatery, three brothers concoct dishes with international influences, infused with the chefs’ memories and experiences. The most memorable dishes include the flavorsome and spicy Sea Bass Stew with Soy and Ginger and the Sri Lankan-Style Pork Curry, which are both ideal for gourmets seeking exotic taste experiences. The excellent value for money and laid-back atmosphere make it a well

-known meeting spot after a stroll on the beach-front promenade in Gzira.

The selection of restaurants recommended by the MICHELIN Guide Malta is available free of charge on the MICHELIN Guide website and app. It joins the Guide's hotel selection, which highlights the most exclusive places to stay in Malta and around the world.