Gluten Free Malta – A guide for Coeliacs

A Guide to Gluten Free Malta for the travelling Coeliac (Celiac). Created 2025. Updated 2026. MAP included

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Gluten Free Malta : where and what to eat

Malta has lots of great food on offer. Being a small island, its fish and seafood are plentiful and delicious, but equally, it has restaurants and cafes of every type to pick from. Coeliacs are well catered for… We found it easy to find safe food, not least because many dishes are simply and freshly cooked. Nonetheless it’s always good to have some tried and tested recommendations and my Gluten Free Malta guide offers exactly that!

Whether eating out, self-catering or both, I’ll share our best finds and recommendations researched from within the Coeliac community to help you eat well, stay healthy and enjoy every foodie moment of your time on the island.

In addition to the written guide, I’ve also included access to my Gluten Free Malta map, charting venues at which we ate or that have been recommended by other Coeliac travellers.

Where is Malta?

Malta is a tiny island (about 17 x 9 miles in size) located in the Mediterranean Sea, 50 miles South of Sicily (Italy). It’s the largest in an archipelago of islands of which three (Malta, Gozo and Comino) are inhabited, with the Capital being the old city of Valletta.

It’s a popular tourist destination, particularly with the Brits. We have a long relationship with the country and there are many ex-pats who now call it home. Indeed the country has 2 official languages: Maltese and English.

Whether travelling in the heat of the summer or visiting in the cooler months, Malta has a lot to offer. For such a tiny country, there’s something for everyone… It’s packed with fascinating history… from ancient towns and temples (stretching back to somewhere around 3500 BC), to more recent WW2 history. Or you can simply wander the beautiful narrow streets lined with tall limestone buildings, walk the rocky coastline or swim and sail in the gorgeously crystal clear blue waters.

Where you stay will partly depend on how you plan to spend your time. (Get some ideas here). Either way, it’s easy to get around whether by the excellent public transport network in the form of buses or via cheap and easy car hire.

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Do I need a Maltese Coeliac Restaurant Card?

I usually recommend taking a restaurant card explaining Coeliac Disease and dietary need in the language of the country visited. However, in Malta it’s not necessary (as long as you speak English). With English being one of the main languages spoken, it’s easy to discuss your gluten free needs directly and clearly with restaurant staff.

Gluten Free Malta – Making judgements about where to eat

We found the understanding of ‘gluten free’ to be largely positive in venues across the island, with patience and care to helpfully talk through food preparation and cross-contamination risk. Be aware however, that a few Maltese restaurants use the term ‘gluten controlled’ on their menus, which seems a little ambiguous. And while kitchens largely display a good understanding of the technicalities of cross contamination and how to avoid it, it was mostly prefaced with ‘but we can’t guarantee’…

Personally, I don’t have an issue with displaying a degree of caution. The reputational risks for businesses are all too real in a world of litigation and social media. And the emphasis on the customer to take the weight of responsibility in deciding whether they wish to eat somewhere is not unreasonable. Indeed, it is no different in the UK or anywhere else.

With that in mind when navigating your gluten free Malta experience, be sure to ask as many questions as you feel are necessary. Whether a venue has been recommended by others or not, YOUR assessment of risk is what counts in deciding whether to eat there. If you are not fully happy, walk away! There are plenty more restaurants to choose from.

For advice on finding safe venues and questions to ask when you get there, check out my page: Gluten Free Restaurants and Fast Food: How to Eat Out as a Coeliac

How to use my guide to Gluten Free Malta

This guide consists of venues where I and my daughter ate as Coeliacs when we visited in March 2025. It also includes recommendations (from the gluten free community) researched both ahead of my trip and ‘on the ground’ as likely safe options.

Be alert (as always) that venues can change ownership, suppliers and menus without notice. As such, you should ALWAYS inform staff of your health status and discuss menu options and safety at the time of booking and again BEFORE you order, to be certain you are happy.

If you do encounter problems with any of the venues listed (or indeed if you find any new options that should be added), please let me know so I can amend recommendations. And do share the guide link with others if helpful!

Gluten Free Malta Mapped

My gluten free Malta map is there to help you when out and about. Click it to open in Google Maps. The map and guide are organised primarily by area.

Gluten Free Malta – The Guide

The guide lists venues at which we ate on our short trip to the island and places we researched in advance and when there. Most places we visited were helpful and knowledgeable however. So if you are passing a restaurant that you think looks interesting, be sure to head in and ask. You may find a completely uncharted gem and a fabulous safe meal!

100% Gluten Free Venues are marked with a star ★

Check websites for opening times which vary depending on season, public holidays, etc.

Click 👆 Link Titles Below to Jump to Required Section

Valetta & Sliema
Beyond the capital – Malta Island
The Island of Gozo
Supermarkets

Valletta and Sliema

Ħelu Manna Gluten Free Kafeterija (bakery-café) ★ 100%(Website) CLOSED as at May 2026

Elephant Shoe – (Website)

Dar l-Emigrant, Castille St, Valletta VLT 1062, Malta (Open daily Breakfast/Brunch/Light Lunch)

Located at the top of the hill next to the entrance for the Upper Barrakka Gardens, Elephant Shoe was up there near the top of our gluten free Malta list, but in the end we chose not to eat there. It was simply that what we wanted they no longer served and we couldn’t persuade them otherwise. Nonetheless, Elephant Shoe comes with a great reputation in the Coeliac community. The menu is well marked, the staff are helpful, there is an excellent protocol for allergen safety and they have a separate fryer!

It’s definitely a great brunch-lunch spot! Gluten free options include toast-based plates (poached eggs/smashed avocado/etc), waffles, steaks, fries, salads, arepas, empanadas and poke bowls.

Bistro 516 (traditional Maltese restaurant) (Website)

Valletta Waterfront, Floriana, Malta (Open daily brunch through to dinner)

Located on the waterfront on the three cities side of Valletta, Bistro 516 is a traditional Maltese restaurant that offers a separate gluten free menu (including a kids menu). They won the award for Malta’s best gluten free restaurant in 2024 and have an excellent understanding of cross-contamination and Coeliac safety. The menu is very varied and they also offer gluten free bread rolls which are really good! The table was ‘flagged’ with an ‘allergy alert’ to inform staff of our needs and for extra reassurance.

Between us we had a combination of homemade gluten free cheese and basil Stuffed Ravioli pasta, Chicken Cajun-Honey and the Seafood Platter, all of which were excellent.

Bistro-516-Gluten-Free-Ravioli-Floriana-Valletta-Malta — **Bistro 516 Gluten Free Ravioli**

Chicken-Cajun-Honey-Bistro-516-Floriana-Valletta-Malta — **Chicken Cajun-Honey – Bistro 516**

TRiBE – (Website)

84, South Street Triq In-Nofsinhar Valletta, VLT 1105, Malta (breakfast through to lunch or dinner – depending on day)

TRiBE is a trendy café-restaurant serving breakfast, open sandwiches, bowls, burgers, pasta, steaks, etc. They have a separate gluten free menu, good cross-contamination understanding and use a separate fryer. Burgers come with a GF bun and bread-based dishes with gluten free sourdough. We didn’t eat here, but it has good Coeliac reviews.

Naan Bar – Indian Fine Dining (Website)

60/1 Melita Street Corner of, Old Bakery St, Valletta VLT 1450 (open daily for dinner and also lunch on weekends)

If you’re looking for something a little bit special, Naan Bar (Indian Fine Dining) looks incredible. It was recommended to me by a fellow Coeliac blogger who lives in Malta. I wanted to go here for my birthday, but was travelling with someone who was not a fan of curry. Gutted!

Either way, the menu is well marked (and almost entirely gluten free) and the staff have a good knowledge of Coeliac. Top tip: I am told if you book ahead and let them know you are gluten free, they can do you gluten free Naan as well! Definitely a must for the gluten free Malta list!

Gambit Bistro (Website)

61 Old Bakery Street, Il-Belt Valletta VLT 1454, Malta (open Tuesday to Sunday for Dinner)

Located on a backstreet in Valletta, Gambit is not an obvious venue. However, after seeing some rather tempting photos of their dishes on the internet, we ventured down in the hope of booking for lunch. Unfortunately they were only open in the evenings and as we were still on winter ferry times, we decided it was too much hassle to get back to Sliema after. Nonetheless, this is a quirky venue worthy of a bit of attention in the gluten free Malta guide.

The menu is described as ‘contemporary Mediterranean infused with the flavours of the Balkans but paying homage to traditional Maltese cuisine’. It’s quite meat and fish focussed, but ingredients are local and seasonal. We had a lengthy chat with the manager/owner who advised that much of the menu could be safely adapted to gluten free.

Rootz (Website)

11 triq Id-Dejqa (Strait St), Valletta, Malta (Open Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner)

Rootz is a positively reviewed Italian bistro restaurant and tapas bar located on a side street in central Valletta. I didn’t get to eat here, but the menu is varied (including plenty of veggie options). It’s reported that almost all of the menu can be made gluten free with a good understanding of dietary need and cross contamination. They can serve safe gluten free bread and also desserts (including Tiramisu).

Wild Honey Beer House & Bistro (Website) ★ (Pizza 100% GF – Not the beer!)

53 Old Bakery St, Valletta VLT 1455, Valletta, Malta VLT 1018 (Open daily with variable hours – see website/google)

Wild Honey is not my sort of venue as it seems to sell itself as a rock pub. HOWEVER… It is also reported to serve amazing gluten free (and vegan) pizza. In fact, it ONLY serves pizza that is gluten free and that pizza is rated as fantastic by both Coeliacs and wheat-eaters alike. I’ve struggled to source an accurate general menu, but it’s possible that the rest of the food may also be gluten free. Either way, it’s definitely one to keep on the gluten free Malta radar if you fancy pizza in Valletta. And if you aren’t a fan of loud music, they also do take out!

Pastaus Pasta (Website)

Valletta – 123 Old Theatre Street, Il-Belt Valletta, Malta (open daily for lunch and dinner)
Marsaxlokk – Pjazza Madonna ta’, Pompei, Marsaxlokk, Malta (hours variable – check website/google)

I didn’t go to Pastaus Pasta and it comes with mixed reviews. However it’s a specialist pasta restaurant that does offer gluten free pasta on request at slightly additional cost (I believe a choice of spaghetti or penne). All sauces are apparently free from gluten ingredients. Be aware that I’ve seen reports this is a cash only venue.

Ginscal Mezcal & Tacos Mexican Bar (Website)

St Gwann 95 Valletta, VLT 1092, Malta (open 6pm until late Wednesday to Sunday)

If you’re looking for evening drinks and snacks, Ginscal (actually a Dutch-owned venue) is a good grown up option, serving cocktails, tipples and Mexican tacos. All the tacos are traditional corn and gluten free (including fillings)!

Amorino Gelato

Valletta – 36 Republic St, Valletta VLT 1113, Malta
Sliema – St. Anne Square, Sliema, SLM 1022, Malta
St Julian’s – Mercury Shopping District, Mercury House, St.George’s Street, St Julian’s STJ 3202, Malta

With 3 locations on Malta, Amorino Gelato is a good stop for ice cream! ALL their ice cream flavours are gluten free as are their ice cream macaron and most of their ‘ice cream desserts’. Be sure to let them know you’re Coeliac. We had our ice cream scooped into tubs although I think they also offer gluten free cones if you ask.

The Bakery Shop by Golden Harvest (Website)

99 Triq 11- Kbira Tas-Silema (open daily – times vary)

Golden Harvest is a Maltese bakery factory. However they also have a small Bakery Shop located in Sliema which is worth a visit. In addition to standard wheat bakes, they have a separate gluten free range including some bread, cakes, cookies, crackers and biscuits (sweet and savoury) and traditional seasonal Maltese bakes. All are individually wrapped and made in their local factory (which also has a separate bakery shop located in San Gwann: UB21, Industrial Estate, San Gwann). Worth making a visit for some gluten free Malta snacks (at the very least).

Golden-Harvest-Bakery-Malta-Gluten-Free-Crackers — **Savoury Crackers – Golden Harvest Bakery**

valentine-heart-gluten-free-cookie-bakery-by-golden-harvest-malta — **Valentine Heart Cookies – Golden Harvest Bakery**

warezimal-Gluten-Free-Golden-Harvest-Bakery-Malta — **Gluten Free Kwarezimal – Golden Harvest Bakery**

Tempt Asian (Asian Fusion) (Website)

AX The Palace, 9^th floor, High Street Silema, Slm 1542 (open Tuesday to Sunday for dinner)

Tempt Asian is a higher-end restaurant located in AX The Palace 5* hotel, so a good choice for a special meal. It’s another place I really wanted to eat as it comes with great Coeliac reviews and I love Asian food! However I was ‘over-ruled’ by a fellow traveller who felt it might be too spicy for them. The menu is well-marked for gluten free options which while slightly limited, are pretty varied. Everything I’ve seen both looks and sounds divine!

Staff are reported to have a good understanding of Coeliac safety and will use gluten free soy sauce.

Word of Mouth (WOM) (Website)

Tower Road, Sliema, Malta (Open daily for brunch and lunch)

We loved Word of Mouth and ate brunch here twice (it was located very close to where we stayed). With seating both inside and out (and blankets and heaters when the weather’s nippy), the menu is a little ‘wacky’ and interesting and the staff helpful about dietary need. Actually, the whole vibe of the place was fun, including the provision of juke box tokens!

The menu is marked for ‘Gluten Controlled’ (GC) items. Options vary from fritters, benedict (on a crispy potato nest) and bowls, through to gluten free pancakes and waffles and a handful of more ‘full meal’ meat and fish dishes. Keep this one on the gluten free Malta list!

Malta-Gluten-Free-Benedict-Word-of-Mouth — **Gluten Free Benedict – Word of Mouth**

Sliema-Malta-Word-of-Mouth-Gluten-Free-Magnum-Pancakes — **Gluten Free Magnum Pancakes – Word of Mouth**

Peppi’s Restaurant (Website)

Silema Seafront, Tower Road, Silema (open daily breakfast through to dinner)

Located at Exiles Bay, Peppi’s Restaurant is reported to be able to offer many items on its extensive menu as gluten free options (including pizza, pasta and burgers). The menu is varied including plenty of meat and fish. However, be aware that it comes with mixed reviews from the Coeliac community (some excellent and some very not). I can’t confirm one way or another as I haven’t eaten here, but if you venture in, be sure to ask plenty of questions!

Fresco’s Restaurant (Website)

Tower Road, Sliema SLM 160 (open daily for lunch and dinner)

Fresco’s is located close to Peppi’s but appears to have a much better Coeliac reputation. The menu is clearly marked for gluten free options, with plenty of choice from pasta dishes, risottos and salads to traditional Maltese dishes, steaks and seafood. (Pizzas and fries are not gluten free and there is no dedicated fryer). I cannot confirm safety as I haven’t eaten here, but people have reported a largely positive experience with staff knowledgeable about Coeliac Disease.

Lou’s Bistro (Website)

Tigné Seafront, Tas-Sliema, Malta (Open daily for lunch and dinner)

In search of some traditional Maltese dishes, we found Lou’s Bistro on the seafront near the ferries in Tas-Sliema. And it was a gem! The menu was clearly marked for gluten free (mainly meat, fish and risotto- based) and staff were happy to check with the chef as needed (despite it being very busy). The octopus was incredible melt-in-the-mouth succulent and the traditional braised rabbit (though very rich) was delicious.

Lous-Sliema-Malta-Octopus — **Octopus Starter – Lou’s, Sliema**

Braised-Rabbit-Lous-gluten-free-Malta-Sliema — **Braised Rabbit – Lou’s**

Grana Italian (Website)

Sliema (Grana Trattoria) – Bouverie Street, Il-Gżira GZR 1224, Malta (Open daily – hours vary)
Valletta (Grana Cucina) – 114 Triq San Gwann, Il-Belt Valletta, Malta (Open daily – hours vary)

Grana is a fab Italian restaurant which seems very popular with locals. The downloadable menu was clearly marked (with allergens in the dishes rather than not) and staff were helpful with questions. Gluten free pasta is available at extra charge, but pizza is not. We had an amazing seafood risotto, which was seriously packed with seafood. And some crispy polenta bites and salad on the side. We were too full for dessert!

We loved it and although a bit more of a walk out of the centre of Sliema, it should definitely be on your gluten free Malta hit list!

Seafood-Risotto-Grana-Sliema-Malta — **Seafood Risotto – Grana, Sliema**

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Gluten Free Malta – Beyond the capital

Because we were only in Malta for a week, we were limited with how much we did. However, by using the good public transport networks and/or hiring a car, it’s easy to find your way beyond the city limits!

Gluten Free Biss ★ (Website)

34 Triq Ix-Xitwa, Ħal Qormi QRM 5232, Malta (Open Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm)

100% gluten free bakery and supplies located in Qormi. Gluten Free Biss sells fresh, frozen and packaged bread, cake, pie, pasta etc as well as a vast range of ambient and frozen products for the Coeliac and gluten free community. While I did not visit Gluten Free Biss, their website indicates they have a storefront and also that they deliver across the island and to Gozo.

D Kalkarra Regatta Café Bistro (Website)

Ex-Bruno Stores Triq ir-Regatta, 1969, Kalkara KKR 1073, Malta (Open Wednesday to Sunday – hours vary)

D Kalkara Regatta comes recommended by the Malta Coeliac Association. Located in the Kalkara area close to the Three Cities peninsulars, it’s a Mediterranean restaurant with a separate gluten free menu and a very good understanding of Coeliac safety. They make their own gluten free pizza dough (cooked in a separate oven), burgers served in gluten free buns with safe fries and pasta that is gluten free on request. The rest of the menu is fresh fish, meat, vegetables and risotto, much of which is naturally gluten free. Although we didn’t make it to Kalkara, this is definitely a restaurant to remember if you find yourself in the neighbourhood.

D Viri ‘s Cafe & Take Away (Website)

28 Triq Ix – Xatt, Il-Kalkara, Malta (Open Tuesday to Sunday – Hours vary)

Also recommended by the Malta Coeliac Association, D Viri’s Café prides itself on being able to offer Coeliac’s safe ‘fast’ food. Although not a 100% gluten free venue, they make burgers with gluten free buns, homemade GF pizza bases, pasta, bowls, etc. They also have a range of gluten free fresh-baked sweet treats that vary depending on what is baked that day. Check out their Facebook Page for current offerings.