Whether you’re visiting Malta on holiday or simply longing for a taste of home, there’s always that moment when you need to find a local restaurant serving an authentic Maltese dish. Maltese cuisine may be inspired by Mediterranean, North African, and classic European influences, but it stands out for its hearty, comforting flavours and time-honoured cooking methods. It’s this tasty combination of tradition and diverse influences that keeps food lovers coming back for more.
If you’re looking to tuck into a traditional Maltese dish, why not head to Luzzu Restaurant in Qawra, a casual, seafront eatery that offers a handful of delicious Maltese options made with love? But before we delve into what Luzzu can offer, let’s take a quick look at what makes Maltese cuisine so special.
A Quick Glance at Maltese Cuisine
Maltese people are famously passionate about their food, and that enthusiasm shines through in the island’s richly layered culinary scene. At its core, Maltese cuisine incorporates fresh, seasonal ingredients like sun-ripened tomatoes, onions, garlic, olives, and fragrant herbs, reflecting the island’s Mediterranean climate.
Over the centuries, an array of influences from Italian, Sicilian, Middle Eastern, and North African traditions have shaped Malta’s unique palate, introducing aromatic spices and traditional cooking methods such as slow-braising, baking, and grilling. The result is a cuisine that is typically hearty and satisfying and often tilts towards oven-baked specialties and savoury stews, dishes that really bring out flavour in every bite.
Introducing Luzzu Restaurant in Qawra
If you’re seeking a friendly Mediterranean and Maltese restaurant that serves up local specialties and warm hospitality, look no further than Luzzu in Qawra. Situated right on the Qawra coast, our award-winning eatery enjoys a bright indoor space, a generously sized outdoor terrace, and a dedicated kids’ play area making it ideal for families looking to dine without a fuss.
Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty pasta dish, fresh-off-the-boat seafood, or a refreshing salad, our menu offers something for every craving. You can start with a selection of antipasti, tuck into a wood-fired pizza, or explore our generous burgers, grills, and mains. Plus, we offer a selection of gluten-free and vegetarian options to ensure everyone in your group can have a delicious meal in Malta comfortably, no matter their dietary needs.
Along with breathtaking sea views, we’re known for our focus on fresh, local ingredients and outstanding service, creating a relaxed atmosphere that feels like a home away from home. Whether you’re popping in for a quick lunch or settling down for a leisurely evening meal, our casual restaurant sets the scene for a memorable meal.
Maltese food on the Luzzu Menu
As a local restaurant, Luzzu is proud to serve a selection of Maltese traditional dishes on our menu alongside many other Mediterranean favourites. For these Maltese specialties, our chefs take inspiration from age-old family recipes and add a few creative twists, resulting in hearty, flavour-packed dishes reminiscent of what you’d enjoy at your nanna’s table.
Here are a few Maltese highlights you can look forward to tucking into!
Aljotta Soup
Aljotta is our take on the classic Maltese fish soup, made with fresh white fish, onions, tomatoes, garlic, and a hint of lemon for a bright finish. We add rice for extra heartiness and fresh mint for an aromatic lift, then serve it with grilled crusty bread, perfect for soaking up every last drop of its comforting broth.
Casarecce with Maltese Sausage
In this dish, the island’s famed Maltese sausage truly shines. Maltese sausage is a piquant pork sausage seasoned with garlic, coriander seeds, and hints of red wine, giving it a distinctively bold taste. We pair it with tender casarecce pasta and a rich sauce of gorgonzola, carrots, celery, artichokes, white wine, leeks, cream, baby spinach, and crushed walnuts. The result is a hearty, indulgent meal that beautifully merges Malta’s rustic traditions with a creamy twist.
Goats’ Cheese Ravioli
Goat’s cheese in Malta carries a tangy, slightly salty flavour that sets it apart from other varieties. Our ravioli are filled with this distinctive cheese and paired with a combination of cherry tomatoes, tomato fondue, fresh basil, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil. Each comforting bite marries the creamy richness of the cheese with the sunny freshness of local produce.
Rabbit Stew
Known locally as fenkata, rabbit stew is often considered Malta’s national dish. We cook our rabbit low and slow with garlic, onions, spices, carrots, red wine, tomato sauce, and peas, allowing the flavours to meld into a rich, savoury sauce. It’s rustic, comforting, and steeped in Maltese tradition, capturing the essence of a classic family-style Sunday lunch you’ll find in Maltese homes.
Maltese Pizza
Malta may be just a hop away from Italy, but our Maltese pizza has a distinct personality all its own. It’s generally thicker and breadier, reflecting local preferences for a more rustic base. Ours is topped with a combination of tomato sauce, mozzarella, Maltese sausages, peppered cheeselets, black olives, onions, sundried tomatoes, and marjoram. The subtle spice of the sausage pairs beautifully with the tangy cheeselets, offering a uniquely Maltese twist on an Italian favourite.
Make your reservation at the best Maltese restaurant in Qawra
Have we enticed you enough? Now it’s time to book your table at Luzzu, one of the best Maltese restaurants on the island. Reach out to our reservation team today and let us know your preference for indoor seating or our outdoor terrace with close-up sea views. Whether you’re planning a family lunch or a romantic dinner, we’re here to ensure you have a memorable dining experience by the sea.
