Malta Michelin Guide 2023: ‘We are seeing the results of endless dedication,’ says MTA CEO

Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) CEO Carlo Micallef on Friday welcomed the inclusion of various restaurants in this year’s Malta Michelin Guide, with this being indicative of restauranteurs’ role in the tourism industry’s recovery.

The new Michelin Guide, which is the fourth edition for Malta, recognises the outstanding restaurants, breadth of cuisine styles, and culinary skills found in Malta, Gozo and Comino. Established in the late 19th century, Michelin has maintained its presence as the “benchmark of international food” for more than 120 years, recognising some of the greatest restaurants in the world.

Located right at the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta is establishing itself as a gastronomic destination which serves a range of dishes influenced by a number of civilisations that made the islands their home over the years. In a bid to embrace the country’s long-standing and diverse culinary history, the MTA has been championing local, sustainable gastronomy that “tips its hat to traditional methods” within the context of a modern and buzzing restaurant scene.

“Today, with the announcement by Michelin, we are seeing the results of the endless dedication that our restauranteurs are offering for a steady recovery in our tourism industry,” Mr Micallef said.

“As the MTA, we are working together with industry partners to achieve one common goal, to keep tourism on the forefront of the Maltese economy. We are proud to say that Malta has retained the Michelin Guide for the fourth year which is instrumental in attracting quality tourism to our islands,” he added.

On behalf of the MTA, he thanked everyone involved in the tourism sector, who “together strive for tourism success”.

A restaurant in Sliema, Fernandõ Gastrotheque, has gained its One Michelin Star status, and it is also joined by five other establishments that have retained their status, with these being Under Grain (Valletta), Noni (Valletta), ION – The Harbour (Valletta), De Mondion (Mdina), and Bahia (Balzan).

Additionally, five new restaurants have also joined the Michelin Guide Malta 2023 selection, with these being Giuseppi’s (Naxxar), Loa (St Paul’s Bay), Grotto Tavern (Rabat), Legligin (Valletta), and Rosamì (St Julian’s). This takes the 2023 Malta selection up to 35 Michelin recommended restaurants.

The Bib Gourmand status, which showcases establishments that represent the definition of a Bib Gourman, good quality and good value cooking, maintained the same restaurants, being Terrone (Birgu), Commando (Mellieha), Grain Street (Valletta), and Rubino (Valletta).

International Director of the Michelin Guides Gwendal Poullennec said: “For this fourth Michelin Guide Malta selection, we are very proud to welcome a new restaurant to the large family of Michelin Stars. The development of the Maltese culinary scene is extremely exciting, with the selection of an additional five new restaurants that take their inspiration from the Mediterranean region, yet without holding back on the occasional touch of fusion to surprise and delight gourmets.”

“Whether for its UNESCO designated heritage, its status as a Mediterranean crossroads, its ancient history or its colourful and joyful cuisine, Malta has everything needed to seduce travellers,” Mr Poullennec added.

Minister for Tourism Clayton Bartolo outlined that the attraction of “greater quantities of independent tourists” has presented “huge opportunities and increased business” for Malta’s catering industry.

“Malta’s hospitality community needs to continue striving on inducing even more expenditure and activity into their sector. Our Tourism Strategy to 2030 places a strong emphasis on sustainability, quality, authenticity and a stronger link with what makes the Maltese Islands a diverse and unique destination,” he said.

“The gastronomic experience is integral to the reaching of these objectives. Therefore, we need to work harder in a creative manner towards a gastronomic offer which truly emphasises excellence in Malta’s culinary menu,” he concluded.

The full 2023 selection for Malta is available on the Michelin Guide website by clicking here.