Looking for the best coffee shops in Malta? Here are our 10 favourite coffee shops around the islands.
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Valletta:
Sliema & Gzira:
South Malta:
Gozo:
In recent years, we have seen several new coffee shops in Malta. We at OMGFoodMalta love a good cup of coffee and have been to various outlets looking for the best coffee in Malta & Gozo.
Picture this: You’re sitting at a restaurant or coffee shop in Malta or Gozo, looking at your espresso or cappuccino. The colour is right, but there is something slightly off about it. After your first sip, a burst of acidity hits your taste buds.
It is sharp and unpleasant. It is frustrating, and unless the coffee is exceptionally bad (which happened a few times, don’t worry), you somehow down it, make some funny face and get on with your life.
It should not be that way. Coffee should bring joy, a moment to savour. From espresso to instant, coffee is part of the daily routine for millions of people worldwide. There are two main types of coffee: 60% of the world’s coffee is the Robusta type (faster and cheaper, often used to make your Nescafe) and 30% Arabica (used for the specialty type).
Coffee has a long history, which we discussed in our other article about The History of Coffee. Aficionados, however, will tell you that this is not what defines coffee.
It is all about the origin—the region, the farm, and the different climatic and soil conditions. The origin is important because artisanal coffee is about giving due importance to the bean and, as a result, to the people who grew it.
What makes a good cup of coffee is always a topic for debate. Many of us have been raised on instant coffee or using some coffee machine, so we learned to expect our cup of coffee to contain bitter, woody-tasting liquid that needs a considerable amount of milk and sugar to make it palatable.
When we tasted specialty coffee, it was a revelation. We realized that good quality coffee is worth spending a bit more. Various countries have seen a surge in specialty coffee shops in recent years.
Whilst this surge has been less so in Malta, we still have experienced the opening of some ‘third wave’ artisanal coffee shops.
So, with that in mind, where would you find the best coffee shops in Malta? We give you our favourite coffee places around the Maltese Islands (in no particular order of preference). Some give utmost importance to the coffee type, while others give you a mix of coffee and atmosphere.
Valletta is not home only to great restaurants. Any serious coffee lover on the Maltese Islands knows about Lot 61, specialty coffee supremos. If you want some of the best coffee in Malta, this place is for you.
The people at Lot 61 source green coffee beans from different parts of the world, roast them at their roasters in Naxxar and then distribute them them to their shops and various others.
You’ll see a Lot 61 sign outside various outlets around the Maltese Islands, which normally means you’ll probably get a good cup of coffee.
There’s something about their outlet in Old Theatre Street, Valletta. It came as no surprise to us when, in 2019, it was listed in Big 7 Travel’s 50 Best Coffee Shops In Europe. Lot61 in Valletta is small, charming, and located in a great location.
The service has always been with a smile, and the coffee is excellent. We are particularly fond of their Mocha!
Lot61 Website - https://www.lotsixtyonecoffeemalta.com/
Lot61 Location:
Originally a men's clothes shop, the Kir Royale was transformed into a cafe by owner Lee Garrard in 2019. Located in the upper part of St Paul’s Street, Valletta (a short walk away from Castille), we had the pleasure of visiting recently to try his latte and the classic cappuccino.
Both were delightful in their simplicity. A selection of lovely pastries and sweets is available with your coffee.
Lee specialises in coffee after studying it in Florence. Apart from serving excellent coffee, his top priority is to make sure his clients are happy, hence his services with a smile. The place is also pet-friendly, which is always a bonus for us!
Also, if you want something chilled, Kir Royale offers Kombucha bottles from ‘Your Kombucha’ in various flavours.
Kir Royale Cafe on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/krcafevalletta/
Kir Royale Cafe Location:
Coffee Circus has been on the islands for some time now. Launched in 2014, you may remember their cute little tuk-tuk selling coffee in Sliema. These days, you may have noticed a sign with Coffee Circus when passing by Rue D’Argens in Gzira.
They serve Seven Beans Speciality Coffee, which we think is one of Malta's best coffees. They have various locations around the islands, but this one stands out because of the service and cosiness of the place.
What we love about the place is the cosy, relaxed atmosphere. It feels as if you are having coffee at someone’s home. When we were there, we grabbed one of their Pasteu de Nata, a typical Portuguese sweet, to accompany our espresso.
If you’re not into that strong little wonder called espresso, they have a variety of coffee types like your usual cappuccino, americano, latte and iced coffee. They also serve some chai lattes, a few beer types and, of course, a small selection of sweet delights!
Coffee Circus Website - https://coffeecircus.eu/store/
Coffee Circus Location (Gzira):
Finca Velez Coffee House
Finca Velez, located in Sliema, Malta, is a specialty coffee shop offering a unique Colombian-inspired environment. They import high-quality arabica beans directly from select farms in Colombia’s renowned coffee triangle—Manizales, Pereira, and Armenia—ensuring the finest coffee experience.
The beans are roasted by their team in Manizales, delivering eight distinct varieties. Alongside exceptional coffee, Finca Velez serves high-quality desserts and freshly baked viennoiseries, making it a perfect spot for coffee enthusiasts who appreciate a well-paired treat.
Finca Velez prides itself on a direct import model, eliminating middlemen and guaranteeing premium quality beans. This ensures that each cup of coffee embodies the rich flavors of Colombia's coffee regions.
In addition to its beverages, the shop's cosy ambience and delectable menu, which includes breakfast and lunch options, make it an ideal destination for a satisfying meal or a relaxing coffee break.
Finca Velez Website: https://fincavelez.com/
Finca Velez Location:
Loaf Malta is a renowned specialty coffee and bakery shop in Malta, celebrated for its artisanal sourdough bread and pastries. They partner with top-tier roasters like Kiss the Hippo, Wide Awake Coffee Roasters, and La Cabra Coffee Roasters to offer high-quality coffee beans.
The shop offers a wide range of products, including coffee bags, pods, loose-leaf teas, chai, and various coffee gear and merchandise. Its commitment to quality and sustainability, coupled with delicious baked goods, makes Loaf Malta a must-visit for coffee and pastry enthusiasts.
Loaf Website: https://www.loafmalta.com/
Loaf Location:
Stepping into Little Chief in Marsascala, one is instantly enveloped by the intoxicating scent of freshly brewed coffee, a testament to the establishment's dedication to its craft. At its core is Tricia Averaimo, a true coffee aficionado whose fervour for speciality coffee has led her to explore the bean worldwide.
As Tricia told us in our interview with her, the passion and expertise at Little Chief are palpable in every cup served, making Little Chief a deserving addition to our list of best coffee places.
Little Chief Website: https://littlechief.mt/
Little Chief Location:
Located in the heart of Sliema, Coffee & Strangers offers a unique coffee experience with its cosy ambience and expertly crafted brews. The shop prides itself on sourcing high-quality beans and providing a welcoming space for coffee aficionados and casual drinkers.
Their menu features a variety of specialty coffees, from rich espressos to smooth cappuccinos, ensuring there's something for every palate.
In addition to its superb coffee, Coffee & Strangers offers a range of workshops and training sessions, making it a hub for coffee education in Malta. Whether you're looking to perfect your barista skills or enjoy a great cup of coffee, this café is a must-visit spot for locals and tourists alike.
Coffee & Strangers Website: https://coffeestrangers.com/
Coffee & Strangers Location:
A Gozitan institution in terms of coffee bars, this is not the type of place where you can expect specialty coffee, but plenty of character from a bygone era. Located in St Francis Square, Victoria (careful not to mix it with Tapie's Cafe in St George's Square, Victoria) its corner location offers plenty of outside seating opportunities.
Inside, Tepie’s Bar, with its simple decor and continuous benches, evokes more of the feeling of a traditional Maltese coffeehouse.
Tapie's Bar Location:
Victoria Central, located in the heart of Victoria, Gozo, is a standout coffee shop. Opposite Pjazza Indipendenza, this establishment offers a unique coffee experience to all its patrons.
With a focus on quality, Victoria Central roasts its specialty coffee in-house, ensuring that each cup is as fresh as possible. This, combined with the baristas' expert knowledge, results in a truly exceptional coffee.
In addition to the traditional coffee offerings, Victoria Central offers coffee cupping sessions. These sessions allow coffee enthusiasts to sample and evaluate the different coffee blends, learning about the process and taste profiles.
The coffee shop's relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff make it a popular spot for locals and visitors.
Whether you're looking for a quick coffee on the go or you want to take your time and savour every sip, Victoria Central is the perfect place to visit. So, if you're in Gozo, try the coffee yourself.
Victoria Central's Website: https://www.victoriacentral.com.mt/
Victoria Central's Location:
Cafe Berry (Temporarily Closed)
Caffe’ Berry is a tiny coffee shop in Triq San Duminku, Sliema. The place is small and its location makes it somewhat hidden. Nevertheless, its catchy dark blue colour and circular sign make it stand out, and you won’t have much of a problem finding it.
Caffe’ Berry is a healthy cafe that is vegetarian-friendly and offers gluten-free options. The menu includes several interesting drinks, such as Iced Pistachio Mocha, Pistachio Cappuccino, Hazelnut Espresso, and more. Caffe’ Berry also offers a wide range of products, such as coffee beans, tea, herbs, jam, and chocolate.
Of course, they also offer sweet treats such as cooked biscotti, gâteau and tiramisu. We love their variety and think their berrycino – a pistachio bronte coffee – is amazing! Some of the best coffee in Malta you could ask for.
Caffe Berry in Sliema is Temporarily Closed (last update - 22.07.2024)
A new specialty coffee house that has opened in the north of the island this year (2024) is the Book Nook Café in Bugibba. Offering some of the best beans, roasted locally from all over Malta along with their house roast from Buon giorno, Book Nook is making their presence known.