The Definitive(ly) Good Guide to Restaurants in Malta & Gozo: A 25-Year Journey

Over the past 25 years, The Definitive(ly) Good Guide to Restaurants has evolved into an essential resource for individuals seeking insights into the dining scene in Malta & Gozo.

Published to provide trustworthy recommendations, this guide has grown in stature and relevance, becoming a staple for consumers and professionals alike. Its enduring success can largely be attributed to its transparent system of evaluating restaurants by conducting an annual survey every September that captures the changing dynamics of diner preferences and the way in which the industry has evolved. Thanks to the support of and recognition by The Malta Tourism Authority, Global Payments and The Malta Food Agency and various other sponsors we are able to include the top 150 restaurants in the guide for free and thus remain completely objective.

A quarter-century of excellence

From its inception The Definitive(ly) Good Guide was marked by a commitment to quality and accuracy. From its humble beginnings, the guide aimed to fill a gap in the market for reliable information and over the years, it has garnered a loyal following.

The digital age has transformed how information is consumed, and the guide has successfully integrated technology, making it accessible on its website www. restaurantsmalta.com and social media pages. This transition has allowed the guide to reach a broader audience, catering to the needs of a more tech-savvy consumer base.

The annual survey

Each year, in September, The Definitive(ly) Good Guide conducts an extensive survey that forms the backbone of its recommendations. Surveyors rate the restaurants they have visited in the previous 12 months on food, ambience and service. The results of approximately 300,000 dining experiences are the only data used to identify the 150 top performing restaurants that will be included free in the guide





Once the survey closes, the data undergoes rigorous analysis by an independent econometrician based overseas who is entirely impartial and free from any personal biases, It doesn’t get more transparent than this!

Feedback gathered from users highlights areas of excellence and can pinpoint aspects that need improvement should restaurants like to analyse their results.

The Restaurant Awards Ceremony

In addition to identifying the top 150 restaurants the survey also determines which restaurants receive the prestigious award plates to place in their restaurants.

This year the restaurant recognised by surveyors as being the top restaurant in Malta was Risette in Valletta, who went on to win recognition with Michelin.

Other awards of note included: The Best Food Restaurant sponsored by American Express awarded to Risette; The Best Restaurant in Gozo sponsored by The Ministry of Gozo awarded to Ta’ Frenc; The Best Local Fish Restaurant sponsored by the Malta Food Agency awarded to Sole by Tarragon; The Best Chef sponsored by The Catering Centre awarded to Sheldon Sammut; The Best Newcomer sponsored by Horeca presented to Mamacita; The Most Popular Café sponsored by Buondi presented to Busy Bee – Msida and The Best Value for Money restaurant sponsored by Rummo presented to Village Fork. This year two very special awards sponsored by the Malta Tourism Authority and the Institute of Tourism Studies were presented to two up and coming students – the Promising Young Chef of the Year and Promising Young F&B Maitre of the Year. Another notable award highlighting the popularity of a restaurant is the Most Mentioned in Survey sponsored by Bookia which went to Ta’ Tona in Gozo and also the various wine awards presented by Abraham’s.



For more information about these awards and winners visit www.restaurantsmalta.com






Click here to see Horeca Issue 19 online