The Best Gozo Restaurants: Must-Try Eateries in 2024

Best Restaurants By the Sea

Ta’ Penellu

Address: Marina Street, Marsalforn

Ta’ Pennellu Restaurant ticks all the boxes for a fantastic dining experience while you enjoy the picturesque views of Marsalforn Bay. (Link to dedicated article)

Chef Toni is popular with the locals. Known for his passion and creativity, you can expect dishes full of flair and flavour. Above everything else, the food is made with love.

In a nutshell, there’s something that every member of your travel group will like. Pasta, platters, fish dishes and main courses…you name it! Definitely a one-of-a-kind experience not to be missed!

From seafood specials to Mediterranean and European, diners are treated to an array of dishes full of flair and flavour.

Ta’ Karolina

Address: Triq l-Għar ta’ Karolina, Xlendi

Ta’ Karolina in Xlendi Bay offers a fantastic local experience centred around Maltese specialities with an added personal touch.

Located just before the steps leading to Karolina Cave, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Xlendi waterfront, watch the colourful luzzus (traditional Maltese boats) and listen to the chatter of locals hanging around the area.

Some items on the menu include fish soup (aljotta), spaghetti vongole & local fresh medium prawns, grilled marinated octopus and of course, the traditional rabbit stew – a signature local dish. If you’re not keen on the local favourites and fish specialities, Ta’ Karolina offers a pizza menu.

All in all, a solid choice.

Il Gabbiano

Address: Saint Mary St, Iż-Żebbuġ

With the most stunning backdrop of Marsalforn Bay, Il Gabbiano is simply the perfect spot for a special occasion.

This is a beloved family-run restaurant that specialises in Maltese and Mediterranean cuisine. While you can expect slight changes to the menu from time to time, you’ll always find popular dishes like fresh oysters, calamari fritti, house-made artisan fresh pasta, meat dishes and other specialities of the day.

Additionally, Il Gabbiano offers a couple of dishes catered towards diners following a vegan diet (I will elaborate further on special diets later on).

Finally, the desserts are to die for. My personal favourite; Chocolate & Raspberry Souffle with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream.

If you fancy a romantic stroll or drive after dinner, head to the Xwejni Salt Pans located nearby. The views are incredible!

Best Restaurants in Charming Villages

Al Sale

Address: 32, Victory Square, Xagħra

Michelin Guide Listed

Another famous restaurant in Gozo is Al Sale. With its prime location right in the heart of Xagħra Square, I’m not surprised why locals and tourists love coming here. While you eat, you can enjoy views of the church, watch people go about their day and in general, enjoy the pjazza (the Maltese word for village square) ambience.

Besides dining outdoors, indoor seating is also available. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, you can ask the staff to reserve a table on their terrace with views of the square.

This gastronomic journey is truly exceptional. While the menu changes seasonally, you can always expect scrumptious pasta dishes, fish crudi and specialities, meat dishes and specials of the day. Additionally, Al Sale’s curated list of foreign and local wines certainly won’t disappoint diners who want to wash their food down with a bottle (or two!)

If you love fish, opt for the 8-course Degustation Menu with or without the wine pairing option.

Overall, Al Sale is a solid choice for the whole family. Children are welcome and it’s also pet-friendly. Don’t take my word for it, check it out for yourselves! I’m sure you’ll look forward to a return visit!

Mulino

Address: Triq Ta’ Grunju, Il-Qala

Mulino is located in Villa dei Venti—a boutique hotel in the charming village of Qala. Compared to other restaurants, there aren’t many items on the menu, but I’ll tell you one thing; you best believe that a dining experience at Mulino will exceed your expectations.

Using only locally sourced ingredients from farmers and fishermen, the staff at Mulino believe that better ingredients make a better meal. This can be seen in the exquisite dishes presented to patrons alongside a curated list of wines, cocktails and desserts.

In short, expect quality food coupled with impeccable service. Not to be missed!

Best Restaurants by the Harbour

Tmun

Address: Triq Martino Garces, Mġarr Harbour, Għajnsielem, Gozo

Michelin Guide Listed

Renowned for its array of fish and seafood dishes, Tmun is a Michelin Guide restaurant that most certainly warrants a visit.

Offering an À La Carte or Sharing Menu, all dishes are crafted with love, under the direction of Head Chef Paul Buttigieg. As I’m sure fish lovers can agree, you can never go wrong with dishes like octopus, tuna steak, swordfish, and calamari. You’ll be shown daily fresh catches before you order.

If you’re not particularly keen on fish and seafood, you can also find meat-based and plant-based dishes on Tmun’s menus. Don’t forget to leave some room for dessert!

Children are welcome and high chairs are offered. I highly recommend making a reservation beforehand to avoid disappointment!

One80

Address: Yacht Marina, Gozo

Complete with a fantastic view of the Mġarr Yacht Marina, One80 Kitchen is another favourite spot I would recommend it wholeheartedly.

Expect quality food that will certainly tantalise your taste buds. When possible, all dishes are crafted using locally sourced ingredients from farmers and fishermen according to the season.

If you intend on ordering food from the small plates section, I recommend ordering various dishes for the whole table because they are centred around a sharing concept. As for the mains, there’s something for fish lovers and meat-eaters alongside vegetarian and plant-based options.

Additionally, One80 offers not one, not two but four dining locations in Gozo. Alongside One80 Kitchen, you can also check out the following branches, all of which are still located close to the ferry port, at Mġarr Yacht Marina:

• Ember at Sea: A floating dining experience complete with genuine food, cocktails and views!
• Ix-Xatt at One80: Superb drinks, tasty pizza, bar food and great music
• One80 Izakaya: Japanese cuisine featuring street food favourites and authentic flavours

Country Terrace

Address: Triq iż-Żewwieqa, Mġarr, Gozo

Situated just a 5-minute drive away from Mġarr Harbour, Country Terrace offers a memorable dining experience with picturesque views of the harbour, Fort Chambray and the Maltese Archipelago.

Offering a selection of Mediterranean dishes, specialities (including fresh fish, game and lamb), vegan and vegetarian options and a fantastic wine list, you are truly spoiled for choice from the minute you open their À La Carte menu.

Although indoor seating is available, I certainly recommend asking the staff for an outdoor table. The views of the Maltese Islands are truly magical. Highly recommended!

Ta’ Tona

Address: Triq ir-Rebħa, Mġarr, Gozo

Ta’ Tona is a popular family-run restaurant, specialising in Mediterranean cuisine, local fresh fish and seafood delicacies, as well as meat dishes.

Offering an À La Carte menu, all dishes are crafted with the freshest local ingredients, highlighting a love for traditional recipes and the flavours of the Mediterranean. Alongside the delicious food, Ta’ Tona offers a curated list of local and foreign wines.

You can sit indoors or outdoors, depending on your tastes and preferences.

Given its prime location in the heart of Mġarr Harbour, this is a great spot for a romantic dinner, family get-together and pretty much any occasion.

Best Restaurants in the Capital City

Maldonado Bistro

Address: 18 Mons. Luigi Vella Street, Victoria, Gozo

As many locals already know, Maldonado is one of the best restaurants on the small island of Gozo. Tucked away in the backstreets of Victoria, this is a great spot for diners who prefer a quieter ambience.

Maldonado changes the À La Carte menu seasonally, ensuring all dishes are crafted with the finest ingredients and fresh produce. From Mediterranean dishes such as Pan Roasted Red Snapper to local ones like Qarnit u Bigilla (Octopus and the traditional bean dip), expect something spectacular.

Alongside the À La Carte menu, a Taster Menu is also available. If you’re interested in trying a wider variety of Maldonando’s exquisite dishes, definitely go for this option.

I also love that Maldonado organises wine-tasting experiences on a weekly basis. You will be treated to a four-course meal paired with 8 bottles from highly acclaimed local wineries producing Maltese and Gozitan wine. In short, if you’re a fellow wine lover, don’t miss out!

Casa Vostra

Address: 62, Republic Street, Victoria, Gozo

If you’re looking for a place that serves great Neapolitan pizza, there’s no better place than Casa Vostra. Alongside the star of the show, Casa Vostra serves delicious starters, pasta dishes and, of course, dessert! Not to be missed!

Mojo’s

Address: Triq Fortunato Mizzi, Victoria, Gozo

Popular with many locals and tourists, Mojo’s is known for its generous portions of wraps, ftiras, focaccia, burgers and pizzotti.

If you follow any special diets, rest assured that Mojo’s has plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. In short, this is an ideal spot for the whole travel group/family. Good value for money, central, caters for different dietary requirements…a solid option!

Best Restaurants with Magical Sunset Views

The View Bar & Kitchen

Address: 20, Pjazza L-Assunta, Iż-Żebbuġ, Gozo

As the name suggests, expect picturesque sunset views as you wine and dine the night away at The View Bar and Kitchen.

This culinary experience fuses Mediterranean dishes with local specialities. Local produce is used, ensuring you experience the flavours of every season. Amongst a plethora of menu items, you can try platters, fresh salads, pasta dishes, pizza as well as fish and meat dishes.

Whether you’re after something fancy or a quick bite to eat, The View is delighted to welcome all travellers who love their food.

Ta’ Frenċ

Address: Għajn Damma Street, Xagħra

Michelin Guide Listed

If you’re after a superb fine dining experience, Ta’ Frenċ should be at the top of your list. Located in Xagħra, this is an award-winning Michelin Guide Gozo restaurant set in a charming old farmhouse. With stunning countryside views of Xagħra, Żebbuġ and Marsalforn, the views are unmatched.

All the culinary delights served at this wonderful place are made with love, passion and creativity. You can choose between an à la carte or an innovative tasting menu. Irrespective of the menu you choose, you won’t be disappointed. A dining experience at Ta’ Frenċ is quite simply a journey of the senses.

Osteria Scottadito

Address: Torri ta’ Kenuna, Nadur

Osteria Scottadito invites you to try some of their best typical cucina Marchigiano-Romagnola homemade dishes. Following recent renovation works and a move from the picturesque Nadur Square to Nadur Heights, you can now enjoy your food with the most breathtaking views of the stunning coastline.

This is one of those restaurants I book without fail anytime I visit Gozo. The owner Emanuele as well as his staff go the extra mile to make sure all clients enjoy the Osteria Scottadito experience. As for the food? Divine! I absolutely love the platters with cold cuts, focaccia, homemade olive oil and dips, fresh pasta and the homemade cannoli.

Best Brunch and Breakfast Spots

Looking for a great breakfast or brunch spot? You’re in luck! Gozo has a couple of eateries serving anything from açaí bowls, sourdough bread varieties, scrambled/poached eggs, and Eggs Benedict to full English breakfasts. All in all, you’re spoiled for choice!

And on that note, here are some of my favourite breakfast hangouts in Victoria (Link to dedicated article):

Black Cat Cafe

Address: 19, Triq Vajrinġa, Victoria, Gozo

Offering all-day breakfast items, wraps, bagels, and sliders, Black Cat Cafe  is a charming spot in Victoria ideal for breakfast or a quick bite to eat. Did I mention they serve some of the best homemade cakes I’ve ever tried? It’s also a veggie and vegan-friendly spot!

Karamelli Brunch Cafe

Address: 32, Triq ir-Repubblika, Victoria, Gozo

Even though Karamelli is a relative newcomer to Gozo’s Capital, this brunch spot has definitely been making some waves! The menu offers a hearty range of savoury and sweet dishes, including veggie and vegan options. The waffles are a fan favourite! In their own words, expect flair and spice in every bite!