Is-Suq Tal-Belt

Is-Suq Tal-Belt is the capital's market hall on Triq il-Merkanti, restored as a place to eat, drink and shop for food. Under one roof there is a world-cuisine food court, a food market with butcher, fishmonger, delicatessen and greengrocer counters, a Spar supermarket, a lounge-style restaurant and spaces for events.

On VisitMalta.co.uk the market is listed in our directories of supermarkets in Malta and delicatessens in Malta. It sits in the middle of Valletta, so our Valletta guide is the natural companion for planning the rest of your day.

A heritage building with an iron frame

The hall is a Maltese heritage site. It has been renovated, but the iron structure inside, one of the first of its kind in Malta, is still intact, with white ironwork rising above the dining floors.

Valletta itself was planned by the Knights of St John in the sixteenth century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If the building piques your interest in the city's past, read our Knights of Malta guide, then visit St John's Co-Cathedral and the Upper Barrakka Gardens, both a short walk away.

The market's stated aim is to give Valletta an authentic food-market experience that celebrates local and international food concepts, protects the building's historic character and promotes sustainable food practices. It is meant as a social hub as much as a shop, where locals and visitors meet over a meal.

Eating in the food court and restaurants

The food court on Level 0 brings cuisines from around the world to a shared table, so a group with different tastes can each choose a stall and sit together. Dishes range from burgers and pasta to sushi, dumplings, duck pancakes, wraps, curries and a Filipino sizzling squid dish, and Central Bar serves cocktails and drinks.

Bus Stop Lounge is the market's restaurant, with an al fresco terrace overlooking the city bustle. It serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and late snacks, from sandwiches, platters, pasta and pizza to lamb shanks, rib-eye and fish, with a children's menu. The market also has a rooftop restaurant. Food is the kind of thing UK visitors often want after a morning of sightseeing, and the things to do in Malta page suggests how to fill the day.

The food market and Spar

On Level -1 the Arkadia food market offers fresh produce and artisan products through delicatessen, butcher, fruit and vegetable, and fishmonger counters, with wines, craft beers, spirits, bread and snacks. It is open every day, so it suits both daily shopping and picnic or party supplies. The same Arkadia model runs as a convenience store called Arkadia FoodExpress in Swatar.

The Spar supermarket is on the same level, open from 07:00 to 21:00, with local and international products, cheeses and fresh produce, and a focus on sustainable and organic ranges. Visitors in self-catering or Valletta stays can find hotels in Valletta in our accommodation guide and shop here for the basics.

Shoppers can find everything from meats and charcuterie to freshly baked bread, wholesome snacks, vegetables and curated wines, so it is a convenient stop for anything from a quick lunch to party treats.

Events and getting there

The market has hosted events through the year, including a Strawberry Fest, a Beer Fest, an Easter market, an artisan spring market, a comedy night, DJ evenings and a football legend's meet and greet. Opening hours are sometimes extended during festival periods such as the feast of St Paul's Shipwreck. The venue can also be used for private events, and the 97Notes venue is another entertainment address close by.

The Tallinja bus terminus is a short walk away. The Sliema to Valletta and Three Cities to Valletta ferries run every 15 minutes, which makes it easy to arrive from the Three Cities, and the Fast Ferry brings visitors from the sister island, as described in our Gozo guide.

To ask about the market, a stall, or an event, use the VisitMalta.co.uk enquiry form on this page and we will pass your message to Is-Suq Tal-Belt.