The Capitol City Bar

The Capitol City Bar is a Mediterranean cocktail bar and restaurant, and it sits at 172 Merchant Street, in the middle of Valletta. It is open every day of the week, from late morning right through to 2am, so it works equally well for a lunchtime drink, an early evening cocktail or a late night out after a day exploring the capital.

Its mission is to serve people who crave distinctive flavours, experiences and ideas, while giving chefs the chance to show what they can do. On VisitMalta.co.uk it is listed among our entertainment venues in Malta, so you can compare it with other places to go out. The bar also has a gallery of photographs on its website, and a presence on social media, which gives a feel for the crowd and the atmosphere before you book.

Cocktails, wine and spirits

Drinks are clearly the focus. The cocktail list runs from classics to house creations: a Margarita, a Cosmopolitan, a Gin Basil Smash made with fresh lemon and basil, a Don Paloma built on reposado tequila, a Rum Fizz with coconut syrup and a spiced El Miel Picante with ginger and honey. There are whisky sours too, such as the Johnnie Sour and the Berry Picker's Sour, and a Chandon Garden Spritz for something lighter.

The wine list takes in Italian whites such as Gavi di Gavi and Moscato d'Asti, a Cotes du Rhone and a Provence rose, and the back bar covers whiskies, vodkas, rums and tequilas, with beer such as Corona available. Spirits are offered by the measure or by the bottle. A happy hour on cocktails runs from 1pm until 8pm, which is a good window for visitors who want to try several drinks without waiting for the evening. Because the bar stays open until 2am, you can also finish an evening here after dinner elsewhere in the city, and the long list means there is something for those who prefer a simple glass of wine or a cold beer instead of a cocktail.

Food and live music

The Capitol is a restaurant as well as a bar, and a separate food menu sits alongside the drinks list on its website. The photographs show the style: golden pastry rolls with a dipping sauce, a creamy risotto finished with olive oil, and a loaded chicken burger with wedges, so expect relaxed, shareable plates rather than formal dining.

Live music is played every night, which gives the place a lively atmosphere even on a weekday. If you are staying in the capital, our hotels in Valletta page shows where to base yourself within walking distance, and the Valletta guide explains how the city is laid out.

Making an evening of it in Valletta

Merchant Street is in the middle of the walled city, so the major sights are close at hand. Spend the afternoon at St John's Co-Cathedral or watch the harbour from the Upper Barrakka Gardens, then head to the bar once the lights come on. The Knights of Malta guide is a good read if you want to know who built the streets you are walking.

For ideas beyond Valletta, see our things to do in Malta guide. The Malta weather guide will help you decide when an evening outdoors is most comfortable, and a nearby listing such as AMIS City Spa, Beauty and Hair Salon offers somewhere to prepare for a night out.

Reserving a table

Tables can be reserved, and it is sensible to ask ahead if you are a larger group or want a specific time. When you write, give the date, the time, the number of people and anything that matters, such as a celebration. Use the VisitMalta.co.uk enquiry form on this page and we will pass your message to The Capitol City Bar, who will reply to you directly.