Restaurants in Luqa, Malta

Eating out in Luqa

For most UK travellers, Luqa is the first and last place they see in Malta, because Malta International Airport lies within the town. Luqa itself is a traditional southern town about 4.3 kilometres from Valletta, built around the Parish Church of St Andrew on the main square.

The town grew in importance in the early twentieth century because of RAF Luqa, the Royal Air Force airfield that played a major part in the Second World War, when bombing caused heavy loss of life and damage in the town. The RAF closed the station on 31 March 1979 and the Maltese government turned it into a civilian airport.

The restaurants on this page

The restaurants listed for Luqa cover quick, familiar food that suits travellers. You will find Hard Rock Cafe in the airport departures hall, serving American dishes, Vecchia Napoli for pizza and Italian food, and Zensushi for sushi.

Beyond these, the village core has small bars and snack shops where you can try pastizzi, the flaky savoury pastries that Maltese people eat at any time of day.

Eating before a flight

If you are eating at the airport, remember that some outlets are airside, beyond security, and some landside, so check where a restaurant sits before you leave yourself short of time. Allow for security queues in summer, when flights to the UK are busiest.

If you have a longer wait, the town of Luqa and its neighbours are close enough by taxi for a relaxed lunch in a more local setting, but leave plenty of time to return for check in.

Arriving on a late flight is common for UK travellers, and many airport and village outlets will be closed by the time you land. If you are arriving late at a self catering apartment, it is worth picking up a snack at the airport or arranging a late supper in advance with your accommodation.

Getting there and combining it with nearby towns

Our Luqa guide covers the town, its church and its wartime history, and our Malta Airport guide explains facilities, transfers and getting into Valletta or the resorts. Our guide to taxis in Malta is useful if you are arriving late or have heavy luggage. Buses also link the airport with Valletta and the main resorts.

Luqa's neighbours include Gudja, Kirkop, Paola and Qormi, and the south coast with its temples and fishing villages is a short drive away.

When to visit Luqa

Luqa's patron saint is St Andrew. His main feast is celebrated on the first Sunday of July, with street decorations, band marches and fireworks, and his liturgical feast falls on 30 November. During festa week the village centre is busy in the evenings, which gives a lively glimpse of Maltese tradition if you are staying nearby.

Frequently asked questions