Restaurants in Marsaskala, Malta

Eating out in Marsaskala

Marsaskala is a seaside town on Malta's south east coast, wrapped around a long, narrow inlet. It began as a fishing village, and although tourism grew after independence, it still feels more local than the big northern resorts. Fishing boats bob in the bay, families stroll the promenade in the evening, and Maltese weekenders come here for fish suppers and pizza by the water.

The name combines marsa, the Arabic word for harbour, with skala, which is most likely linked to Sicily and Sicilian fishermen who used the bay. To the south lies St Thomas Bay, and the restored St Thomas Tower, a Wignacourt tower built in 1614 to guard against raiders, stands on the headland.

The restaurants on this page

For seafood, you will find Tal-Familja restaurant on Triq il-Gardiel, on the quieter side of the bay. Al Legna specialises in pizza, and Roti serves Indian food.

The seafront around the bay has many more cafés, kiosks and casual restaurants, so it is easy to combine a meal with an evening walk along the water.

Because Marsaskala is largely residential, many restaurants here cater mainly to Maltese diners. That is part of the appeal for UK visitors who want a taste of everyday island life: Sunday lunches stretch on for hours, children run along the promenade after dinner, and the pace is gentle compared with Sliema or St Julian's.

When to go

Summer evenings are lively, when locals swim by day and eat out by the water at night. The parish feast honours St Anne and is held at the end of July, usually on the last Sunday of the month, with band marches, decorations and fireworks over the bay.

Out of season Marsaskala is calm and residential, and a weekday lunch by the harbour can feel wonderfully unhurried. Weekend evenings are busiest all year, as many Maltese families from nearby towns eat out here. Spring and early autumn bring warm, settled evenings that suit outdoor tables by the bay.

Getting there and combining it with the south

Buses link Marsaskala with Valletta and neighbouring towns. Our Marsaskala guide covers the town, St Thomas Bay and the coastal walks around Żonqor Point.

The town borders Marsaxlokk and Żabbar, so it pairs well with a morning at the Marsaxlokk Sunday fish market or a wider tour of the south of Malta, including the temples and fishing harbours of the region.

Practical tips

Dress is casual along the seafront and children are welcome almost everywhere. Fish is sometimes priced by weight, so ask how the catch of the day is charged before ordering. Booking ahead is wise for Friday and Saturday evenings and for groups, and card payment is widely accepted, though small kiosks may prefer cash. English is an official language in Malta, so menus and conversations with staff are straightforward for UK visitors.

Frequently asked questions