Restaurants in Msida, Malta

Eating out in Msida

Msida is a harbour and university town just west of Valletta, built around a creek lined with marinas, slipways and fishing boats. The University of Malta campus at Tal-Qroqq and Mater Dei Hospital on the town's outskirts bring thousands of students, staff and visitors every day, and that shapes the food scene: quick breakfasts, good-value lunches and casual evening restaurants rather than formal dining.

For UK visitors, Msida is rarely a destination in itself, but it is a useful place to know. If you are studying English, visiting someone at the hospital, attending a conference at the university or simply changing buses, there is a good spread of cafés and restaurants within easy reach, and prices are generally aimed at students and local workers rather than holidaymakers.

Msida is also a busy transport hub, with many bus routes passing through, so it is a practical place to stop for a meal between other parts of the island.

The restaurants on this page

Triq Roberto Ranieri Costaguti, near the university, has a cluster of places popular with students. You will find Amami Food Bar for sushi and Asian dishes, Café Cuba, which mixes Caribbean and Mediterranean food with pizza and burgers, and a branch of Pizza Hut.

For breakfast, coffee and sandwiches there is J'Oli on Triq L-Esperanto. Shakinah serves Indian food, and Osaka Japanese Grill and Sushi Bar offers sushi and grilled dishes.

When to go

Lunchtimes on weekdays during university term are busy around the campus, while evenings are more relaxed. Msida's festa honours St Joseph and is marked on the first Sunday after 16 July, with around a week and a half of celebrations. It is known for il-Ġostra, a greasy pole contest over the water of the creek, in which competitors try to grab a scarf at the end of a slippery pole.

Outside festa time the marina promenade is a pleasant place for an evening stroll before or after dinner.

Getting there and combining it with nearby areas

Msida borders Ta' Xbiex, Gżira and Pietà, and the waterfront promenade runs around the harbour towards Sliema, so you can walk to a wider choice of restaurants. Our Msida guide covers the town, and our Ta' Xbiex guide looks at the neighbouring embassy district and its marina.

If you are visiting someone at Mater Dei Hospital or studying at the university, our guide to public transport in Malta explains bus routes and tickets.

Practical tips

The lower part of Msida sits at the mouth of a valley and can flood during very heavy rain, so allow extra time on stormy days. Most places are casual and good value, with no need to dress up. Booking is rarely essential at lunchtime but helps for groups in the evening. Card payment is widely accepted, and English is spoken everywhere, as it is across Malta.

Frequently asked questions