Restaurants in Munxar, Gozo

Eating out in Munxar and Xlendi

Munxar is a small village in the south west of Gozo, but for food lovers its main attraction is Xlendi, the seaside resort that is administered by the Munxar local council. Every restaurant on this page is in Xlendi, set around a narrow bay between high cliffs.

Eating in Xlendi is about the setting: tables along the waterfront, fishing boats in the bay and a relaxed seaside pace. Menus focus on seafood, Gozitan and Maltese dishes, with Italian and Indian options too.

Look out for Gozitan specialities such as ġbejniet cheeses and ftira, and fish soup such as aljotta.

Restaurants in Xlendi

On the waterfront, The Boathouse on Xatt ix-Xlendi serves seafood and regional dishes, and Il-Kċina Għawdxija on Triq ix-Xatt is listed for regional cooking. Churchill on Triq Marina also serves regional food.

Ta' Karolina on Triq l-Għar ta' Karolina serves seafood and regional dishes. Talija on Rabat Road has Maltese and Mediterranean food, and Saint Patrick's Restaurant and Bar is on Pjazza Amphora.

For something different, Zafiro offers Italian food and pizza, and Sapana serves Indian food.

Most restaurants are within a few minutes' walk of each other around the bay, so it is easy to stroll along the waterfront, look at menus and choose on the evening.

When to go

Xlendi is liveliest from late spring to early autumn, when swimmers fill the bay by day and the waterfront is busy at dinner. Booking ahead in summer is wise.

Munxar's patron is St Paul. His feast officially falls on 10 February, a public holiday, while the outdoor festivities take place on the third Sunday of May.

In winter Xlendi is very quiet and some restaurants close or shorten their hours, so check before you travel.

Getting there and what to see

After the ferry from Ċirkewwa to Mġarr, Xlendi is reached by road via Victoria, covered in our Victoria guide. Buses serve the resort, and parking near the bay is limited in summer.

Walk out to Xlendi Tower, built in 1650 under Grand Master Lascaris to guard the mouth of the bay against raids. Our Xlendi guide covers swimming and walks, and our Munxar guide covers the village above.

Practical tips for eating out in Xlendi

Plan your meal around the ferry timetable. If you are on a day trip, leave enough time after dinner to get back to Mġarr for your crossing, especially out of season when sailings may be less frequent. Check the operator's timetable on the day.

Malta uses the euro, and English is one of the country's two official languages, so menus and conversations are easy for UK visitors. Cards are widely accepted, but carry a little cash for smaller cafés and kiosks, and check whether service is already included on the bill before adding a tip.

Dress is casual by the water, but cover up from the beach before you sit down to eat. The waterfront is fairly flat, while streets behind it climb steeply towards Munxar.

Families are welcome in most places, and Italian and pizza options make life easy with children. Tell staff about allergies or dietary needs when you order, especially with seafood dishes.

Frequently asked questions