Traditional food on Gozo has clear references to Italian, Middle Eastern and North African cooking. Having been under the British rule for 150 years, Gozo and Malta also have strong British heritage. You will likely find fish and chips, pies, or a full English breakfast in many restaurants and snack bars across the islands. Generally, the menus and eating habits can often be an eclectic fusion of many elements, blending international and local, the traditional and the exotic.
Generally, Gozitan food is simple, based on seasonal fruit and vegetables, olive oil, sundried tomatoes, local cheese, and meat, such as rabbit, chicken or pork. The Maltese and Gozitans love their food, so the portions are big and you will not leave the table hungry.
Gozo has many excellent restaurants. In this post, we have collected 6 restaurants that we consider to be good in our, purely subjective, opinion. In addition to good food and impeccable service, they all offer that extra special touch – be it a beautiful setting, a view, an innovative take on traditional dishes.
Qbajjar Restaurant, Marsalforn
This elegant restaurant specializes in traditional Maltese and Italian cuisine. The menu features daily fresh seafood, as well as traditional meat dishes, such as Gozitan rabbit and slow roasted lamb shanks. It also serves burgers and steaks, and excellent pizza.
Ta’ Frenc, Xaghra
One of the only two Michelin recommended restaurants on Gozo, Ta French offers fine dining in a casually elegant setting of a traditional farmhouse. The restaurant is stylish without being oppressive, and serves classic and Mediterranean cuisine. In addition to a la carte dining, Ta Frenc also offers tasting menus, as well as signature flambe dishes prepared at the table.
Arzella, Marsalforn
Consistently rated as one of the best seafood restaurants in Gozo, Arzella enjoys panoramic views across Marsalforn bay. The restaurant is best known for fresh fish and shellfish, as well as traditional dishes like octopus stew and stuffed calamari. It is a beautiful spot to enjoy an evening or an afternoon by the sea.
Ta Vestru, Qala
Set in the church square of Qala, Ta Vestru is a small family-owned restaurant with only a handful of tables. What it may lack in size, however, it compensates by excellent food made with love. A meal at Ta Vestru is like eating in a home of a good friend. The menu includes signature variations of delicious sourdough pizza, and both meat and seafood dishes.
Country Terrace, Mgarr
Overlooking Mgarr harbour, Country Terrace is loved by locals and visitors alike. It features stunning views stretching over to Comino and Malta. With its tables for two in the prime spot on the terrace, it is one of the most romantic spots for al fresco dining on Gozo. The restaurant serves predominantly Italian and local cuisine.
Maldonado Bistro, Victoria
On a quiet side street in Victoria, the restaurant is named after a knight of the order of St John. It enjoys the atmospheric setting of a traditional townhouse. The kitchen of Maldonado Bistro is inspired by food across the Mediterranean. It features a fusion of North African, Middle Eastern, Italian and local Gozitan dishes. The restaurant also organizes cooking classes and wine tasting events.
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