Ask any local where the best restaurants in Malta can mostly be found, there’s a good chance their answer will be St Julian’s.

As the food hub of the island, St Julian’s is home to some of Malta’s finest eateries, serving delicious cuisines from around the world with friendly service, no matter if you are looking for a quick bite, an evening meal with the family, or something that little bit special.

Here’s the top 5 restaurants to check out in St Julian’s during your next holiday in Malta, as chosen by the locals who go back to them, time and again.

Le Bistro

Le Bistro is an a la carte restaurant inside the Radisson Blu Resort in St Julian’s, which has become renowned not just with holidaying guests but also with the local community.

Apart from the breath-taking sea views on offer in this spectacularly-located coastal restaurant, Le Bistro has also earned a reputation for its diverse menu, which features expertly-prepared seasonal dishes and even has a separate vegetarian/vegan selection.

And as if this wasn’t enough to whet your appetite – the Le Bistro philosophy is to bring farm to fork, using only the freshest locally-produced ingredients, so here truly is the taste of Malta.

Shoreditch Bar & Kitchen

For the ultimate burger followed by a lip-licking dessert, look no further than Shoreditch. So legendary has this American diner-style restaurant become, it even ranked 17th on a recent list of the 50 best burgers in Europe on a global travel site.

With different menus available according to the time of day, this is the perfect spot for anything from a leisurely breakfast to a deliciously-satisfying evening meal. And don’t forget to leave room for one of Shoreditch’s infamous desserts, which are as unique and creative as they are mouth-wateringly good.

Zeri’s Restaurant

In the heart of the upmarket area of Portomaso is Zeri’s, which has gorgeous views of the neighbouring yacht marina and open sea. This Italian-inspired restaurant is named after its chef patron Mark Zerafa – or Zeri as he was nicknamed at school – who brings to the table his vast experience of international cuisine and a passion for creating innovative, authentic dishes.

Zeri’s signature excellent service and relaxed vibe is also award-winning – in the eight years the restaurant has operated, it has won countless Definitively Good Guide awards for being one of the finest restaurants in Malta (let alone in St Julian’s).

Lulu Restaurant

For a class act for your evening meal, Lulu is the perfect venue. Situated right in the centre of St Julian’s, and just minutes away from bustling Paceville, the sumptuous interior is filled with mirrors, table lamps and flickering candles.

But it’s the food that keeps the locals coming back for more – Lulu’s cutting-edge menu of fresh seafood, Mediterranean and international dishes, which include vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options, is perfectly complimented by a varied wine list of both local and foreign wines.

Wigi’s Kitchen

Wigi’s is the family-run restaurant that most locals will visit in St Julian’s for authentic Mediterranean cuisine, cooked the traditional Maltese way, by a family that has been doing so for generations.

Although Wigi’s has a seasonal menu that changes every day, the uncomplicated dishes are always generous, delicious, and served with a genuine smile. This is as close as you can get to the experience of dining in a Maltese family home on your holiday – but in a restaurant!