To truly grasp the essence of Gozo, one has to taste and savor the unique flavors that have been shaped by the island’s geography and history.
Many staples of the Gozizan food culture like sun-dried tomatoes and cheese covered in salt and pepper are rooted in the island’s way of life before electricity arrived in the 1960s. Meanwhile, everything that grows in the fields is enhanced by sea salt which is carried there by the wind.
With a large array of fantastic restaurants in Gozo that cater to every taste, you never have to search long to find a restaurant that turns eating into an experience.
Whether you want to eat local specialties prepared with local ingredients, fresh seafood, or even international food – you will find fabulous restaurants in every village. In Gozo, all you have to do to enjoy a delicious meal is choose what you are in the mood for, head out, and let the island’s culinary delights take care of the rest.
Of course, Gozo is more than just a foodie destination. In fact, it is an island full of natural beauty and history. Be sure to visit places like Wied Il-Ghasri and the Tal Mixta Cave while there. If you are a diver, you will love the many great dive sites in Gozo.
This post may contain affiliate links(*), which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. Please see the full disclosure for further information.
At a Glance: GOZO Restaurants
The Best Gozitan Food: Café Jubilee
The Best Fusion Restaurant: Maldonado
Best Seafood Restaurant in Gozo: Il-Kartell
The Best Bakery: Mekrens Bakery
Where to stay: Sunny Villa, Nadur
Plan your trip now with the help of my Gozo itinerary!
What makes the Restaurants in Gozo so Unique?
While there are fantastic restaurants in Sliema and in St. Julian’s, it is the island of Gozo which is the country’s real foodie destination.
In Gozo, history and geography come alive on your plate. The island’s distinct cuisine is a blend of locally grown ingredients nurtured by the Mediterranean climate with a salt-laden wind, the Gozitan ‘gold’ – oil and honey – and historic food preservation techniques.
Many of the restaurants in Gozo embrace this cuisine, by preparing dishes according to the following traditional recipes or by creating fusion dishes that are influenced by other Mediterranean or North African cuisines.
Best Restaurants in Victoria
Maldonado
Address: 18, Mons. Luigi Vella Street
While the name might imply otherwise, Maldonado Bistro is so much more than a mere bistro as dining there is a real gastronomic experience. In my opinion, it is the best restaurant in Gozo.
Tucked away on a backstreet, it is not a restaurant you will stumble upon by chance – it is one of those restaurants in Gozo you will only discover if someone recommends it to you. In my case, it was the owner of Tal-Massar winery who recommended Maldonado after we inquired about restaurants where they serve the wine.
The menu features Mediterranean food with some fusion elements. The menu changes throughout the year, as the food is prepared with local seasonal ingredients.
I could not decide what to order, and the friendly staff informed me that one could order two dishes as starter-sized meals instead of one full meal. An option, that is ideal if you would love to try several things on the menu. I recommend ordering a bottle of the Tanit white wine alongside your meal.
The dining area has a warm atmosphere, and the vaulted ceiling gives it a historical note. While it is certainly on the pricier side, the experience is worth every single cent. Especially, if you want to celebrate something while in Gozo – in my case, it was my birthday.
Open from 6:30 PM to 10:30, it is a dinner-only restaurant. Reserving a table in advance is highly recommended.
My recommendation: Gbejna Gnudi (sheep cheese dumplings, basil pesto, confit daterrini tomato, toasted breadcrumbs)
Café Jubilee
Address: 8, Independence Square
If you want to eat at the best restaurants in Gozo, you cannot miss Café Jubilee in Victoria (or the sister restaurant in Valletta). This Italian and Gozitan restaurant is known for its amazing and tasty food, and thanks to the rustic setup and memorabilia all over the walls, it feels like a restaurant of times gone by.
As such, eating here can feel like you have gone back in time to eat traditional Gozitan dishes. The portions are massive and there are several vegetarian and vegan options. I recommend ordering a glass of homemade strawberry lemonade if it is on the special menu when you visit this restaurant in Gozo.
The stylish & homey bistro also has a breakfast menu which is served all day long from 8 AM onwards.
While there is also an outdoor sitting area, I can only encourage you to sit indoors so you can soak in the atmosphere of the place while you eat.
My recommendation: Nanna’s Ravioli (filled with Gozo cheeselets & served with basilico e pomodoro sauce) – It is easy to taste why it is their signature dish.
Best Restaurants in Xlendi
Ta’ Karolina
Address: Marina Street Xlendi Bay
Ta’ Karolina is a Mediterranean and Maltese restaurant that is located right on the seafront. A friend and I first walked past this restaurant on the way to the starting point of the Xlendi Cliffs hike and instantly decided we had to eat there before leaving Gozo.
The food is flavorful and the food presentation is on point. The menu includes a wide selection of fresh seafood and a selection of pasta. You also get complimentary bruschetta as a starter.
However, it can take a while before you get your food, so this place is ideal if you want to stay a while & take in the atmosphere. As such, I recommend sitting outside so you can look out at the bay and observe the ducks of Xlendi.
The cocktails are good, so I recommend getting an Aperol Spritz while you wait for your food.
It is best to reserve a table if you want to eat here during the high season or need a table for a bigger group.
My recommendation: Gozo Platter (as a shared starter) + Homemade Goat Cheese Ravioli
Sapana
Address: 5 Rabat Road
Sapana is an Indian Restaurant that was recommended to me by several people in Xlendi, and they were certainly right to do so. After all, it is the place to go if you want to eat Indian food in Gozo.
As Indian food should be, the food is very flavorful and you can choose between spicy and regular Indian dishes. Of course, there are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. The portions are large and you can take away the rest for another meal.
Given how popular this restaurant is, it is best to reserve a table in advance if you want to eat there in the evening. Hereby, you can choose between an indoor dining room with themed décor and an outside area, which is perfect for warm summer days.
If you are staying in Xlendi and do not want to eat out, you can make use of the 10% discount on takeaway orders.
My recommendation: Vegetable samosas & chicken madras
Terrazzo
Address: Terrazzo Triq San Xmun
Terrazzo is a Mediterranean restaurant & beach bar right at Xlendi Bay and is the most scenic spot in Xlendi for a sunset cocktail. As such, you can watch the sunset while sipping good cocktails in the cocktail bar area, before heading to the restaurant area to enjoy some tapas or other Mediterranean dishes.
FRONT
Address: 2/4 Triq il-Gostra
While it is called the FRONT, this restaurant and bar is located “in the back” of Xlendi. While it is best known for its large selection of international and local craft beers, it is also a great place to eat late breakfast or pub food.
You can order items off the breakfast menu until 1 PM, and after that, this restaurant is a fantastic place to work in the afternoon while eating a brownie with ice cream.
In the evening, it is an amazing place if you want to eat something simple while listening to live music. Order some food and craft beer (I recommend Lord Chambray Prickly Pear IPA and Strawberry Sour), before relaxing in the cozy sitting areas to listen to the music.
The atmosphere is great and I would say it is the place to go in Xlendi if you want to do something in the evening without leaving the village.
Restaurants in Marsalforn
Il-Kartell
Address: Marina Street, Marselforn
Il-Kartell is an iconic Mediterranean restaurant that is incredibly popular among ‘tourists’ from the main island. As such, you have to eat here if you truly want to experience what a weekend getaway to Gozo is like.
The food is delicious, and there is a large selection of freshly caught fish. The server will even bring out a selection of the catch of the day, so you can select which fish you would like to be prepared for you.
However, there are also great options if you do not eat fish. As a chicketarian, I enjoyed a tasty chicken dish.
Situated inside an old boat house with an arched ceiling, this restaurant has a rustic charm. There is also an outdoor sitting area that offers a view of the bay of Marsalforn.
Back when the restaurant first opened, the family was serving wine & people were sitting on wine barrels, but this is no longer the case. I have to admit that I would have loved to experience it!
My recommendation: Chicken Chorizo (as a chicketarian, I ordered it without chorizo)
Restaurants in Nadur
Mekren’s Bakery
Address: Triq Tal Hanaq, Nadur
Mekren’s Bakery is a historic bakery that dates back to 1899 and to this day, the bakers still bake in the traditional wood oven. While technically not a restaurant in Gozo, it deserves to be on this list, as it is famous for its pizza and ftira.
Both are absolutely delicious and no trip to Gozo would be complete without stopping by at the bakery and getting some food.
I first visited the bakery on my first day in Gozo to grab some bread and was then lucky enough to stay next door to the bakery at the end of my stay on the island. Everything I tried was amazing, so you cannot go wrong.
My recommendation: Gozitain Ftira
Casa Gringo
Address: Nadur Pjazzetta (behind Nadur Church)
Casa Gringo was formerly a takeaway restaurant called Andale and reopened as a full restaurant in early 2024. It specializes in Latin food, which makes it the ideal restaurant in Gozo if you want something different after spending a while in Malta.
The Gozitan-Canadian owner is super friendly and has worked in various restaurants before opening his own restaurant. While talking to him, he shared that he makes his own spice mixes if he cannot get the authentic ones, which elevates the flavors and makes me consider Casa Gringo the best Latin restaurant in Malta.
Be sure to mention if you do not like spicy food, so the food is prepared according to your spice tolerance level. The restaurant is only open in the evening.
My recommendation: Taco Chicken & Spicy Salsa
Restaurants in Xagħra
I did not get to eat at any of the restaurants in Xagħra, but they were highly recommended by several expats I talked to while in Gozo. Many restaurants are located right at the town square around the church, and most have large seafood menus. Based on what I saw, the prices were higher than in other parts of the island. However, I can only encourage you to check them out.
More Foodie Experiences in Gozo
If you want to learn more about the food and wine in Gozo, I highly recommend the following foodie experiences. They will make you appreciate the food you eat at the restaurants in Gozo even more, as these tours and classes teach you how the landscape and history create the flavors that make the food and wine of the island so fantastic.
Ta’ Mena Winery & Estate
Address: Industry Street, Xewkija
If you want to learn more about the food and wine of Gozo, doing a wine tasting and winery tour at Ta’ Mena is a must. During the tour, you learn more about wine production in Gozo, how olive oil is made, and the local food.
You get to hear all about how this family business in the 3rd generation turned into a foodie heaven. The current owner Maria will draw you in as she recounts the story of how her grandmother started the business as a streetside vegetable store along the street from Victoria to Marsalforn.
It’s a captivating story that makes you appreciate the food and wine even more, and you will walk away with a much deeper understanding of Gozo’s food culture and history. After the tour, the wine tasting takes place in the wine vault – a location with a charm that perfectly reflects Maria’s passion for the family business.
While sampling the different wines, you can enjoy a local antipasti platter consisting of products from the Ta’ Mena Estate. The sweet tomato paste, made according to a traditional family recipe, is to die for. You are bound to leave with a tote bag full of delicious food as you will want to buy more of the antipasti & wine you loved during the tasting.
I also visited the store where it all began on my last day in Gozo, and can only encourage you to do the same if you want to buy fresh groceries and veggies for your time in Gozo.
When can you visit Ta’ Mena Winery & Estate — The wine tasting at Ta’ Mena costs 35€ per person and has to be booked 3 to 4 days in advance. You can do so by sending an email to info@tamena-gozo.com. Individuals and couples can join the regular tours on Saturday, while tours for bigger groups can be arranged from Monday to Friday.
Tal-Massar Winery
Tal-Massar Winery in Għarb is another winery in Gozo that is well worth a visit. While the family-owned winery itself is only 20 years old, the family has been making wine since the 1930s.
The tour and tasting take place at the vineyard, and you will learn more about how the climate impacts wine production in Gozo and Malta, and how the local fluffy soil impacts the vines.
Afterward, Anthony, the owner, will introduce you to their wines. Produced from grape varies such as the indigenous Maltese Girgentina and Vermentino, 60% of the winery’s production is white wine. The most prestigious is the white wine Tanit, which you can enjoy while eating at Maldonodo.
Be sure to enjoy it while you are in Malta – after all, the wines are only available in Gozo and Malta. Therefore, this wine tasting and tour is the best way to enjoy the wines if you want to sample them all.
When can you visit Tal-Massar Winery — You can book vineyard tours and wine tastings every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. The tasting costs 45€/person and lasts 2 to 3 hours. You can book it here.
Gastro Gozo Cooking Class
If you want to do more than eat delicious food and drink wine, you can also do a cooking class where you learn how to make traditional Maltese dishes in a hands-on experience.
These cooking classes are part of Maldonado’s Gastra Gozo program, and at the time of writing, the cooking class takes place every Tuesday morning from mid-March to mid-November. It costs 65€ and can be booked here.
This post may contain affiliate links(*), which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. Please see the full disclosure for further information.
Useful Information
If you are a traveler and are reading this article while planning your trip to Gozo, you might also want to know how to get there and where to stay. I spent more than two weeks in Gozo, and based on my own experience, I recommend the following options:
Where to stay in Gozo
Sunny Villa, Nadur ($$) — a beautifully transformed old farmhouse that can be rented as a whole or as separate rooms. It has a pool and is located next to the best bakery on the entire island: Mekren! Case Gringo, the best Latin restaurant in Gozo is only a short walk away too.
St. Patrick’s Hotel, Xlendi ($$) — a historic hotel right that offers a stunning view of Xlendi Bay (if you opt for the Bay View rooms). All the great restaurants in Xlendi are only a very short walk away. If you want a great traditional Maltese breakfast, this is the ideal hotel for you!
Ta’ Cenc, Sannat ($$$) — a charming 5-star hotel with a spa area and an outdoor pool. There are several restaurants on the property so you can stay in if you want a relaxed spa day without leaving the hotel. However, you should not eat on-site too often, or you will miss out on the many great restaurants in Gozo.
How to get to Gozo
The only way to get to Gozo is by ferry (or boat). Hereby, you have two options that both arrive at Mgarr Harbour in Gozo:
Gozo Channel Ferry – The Channel Ferry ferry departs from Ċirkewwa it takes 25 minutes to cross the channel. It is the only way to transport a car to Gozo, but of course, it also is a passenger ferry. It takes around an hour to get from the airport or Valletta to Ċirkewwa.
Gozo Fast Ferry – The fast ferry is the best option if you are traveling to Gozo from the capital as it departs at the Lascaris Whart terminal in the Grand Harbour. The crossing time is 45 minutes. Please note that it is only a passenger ferry.
Are you planning a trip?
Check out these useful websites and resources I use to plan my adventures around the world.
Roundup: Best Restaurants in Gozo
As you can see, Gozo is a real foodie heaven, and there are many great restaurants all over the island. While the focus is certainly on traditional Gozitan dishes and seafood, you can also enjoy international food.
Add the foodie experiences at wineries and cooking classes, and you are in for a flavorful time on Gozo.
Feel free to share other great restaurants in Gozo in the comments!
More about Malta
If you are planning a trip to Gozo, you might also be interested in these travel guides about Malta:
The Pros & Cons of Visiting Malta
Gozo Itinerary
Which of these Gozo restaurants will you eat at first?
Let me know in the comments!
Not sure where to eat in Gozo?
Pin This list of restaurants in Gozo!
