Rubino

For a sit-down meal, Rubino received a Bib Gourmand in 2020 and is renowned for its traditional cuisine, served in a setting as rustic as it is charming. The fish soup with garlic (aljotta) is hearty, as are the rabbit dishes, especially the famous stuffat tal-fenek. For a sweet finish, the home-made Sicilian cassata cake, which has been served since 1906, is a firm favourite.

Rubino is another family run restaurant, known for its local and Mediterranean dishes. Having opened in 1906 as a Sicilian confectionery in Valletta, brothers Karl and Michael Diacono were presented with the possibility of taking over the outlet back in 2008. Since then, Rubino has grown to be one of the most popular restaurants in Valletta among people looking for quality local cuisine set in a casual environment.

Rubino is more than just a restaurant; it’s an institution in Valletta, operating since 1906. Initially a confectionery, it has evolved into a restaurant that prides itself on serving Maltese and Italian dishes. Its retro facade transports diners to a bygone era, and the interior’s nostalgic charm is equally matched by its menu, which features a mix of traditional recipes passed down through generations.

There’s something about Rubino that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a secret. Tucked away on Old Bakery Street, this unassuming, family-run gem has been serving some of Valletta’s best Maltese and Italian dishes for over a century. Originally a confectionery, the space still carries a touch of old-world charm—wood-paneled interiors, vintage tile floors, and a chalkboard menu that changes daily.

Booking ahead is essential at Rubino one of Valletta’s most loved and established restaurants. First opened as a confectionery shop by Sicilian Vincenzo Rubino in 1906, the Old Bakery St location is a classy white-tableclothed showcase of signature dishes including pan-fried rabbit, and involtini, delicate rolls of sea bass filled with fresh herbs and pine nuts. Main dishes cost around €20 (Dh90).

You know a restaurant is good when it’s a favourite with the locals and is ranked on Tripadvisor in the top 10 restaurants in Valletta. Centrally located, Rubino Restaurantis a mix of local Maltese food with an Italian influence. Not only do they serve fresh homemade pasta and Maltese dishes but there is some cool history linked to the restaurant.

Nowadays, it’s a bit chicer compared to its humble beginnings as a Sicilian confectionery. However, Rubino still prides itself in offering a nostalgia-infused atmosphere to its patrons. Best of all, Rubino’s dedicated and talented team have concocted a scrumptious Italian and Maltese cuisine-inspired menu that will keep you coming back for more.

Rubino is one of the oldest restaurants in Valletta, with its roots firmly set in 1906, but what makes it a popular dining spot for visitors is the fact that you can indulge in classic Maltese and Italian dishes. The ever-changing menu presents diners with unique flavours, and here you can try the iconic Maltese rabbit stew as well as lots more.

53, Old Bakery Street, Valletta | €€€ | Michelin Guide – Bib Gourmand. Rubino is a small bistro in Valletta that serves authentic dishes, mostly Mediterranean/European cuisine. Although its characterful facade (proudly displaying its heritage as a 1906-founded confectionery shop) doesn’t allude to it, this little restaurant is a real gem.

Rubino is a sort of landmark in Valletta and a must for any visitor. As its original sign on the facade of the restaurant still kept intact suggests, Rubino dates back to 1906, when it was a confectionery suitably placed on Old Bakery street. The cellar of the building was later converted into the restaurant that stands there today.

Originally opened in 1906, Rubino is one of the oldest and recognizable restaurants in Valletta. Previously owned by a Sicilian confectionery, it’s now run by brothers Karl and Michael Diacono who come from a foodie family. This is an elegant white-tablecloth restaurant which features a changing daily menu.

Rubino is another restaurant combining Maltese and Italian flavours and techniques. The bistro was first established as a confectionery shop in 1906 and still serves the traditional cassata Siciliana today. Here you can expect a homecooked meal that will melt on your tongue and make its way into your heart.

Four restaurants were awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand; Terrone in Birgu, Rubino in Valletta, Commando in Mellieħa and Grain Street in Valletta. Grain Street is a new entry to the category. In the Bib Gourmand category, Michelin highlights restaurants that serve good food at an affordable price.

Grain Street (part of the same collection as the above-mentioned UnderGrain) and Rubino are the proud holders of a Bib Gourmand, which denotes good quality and good value. The Asian-influenced AKI, with its Soho vibe, was also deemed worthy of a mention on the Michelin Guide.

In the late nineteen nineties the establishment was converted into a restaurant. In 2008, brothers Karl and Michael Diacono took over the restaurant and slowly started to infuse their knowledge and expertise to create something rather unique.

If you prefer to follow the locals, then you should consider Rubino or Guzé in Old Bakery Street. Both serve local cuisine using fresh produce. A new addition to the capital, is Zero Sei just opposite the Manoel Theatre.

Originally it was a pastry store where, among other things, they sold Sicilian cassata - a layered cake with ricotta, fruit and marzipan. The chef of the bistro still makes it according to the original recipe.

The Bib Gourmand status maintained the same restaurants - Terrone, Vittoriosa; Commando, Mellieħa; Grain Street, Valletta; and Rubino, Valletta. These restaurants represent good quality and good value cooking.

Rubino is another restaurant with a history, where you can find a variety of Maltese dishes. The restaurant does not have a fixed menu, and the food varies according to what fresh produce is available.

Grain Street (Valletta), Terrone (Birgu), Rubino (Valletta), Commando (Mellieha), who have held their position in Michelin’s Bib Gourmand restaurants list and are now joined by by AYU (Gżira).

Remember to try their deserts , Rubino’s is famous for their home made mouth-watering deserts in particular the Cassata Siciliana and the Cannoli. Booking is recommended.

Rubino: Opened in 1906, this family-run restaurant is one of the oldest eateries in Valletta. It serves daily changing Maltese and Mediterranean dishes.

This joins the three other restaurants who all retain their Bib Gourmand distinctions: Terrone in Birgu; Rubino in Valletta; and Commando in Mellieħa.

Rubino, Valletta Opened as a confectionery shop in 1906 by Sicilian Vincenzo Rubino, this (see Rubino) is one of the oldest establishments in Valetta.

The three Bib Gourmand restaurants all retained their award for ‘good quality, good value cooking’ for another year: Terrone, Commando and Rubino.

Offering a fusion of Maltese and Sicilian dishes this perennially popular Valletta eatery has been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand

This is a restaurant that has taken Maltese cuisine to heart and now serving a refined version of many traditional dishes

You certainly should and when a 10-year-old bottle of Shiraz goes into it… well… we can’t really explain how good it is.