ION Harbour, a Maltese restaurant in Valletta, Malta helmed by Chef Simon Rogan, has been honored with Two Michelin Stars by The MICHELIN Guide Malta 2024, a first in the Mediterranean archipelago.
Rosami Restaurant, overlooking Spinola Bay, has been awarded a Michelin Star and is new to the list this year. Six restaurants have retained their One Michelin Star status: Under Grain, Valletta; Noni, Valletta; De Mondion, Mdina; Bahia, Balzan; and The Fernandõ Gastrotheque in Sliema.
According to MICHELIN, “This year marks a milestone in the history of the MICHELIN Guide Malta, with the announcement of the first Two MICHELIN Stars restaurants in the selection, underscoring the commitment of professionals to deliver the very best to their diners. The inspectors also noticed that the Maltese culinary spirit is changing and becoming more zestful and innovative. Chefs are now focusing on local gastronomy, bringing the island’s agricultural economy to the fore and consolidating a more sustainable approach to Maltese cuisine. Small kitchen gardens spring up adjacent to restaurants, enabling chefs to take advantage of local Mediterranean-fragranced products.”
Furthermore, Restaurant AYU, located opposite Manoel Island, has been included in the Bib Gourmand section for the first time. Additionally, five new restaurants have been recommended by the MICHELIN Guide: Terroir Ħ’Attard, One80 in Valletta, Kaiseki Valletta in Malta, as well as Level Nine by Oliver Glowing in Mġarr Harbour and Al Sale in Xagħra, both in Gozo. This brings the total number of honored restaurants in the guide to 40.
Malta Tourism Authority CEO Carlo Micallef stated: “We are absolutely thrilled by today’s exciting announcement by the Michelin Guide for Malta. The addition of a new two-star MICHELIN restaurant, alongside a new one-star restaurant, a new Bib Gourmand establishment and five new ‘Recommended’ including two in Gozo, underscores MTA’s commitment to culinary excellence and diversity. These accolades not only elevate Malta’s status as a quality gastronomic destination but also highlight the incredible talent and innovation within our culinary scene. With each Michelin star, we’re inviting the world to savor the rich flavors and vibrant culture that Malta has to offer. This recognition further cements Malta’s position as a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts worldwide.”
Minister for Tourism and Public Cleanliness Clayton Bartolo expressed that the MICHELIN Guide elevates the culinary reputation of the Maltese islands, providing restaurateurs with a platform to showcase the exceptional quality of food produced in Malta’s kitchens. Minister Bartolo underscored the importance of ongoing investment and improvement within the tourism sector to uphold standards of excellence. He also emphasized the critical role tourism plays in bolstering the Maltese economy.
The MICHELIN Guide Malta selection 2024 at a glance
40 restaurants including:
- 1 Two MICHELIN Star restaurant (new)
- 6 One MICHELIN Star restaurants (1 new)
- 5 Bib Gourmand restaurants (1 new)
- 28 recommended restaurants (5 new)
