The Best Restaurants in Gozo, Malta

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Discover the best restaurants in Gozo to visit when you sail over to Malta’s smaller sister island, including restaurants in Xagħra, Xlendi, Mġarr, and Nadur.

You can’t visit Malta without sailing over to its sister island, Gozo. The second-largest island in the Maltese archipelago, Gozo is home to two of Malta’s three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Believed to be the legendary Island of Ogygia mentioned in Homers’s Odyssey, Gozo is thought to be where the bewitching nymph, Calypso held Odysseus captive for seven years as a “prisoner of love”.

Whether you believe in the myth or not, it’s easy to feel spellbound by the rustic charm of this sleepy, olde-worlde island and its beautiful baroque villages; headed up by picturesque pjazzas (squares), and parish churches; and surrounded by idyllic coastal bays, beaches and secluded rocky inlets.

Sight-seeing aside, the local food and drink scene is a real highlight, with countless restaurants in Gozo to get your teeth stuck into – two of which come recommended by the 2023 MICHELIN Guide.

What food is Gozo famous for?

Traditional Gozitan food centres upon the seasonal, sustainable produce which can be grown, or produced, on the island. Think locally caught fish, seafood and rabbit; capers; tomatoes; beans; peppers; and prickly pear fruit.

Popular Gozitan specialty foods include ftira “pizza” (don’t confuse this with Maltese ftira, or you’ll probably end up with a tuna sandwich!); fresh, dried or peppered Gozitan cheeselets or “ġbejniet” (made using unpasteurised local goat or sheep milk); pure Gozitan honey; Gozitan sea salt (once used as a form of currency); Gozitan wine; and prickly pear fruit liqueur, and preserves.

As Malta and Gozo have been ruled by different powers throughout history, the Maltese food and drink scene has various culinary influences. With Gozo’s first inhabitants thought to have crossed over from Sicily in 5,000BC; and Gozo being just 80km north of Sicily, it’s no surprise that Sicilian and Italian cuisine has made its mark here. However, Maltese and Gozitan food is also heavily influenced by Arab, Turkish, French, and British cuisine.

The best restaurants in Gozo, Malta

These are the best places to eat in Gozo that I discovered during my recent holiday to Malta, but this is by no means an exhaustive list; I’m well aware I haven’t featured any of the wonderful restaurants that can no doubt be found in the likes of the capital city, Victoria (or “Rabat’), for example. However, I hope to expand my Gozo restaurant guide in future. If you know of a Gozitan restaurant that deserves to be featured, please tell me about it!

Mġarr, Gozo

Sailing into Mġarr Harbour upon arrival to Gozo, the glistening blue waters are afloat with old fishing boats in drab shades of white and grey, contrasting with traditional Maltese luzzu awash with brightly coloured tones of blue, red, yellow, and green. In the distance, clusters of honey-hued limestone buildings cling to sloping streets, while the iconic Our Lady of Lourdes chapel watches from above.

Many tourists overlook Mġarr Harbour, simply passing through to meet a tour guide, or jump onto a sight-seeing bus; tuk tuk; or quad. Don’t make this mistake. Unbeknown to some, Mġarr Harbour is home to several popular restaurants and bars, including Tmun seafood restaurant, recommended by the 2023 Malta MICHELIN Guide.

Ix-Xatt at one80 – Mġarr, Gozo

Fries can speak volumes about a restaurant. I only stopped off at Ix-Xatt at one80 for a quick drink and a bite to eat, but it left me longing for more.

Anyone can list truffle fries on a menu and deep-fry some frozen fries, douse them in truffle oil, and add a dollop of truffle mayo. At one80 kitchen, however, the truffle and Parmesan fries are just that. Hot, crunchy hand-cut fries, smeared in fresh black truffle, and peppered with Parmesan. I inhale them in between swigs of local beer, Cisk (pronounced “cheque”).

I’ve been dreaming about those truffle and Parmesan fries every day since, vowing to return for the seafood-heavy small plates, and sushi (not to mention checking out larger sister restaurant, one80 kitchen at Mġarr Yacht Marina, just next door). Sadly, I’m forced to cut my time in Mġarr short, so it doesn’t end up in happening – one day, for sure!

Triq Martino Garces, Mgarr Yacht Marina, Gozo, Malta | Tel: +356 2156 3317

The Gleneagles Bar – Mġarr, Gozo

Conveniently located next to Mġarr ferry port, The Gleneagles Bar is the oldest bar in Gozo. Built in 1732 by the Knights of St. John and reconstructed in stone after the war, this family-run bar was originally the harbour’s barracks, where passengers would wait to board boats back to Malta. It was named The Gleneagles Bar in 1885, after the first Gozo Ferry Line ship.

In a nod to the bar’s harbourside location and maritime history, the decor has a distinct nautical theme, with faded old photos of the harbour hanging on the walls, and old fishing nets dangling from the ceiling. Don’t forget to look down; the traditional Maltese tiles are a beauty to behold.

The Gleneagles Bar is the perfect place for a quick drink or two after arriving in Gozo, or before boarding the ferry back to Malta. Order a glass of local wine or Cisk and sit on the terrace or balcony, soaking up the Gozitan sunshine. If you’re hoping to capture the perfect picture of Mġarr Harbour, this is the ideal spot for it!

10, Triq Il-Vittorja Gozo, Malta | Tel: +356 2155 6543

Xagħra, Gozo

One of the earliest inhabited parts of Gozo, Xagħra is home to the oldest freestanding buildings in the world, the Ġgantija Temples (3600-3200 B.C). Ideally located for visiting the red sands of Ramla Bay and Calypso’s Cave (where Calypso allegedly held Odysseus captive), the town also houses the beautiful Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady, which overlooks the bustling bars and restaurants of Victory Square.

Just outside Xagħra, MICHELIN Guide-recommended Ta’ Frenc offers a 17th century farmhouse fine dining experience.

Tal-Furnar Restaurant & Bakery

Stumbling across Tal-Furnar Restaurant & Bakery is like a gastronomical epiphany. The fact there isn’t a single table free on a weekday lunchtime, despite being hidden from the spotlight of Victory Square – and the huge wood-burning limestone oven standing watch over the restaurant – calls for a return visit, the very next day.

Although I don’t realise it at the time, I’ve accidentally discovered what must be one of the best restaurants in Gozo. That big oven is actually around 100-years-old, and is said to be the last still in use anywhere in Malta, to this day.

Rumour has it, it’s never seen a day out of use since it was first built by former owner, Anthony Farrugia’s grandfather all those years ago. If it’s not being used to bake fresh Maltese ftira bread or pizza, it’s being used to cook the restaurant’s signature meat dishes, like this traditional beef bragioli. Today, the restaurant is run by Anthony’s daughter, Anna and her husband, John.

The classic Gozitan cheeselet ravioli is equally enjoyable, made using fresh ġbejniet and served with pulpy tomato sauce, dusted with Parmigiano Reggiano.

And it would’ve been rude not to try some freshly baked ftira too, of course!

136 Gnien Xibla Str, Xagħra, Malta | Tel: +356 7955 6372

Café Reale Pasticceria & Gelateria

Overlooking Victory Square in Xagħra, Gozo, Café Reale Pasticceria & Gelateria boasts unrivalled views of 19th century Roman Catholic parish church, the Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady.

As impressive as this quaint little cafe’s surroundings may be, however, the food is the real show-stopper. Specifically, the fresh patisserie cakes and sweet pastries (although the pastizzi and gelato look equally appealing!).

In a nod to Malta’s Italian (and, specifically, Sicilian, culinary influences), the cassata Siciliana sees layers of liqueur-soaked sponge cake; and sweetened ricotta cheese, dotted with candied fruit; topped with green almond paste, with an intricate pattern stretching around the edges.

29 Pjazza Vittorja, Xagħra, Gozo, Malta | Tel: +356 2155 3887

Oleander Restaurant

Sitting just a few doors down from Café Reale, Oleander Restaurant serves a traditional Maltese menu, alongside local wines and beers.

Treating myself to Easter Sunday lunch, I kick things off with a traditional Maltese appetiser of bigilla (mashed ‘fava’ or broad beans) and tuna dip, paired with local galletti (savoury water crackers), before conquering a mountain of roast local baby lamb, golden roast potatoes and fresh vegetables. Gozitan lamb is irresistibly tender, and moreishly fatty, despite lacking the defined, distinctive flavours of the Welsh Lamb I know and love so well.

Ask any Xagħra local where the best restaurants in Gozo are, and I bet Oleander will be on their list. Expect high standards of service teamed with generously portioned, top quality food.

10 Triq Il Knisja, Ix-Xagħra, Gozo, Malta | Tel: +356 2155 7230

Rubble Bar

Solo dining at Rubble Bar, I gorge on fresh truffle cannelloni flecked with Parmigianno Reggiano, glugging wine between mouthfuls. I feel a bit like Julia Roberts as Liz Gilbert in Eat Pray Love, contentedly devouring her spaghetti and sauce in Rome. Although I’m not in Italy, the pasta is so good; if I close my eyes, I might well be!

I return a few evenings later, opting for one of the daily specials. The light levels – and my hunger – prevent me from taking a photo to capture the moment, but I’ll never forget how good it tastes. Sicilian casarecce with creamy pistachio pesto and crispy pancetta, if I remember rightly.

Fresh pasta aside, Rubble Bar serves a choice of antipasto, salads, and burgers, alongside local and international wines, beers, and spirits.

26 Pjazza Vittorja , Xaghra, Gozo, Malta | Tel: +356 9984 4565

D’Snacks

Based on September Avenue, D’Snacks pastizzeria, bakery and cafe is probably one of the cheapest places to eat in Gozo.

Feast your eyes upon the rows of fresh, flaky pastizzi (traditional Maltese pastries, commonly eaten for breakfast) in the window, and just try to resist going inside for a taste – especially when you realise it only costs two Euros for a coffee and two pastizzi!

Nibbling on green pea and ricotta pastizzi while reviving myself with a frothy cappuccino, I listen to regulars chatting away in Maltese, kicking myself for not discovering this place sooner.

Vjal it-8 ta’ Settembru Xaghra, Gozo, Malta | Tel: : +356 2155 2442

Xlendi, Gozo

Said to be one of the prettiest spots on the Maltese island of Gozo, Xlendi is likely named after the Byzantine ships which once docked in the bay, known in Arabic as “xalandi” or “xelandion”. 

Shimmering turquoise shores cling to a strip of pebbled beige sand, with a jetty jutting out into the sea. Many years ago, the cave overlooking the small beach to the right of the jetty (named Caroline’s Cave, although locals call it the “Nun’s Cave”) provided a secluded bathing spot for local nuns. To this day, the bay is is dominated by Xlendi Watchtower – the oldest of its kind in Gozo.

Today, this old fishing village is a popular resort town, comprising several hotels, bar, shops and – what really drew me to spend some time here – at least ten local, independent restaurants.

Il-Kcina Għawdxija

Perched overlooking Xlendi Bay, Il-Kcina Għawdxija serves a traditional Gozitan menu. As tempted as I am to sample Malta’s national dish of rabbit stew, the traditional Gozitan antipasto platter seems a more sensible grazing choice for basking in the balmy sunshine, sipping on a cold glass of local wine while watching swimmers and snorkelers flaoating in the water. 

For just €9.50, I indulge in a traditional Gozitan antipasto platter of butter beans, sundried tomatoes, capers, ġbejniet, lettuce, tomatoes, olives, galletti (water crackers), bigilla, freshly baked bread, olive oil, and dips. It’s meant for two to share, but I happily scoff the lot to myself. Can you blame me?

Il-Kċina Għawdxija, Xlendi Bay, Munxar, Gozo, Malta | Tel: +356 2156 9118

Gelateria Granola

Cool off with some homemade gelato or ice cream from an endless selection of flavours at Xlendi’s popular gelato parlour, Gelateria Granola. Sitting right behind Xlendi Bay beach, it’s perfectly positioned for strolling along the sand, cone (or tub) in hand.

Try the lemon and orange gelatos; the zesty combo makes for the perfect way to relax and refuel in the golden Gozitan sunshine!

Xatt Ix Xlendi, Il-Munxar, Gozo, Malta | +356 9983 2159

Talija Restaurant

One of the best restaurants in Xlendi, Talija serves a variety of fresh pasta, locally caught fish and seafood, burgers and pizza (including Gozitan ftira “pizza” – more on that below). Subtle pan-Asian influences can be seen in dishes like duck in satay sauce, curried beef stew, and lobster tortellini in curry sauce (pictured below). Hefty portions, reasonable prices.

While it might not share the same scenic views as Il-Kcina Ghawdxija and neighbouring waterfront restaurants, Talija’s indoor dining space offers the perfect place to eat on a wet, windy or humid day.

8 Triq Ir-Rabat Xlendi Bay, Xlendi, Gozo | Tel: +356 2156 9899

Nadur, Gozo

Standing on Gozo’s easternmost hill, Nadur is named after the Maltese word for, “look-out”. Popular for the Tal-Mixta caves (pictured below), which offer postcard-perfect views over Gozo’s awe-inspiring red sand beach, Ramla Bay, Nadur is also known for its 19th century communications tower, Ta’ Kenuna, and surrounding botanical gardens.

What I’m really interested in, however, is Nadur’s traditional bakeries, believed to be the best place on the island for authentic Gozitan ftira “pizza”.

Rabokk

Not to be confused with Maltese ftira sandwiches, Gozitan ftira or ftajjar (derived from Tunisian, “ftira”) is unique to the island. Made using unleavened bread, this Gozitan-style “pizza” is topped with fresh produce like capers, anchovies, sundried tomatoes, ġbejniet, and potatoes, baked in a traditional wood-fired oven.

I ordered Gozitan ftira for delivery from family-run bakery and restaurant, Rabokk, one night via Bolt (Gozo’s answer to Uber Eats) when I was too tired to leave my farmhouse apartment. Delivered piping hot, the ftira (€8) was topped with olives, tomatoes, spring onions, capers, sliced potatoes, garlic, basil and olive oil. It looked, and tasted, quite unlike any kind of pizza I’ve seen before; technically it’s closer to a pie or flatbread. Although I wasn’t a huge fan of the base and crust, the briny topping really did it for me; some ġbejniet wouldn’t have gone amiss, though.

If you’ve got your heart set on tasting the most authentic ftira or ftaijar in Gozo, Maxokk and Mekrem bakeries are highly recommended by locals.

Dun B Haber, In-Nadur, Malta | Tel: +356 2155 8337

Gozo FAQs

Is it better to stay in Malta or Gozo?

While Malta is bigger than Gozo and home to some of the top Maltese tourist attractions, with a vibrant entertainment and nightlife scene, Gozo is much quieter, with a slower pace of life. Wherever you stay, it only takes 25 minutes to travel between the islands by ferry. Don’t forget to visit Comino, too!

How many days do you need in Gozo?

As Gozo only occupies around 67 square kilometres, you can see the island’s major landmarks and attractions in one day. If you can spare a few more days, however, you can explore the island at a more relaxed pace, with time to visit lesser known, off-the-beaten-path villages.

Have you ever been to Gozo? Leave a comment to let me know your favourite traditional Gozitan foods, and your top Gozo restaurants.

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