Surprise your loved ones with the gift of extraordinary experiences, from spa days to weekend breaks, exquisite dining, and more.
Surprise your loved ones with
extraordinary experiences.
Surprise your loved ones with extraordinary experiences.
Rabat is a historic town that may be known for its catacombs, winding alleys, and proximity to the Silent City of Mdina, but it also offers a thriving culinary scene. From family-run bakeries selling warm pastizzi to elegant brasseries where local ingredients shine, Rabat invites you to slow down and savour the moment.
When you stay at The Verdala Wellness Hotel, you’ll enjoy deliciously nourishing meals at The Griffin, the flagship restaurant of AX Hotels in Rabat. It’s a place that proves that when searching for Rabat restaurants in Malta, you don’t have to compromise on flavour, nutrition, or quality. With the hotel’s stylish lounges and poolside dining options, you’re never short of memorable meals and relaxed bites.
Rabat is a historic town that may be known for its catacombs, winding alleys, and proximity to the Silent City of Mdina, but it also offers a thriving culinary scene. From family-run bakeries selling warm pastizzi to elegant brasseries where local ingredients shine, Rabat invites you to slow down and savour the moment.
When you stay at The Verdala Wellness Hotel, you’ll enjoy deliciously nourishing meals at The Griffin, the flagship restaurant of AX Hotels in Rabat. It’s a place that proves that when searching for Rabat restaurants in Malta, you don’t have to compromise on flavour, nutrition, or quality. With the hotel’s stylish lounges and poolside dining options, you’re never short of memorable meals and relaxed bites.
The Griffin is a restaurant with a story. For decades, this space has brought people together, first as a tearoom, later as the island’s most sought-after nightclub, and today as Verdala’s brasserie. Its walls have seen everything from whispered conversations over tea to evenings of dancing and laughter.
Now, fully reimagined and under the guidance of Executive Chef Victor Borg, The Griffin begins a new chapter. Here, the focus is on exceptional food without pretence, dishes designed to make you feel good, rooted in the island’s seasons and freshest ingredients. Think garden-fresh starters, vibrant salads, and sharing plates that balance nourishment with indulgence. Add in sweeping views over Rabat’s peaceful countryside and you’ll see why it’s fast emerged as one of the best restaurants in Rabat Malta.
The Griffin is a restaurant with a story. For decades, this space has brought people together, first as a tearoom, later as the island’s most sought-after nightclub, and today as Verdala’s brasserie. Its walls have seen everything from whispered conversations over tea to evenings of dancing and laughter.
Now, fully reimagined and under the guidance of Executive Chef Victor Borg, The Griffin begins a new chapter. Here, the focus is on exceptional food without pretence, dishes designed to make you feel good, rooted in the island’s seasons and freshest ingredients. Think garden-fresh starters, vibrant salads, and sharing plates that balance nourishment with indulgence. Add in sweeping views over Rabat’s peaceful countryside and you’ll see why it’s fast emerged as one of the best restaurants in Rabat Malta.
At The Griffin, the menu celebrates modern Mediterranean cooking at its finest. Expect seasonal vegetables grown just down the road, seafood that tastes of the sea, and tender cuts of meat paired with bold yet balanced flavours.

There’s nothing fussy here, just honest dishes elevated by technique and a touch of creativity. It’s a great spot for an exquisite lunch or dinner in Malta. Paired with countryside views, this is one Malta restaurant with a view you simply must try.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, head to The Living Room Lounge Bar at The Verdala Wellness Hotel. There’s something special about a space that works as well for morning smoothies as it does for sunset cocktails. This Rabat restaurant blends healthy with indulgence, a place where you can tuck into a superfood salad at lunchtime, linger over afternoon tea, or toast the evening with signature drinks.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, head to The Living Room Lounge Bar at The Verdala Wellness Hotel. There’s something special about a space that works as well for morning smoothies as it does for sunset cocktails. This Rabat restaurant blends healthy with indulgence, a place where you can tuck into a superfood salad at lunchtime, linger over afternoon tea, or toast the evening with signature drinks.
For those who crave a cocktail by the pool, The Ridge Pool Bar is hard to beat. Perched beside Verdala’s stunning infinity pool, it offers a tranquil escape with outstanding views across Rabat’s landscape. The menu keeps things fresh and light, with options like seasonal salads, piadini, and energy bowls, complemented by classic poolside favourites. Drinks range from smoothies and juices to refreshing mocktails, each designed to capture the essence of the season.
For those who crave a cocktail by the pool, The Ridge Pool Bar is hard to beat. Perched beside Verdala’s stunning infinity pool, it offers a tranquil escape with outstanding views across Rabat’s landscape. The menu keeps things fresh and light, with options like seasonal salads, piadini, and energy bowls, complemented by classic poolside favourites. Drinks range from smoothies and juices to refreshing mocktails, each designed to capture the essence of the season.
Of course, part of the joy of exploring Rabat restaurants lies in its traditional side. Wander the town’s streets and you’ll find family-run bakeries serving fresh Maltese bread, golden pastizzi filled with ricotta or peas, and seasonal Maltese treats like sfineġ and żeppoli. Confectionaries add to the mix with biscuits and sweets like ottijiet (sesame seed rings), qagħaq tal-għasel (honey rings), and nutty nougat, each bite a reminder of Malta’s homemade traditions.
Over in Mdina, Malta’s “Silent City,” dining takes on a different atmosphere, with lantern-lit courtyards, bastion views, and cosy piazzas where you can enjoy a quiet meal against centuries-old walls. With its mix of heritage charm and understated elegance, it’s no surprise that visitors often search for Mdina restaurants in Malta when looking for memorable meals. Whether in Rabat or Mdina, the experience is as much about the setting as it is about the flavours.
Of course, part of the joy of exploring Rabat restaurants lies in its traditional side. Wander the town’s streets and you’ll find family-run bakeries serving fresh Maltese bread, golden pastizzi filled with ricotta or peas, and seasonal Maltese treats like sfineġ and żeppoli. Confectionaries add to the mix with biscuits and sweets like ottijiet (sesame seed rings), qagħaq tal-għasel (honey rings), and nutty nougat, each bite a reminder of Malta’s homemade traditions.
Over in Mdina, Malta’s “Silent City,” dining takes on a different atmosphere, with lantern-lit courtyards, bastion views, and cosy piazzas where you can enjoy a quiet meal against centuries-old walls. With its mix of heritage charm and understated elegance, it’s no surprise that visitors often search for Mdina restaurants in Malta when looking for memorable meals. Whether in Rabat or Mdina, the experience is as much about the setting as it is about the flavours.
Rabat’s restaurants and dining scene are only part of the story. This historic town offers plenty to enjoy before and after your meal. Just beyond the town core, country lanes weave past rubble-walled fields and olive groves, leading towards the dramatic Dingli Cliffs, where views stretch endlessly across the Mediterranean. Back in town, Rabat’s winding alleys reveal centuries of history, from Roman ruins to catacombs that once sheltered early Christians.
A short walk takes you into Mdina, Malta’s Silent City, where museums, noble palazzos, and quiet piazzas invite exploration. After a day of discovery, return to Verdala for exquisite dining at The Griffin, a sunset cocktail at The Living Room Lounge Bar, or a relaxed poolside bite at The Ridge. When you stay at The Verdala, a reservation at our best restaurants in Rabat, Malta, means every meal becomes part of this historic town’s story.
Rabat’s restaurants and dining scene are only part of the story. This historic town offers plenty to enjoy before and after your meal. Just beyond the town core, country lanes weave past rubble-walled fields and olive groves, leading towards the dramatic Dingli Cliffs, where views stretch endlessly across the Mediterranean. Back in town, Rabat’s winding alleys reveal centuries of history, from Roman ruins to catacombs that once sheltered early Christians.
A short walk takes you into Mdina, Malta’s Silent City, where museums, noble palazzos, and quiet piazzas invite exploration. After a day of discovery, return to Verdala for exquisite dining at The Griffin, a sunset cocktail at The Living Room Lounge Bar, or a relaxed poolside bite at The Ridge. When you stay at The Verdala, a reservation at our best restaurants in Rabat, Malta, means every meal becomes part of this historic town’s story.
Rabat is known for its calm, refined dining scene with a focus on quality and setting. One of the top restaurants in the area is The Griffin, a modern brasserie offering Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a relaxed countryside environment. The wider Rabat and Mdina area also features several intimate dining spots with historic charm and seasonal menus.
For a romantic dinner, The Griffin is one of the best options in Rabat. Its peaceful surroundings, warm interior, and countryside views create a relaxed and intimate atmosphere. The menu focuses on modern Mediterranean cuisine, making it well suited for a quiet evening for two.
Rabat offers a mix of dining experiences ranging from casual cafés and local eateries to more refined dining options. You’ll find countryside brasseries like The Griffin, relaxed daytime venues such as The Living Room Lounge Bar, and atmospheric restaurants in nearby Mdina, many focusing on seasonal and locally inspired cuisine.
Some of the best places to eat in Rabat combine great food with a relaxed atmosphere. The Griffin is a key highlight for modern dining, while The Living Room Lounge Bar is ideal for snacks, light bites, and afternoon tea. The surrounding area, including Mdina, also offers additional elevated dining experiences in historic settings.
Yes, while Rabat is more relaxed than Malta’s main city hubs, it still offers refined dining experiences. The Griffin provides an elevated approach to modern Mediterranean cuisine, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and presentation. Nearby Mdina also expands the fine dining offering with restaurants set in historic buildings.
Rabat is popular because it offers a quieter, more atmospheric dining experience surrounded by countryside views and historic architecture. Its proximity to Mdina adds to its appeal, while restaurants like The Griffin and The Living Room Lounge Bar create a balanced mix of dining, relaxation, and social experiences.
A unique dining experience in Rabat often comes from its setting and pace. The Griffin offers a refined countryside dining experience, while The Living Room Lounge Bar provides a more relaxed daytime setting with snacks and afternoon tea. Together, they create a well-rounded experience that feels both calm and distinctive.
Yes, Rabat offers a few elevated dining options ideal for special occasions. The Griffin is the main highlight, offering a refined yet relaxed atmosphere with quality Mediterranean cuisine. For something more casual but still elegant, The Living Room Lounge Bar is ideal for afternoon tea or light celebratory moments in a comfortable setting.