Pretty hidden gem city on tiny island with the ‘best food in Europe’

A pretty European city known for its beautiful Baroque buildings, vibrant cultural scene, and strategic coastal location has been named the best-hidden gem for food critics. Valletta, the capital of Malta, is a historically rich and architecturally stunning city. 

The experts at italki have analysed the number of restaurants, the number of four-star restaurants and above, Michelin star restaurants, and vegetarian restaurants to reveal the best lesser-known destinations for food lovers.

Valletta was crowned Europe‘s best-hidden gem for foodies. Nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean, Valletta is home to 215 4-star restaurants (per 1,000 people), along with 30 prestigious Michelin-starred establishments.

In a statement, EnVols, the team behind the research, said: “The big winner of this ranking is the Maltese capital, Valletta. The city has over 1,600 restaurants, which represents around 0.27 restaurants per inhabitant, an impressive figure given the size of the country.”

Next in the running was Sintra in Portugal, which has around 1,900 restaurants and 11 Michelin-starred eateries and Opatija in Croatia, with 325 restaurants and 4 Michelin-starred restaurants.

Due to its strategic location in the Mediterranean, food isn’t the only draw Valletta has. Historically, it has been a significant military and maritime hub. The city has robust fortifications, including bastions and forts, designed to protect against invasions.

Valletta is renowned for its well-preserved Baroque architecture, with many buildings dating back to the 16th century. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

One of Valletta’s most famous landmarks is St. John’s Co-Cathedral which is known for its ornate interior, including Caravaggio’s masterpiece, “The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist.”

Upper Barrakka Gardens offers stunning views of the Grand Harbour.  These gardens are a popular spot for both tourists and locals.

The city was designated the European Capital of Culture in 2018, which spurred a rejuvenation of its cultural offerings, including arts, theater, and music.

Valletta boasts several museums, such as the National Museum of Archaeology, the Malta Maritime Museum, and the National Museum of Fine Arts (MUŻA).

The city hosts numerous cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including the Malta International Arts Festival and the Valletta Film Festival.

It offers a diverse range of dining options, from traditional Maltese cuisine to international fare, as well as vibrant nightlife with bars and clubs. Valletta is not only a cultural and administrative center but also a hub for commerce and finance in Malta.

As a major tourist destination, Valletta attracts visitors with its historical sites, cultural events, and scenic harbor views. Cruise ships frequently dock at the Grand Harbour.

Valletta is easily accessible by bus, ferry, and car. The city has a well-connected public transport system, and the Valletta Waterfront provides facilities for cruise liners.

One of the tourists who has been to the beautiful location wrote on TripAdvisor: “What a great island. Lots of history and great scenery. There are a lot of old fortresses and ruins.

“I wish I had more time to spend there, and I hope to go back in the furture. Brad Pitt was filming his movie “Troy” there at the time I was there, Gladiator was also filmed there. Enjoy your trip.”

Another tourist commented: “Valletta is a special place where European medieval architecture is mixed with Arabic influences and British colonial elements. The wooden balconies are particularly typical, and I have never seen anything like them anywhere else. Valletta is a very small city, so it is very easy to explore on foot.”