C-suite foodies: Where do Malta’s CEOs like to dine out, and what is their favourite meal?

Food, one element of Malta that never seems to disappoint.

Malta offers plenty of culinary delights, ranging from dishes with Mediterranean and North African influences, to Asian and South American flavours, all of which are set to keep you eager for more.

Savouring the flavours of Malta’s vibrant culinary landscape is an adventure in itself, and many foodies easily find their preferred spots for dining out, together with their favourite dishes.

This is also the case for the country’s top business leaders, with many having extensive lists of restaurants for corporate dinners, family nights out, or sometimes just for quick bites.

In a series of quick-fire questions first published in MaltaCEOs 2024’s print edition, 50 of Malta’s top business leaders were quizzed about their favourite spots, with restaurants spread all over the Maltese Islands being given a mention.

It was fairly unsurprising that Valletta and Gozo were the most popular areas, with both areas famed for their mixture of traditional restaurants and more high-end establishments.

These restaurants included the two MICHELIN Star-rated ION Harbour by Simon Rogan in Valletta, as well as the scenic one80 Kitchen in Mġarr, Gozo.

St Julian’s was next on the list, particularly for presenting visitors with a wide range of cuisines from all corners of the world.

Some of the CEOs’ most popular picks at the touristic hub include Italian restaurant Santini and MICHELIN Guide-listed Caviar & Bull.

A number of restaurants in other localities were also popular, such as Carmen’s Bar and Restaurant at the beautiful Għar Lapsi in Siġġiewi, and Mediterranean fusion establishment Minoa in Qawra.

The business leaders were also asked what their favourite dishes at these restaurants were. In tune with Malta’s Mediterranean culture, many opted for fish, pasta, or steak.

“Nothing beats simple grilled fish at the Mġarr ix-Xini restaurant,” Cassar Marine Group CEO Andrea Cassar said.

“La Vela in Malta and the restaurant at Ramla Bay in Gozo. They cook good rabbit!” Swan Laundry & Dry Clean Co. Ltd CEO Anita Mifsud remarked.

Some had grown so fond of certain restaurants’ offerings that they would leave it in the hands of the waiters and chefs.

“René and Sue’s recommendations at Cent’Anni Bistro and Wine Bar in Għargħur,” Halmann Vella Group CEO Kevin J. Rapinett said.

Others were undecided, saying that their selection depends on their mood or that they simply have too many favourites to choose from.

HSBC Bank Malta CEO Geoffrey Fichte, who has been in Malta since last year, remarked that he has a number of favourite restaurants, yet among the Maltese food he has tried “the top spot goes to imqaret.”

Some executives, although stating that they enjoy a nice meal out, remarked that they would still prefer eating with their family and friends at home.

This serves as an opportunity for busy executives to spend some time away from work, possibly cooking a meal together with their loved ones for some well-earned bonding time.

Trident Estates CEO Charles Xuereb said that picking his favourite spot to eat is tough, as it is a tie between his mother’s kitchen in Gozo and his wife’s and daughter’s cuisines at home.

What is your go-to restaurant?