Valletta is a perfect place for food lovers who want to taste both traditional Maltese dishes and learn about the city’s history through its cuisine. Its compact size means you can sample the local flavors while wandering through charming streets and historic sites. We love the Valletta: Street Food and Culture Walking Tour because it combines iconic landmarks with a deep dive into Malta’s street food scene, all led by a charismatic guide. Another favorite is the Valletta Food Tour, renowned for its intimate atmosphere and excellent food and drink samples, making it ideal for travelers wanting a well-rounded taste of the city’s culinary offerings. For those interested in a more personalized experience, the Valletta: Food and Culture Private Tour offers a tailored journey through Valletta’s highlights and hidden corners.
In this list, you’ll find a variety of tours: some focus on street food, others on comprehensive tastings with drinks, and a few combine sightseeing with culinary highlights. Each offers a unique way to experience Valletta’s food scene while exploring its sights. Now, let’s look at each of these top-rated options in detail.
1. Valletta: Street Food and Culture Walking Tour
At number 1, the Valletta: Street Food and Culture Walking Tour offers an excellent introduction for anyone wanting to explore Valletta’s main landmarks while sampling its best street foods. For 3 hours, you’ll stroll through the city with a licensed guide who shares fascinating stories about Valletta’s history and its culinary traditions. The tour includes tasting some of Malta’s most popular specialties, such as traditional sweets, street eats, and local lager.
What makes this tour stand out is the balance of cultural insight and authentic food experiences. The guide is described as very knowledgeable and charismatic, with plenty of interesting local stories—perfect if you want a lively, engaging walk. Reviewers praise the food quality and the surprising quantity offered, making this a very good value at $62 per person. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy a social atmosphere and want to learn about Valletta’s history through its flavors.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect if you’re keen on combining sightseeing with tasting Malta’s street food in a friendly, informative environment.
2. Valletta Food Tour
At number 2, the Valletta Food Tour ranks as one of the highest-rated experiences, with a perfect 5.0/5 from over 600 reviews. It lasts about 3.5 hours and offers a more intimate exploration of Valletta with a small group (limited to 10 people). This tour explores both classic and contemporary Maltese dishes, providing a comprehensive taste of the city’s culinary evolution.
Starting in Floriana, the tour includes stops at the Valletta City Gate, Upper Barrakka Gardens, and walks through the historic streets. All food and drinks are included, so there are no hidden costs—just pure tasting pleasure. The itinerary combines sightseeing with food, including learning about local food traditions and the stories behind each dish. One standout is the visit to the Triton Fountain and the modern Parliament House, blending architecture with culinary insights.
Rated highly for its knowledgeable guides and authentic food samples, this tour is excellent for those who want to discover Valletta’s sights and flavors in one go. Reviewers mention the guide’s passion and the variety of samples, from street food to chocolates, making it a worthwhile experience.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers seeking a small-group, immersive food adventure with a strong cultural context.
3. Valletta: Maltese Food and Drink Guided Walking Tour
The third spot goes to the Valletta: Maltese Food and Drink Guided Walking Tour, which has a solid 4.7/5 from over 450 reviews. For around $51, this 3-hour tour focuses on sampling authentic Maltese food and drinks while exploring Valletta’s art and architecture. It’s a sensory journey through the island’s flavors—from pastizzi to local beverages like Cisk beer and Kinnie soda.
What makes this tour special is the emphasis on local drinks and the lesser-known corners of Valletta. The guide provides insights into Malta’s cultural influences while taking you to landmark sites. Reviewers appreciate the depth of knowledge and authentic tastings, which stretch beyond just food to include the history of Maltese beverages. If you enjoy pairing food with local drinks while sightseeing, this tour is a great choice.
The tour is well-suited for those interested in both food and local culture in a relaxed, friendly setting. Expect to learn about Malta’s diverse culinary influences in addition to tasting its most beloved snacks and drinks.
Bottom line: A perfect match if you want an engaging walk that combines Malta’s edible heritage with cultural stories.
4. Valletta: Food Walking Tour with Tastings
Number 4 on our list, the Valletta: Food Walking Tour with Tastings offers a rich 3.5-hour exploration of Valletta’s diverse flavors. It emphasizes authentic Maltese dishes and drinks, with visits to family-run locations and traditional eateries. You’ll stroll through the city’s streets, sampling sweet and savory treats and enjoying regional drinks at each stop.
This tour stands out because it combines the city’s cultural landmarks with the home-cooked style of Maltese cuisine. The itinerary includes stops at local markets and eateries, allowing you to experience the food the way locals do. Reviewers highlight the variety and quality of the tastings, as well as the friendly guide who makes it all come alive.
Priced at $62, the tour offers good value considering the length and quality of the food and drinks included. It’s ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive tasting adventure in a relaxed environment, with plenty of insights into Maltese food traditions.
Bottom line: Best suited for those wanting a longer, more immersive tasting experience with a focus on local, family-run spots.
5. Malta: 5 hr Vintage Bus Tour – Mdina & Blue Grotto inc. food
Number 5 features the Malta: 5 hr Vintage Bus Tour, combining scenic drives with stops at key attractions and tasting opportunities. For 5 hours, you visit Marsaxlokk fishing village, the Blue Grotto, Dingli Cliffs, and Mdina, Malta’s ancient capital.
The highlight is the mix of cultural sights with food tasting in Siggiewi, where some regional treats are included. The tour offers a comfortable way to see Malta’s varied scenery without long walks, with the added bonus of local food experiences. The reviews praise the knowledgeable guide Daniel, the well-organized itinerary, and the fun of traveling on a vintage bus.
While not solely a food tour, it’s an excellent choice for travelers interested in combining sightseeing with tasting regional foods. The small-group format and diverse stops make it flexible and engaging, suitable for families or those short on time who want a broad overview of Malta.
Bottom line: A versatile option for those wanting scenic views, cultural highlights, and some regional bites in a single day.
6. Valletta: Food and Culture Private Tour
The sixth spot is a personalized experience, Valletta: Food and Culture Private Tour, which is perfect if you prefer a tailored approach. For up to 2 people at $386, your private guide will take you through Valletta’s landmarks and hidden corners while sampling Malta’s top traditional foods like pastizzi and rabbit.
This tour is ideal for travelers wanting a flexible schedule and a more intimate experience. The guide provides detailed explanations of the city’s history alongside tastings, and you’ll visit local hotspots and historic sites. Reviewers mention the attentive service and the opportunity to customize the experience, making it a high-value option for those seeking exclusivity.
It’s best suited for food and history lovers who appreciate a more private, in-depth exploration and are willing to spend a bit more for a personalized experience.
Bottom line: For couples or small groups wanting a bespoke, relaxed food walk that combines exclusive access and local stories.
7. The Ultimate Valletta Food and Market Tour
Number 7, The Ultimate Valletta Food and Market Tour, promises a deep dive into Malta’s culinary scene with a focus on its vibrant markets. Lasting about 3.5 hours, it’s designed for food lovers eager to experience local flavors at their freshest, exploring Valletta’s food markets and sampling a wide range of dishes.
This tour is distinguished by its focus on Malta’s food market culture, giving you direct access to vendors and a chance to try a broad array of flavors. It’s an interactive experience that encourages curiosity and tasting. The tour’s strength lies in its diversity, from authentic Maltese dishes to regional desserts, all with an emphasis on bringing you close to the food source.
Ideal for travelers who want to understand Malta’s food scene from the ground up and enjoy an energetic, engaging atmosphere. It’s a comprehensive option for serious food fans.
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting a lively, market-focused experience packed with variety.
8. Valletta: Street Food Walking Tour with a Local
Our final pick, Valletta: Street Food Walking Tour with a Local, offers a straightforward, 3-hour taste of Valletta’s street food scene led by a local guide. You’ll visit at least four eateries, sampling traditional delicacies and drinks, with an emphasis on discovering the city from a local’s perspective.
This tour is focused on authentic, everyday food experiences, perfect for travelers who want to skip the tourist traps and get a true taste of Malta. The itinerary includes visits to historic eateries and trendy spots, making it both fun and educational. The reviews highlight the friendly guide and the high-quality food, offering good value at $77 per person.
Best for: Travelers who want an authentic, locally-focused food experience in a manageable 3-hour format.
How to Choose Your Perfect Valletta Food Tour
Picking the right tour depends on your interests, budget, and how much time you want to spend. If you prefer a lively, social atmosphere with a mix of landmarks and street eats, the Valletta: Street Food and Culture Walking Tour is a great choice. For a more in-depth, small-group experience with a blend of modern and traditional dishes, the Valletta Food Tour hits the mark. If privacy and customization are your priorities, the Valletta: Food and Culture Private Tour offers a tailored experience. Budget travelers might prefer the Valletta: Maltese Food and Drink Guided Walking Tour for its affordable price and comprehensive insights.
For those seeking variety and an energetic atmosphere, the Valletta: Street Food Walking Tour with a Local or the The Ultimate Valletta Food and Market Tour are excellent options. Lastly, if you want to combine sightseeing with regional bites in a scenic setting, consider the Malta: 5 hr Vintage Bus Tour.
Final Thoughts
Valletta offers a wide array of food tours, catering to different tastes and styles. Whether you want a quick street-food sampler, a detailed small-group experience, or a private tour tailored to your interests, Malta’s capital has something for every food lover. For travelers who love history paired with culinary delights, tours like Valletta: Street Food and Culture Walking Tour and Valletta: Maltese Food and Drink Guided Walking Tour stand out as top picks.
If you’re planning to explore Malta’s diverse scenery along with tasting regional specialties, the Malta: 5 hr Vintage Bus Tour offers a scenic and delicious option. Meanwhile, those who want a personalized experience will find the Valletta: Food and Culture Private Tour a perfect choice for a relaxed, tailored adventure.
To get the most out of your trip, book early—these popular experiences fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Whichever tour you choose, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for Valletta’s flavors and stories. Happy tasting!