Back to Blog
Dining at Trattoria Riccardo
Mangiamo! Your Go-To Italian Restaurant in Malta for Pizza, Pasta & Passione
6 min read • Share
Dining at Trattoria Riccardo Whether you’re in the mood for pizza, pasta, or other regional staples, our Italian restaurant in Malta honours Italy’s diverse culinary traditions and the welcoming spirit of the trattoria.
THE OFFER
In Italy, a trattoria is more than just a place to eat, it’s a cherished tradition. Unlike formal restaurants, trattorie are known for their warm, rustic ambiance, hearty regional dishes, and a focus on family-style dining.
That’s why our Italian restaurant in Malta proudly honours this tradition. Our welcoming setting, wood-fired pizzas, and authentic Italian cuisine reflect the essence of a true trattoria. We bring the spirit of Italy to Malta, offering a dining experience that celebrates the rich culinary heritage and convivial atmosphere of Italian trattorie.
In this same spirit, we’re truly passionate about Italian cuisine, which is a rich tapestry of flavours and traditions that have captured hearts worldwide. That’s why we’re so much more just being a pasta restaurant or just a pizza restaurant. Our Italian restaurant celebrates Italian food in all its glory, from the creamy risottos of the north to the spicy, sun-kissed pasta dishes of the south, Italy’s diverse regions inspire every dish we create. We serve Neapolitan-style pizza, cooked to perfection in our traditional wood-fired oven, delivering that irresistible smoky crust.
Using only the finest, freshest ingredients, we honour traditional recipes while adding a modern twist. Every plate tells a story of famiglia, passion, and la dolce vita, making Trattoria Riccardo one of the best Italian restaurants in Malta. Buon appetito!
Italian food at our restaurant in Malta
As a proud Italian restaurant in Malta, Trattoria Riccardo brings the rich tapestry of Italy’s culinary traditions to your table. Our chefs draw inspiration from age-old regional recipes, infusing them with creative twists to craft hearty, flavour-packed dishes reminiscent of what you’d enjoy at your nonna’s table. From the northern regions to the sun-kissed southern coasts, we celebrate Italy’s diverse flavours, ensuring each bite transports you to the heart of the Mediterranean.
Here are a few Italian food highlights you can look forward to tucking into on our menu:
Antipasti
Antipasti, meaning “before the meal,” is the traditional first course of an Italian feast, designed to awaken the palate and set the stage for the dishes to follow. At our Trattoria in Malta, our antipasti platters are perfect for sharing, featuring a delightful array of Italian cured and cooked meats like prosciutto di Parma and salami, aged cheeses such as pecorino and Grana Padano, marinated vegetables, nuts, dried figs, and creamy burrata. We also offer delicate carpaccio, thinly sliced raw beef drizzled with olive oil and lemon, topped with arugula and shaved Parmesan. These starters embody the essence of Italian hospitality and culinary tradition.
Focaccia
Focaccia is a beloved Italian flatbread, known for its fluffy texture and rich flavour. Unlike pizza, focaccia dough uses more yeast, resulting in a light, airy bread that’s baked in flat sheet pans and often topped with herbs or vegetables. At our Italian restaurant, we offer several varieties, including the classic Aglio e Rosmarino, infused with garlic and rosemary, and the delicious Crudaiola, topped with cherry tomatoes, rocket leaves, Parma ham, burrata, oregano, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Trattoria Riccardo; Italian Restaurant in Malta
Interior of Trattoria Riccardo
Pasta Mare
Authentic Italian Pizza
Pasta
You can’t call it an Italian restaurant without pasta, one of the country’s most iconic dishes. And we take pride in crafting pasta dishes that are a delight to tuck into. Indulge in our Panzerotti di Pecora, delicate pasta parcels filled with creamy sheep’s ricotta, complemented by a rich mushroom and truffle velouté. For seafood enthusiasts, the Risotto Milanese offers a comforting experience with prawn bisque, succulent prawns, mascarpone cream, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Our Spaghetti Frutti di Mare is a true highlight, featuring a mix of fresh seafood gently cooked in a rich fish fumet with confit garlic, wine, ripe tomatoes, and fresh herbs, finished with a drizzle of lemon-infused olive oil. Each dish is a testament to our commitment to delivering an authentic Italian dining experience.
Pizza
We’ve also made a name for ourselves as a top pizzeria in Malta. That’s because our delicious pizzas are a true homage to Neapolitan tradition, hand-stretched and baked to perfection in our wood-fired oven. The Pizza Napoletana captures the essence of Naples with San Marzano DOP tomatoes, mozzarella fior di latte, anchovies, olives, fresh basil, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. For a hearty twist, the Calzone Napoletano offers a folded delight filled with spicy salami Napoli, creamy ricotta, and mozzarella. Our house special, the Tronchetto alla Riccardo, is a gourmet masterpiece featuring mozzarella fior di latte, homemade pistachio cream, stracciatella, artisanal mortadella, and crushed pistachios. Each bite brings a slice of Italy to your table.
Secondi
Our Italian restaurant in Malta continues to celebrate Italian regional cuisine through our hearty secondi piatti. Our Fritto Misto con Salsa di Capperi e Aglio is a nod to Campania’s coastal traditions, featuring a delightful mix of crispy, lightly floured seafood, including shrimp and squid, fried to golden perfection and served with a tangy caper and garlic sauce. From Lombardy, we offer the Tagliata di Manzo, featuring tender grilled beef slices laid over a bed of peppery rocket, adorned with cherry tomatoes and shavings of Parmigiano Reggiano. For a taste of Sicily’s Nebrodi mountains, try our Guancia di Suino a Cottura Lenta, succulent pork cheeks slow-cooked in a beer reduction, served with roasted vegetables and tomatoes, embodying the soul of rustic Italian cooking.
Dolci
No Italian meal is complete without a sweet finale. Indulge in our classic Tiramisù, where layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers meet a luscious mascarpone cream, dusted with rich cocoa powder, a timeless favorite that captures the essence of Italy. For a taste of Sicilian tradition, try our Cassata Siciliana, a delightful sponge filled with sweetened ricotta, chocolate chips, and candied fruits. And for those seeking a unique twist, our Pizza Dolce offers a soft pizza dough covered in chocolate.
Italian wines
Our Italian restaurant also honours the rich viticultural heritage of Il Bel Paese. Our curated wine list showcases exceptional selections from renowned regions such as Sicilia, Abruzzo, Toscana, and Campania. Each bottle tells a story of its region’s terroir and tradition, inviting you to raise a glass to the flavours of Italy.
Make your reservation at the best Italian restaurant in Malta
Have we whetted your appetite? It’s time to reserve your table at Trattoria Riccardo, where authentic Italian flavours meet the stunning seafront of Qawra. Whether you’re planning a lively family lunch or a romantic dinner, our team is here to ensure a memorable dining experience. Choose between our inviting indoor seating or the outdoor terrace, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Come and discover why so many consider us the best Italian restaurant in Malta!
Pasta, pizza, and everything in between.
Related
articles
Discover Authentic Italian Flavours at Our Pasta Restaurant in Malta