The MICHELIN Guide has revealed its 2026 selection for Malta, spotlighting the islands’ dynamic and high-quality culinary landscape, the Malta Tourism Authority said.

The MTA also highlighted a young professional honoured with a Special MICHELIN Award this year. The MICHELIN Young Chef Award goes to George Attard. In 2025, at just 31-years old and after gaining valuable international experience, he returned to his native Gozo to lead Level Nine at The Grand, located on the top floor of the Grand Hotel Gozo overlooking Mgarr harbour. His cuisine is distinctly contemporary Mediterranean, combining local inspiration with modern techniques, aesthetic finesse, and pure, authentic flavours.

This year’s edition includes 48 restaurants, among them six newly recommended establishments. All seven starred restaurants have retained their distinctions, underscoring the consistency of fine dining across the region.

The Bib Gourmand category also expands with one new addition, bringing the total to five across the archipelago, while three outstanding professionals receive MICHELIN Special Awards.

According to Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide, the inspectors observed a period of “remarkable tourism growth and infrastructure development throughout the islands. This momentum is expected to encourage a new wave of high-profile restaurant openings, further enriching Malta’s gastronomic scene.”

He also noted that the reconfirmation of all seven starred restaurants reflects their sustained excellence, consistency, and commitment to quality.

Among the standout establishments, ION Harbour by Simon Rogan maintains its two-star status, distinguished by modern cuisine marked by exceptional balance, meticulous presentation, and a strong farm-to-table philosophy. Rosamì also retains its star under the leadership of new head chef Davide Marcon, whose Mediterranean-inspired creations showcase refinement, precision, and creativity.

1 new restaurant earns a Bib Gourmand, while 5 restaurants join the recommended addresses.

Verbena located in Mgarr joins the Bib Gourmand selection.

Recommended restaurants :

Osteria Scottadito – Nadur

Bistro Boca – Ta’ Xbiex

Anima – St’ Julians

Le Majoliche – St. Julian’s

Scala – Mdina

The MTA also noted that a further two professionals who are honoured with Special MICHELIN Awards this year:

The MICHELIN Service Award is presented to Rosamì, under the direction of Charlo Cachia and his team. The experienced and passionate team delivers attentive, professional service throughout the meal, presenting the menu with clarity and elegance, and enhancing the overall gastronomic journey from welcome to farewell.

Finally, the MICHELIN Sommelier Award is awarded to Miljan Radonjic of the Michelin-starred De Mondion in Mdina. Recognised for his gracious manner and ability to put guests at ease, Radonjic combines professionalism with deep wine expertise, offering thoughtful and well-considered pairings that elevate the dining experience and make him a key figure in the restaurant’s success.

Carlo Micallef, CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority, expressed his satisfaction in the latest achievements, “the recognition bestowed upon Malta in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide reaffirms the islands’ standing as a destination synonymous with quality, authenticity, and refined experiences. The retention of all seven starred restaurants, together with the expansion of recommended establishments and special award recipients, reflects the dedication, innovation, and professionalism of our culinary community. Gastronomy is a central pillar of Malta’s premium tourism strategy, and these distinctions strengthen our international reputation as a destination that consistently delivers excellence to discerning travellers.”

Tourism Minister Ian Borg underscored the importance of these recognitions in Malta’s strategy towards excellence in hospitality and tourism.

He said, “these accolades highlight the tangible progress Malta continues to achieve in elevating its tourism product. Culinary excellence plays a vital role in shaping a destination’s identity and competitiveness, and the sustained success of our MICHELIN-recognised establishments demonstrates this shared commitment to higher standards across the industry. As we move forward, our strategy remains firmly centred on attracting high-value visitors while ensuring that our tourism growth is rooted in sustainability, authenticity, and a consistently superior level of service for visitors and locals alike.”

Following these outstanding results, the Malta Tourism Authority remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the sustained growth and international positioning of Malta’s culinary sector. Through strategic collaboration, industry support, and a focus on quality and innovation, Malta continues to enhance its reputation as a distinguished gastronomic destination, where exceptional cuisine forms a central feature of Malta’s premium tourism proposition.

Permalink: Gozitan George Attard receives MICHELIN Young Chef Award