San Ġiljan, also known as St. Julian’s, is a bustling town in Malta renowned for its dynamic nightlife and spectacular coastal views. But what might surprise you is its ever-growing culinary scene, offering a variety of dining options that cater to all tastes and budgets. From European bistros to authentic Indian cuisine and Mexican street food, San Ġiljan’s restaurants are not only affordable but also increasingly focused on healthy eating and quality ingredients. Whether you’re a local or a tourist seeking the perfect meal without breaking the bank, this guide spotlights the top 10 budget-friendly restaurants worth visiting in 2026.
San Ġiljan’s Dining Scene
San Ġiljan combines picturesque settings with some of the best dining experiences in Malta. Known for its lively atmosphere, the town features dozens of eateries scattered around Spinola Bay and beyond. While high-end establishments dominate the scene, budget-friendly options are gaining traction among locals and travelers alike, especially those who prioritize fresh ingredients and nutritious meals. Restaurants here often fuse traditional Maltese flavors with international influences, ensuring there’s something for every palate.
Top 10 Budget-Friendly Restaurants in San Ġiljan
1. Crust Bistro & Bar
Check out Crust Bistro & Bar’s rating in our directory of Maltese Restaurants
Located on Mensija Street, Crust Bistro & Bar specializes in contemporary European cuisine. Though leaning slightly towards the pricier side of budget-friendly, this spot is widely praised for its eclectic dishes that emphasize fresh ingredients and creative presentation. It’s perfect for health-conscious diners looking for vibrant salad bowls or lighter options like grilled fish and vegetable dishes.
2. Made In Puglia Fratelli Campanella
Check out Made In Puglia Fratelli Campanella’s rating in our directory of Maltese Restaurants
Serving authentic Italian cuisine, including seafood specialties, Made In Puglia Fratelli Campanella is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The restaurant offers affordable menus packed with flavor and fresh Mediterranean ingredients. Their health-conscious dishes include a variety of customizable salads and lighter pasta options.
3. The Tiffin Box
Check out The Tiffin Box’s rating in our directory of Maltese Restaurants
Famed for its vibrant Indian grills and curries, The Tiffin Box is a great choice for those craving bold flavors on a budget. Their menu includes lighter options such as tandoori chicken and vegetarian specialties, making it perfect for health-conscious foodies. The restaurant is located near St. Julian’s central hub, ensuring convenience and affordability.
4. Rasoi
Check out Rasoi’s rating in our directory of Maltese Restaurants
Rasoi provides an authentic Indian dining experience that stands out in San Ġiljan. Known for its rich curries, freshly baked naan, and variety of vegetarian dishes, this spot is ideal for budget-conscious diners seeking a delicious and wholesome meal. Its focus on fresh spices and herbs makes the dishes not only tasty but nutrient-rich as well.
5. Chimba
Check out Chimba’s rating in our directory of Maltese Restaurants
Chimba is the go-to for affordable Mexican street food in St. Julian’s. Think freshly made tacos, nachos, and quesadillas bursting with flavor. Their plant-based options cater to vegetarians and health enthusiasts, offering a lighter take on classic Mexican dishes.
6. Brasserie Rodin
Check out Brasserie Rodin’s rating in our directory of Maltese Restaurants
Brasserie Rodin, located on Triq Spinola, specializes in French cuisine with a relaxed ambiance. While not the cheapest option, their fresh salads, vegetable quiches, and grilled fish ensure there’s something healthy and budget-friendly for everyone. It’s an excellent spot for those looking to enjoy French flavors without overspending.
7. Sticky Fingers BBQ
Check out Sticky Fingers BBQ’s rating in our directory of Maltese Restaurants
For American BBQ lovers, Sticky Fingers is the perfect choice. Known for its tender ribs and signature BBQ sauce, this spot ensures hearty portions at reasonable prices. While barbecue fare might not be traditionally light, Sticky Fingers offers sides like fresh coleslaw and grilled vegetables for those seeking a more balanced meal.
8. Smash’d Up
Check out Smash’d Up’s rating in our directory of Maltese Restaurants
Smash’d Up delivers European-inspired grill items in a laid-back atmosphere near San Ġiljan. While it’s a newer addition with fewer reviews, early mentions highlight its affordability and satisfying options like baked vegetables and chicken dishes.
9. Pure Living
Situated in nearby Sliema, Pure Living focuses on healthy, customizable salads. Using fresh, local produce, Pure Living’s dishes are ideal for those who want a nutritious yet flavorful meal. They offer salads with protein toppings, such as salmon or tofu, catering extensively to clean eaters.
10. Nenu the Artisan Baker
Learn more about Nenu the Artisan Baker
While not based in San Ġiljan, this Valletta-based restaurant is worth mentioning for its budget-friendly and cultural Maltese dining. The highlight is their ftira, a traditional baked flatbread topped with fresh, wholesome ingredients. It’s a perfect choice for those looking to explore Maltese culinary roots without compromising on health or price.
What’s the Verdict
San Ġiljan’s dining scene in 2026 delivers unbeatable variety and value for anyone seeking delicious yet budget-friendly meals. From refined European bistros to spicy street food and health-conscious eateries, the town has it all. What sets these restaurants apart is their dedication to quality ingredients, making them perfect for those who care about what they eat. If you find yourself in Malta, don’t miss the chance to explore these affordable gems! Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty bowl of pasta or a light salad overlooking the picturesque bay, San Ġiljan has a spot waiting just for you.
FAQ: Budget-Friendly Restaurants in San Ġiljan, Malta
1. Where can I find affordable European cuisine in San Ġiljan?
Crust Bistro & Bar offers contemporary European dishes with fresh ingredients and creative presentations. Check out Crust Bistro & Bar’s rating in our directory of Maltese restaurants
2. Is there a good location for authentic Italian food near San Ġiljan?
Made In Puglia Fratelli Campanella provides delicious Italian and seafood specialties, celebrated for its Mediterranean flavors. Check out Made In Puglia Fratelli Campanella’s rating in our directory of Maltese restaurants
3. Where can I find affordable Indian cuisine with vegetarian options?
The Tiffin Box serves vibrant Indian grills, tandoori dishes, and curries, perfect for budget-conscious and health-conscious diners. Check out The Tiffin Box’s rating in our directory of Maltese restaurants
4. Which restaurant offers the best Mexican street food in San Ġiljan?
Chimba specializes in affordable Mexican favorites like tacos, quesadillas, and nachos, with vegetarian-friendly options. Check out Chimba’s rating in our directory of Maltese restaurants
5. What budget-friendly spot offers healthy French-inspired cuisine?
Brasserie Rodin features fresh salads, quiches, and grilled fish, blending affordable dining with French flavors. Check out Brasserie Rodin’s rating in our directory of Maltese restaurants
6. Where can I enjoy budget-friendly barbecue in San Ġiljan?
Sticky Fingers BBQ is known for its American-style ribs, signature BBQ sauce, and hearty sides. Check out Sticky Fingers BBQ’s rating in our directory of Maltese restaurants
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8. Which restaurant focuses on health-conscious meals in nearby locations?
Pure Living in Sliema offers customizable salads with fresh, local produce and protein options for clean eaters.
9. Is there a traditional Maltese bakery I should try?
Nenu the Artisan Baker in Valletta is praised for its ftira, a baked flatbread with wholesome toppings. Learn more about Nenu the Artisan Baker
10. Are there new options for budget-friendly dining near San Ġiljan?
Smash’d Up is a newer addition offering European-inspired grills, baked vegetables, and chicken dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp’s expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the “gamepreneurship” methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic “without any funding and without any code,” this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call “gamepreneurship”. By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 5,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
- 1,000 unique business ideas for women created
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique “play to learn and earn” model.
