Gemma Joe's Official Malta Guide

From two Aussie-Maltese brothers flipping burgers & good vibes in Sliema 🇲🇹

Whether you're here for a cheeky weekend escape or a full-on island adventure, this is your all-access, burger-fuelled backstage pass to Malta. From sun-soaked beaches to secret food trucks, we're giving you the real local flavour — straight from your mates at Gemma Joe’s.

“We’re not just serving burgers, we’re serving the best days of your life — here’s how to make every bite of Malta count.”
— Stevo & Jay

🇲🇹 Must-Do’s in Malta

Tick these off — or forever regret it. These are the spots we’d tell our own mum to visit (and she always listens to us… mostly).

🛶 Blue Grotto Boat Ride: Like floating through a fantasy novel. Crystal-clear water, magical caves, and that photo your mum will frame.

⛪ Mdina (“The Silent City”): Medieval walls, Game of Thrones vibes, and jaw-dropping views. Whisper optional.

🏰 Valletta: A whole capital city that’s basically a movie set. Grand fortresses, cobbled streets, and cannons that boom at noon daily.

🌊 St. Peter’s Pool: Natural turquoise rock pools. Cliff jumping optional, but bragging rights come included.

⛵ Comino & the Blue Lagoon: Island day trip dream. Swim, snorkel, float like royalty.

🎉 Festa Season: Fireworks, confetti storms, marching bands. If the saints are partying, so should you.

🏖️ If You’ve Got Time: Bonus Awesomeness

Knocked out the big hitters? Here’s the secret sauce: extra gems worth squeezing into your itinerary.

🚶‍♂️ Marsaxlokk Fish Market (Sunday only!): Snap pics of the luzzu boats and grab a cheeky calamari plate.
🏛️ Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum: An ancient underground temple older than the pyramids (book ahead!).
🏖️ Golden Bay Beach: Sandy vibes and sunsets that’ll melt your heart (and your gelato).
🛍️ Sliema & Tigné Point: Retail therapy + sea breeze + people-watching = yes.
🌋 Dingli Cliffs: Malta’s highest point. Scenic. Epic. Screaming into the wind optional.
🚴‍♂️ E-Bike Around Gozo: Zip through Malta’s chill sister island — rural, rugged, ridiculously pretty.

🍔 Where to Eat Like a Legend

Our personal picks for mouth-watering magic, from food trucks to iconic local legends.

⭐ Gemma Joe’s Diner (Sliema): Our food truck family, built on faith, flavor, and legacy. Try the Spaceburger and our creamy U.S. style ice cream. Life-changing.

🍜 Thaisty Food Truck: Thai street food, bold flavors, and chill seaside vibes. Don’t skip the pad Thai, bao buns and many other special dishes.

🥩 Sparta Grill Truck: Greek-inspired, meaty heaven. Souvlaki, gyros, and warrior-sized portions.

🌭 Chubbs Food Truck: Smash burgers done right. Big, bold, and beautifully greasy.

🐷 Mr. Porchetta on the Road: Crispy crackling and juicy pork rolls that’ll haunt your dreams—in the best way.

🍔 EAT Food Truck: A variety of smoked meats⁩⁦, expertly barbecued to perfection. Bring napkins. Lots of them.

🔥 Hickory: Serving up classic American-style BBQ, this food truck delivers bold flavors and a memorable experience with every bite.

🍹 Tiffany’s Lounge (Sliema): International comfort food favorites such as steak, burgers & pasta dishes in a welcoming space.

🍛 Shakinah (St. Julian’s): Rich Indian flavors and warm hospitality. Try the butter chicken and thank us later.

🌮 Ruby Ray’s (Valletta): Discover Ruby Ray’s at Mercury Malta—where Indian-inspired fusion cuisine meets vibrant ambiance and trend-setting culinary creativity.

🥐 Kuch Kuch (Murcury Tower St Julian’s): Malta’s vibrant cocktail bar blending Indian pop culture with Western flair, offering innovative drinks in a dynamic setting. Daring Sips, Immersive Mystique, Unlocked Secrets.

🥟 Café Cordina (Valletta): Iconic since 1837. Best place for pastizzi and people-watching under painted ceilings.

🥧 Crystal Palace (Il-Serkin – Rabat): Legendary 24/7 pastizzi palace. Come late, leave full.

🗺️ Local Essentials & Services

Need to swap cash, catch a bus, or mail a postcard to grandma? We’ve got you covered with everything essential while you’re exploring Malta.

📬 Post Offices (Sliema/St. Julian’s): Drop by the Sliema Post Office for stamps or package services.

🏦 Banks & ATMs: Bank of Valletta and HSBC are in walking distance in Sliema & St Julian’s. ATMs available at Tigné Point, The Plaza, and Bay Street.

💱 Currency Exchange: Head to Thomas Cook or No. 1 Currency in Sliema for fair rates and quick service.

🚌 Bus Routes: Key buses for tourists:

13, 14, 16: Sliema ➝ Valletta
212: St. Julian’s ➝ Bugibba
225: Sliema ➝ Golden Bay
201: Rabat ➝ Dingli Cliffs ➝ Airport
81: Valletta ➝ Marsaxlokk (Sunday fish market!)

🚖 Ride Services: Bolt and eCabs are Malta’s Uber alternatives. Cheap, reliable, and great for night-outs or beach runs.

👮 Police (Non-Emergency): Visit Sliema Station or dial 112 for emergencies.

💬 Local Lingo 101

Want to sound like a local? Drop one of these into conversation and watch Maltese hearts melt faster than our ice cream on a summer’s day.

Mela: The king of Maltese words. Means “so,” “obviously,” “duh,” or “let’s go” — depending on the mood.

Kif inti? Means “How are you?” — bonus points if you say it with a smile.

Eva! A playful exclamation — like “Wow!” or “Would you look at that?”

Ooh leh! Maltese surprise + sass rolled into one. You’ll know it when you hear it.

Aya ħa mmorru: “Come on, let’s go!” — perfect before your next adventure.

Bonġu: “Good morning!” Say it loud at the counter — we love it!

Le: Just “No.” Simple. Direct. Often said with a cheeky smile.

Merħba: “Welcome!” You’ll see it on signs, but we mean it in every burger too.

Grazzi: “Thank you!” Say it after we hand you your croffle dog. We’ll say “Mela!” right back.

🍸 Hidden Gems & Late-Night Legends

In Malta, nights don’t end — they evolve.
One minute you’re sipping wine in Valletta, the next you’re dancing under the stars in St. Julian’s.
Music in the air, laughter in the streets — and maybe a cheeky croffle on the way home.

🍻 Bridge Bar (Valletta): Jazz nights on stone steps overlooking the Grand Harbour. Romantic, raw, unforgettable.

🎧 Tigullio (St. Julian’s): Underground club with an open-air vibe. DJs spinning till sunrise.

🍸 Café Society (Valletta): A snug bar with creative cocktails, epic views, and even better conversations.

🎭 Offbeat Hidden Spots: Catch a film at Spazju Kreattiv or stumble into a rooftop bar like Rooftop Valletta.

🌒 Pro Tip: The island’s real magic happens after sunset. Don’t plan the night — just let it happen. Malta always delivers.

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