All The Best Spots In Malta, According To Local Real Estate Director Grahame Salt

Malta has quickly become one of Europe’s top destinations for American expats, largely thanks to the introduction of its citizenship program. With a surge in both tourists and property buyers, the island’s culinary landscape has seen significant transformation. In 2024, Malta was featured in its first-ever Michelin Guide, with 40 establishments receiving distinctions. As real estate development has expanded, so too has the number and caliber of restaurants, further boosting Malta’s appeal for both visitors and investors.

Grahame Salt, a lifelong Malta resident and director at Homes of Quality, has witnessed the country’s transformation firsthand. Having joined his father’s real estate firm—established over 55 years ago—Salt has a deep-rooted passion for the business. “Together with my brother, we’ve grown the company into Malta’s largest real estate group,” he explains. “We manage residential and commercial sales and lettings, as well as property and project management. We also undertake our own developments. While the workload can be intense, I remain very hands-on and genuinely enjoy helping clients find the ideal property. That’s still the most rewarding part of my job.”

The growing interest in Malta was sparked by its citizenship initiative. “Depending on individual circumstances, Maltese citizenship can be obtained within 12 to 18 months,” Salt notes. “U.S. buyers are required to invest a minimum of €700,000 in real estate and use the property as their primary residence in Malta. Many go on to make further investments after recognizing the strength of the local property market and the benefits of diversifying in euros. Some even build portfolios—Malta’s rental market is extremely active, with a flat 15% rental tax and excellent returns.”

For Americans seeking a European home base, Malta checks a lot of the right boxes. It has also become a popular travel destination thanks to its stunning beaches, historic cities, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re planning an upcoming trip or exploring investment opportunities, these are some of the top places to eat and drink in Malta—recommended by a local.

Da Pippos

Located in Valletta, Da Pippos is a lively trattoria-style spot. “The food is very Mediterranean, and it always draws a fun crowd,” says Salt. “The owners love playing Italian music, and lunch often stretches into the late afternoon—with people even dancing on the tables!”