A Local’s Guide to the Best Coffee Shops in Malta

Malta has plenty of great places to grab a coffee. You’ll find tiny neighbourhood cafés, busy piazzas, and rooftop spots with amazing views. Some serve strong espresso, others focus on homemade cakes and traditional Maltese sweets.

If you’re staying at ST Hotels in the Sliema–Gżira area, most of these cafés are easy to reach. You can hop on a bus or take a walk along the coast and stop for coffee along the way.

Here’s a local guide to some of the best coffee shops in Malta, each one worth visiting for its own reason.

Coffee Circus – Artisanal brews with a buzz

Coffee Circus in Gżira is known for great coffee and a relaxed vibe, popular with locals and people working remotely. They focus on ethically sourced beans and serve strong flat whites, smooth cortados, and hand-brewed filter coffee like Chemex and V60.

They roast their beans on-site and often offer single-origin options that change regularly. You might find fruity Ethiopian beans one week and chocolatey Brazilian ones the next. The café has a calm, creative feel—perfect for working or just enjoying a quiet break.

Busy Bee Café – Sweet treats and seaside views

Busy Bee in Gżira is a Maltese institution, known for its cakes, pastries, and gelato. The coffee here is solid, but the desserts are the real star—locals come for their kannoli, nougat, and huge selection of cakes. It’s got a classic feel with a modern touch, and the sea-facing terrace is ideal for a relaxed afternoon break.

If you want a full experience, try the ricotta-filled cannoli with an espresso on the side. It’s as Maltese as it gets.

Word of Mouth – Bright brunch spot with smooth coffee

Word of Mouth (or WOM) is a cheerful café that does both coffee and brunch really well. The vibe is laid-back and welcoming, with lots of natural light, friendly staff, and a buzz that builds through the morning. 

It’s also a great place for food, with colourful smoothie bowls, toasties, and freshly baked pastries rounding out the menu. It gets busy on weekends, but if you manage to grab a table, it’s a lovely spot to start your day. 

Kaktus Coffee & Booze – Neighbourhood gem with strong espresso

Just off the Sliema promenade, Kaktus is a cosy little spot with a playful name and a serious approach to coffee. The espresso is bold and well-balanced, and they also serve milky classics like lattes and flat whites. It’s more of a grab-and-go place, but there’s always a good atmosphere, especially in the mornings when the regulars roll in.

They also serve cocktails later in the day, but coffee is very much the main event until early afternoon. If you’re exploring the area or heading to work, this one’s a great stop for a quick caffeine boost that doesn’t compromise on quality.

Manouche Craft Bakery & Bistro – Chic, flaky and flavourful

Manouche in Sliema blends the atmosphere of a Parisian bakery with a modern brunch spot. The coffee is smooth and satisfying, but it’s their croissants and tarts that steal the show. The bistro also offers savoury brunch dishes and fresh juices.

The interior is polished yet welcoming, making it a great option for brunch with friends or a quiet coffee with a book. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the promenade and worth the detour.

Coffee & Strangers – Specialty coffee with a community feel

Located at 267 Triq Manwel Dimech in Sliema, Coffee & Strangers delivers expertly brewed espresso and filter coffee in a cozy, minimalist espresso bar. It’s beloved for its friendly baristas, occasional pastries, and laptop-friendly vibe. . Their espresso is rich and well-balanced, and they often serve filter coffee made from beans like Five Elephants 

The aesthetic is clean and calm, making it a great place for a cortado and creative focus—or just a relaxing sit-down. The café even earned European Coffee Trip’s “Winning Speciality Café in Malta” award in October 2024.

Finca Vélez Coffee House – Colombian-inspired roasts

Finca Vélez in Sliema imports Arabica beans straight from Colombia’s renowned coffee triangle, roasted by the coffeehouse team in Manizales. You’ll find bright fruity notes, chocolate tones, or sweet caramel in their brews, so if you appreciate origin-specific coffee and want a slightly elevated experience, this is your go-to café.

Their menu also includes fresh viennoiseries and breakfast or light lunch options. 

The Crew Café Bar – Casual coffee and friendly crowd

Just a short walk from the Gżira seafront, The Crew Café Bar is a cheerful spot known for its warm service and solid coffee. The espresso here is smooth with just the right kick, and their iced coffees are especially refreshing on a hot day.

The vibe is casual and welcoming, so it’s perfect whether you’re meeting friends or taking a quiet break on your own.

Dolci Peccati – Sweet delights with strong coffee

Dolci Peccati on Sliema High Street is part of a small Maltese café chain, known for top-notch desserts and surprisingly good coffee. Their espresso and latte macchiato are bold and perfectly pulled, making a strong match for their rich pastries and cakes. It’s a great place to grab a quiet morning coffee or enjoy a sweet treat in the afternoon.

Whether you’re sitting indoors or watching the street from the outside tables, this spot hits the mark for both quality and comfort.

Conclusion

There’s something special about the coffee scene in Sliema and Gżira. You can grab a quick espresso, sit down for a slow brunch, or try something new like a single-origin pour-over. These cafés offer more than just good coffee—they’re places to relax, meet locals, or take a quiet break by the sea.

If you’re staying at ST Hotels or just exploring the area, you’re in a great spot to enjoy some of the best coffee shops in Malta. Each one has its own style, and all of them are worth a visit.