Let's be real — the food is one of the things your guests will remember most. Malta takes food seriously, and your wedding menu is no exception. Whether you go traditional Maltese, international, or a mix of both, getting the catering right is worth the effort.
How Catering Works in Malta
Venue-Exclusive Caterers
Many wedding venues in Malta work exclusively with specific caterers. This means you don't get to choose your own, but the upside is that these caterers know the venue inside out — the kitchen setup, the timing, the flow of service. They've done it hundreds of times in that exact space.
Independent Caterers
Some venues let you bring in your own caterer, which gives you more control over the menu and pricing. If you have specific dietary needs, cultural preferences, or a particular vision, this flexibility can be valuable. Just make sure the caterer has experience working at your venue or similar locations.
Menu Styles
Plated Service
The classic sit-down dinner. Courses are served directly to guests, which gives you control over presentation and pacing. It's more formal and requires more service staff, but it's polished and consistent.
Family-Style
Large platters placed on tables for guests to share. This creates a warmer, more social atmosphere and suits Maltese food culture well — we've always been about sharing. Guests can take what they want, which also reduces waste.
Buffet
Buffets offer variety and let guests choose what appeals to them. They work well when you have a diverse guest list with different tastes. The key is making sure food stays at the right temperature and the presentation holds up throughout service.
Food Stations
Interactive stations where guests move between different cuisines or cooking styles — pasta station, carving station, seafood bar, and so on. Stations encourage people to mingle and add an entertainment element to the meal.
Traditional Maltese Dishes Worth Considering
If you want to include local flavours, these are crowd-pleasers:
Starters
- Ġbejna — fresh sheep's milk cheese with sun-dried tomatoes and capers
- Bigilla — broad bean dip with garlic and herbs
- Pastizzi — flaky pastries with ricotta or mushy peas (always a hit)
- Antipasto Maltese — local cheeses, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and cured meats
Mains
- Lampuki — dolphin fish, a Maltese favourite especially in autumn
- Stuffat tal-Fenek — slow-cooked rabbit stew, the national dish
- Braġioli — beef olives stuffed with bacon, eggs, and herbs
- Fresh seafood — grilled or baked with local herbs
Desserts
- Imqaret — date-filled pastries, deep-fried and drizzled with honey
- Kannoli — crispy tubes filled with sweet ricotta
- Ħelwa tat-Tork — traditional sesame and almond confection
- Torta tal-Marmurat — almond tart with a diamond pattern
International and Fusion Menus
Not everyone wants a traditional Maltese menu, and that's fine. Malta's caterers are well-versed in Italian, French, and contemporary European cuisines. Asian-inspired and Middle Eastern flavours are also increasingly popular.
Most caterers are happy to create custom menus that blend local ingredients with international techniques. Just be upfront about what you want early in the process.
Dietary Considerations
Vegetarian and Vegan
Maltese cuisine naturally includes plenty of vegetarian options — fresh vegetables, legumes, and grains feature heavily. Vegan menus may need more planning but are increasingly available.
Allergies
Give your caterer a detailed list of guest allergies well in advance. Common concerns include gluten, nuts, shellfish, and dairy. Professional caterers will prepare separate dishes and manage cross-contamination.
Religious Requirements
If you need kosher, halal, or other religiously compliant catering, raise this early. Some caterers specialise in these requirements; others may need to source specialist suppliers.
Drinks
Wine
Malta produces some genuinely good wines. Indigenous varieties like Ġellewża (red) and Girgentina (white) are distinctive and pair well with local food. Many couples serve Maltese wines alongside international selections.
Local Favourites
Kinnie (bitter orange soft drink) and Cisk (local beer) are crowd-pleasers. Limoncello made from Maltese lemons works well as a digestif.
Bar Options
Open bars give guests unlimited choice but can blow the budget. Drink packages or limited selections offer more control while still keeping everyone happy. Discuss options with your caterer and venue.
Budgeting
Catering typically accounts for 30–40% of your total wedding budget.
Per-Person Pricing
Most caterers quote per-person prices including food, basic beverages, and service:
- Quality catering: €80–€150 per person
- Premium options: €200+ per person
Extras
Don't forget specialty cocktails, premium wines, late-night snacks, and children's meals. Service charges and VAT may be added on top of quoted prices.
Tasting Sessions
Before you commit, arrange a tasting. This lets you sample dishes, adjust seasoning, and make sure the quality matches your expectations. Most caterers include one tasting in their package.
Find Your Caterer
Browse our selection of Malta wedding caterers to find the right fit. Whether you're after a traditional Maltese feast or something more contemporary, there's a caterer who can deliver.
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