12 Best Afternoon Tea in Malta – in 2024

Taking a moment to unwind with friends or family over some sweets and tea is always a win in my book.

There was a time when my Instagram feed was absolutely flooded with afternoon tea posts ☕️. It seems like this trend might be picking up in Malta lately—or maybe it’s always been a thing here? Either way, I’ve been spotting more ads and hearing plenty of buzz about it recently (especially during Malta’s quiet winter-to-spring months when entertainment options feel pretty limited).

But let’s not forget, afternoon tea traces its roots back to the British aristocracy in the mid-1800s. And given that Malta spent 150 years as a British colony (from 1800 to 1964), it only makes sense for this tradition to have found its place here too!

Whether it’s a long-standing custom or a newer craze, the fact is, you can find afternoon tea at a variety of hotels and restaurants around Malta now. If you haven’t tried it yet, it’s definitely worth the experience!

Top 12 places you can enjoy Afternoon Tea in Malta

Malta’s tea scene is growing, and these spots are a mix of elegance, charm, and delicious treats. Whether you’re looking for a classic experience or something a little more unique, these locations have you covered.

	Hotel	Taste	Dedication to specifics	The visual appeal of the menu	Allergyfriendly options	staff	Price range	Location	View	The cleanliness of the interior	Type of customers
🥇	Corinthia (Balzan)	◎	◎	◎	△	◎	€32〜38	△	△	◎	Couples, friends
🥈	Inter Continental	◎	◎	◎	△	◎	€15〜25	◎	△	◎	Travelers, guests
🥉	Hyatt Regency	◎	◎	◎	◎	◎	€18〜25	◎	△	◎	Travelers, lodgers
4	The Phoenicia	◯	◎	◯	◎	◎	€32〜38	◎	△	◎	Friends, groups
5	Corinthia (St George’s Bay)	◎	◯	◎	△	◎	€15〜25	◯	◯	◎	Friends, family
6	Marriott	◯	◎	◎	◎	△	€15〜25	◎	◯	◎	Travelers, guests
7	The Embassy	◯	◯	◯	◯	△	€15〜25	◎	△	◎	Travelers, guests
8	Palazzo Parisio	–	–	–	–	–	€25〜35	△	◎	◎	–
9	Radisson Blu Resort	◯	◯	◯	◯	◯	€15〜25	○	◎	○	Travelers, families
10	Urban Valley Resort & Spa	◯	◯	◯	◎	△	€15〜25	△	△	○	Travelers, guests
11	Grand Hotel Excelsior	◯	◯	◯	◎	◯	€22〜25	◎	◎	○	Traveler
12	Hilton	△	△	△	△	△	€15〜25	◎	◎	○	Friends, family

1. Corinthia Palace Hotel｜📍Balzan

In the heart of Malta, you’ll find the charming town of Balzan, home to the Corinthia Palace Hotel.

Right in front of the hotel is the famous San Anton Place, which serves as the summer residence of the President of Malta. Even though it’s a palace, the surrounding San Anton Gardens are open to the public, offering a peaceful escape where you can enjoy some of Malta’s precious greenery 🌳.

Behind the hotel, there’s this adorable terrace seating area that’s even more beautifully arranged than the front entrance. As I make my way to the entrance, I can’t help but admire the charm of this little hidden spot.

As you step into the restaurant hall of some of these spots, the first thing you’ll notice is how spacious and beautifully designed the interiors are.

Many have central halls that branch into private rooms, which add a cozy and intimate vibe. 💐

One standout feature of the afternoon tea experience here is how thoughtfully everything is served. For instance, the scones—they’re not just handed over; they’re served fresh and warm when you’re ready for them.

The staff checks in regularly to ensure your meal is progressing perfectly, timing the scones just right. 💓

The restaurant itself is stunning, and the food was absolutely delicious. The only downside is that it’s a bit off the beaten path, but luckily it’s just a quick 10 to 15-minute taxi ride from the central area.

2. Intercontinental Malta｜📍St. Julians

The InterContinental Hotel takes the second spot, and it’s right in the heart of St. Julian’s.

You’ve got bowling alleys, movie theaters, and clubs all nearby, so there’s plenty to do! With all the buildings crammed around the area, it’s easy to walk past without realizing, but as a 5-star hotel, it definitely draws its fair share of guests.

As you step through the entrance, you’ll find the reception and lobby waiting to greet you. Since the hotel is right in the city center, the space does feel a bit on the smaller side.

To the left of the reception, there’s a lounge where you can enjoy afternoon tea. It’s not the kind of spot with jaw-dropping views or expansive spaces, so if that’s what you’re after, you might want to keep looking.

That said, the cozy vibe here is actually super inviting. Plus, every table comes with comfy sofas, making it an ideal spot to settle in for a long, relaxed chat.

The 2024 Afternoon Tea Experience at InterContinental

The InterContinental has truly stepped up its game with their latest afternoon tea menu, and it’s an experience worth savoring! 🎀

First off, it’s presented in the cutest little box with a key, and the staff adds a touch of drama by unlocking it for you. 🔑 Inside? Pure delight!

Everything on the menu feels thoughtfully curated, with each item showcasing a level of care that goes way beyond the usual mass-produced fare.

Starting at the top, the savory tier is a work of art. Think dainty sandwiches and tiny burgers, all impeccably decorated and almost too adorable to eat. 🍔

Next comes the middle tier, where chocolate, white chocolate, and coffee take center stage. This is where the real sweetness kicks in!

And then there’s the bottom tier, offering a touch of elegance with mousses in berry, coconut, and lemon flavors.

Of course, it wouldn’t be afternoon tea without scones! These come with a generous dollop of cream to finish things off. 💕

The whole menu leans heavily toward sweet flavors 🍫🍬, which is heaven for anyone with a serious sweet tooth. For me, though, it tipped just a little too far into sugar territory—I couldn’t quite finish everything.

If I could tweak it, I’d say a few more savory bites and slightly better scones would make this a 10/10. But honestly? It’s still a standout experience, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with when the menu changes! 💝

Throwback to the 2022 Menu

Back in 2022, my first impression of the InterContinental’s afternoon tea was all about the presentation. Each sweet looked so perfectly crafted and honestly, just downright adorable! 🍰

What stood out even more were the savory items. These weren’t your typical sandwiches—think mini burgers, burritos, and other fun, creative bites! The seasoning on each dish was so thoughtfully done, making every bite a little flavor adventure. 😋

Now, the scones… well, they were the one letdown. 🤔 If you’re a die-hard scone fan, I’d suggest checking out Corinthia or Phoenicia instead. 💡

That said, I’m someone who loves having a variety of things to try, and the lineup at InterContinental totally hit the mark for me.

Back then, it was a bit of a hidden gem for afternoon tea, which meant no crowds and a wonderfully relaxed vibe. Honestly, it felt like my little secret! 😊

3.Hyatt Regency｜📍St Julian

The Hyatt, known for its welcoming vibe even for a five-star hotel, is located in St. Julian’s, Malta.

The afternoon tea service here is a bit on the irregular side, so booking in advance can be tricky. It’s usually closed during the summer, so the sweet spot to visit is definitely between winter and spring. ⛄️🌸

What’s cool is that the menu has both a classic afternoon tea and a vegan version. Malta actually has quite a few spots that offer vegan afternoon tea, which is great news for anyone on a plant-based diet!

Oh, and here’s a fun twist—unlike most places, they offer a welcome glass of prosecco 🥂. As soon as we walked in, they asked, “Would you like some?” But since we don’t drink, we kindly declined. 😄 (Not sure if there’s an extra charge for it, but I don’t think there was 🙌).

As for the afternoon tea itself, I loved how they balanced the sweet and savory items. It was a total treat for the taste buds! 🍫💝

On the first tier, there are savory items like burritos.

On the second tier, you’ll find fried foods, which are not commonly seen at afternoon tea. It’s a refreshing change!

On the third tier, there are scones and cream puffs. Just when I thought the sweets were finished, a separate plate of desserts arrived at the end! 🍰

The sweets on the separate plate, shown on the left, include various types of pound cake.

Each piece was a perfect size—easy to eat without getting bored, and they were delicious!

The staff in the lounge were exceptional—honestly, probably the best service I’ve had at any afternoon tea. They were super attentive, always asking if I needed a tea refill at just the right moment and making sure we had everything we needed!

It’s a bit of a unfortunate that the service isn’t available regularly, but if it were, I’d definitely be coming back again and again! 💐

4. The Phoenicia Malta｜📍Floriana

The next spot goes to the stunning Phoenicia Hotel, located at the entrance of Valletta, the capital of Malta and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When I first arrived in Malta, I honestly thought it might be a peninsula just because of the “P” in its name, but nope! Totally different vibe!

The hotel has undergone multiple renovations since it first opened in 1947, but after a major €15 million facelift in 2018, it reopened looking absolutely gorgeous. ✨🏰 The interior still feels fresh and new, leaving a stunning impression as soon as you step inside.

I actually thought it was in Valletta at first because it’s so close to the entrance of the city, but turns out the address is Floriana.

Once you step inside, you’ll discover a cozy lounge perfect for enjoying afternoon tea.

The architecture is super modern, but with beautiful arches that give it that luxurious old-world charm 💐.

What I really loved about the Phenicia Hotel was the tea itself. 🫖💛

They offer around 10 different types of teas, and while enjoying your afternoon tea, you get to sample a variety of them—such a treat!

It’s similar in type and number to the one at Corinthia.

What really made me happy about the afternoon tea at the Phenicia Hotel was that they asked about allergies right away and were super responsive.

When I mentioned that I don’t eat meat, they quickly made a special sandwich just for me. 🥯💕

The portions were huge, and we even ended up taking some home… 😂

5. Corinthia St George’s Bay Malta｜📍St. Julians

Another brunch at the Corinthia Hotel, which took the top spot! Even though both are part of the Corinthia group, the vibe at each is totally different.

Corinthia Palace, which came in first place, has a traditional feel and is located inland. On the other hand, this Corinthia Hotel by the sea blends modern and traditional elements for a unique atmosphere.

The lounge where you can enjoy afternoon tea is really open and airy, with huge French windows. Through the windows, you get a beautiful view of the hotel garden and the sea.

The lounge has such a vibrant and cute vibe, with bright colors and a unique carpet pattern. 💛 Now, let’s talk about the afternoon tea menu…

At the Corinthia Hotel, you can pick from three types of afternoon tea: classic, chocolate, or a special “Christmas” afternoon tea during the holiday season. ✨

For drinks, you can choose from a selection of teas like Earl Grey, chamomile, or green tea, or opt for coffee—served in a pot, of course. If you go for the chocolate afternoon tea, you can even enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate! ☕️

Everything—sweets, scones, sandwiches, and drinks—was perfectly balanced. Each bite and sip felt thoughtfully crafted, creating a delightful experience from start to finish.

The sofa seats were super comfy, and the glass-enclosed room with its open vibe was just perfect. Plus, the location was convenient, making it an afternoon tea experience I’d love to casually revisit.

6. Marriott｜📍Balluta

The Marriott Hotel, located in the popular area of Balluta Bay in Malta, offers excellent access and is frequently used for company parties, conferences, and other events.

It also features a spa with a sauna and pool, as well as a gym, making it a popular spot for many gym members. 💡

The menu offers options like the classic and vegan menus 🌱.

Here’s what you can expect from the classic menu.

The juice that came with it was adorable! The small portions were perfect for anyone who loves trying a variety of flavors 🎀.

The scones had a homemade touch, which added to the charm.

And here’s the vegan menu! It’s so great that many hotels in Malta offer vegan options these days.

Compared to the classic version, I have to say the vegan option was a bit of a letdown.

That said, I do appreciate that they offered a vegan menu, so I’m not holding it against them.

The presentation was solid, and I would typically expect it to get glowing reviews. But, unfortunately, my experience didn’t quite match up, so I’m rating it a little lower than I normally would.

Here’s the thing: we had a reservation for two, but we ended up with enough food for four (as you can see in the photo). Why? Because they gave us four servings, simply because the menus were different.

Our table was set for two, yet somehow we got four portions. It was a bit of a mystery.

It would’ve been nice if they’d checked with us beforehand and said, “Hey, since the menus are different, we’re serving four portions. Is that okay?” But no heads-up. The food just appeared, and we were left a little confused.

When we brought it up, the staff just shrugged and said, “That’s how it is.”

Honestly, I was so disappointed, I don’t even remember how the food tasted (lol). But I’m willing to give it another shot next time. Hopefully, it’ll be a better experience! 🌟

7. The Embassy｜📍Valletta

If you’re on the hunt for a hidden gem, you’ve got to check out this spot!

It’s the afternoon tea served at The Embassy Hotel’s lounge in Valletta.

Nestled right in the heart of Valletta, it’s super easy to get to from anywhere in Malta.

Right next to The Embassy, you’ll find Aki, an Asian fusion spot with the cutest cocktails, and even a movie theater nearby! 💡

There’s no special menu here—just the regular afternoon tea. But what sets it apart is the wide selection of teas!

They don’t just serve standard tea bags or basic blends. Instead, they use carefully selected, high-quality loose-leaf teas. If you’re a tea lover, this place might be right up your alley 💚.

I went for a chai blend made with Maltese carob and a mix of tea leaves from Sri Lanka and Africa 🍁.

And can we talk about how cute the tea presentation is? 🫖

The hourglass is such a thoughtful touch— you can measure your preferred time exactly! The decor is super cute, and it feels like every little detail has been carefully thought through. It’s such a lovely, well-curated space 🫧

As for the main afternoon tea, it’s perfectly balanced! There’s just the right amount of sweet treats, without being overwhelming, and the portions are spot on.

The only downside was that the savory options were limited to just sandwiches, which felt a bit sparse. But overall, I was really happy with the experience!

8. Palazzo Parisio｜📍Naxxar

Palazzo Parisio, often called the “small Palace of Versailles,” was built in 1733 by a Portuguese aristocrat. Over the years, it changed hands and purpose under French and British rule, eventually taking on its current palace style, which is now open to the public.

The interior and gardens showcase the beauty of Sicilian Baroque and Pompeian art.

Today, this stunning palace is a popular venue for weddings and lavish parties. 💝

I’ve always wanted to visit, but for some reason, I’ve always missed the chance.

So, I’ve put together this ranking based on factors like appearance, location, menu, offerings, and word of mouth!

Here’s the menu, and you can also check out all the details on the official website.

Just like at any other great spot, you can enjoy sandwiches, scones, and a variety of sweets 🍫.

They offer 4 types of black tea to choose from, and if you’re in the mood for something a bit fancier, you can also opt for Prosecco or champagne for an extra fee 😋.

The place looks absolutely stunning, and I’d really love to check it out one day!

9. The Bridge – Radisson Blu Resort Malta｜📍St. Julian

The Radisson Blu Resort Malta is located at St George’s Bay in St Julian’s.

With a stunning sea view, you can enjoy the refreshing breeze and take in the amazing sights right outside the hotel.

It has a tropical island vibe, unlike your typical 5-star hotel. The Radisson Blu keeps things simple, yet charming. What I really loved were the windows—they perfectly reflect Malta’s bright blue sky, adding to the serene atmosphere.

Once you step inside, you’ll be greeted by a modern yet chic interior. I remember my friends mentioning how much they loved the view from their room when they stayed here during their trip to Malta.

There’s a restaurant called “The Bridge,” where you can enjoy afternoon tea. 🫖

The inside of the restaurant has a cozy, welcoming vibe. When I visited, there were lots of families and children around. It seems that it’s not just a popular spot for travelers, but also a favorite among locals.

They also have an outdoor area, which would be perfect for enjoying afternoon tea on a nice day.

However, since it was a bit windy when I visited, we decided to stay inside. Plus, I couldn’t resist the comfort of the cozy sofas! 😊

At that time, we had a few options to choose from:

• Classic
• Chocolate
• Berry

We decided to go with Classic and Berry, and here’s the Berry afternoon tea we had! 🍓

The staff were friendly, the atmosphere was just right—busy but not too crowded—and the couches were super comfortable. Everything was perfectly balanced and enjoyable overall.

Plus, you can get refills of coffee and tea, so it’s great if you plan to stay and relax for a while. ☕️💖

10. Urban Valley Resort & Spa｜📍Kappara

The place was quite hidden! Urban Valley Resort & Spa is located in Kappara, which is nestled between San Gwann and Gzira. It’s a bit off the beaten path, making it a peaceful and more secluded spot to enjoy. 🌿✨

Both the outside and inside had a residential hotel vibe, so it wasn’t overly extravagant, but it definitely had a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. 🏡✨

There was an outdoor pool area next to the café and bar, where you can also enjoy afternoon tea in the fresh air.

The top tier starts with a selection of sweets. 🍰

Next, you’ll find a variety of savory items in the middle tier.

On the bottom tier, you’ll find an assortment of sandwiches, but not your typical ones! There’s a croissant, a mini hamburger, and a focaccia sandwich. It was a wonderful mix of flavors and textures, adding to the variety of the afternoon tea. 🥐🍔

At this hotel, you can choose from:

• Classic Afternoon Tea
• Gluten-Free Afternoon Tea
• Vegan Afternoon Tea

So whether you or your friends have allergies or follow a vegan diet, you don’t have to worry about a thing!

Just one thing to note: While Malta is known for its stunning sea views, this location is nestled in the middle of a residential area, so don’t expect any breathtaking views here.

11. Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta｜📍Floriana

The 5-star Grand Hotel Excelsior boasts an ideal location, offering stunning views of Marsamxett Harbor and Fort Manoel.

As you step through the doors, you’ll be immediately struck by the stunning entrance! The uniquely shaped chandelier gleams brightly, and the stylish staircase adds to the overall charm.

The inside was quite spacious and had a more traditional feel than modern. Looking around, most of the tables were filled with elderly travelers from the UK. 🇬🇧

As expected, the view from the all-glass window was stunning.

When we visited, they were holding a chocolate fair for the spring, and we had the option to choose from:

• Normal menu
• Gluten-free menu
• Vegan menu

We decided on the vegan menu. At first, I thought the portion of sweets looked a bit small, but the scones were absolutely delicious! 😲💕

They served both sweet and savory scones, and the savory scone was filled with caramelized onions, which was simply amazing…!

12. Hilton Malta ｜📍St Julian’s

The last one is the familiar Hilton! It’s located right in the heart of St. Julian’s, offering an excellent location with easy access.

It’s super convenient to get to, and the prices are very affordable.

Right after passing through the entrance, you’ll find the lounge where you can enjoy afternoon tea.

However, the scenery outside was much better, so most people preferred to sit outside rather than inside.

If I count it like this, there were more types of sweets than at any other afternoon tea.

But… honestly, the impression I got was that it felt more like a hotel buffet, with sweets randomly laid out. We didn’t feel particularly impressed by it. 😇 (Of course, this is just my personal opinion.)

Unfortunately, as you can see from the picture, the scones were completely different from the ones at other afternoon teas.

However, it is the best spot to chat while enjoying some sweets in a place with beautiful scenery! 😍

You can enjoy a variety of tastes almost at the same price as an ordinary cafe.

There were 3 types of menus, so it might be fun to try something new and adventurous. 💙

12 Must-Visit Afternoon Teas in Malta | Final Thoughts

So, what do you think?

Did any of these afternoon tea spots catch your eye?

Each of these places has its own unique vibe, and I’d definitely return to all of them.

Malta isn’t just home to stunning hotels; plenty of cafes and restaurants here offer amazing afternoon tea experiences too. So, take your time and enjoy discovering the perfect spot for your next tea break! 🤗