Trattoria'a Lanterna
Cucina Ligure
A family from Sanremo · Since 2019
The taste of Liguria,
brought home to Malta
We are a family from Sanremo, on the Italian Riviera, and we cook the way our grandmothers did — generously, honestly, and with ingredients treated with respect. Chef Igor brings that heritage to every plate at our little trattoria in Bugibba.
Discover our awards
Rated by over 900 guests across Google & Tripadvisor — and a Travelers' Choice winner.
Sanremo Pesto
Pounded fresh by mortar every single day from our family recipe — the same one Igor carries to the World Pesto Championship in Genoa.
Pasta by Hand
Trofie, ravioli and tagliatelle rolled in-house each morning. Nothing dried, nothing shortcut — just flour, eggs and patience.
Legendary Tiramisù
Voted the best tiramisù in St. Paul's Bay several years running. Layered to order, the dessert guests cross the island for.
Taste the vibes through our gallery
Loved by over 900 happy guests
Join us for an unforgettable evening of authentic Ligurian cuisine. We open daily at 6:30 PM.
“It was great to immerse oneself in food from a particular region of Italy. The people who run this lovely restaurant were genuine, as was the food — outstanding. It felt as if we were in Liguria. Service was first class and the whole experience very memorable.”
“By far the best restaurant I've eaten at in Malta — a real hidden gem. The chef came out to chat through the evening and asked how everything was. I've never had that before; it showed true care and passion.”
“The trofie al pesto are among the best I've tried outside Liguria. Exceptional quality of ingredients, genuinely warm staff, and great value for money. An unforgettable experience.”
“From Liguria to Malta without realising it. The trofie with sardines and the rabbit tagliatelle were superb — and Igor's tiramisù is simply exceptional. It feels like eating at home.”
“Everything is homemade and the pesto pasta and squid ink were phenomenal. A quiet, lovely atmosphere — and the chef even came out to see how the food was. We'll absolutely be back.”
“Complimentary bread with pesto and olive paste to start, then stunning rabbit tagliatelle, ravioli and pesto dishes. The tiramisù was the best I've ever had. Wow.”