This article is a follow-up to my previous piece about coffee shops in Malta. In that article, I focused primarily on cafés that offer beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere. This time, however, I want to highlight a different kind of coffee shop: places that are perfect for a quick meeting, a short break from a busy day, or simply enjoying a good cup of coffee while taking a moment to unwind or to start the day. Note: None of the coffee shops listed below sponsored this article—just genuine recommendations.
The reason I started writing this series is quite simple. I grew frustrated with searching online for coffee shops that are open in the morning, only to be overwhelmed by endless advertisements and far too many options. So, I decided to create my own list—a personal collection of cafés that I have visited and genuinely enjoyed. This way, instead of trying to remember where I have been, I have a ready-made guide that I can always refer to and I am sharing this guide with you.
My criteria are always the same. If a coffee shop appears on this list, it means I enjoyed the experience. My usual order is an Americano with a splash of milk and a toasted sandwich, which gives me a consistent way of comparing one café with another. Most importantly, every place featured here offers good quality at a reasonable price, making it somewhere I would happily recommend to others.
Updated on 08/09/2026
La Crema - St. Julian’s
I am definitely not an early-morning riser.
But today, we had to wake up early because my daughter had basketball training at 6:30 a.m. in St. Julian’s. So, rather than seeing it as an early start, I decided to look at it differently. My motivation was some time to spend with my wife and son, the opportunity to take a few early-morning shots around St. Julian’s, and, obviously, an Americano with milk and my usual ham and cheese toast.
We just needed to find a coffee shop that opened early.
After dropping my daughter off, we went for a stroll along the coast. Mind you, the stroll was not exactly relaxing. At that time of the morning, the pavement seems to belong to the joggers, so you had better move out of the way!
At around 7:00 a.m., we found La Crema open.
As soon as we walked in, I noticed the counter filled with beautiful-looking pastries—croissants, tiramisu, and much more. I stuck to my usual order, although I must admit that some serious willpower was required.
Service was quick, and the lady serving us greeted us with a smile, which is always a good way to start the morning.
My son went for the tiramisu, which he managed to down in a couple of seconds. My wife ordered the Egg & Toast, which was huge and which she really enjoyed. The scrambled egg was served on a slice of brioche, and it looked as good as it tasted.
I also enjoyed my ham and cheese toast. However, if I go again, I think I might try the eggs on toast.
And I will test my self-control by not taking one of those sweets.
Although, perhaps I shouldn’t make promises when my willpower is weak!
Sometimes an early morning isn’t so bad after all—especially when there is good coffee, good food and a little time together.
Americano: 5/5 ☕️
Ham & cheese toast: 4/5 🥪
Cumbo Café & Bistro, Balzan
Word of mouth is very powerful, and that is how I discovered Cumbo Café & Bistro.
Sometimes I have meetings in Balzan, and I used to go to a different coffee shop. However, some of my colleagues kept telling me that if I was in Balzan, I had to try Cumbo.
Today was the fourth time I have been there, and this place never disappoints.
When I arrived with my friend, the place was packed. We could have stayed on some chairs outside, but it was far too hot. Luckily for us, two tables became available and we managed to get a seat inside.
I ordered my usual Americano and a toasted ham and cheese sandwich. My friend had a cappuccino and a ftira.
First, the warm drinks arrived. My Americano tasted good, as always. Then the toast arrived—and what a toast!
It was made from slices of Maltese bread, with a generous serving of melted cheese and ham inside. It was fantastic.
My friend was eating his ftira, which also looked delicious. The bread had been warmed, and I could hear him crunching his way through it.
Then came the real test.
At the counter, there was a display full of tempting pastries. It was a moment of truth.
Was I disciplined enough to say no to tasting one?
I was eyeing the croissant with pistachio cream and the imqaret.
I passed the test.
But as the Terminator says:
I’ll be back.
Americano with milk: 5/5
Toasted sandwich: 4/5
Value for money: 5/5
Alfred's Bakery Café - Naxxar
This morning, my wife and I wanted to visit a particular coffee shop in the centre of Mosta. However, finding parking proved impossible, so we continued driving towards Naxxar. Luckily, we found a parking spot directly in front of Alfred’s Bakery Café.
It had been a while since I had wanted to try this coffee shop, and today we unexpectedly ended up there. I needed a lot of willpower not to order one of the many delicious pastries displayed at the counter. Everywhere I looked, people were enjoying cakes, croissants, and other treats, which made the temptation even stronger.
In the end, I stayed loyal to my usual order. However, I have a feeling that this coffee shop will receive another visit from me soon — this time, I might finally give in and taste one of their famous pastries!
Americano with milk: 5/5
Toasted sandwich: 5+/5
Value for money: 5/5
The Dove & Olive Café & Bistro - Ħaż-Żebbuġ
This is one of my regular spots whenever I want to meet friends without leaving my village. I enjoy walking from my house to the Ħaż-Żebbuġ square, where I can relax over a good coffee. They also have a varied menu, offering plenty of choices to suit different tastes, and the ambience is warm and inviting.
One of the things I love most about Ħaż-Żebbuġ is that, after enjoying a good coffee, you can wander through the old part of the village, admiring its beautiful streets, narrow alleys, and historic houses. Each corner of the village core seems to have its own story to tell, making the walk just as enjoyable as the coffee itself.
Americano with milk: 5/5
Toasted sandwich: 4/5
Value for money: 5/5
Extra idea: After your morning coffee, grab your camera and explore the beautiful old streets of Ħaż-Żebbuġ!
Square - Pama
Square, which is situated at PAMA. My wife and I regularly go there during the summer because our son, Gabriel, has football training at the Mosta Ground. Before running an errand, we often stop there to enjoy my usual Americano with milk, my wife's cappuccino, and a toasted sandwich.
Whenever I need to wait for Gabriel, I sometimes stay there, open my laptop, and get some work done. The staff at Square are always friendly, and the service is quick, with orders arriving promptly. I also like to combine a visit to Square with a shopping trip around PAMA afterwards.
Americano with milk: 5/5
Toasted sandwich: 4.5/5
Value for money: 5/5
Extra idea: After your morning coffee, grab your shopping bags and do your shopping at Pama.
Papa’s - Siġġiewi
Papa’s is not just a restaurant; it also serves an excellent Americano and a delicious toasted sandwich. You can choose to sit either indoors or outside, making it a pleasant spot whatever the weather.
What really surprised me was the bill, which I think would be hard to beat. This definitely won’t be my last visit for a coffee. Who knows? Next time I might even try something else from the menu!
Americano with milk: 5/5
Toasted sandwich: 4.5/5
Value for money: 5+/5
Extra idea: After your morning coffee, grab your camera and explore the beautiful old streets of Siġġiewi!
If you enjoyed the above article you can also read:
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About the Author
Sergio Morana is an educator, photographer and writer based in Malta. Through photography and writing, he explores life’s meaningful moments, personal growth, and the stories that connect us.
📷 Photography: Holy Communions • Confirmations • Portraits • Family Sessions • Events
Always love anything coffee related ☕️
should I put Malta as my next destination for travel?? because reading this just made me want to go there and get a taste of these coffee places