Morning: enter the historic city

Begin around City Gate and make your way through the centre. Historic buildings, churches, squares and contemporary cultural spaces sit close together, so give yourself time to look beyond the main street.

Midday: views and fresh pasta

Take in the Grand Harbour from Upper Barrakka Gardens, then head back into the city for lunch. At Pastaus, fresh pasta is the focus: choose your pasta and pair it with the sauce that suits the day.

Afternoon: art, history or theatre

St John’s Co-Cathedral is one of Valletta’s major cultural landmarks, while Teatru Manoel offers another route into the city’s history. Museums, galleries and smaller streets can easily fill the rest of an afternoon.

Evening: stay in the city

Valletta’s calendar regularly includes theatre, concerts, festivals and other events. Check what is happening before your visit and turn a sightseeing day into an evening out.

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Check the calendar before you arrive

VisitMalta maintains an events calendar covering Malta and Gozo, including many events in Valletta. Depending on the season, a city visit can coincide with music festivals, theatre, Pride celebrations, festas, exhibitions or waterfront performances.

Allow time between the landmark and the event

One of Valletta’s advantages is walkability. Rather than rushing from attraction to performance, leave space for the city itself: a side street, a harbour view, an aperitivo or a plate of fresh pasta.

Eating before a performance

For a busy event night, reserving ahead makes the evening easier. Pastaus is in Old Theatre Street and offers an informal fresh-pasta experience that works well before or after many city-centre activities.

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History within walking distance

VisitMalta highlights Valletta’s dense concentration of heritage and culture, including St John’s Co-Cathedral, the Grandmaster’s Palace, Upper Barrakka Gardens, historic squares, museums and fortifications. The pleasure is not only in ticking off landmarks: it is in the limestone streets, balconies, harbour views and unexpected corners between them.

A city for culture

The capital is also one of Malta’s principal cultural centres. Theatre, concerts, exhibitions and festivals run throughout the year, while venues such as Teatru Manoel connect present-day Valletta with a performing-arts history stretching back centuries.

Make food part of the day

A Valletta visit should leave room for eating well. Pastaus is in Old Theatre Street, so a plate of fresh handmade pasta can sit naturally between sightseeing, shopping, a theatre visit or an evening in the city.

A simple Valletta day

Start around City Gate and Republic Street, explore the historic centre, pause for the harbour views from the gardens, visit a museum or church, and then slow the pace over fresh pasta. If you are staying into the evening, check the city’s cultural calendar before you arrive.

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Visitor information checked against VisitMalta.

A theatre with a story dating to 1732

The theatre officially opened on 19 January 1732 with a performance of Merope by Scipione Maffei. It was originally known as Teatro Pubblico, later Teatro Reale, and took the name Teatru Manoel in 1866.

Its history is closely tied to Valletta’s development as Malta’s cultural and entertainment centre. The theatre has hosted drama, opera, music, pantomime and major moments in Maltese cultural history.

Can you visit Teatru Manoel?

Yes. Teatru Manoel offers visits during the week and on Saturdays, although it remains a working theatre and access can occasionally change because of rehearsals or technical work. Visitors should check the theatre’s official schedule before planning their day.

From theatre to table

Pastaus is on Old Theatre Street, making fresh pasta an easy addition to a cultural afternoon or evening in Valletta. If you are attending a performance, booking your table in advance is recommended.

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Theatre history checked against the official Teatru Manoel history.

Valletta events to look out for

• 6 September: Feast of Our Lady of Consolation in Valletta.
• 10–12 September: Valletta Guitar Festival programme, including concerts and guitar workshops.
• 10 September–5 November: The Great American Songbook / Valletta Waterfront Jazz Series.
• 12 September: Malta Pride March through Valletta.
• 12 September: Morricone and More, a live concert celebrating film music.

Event dates and programmes can change, so always check the organiser or VisitMalta listing before travelling.

Planning dinner around an event

If an event brings you into Valletta, make the meal part of the experience rather than an afterthought. Pastaus serves fresh pasta in Old Theatre Street, within the historic centre and well placed for a pre-event lunch, early dinner or evening meal.

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Event dates checked against VisitMalta. Programmes can change; verify before travelling.

Winter in Valletta has a charm of its own. The streets are calmer, the pace is slower, and it becomes the perfect time to enjoy warm, comforting food in a relaxed setting. At Pastaus, we bring authentic Italian flavours to the heart of the city, offering a welcoming place to enjoy lunch or dinner throughout the winter season.

A Cosy Escape in the Heart of the City
As temperatures cool and Valletta becomes quieter, dining out becomes more intimate and enjoyable. Pastaus offers a cosy atmosphere where you can step away from the bustle of the day and enjoy Italian comfort food prepared with care. Whether you are visiting the city, working nearby, or meeting friends, our central location makes it easy to fit good food into your plans.

Italian Comfort Food for Winter Days
Italian cuisine is naturally suited to winter dining. Our menu focuses on classic pasta dishes and well-loved Italian favourites that are satisfying, flavourful, and perfect for the season. From relaxed lunches to evening meals, Pastaus offers food that feels familiar, comforting, and made to be shared.

Ideal for Business Lunches and Midweek Dining
Winter is a popular time for business lunches and meetings in Valletta. Pastaus is a convenient and reliable choice for:
– Business lunches and client meetings
– Midweek lunches in the city
– Casual dinners after work
– Dining before or after winter events

With its central location and welcoming atmosphere, Pastaus makes winter dining simple and enjoyable.

Group Dining During the Winter Season
Planning a group lunch, team gathering, or small celebration this winter? Our menu is designed to encourage sharing and easy conversation, making Pastaus ideal for group dining. Bookings are recommended during weekends and busier winter days to ensure availability.

Walk-Ins Welcome, Bookings Recommended
While walk-ins are welcome whenever possible, winter weekends and event days in Valletta can be busy. To avoid disappointment, we recommend booking your table in advance.

Book your table here:
https://www.pastaus.com/request-a-table

This winter, take time to slow down, enjoy the city, and experience authentic Italian dining at Pastaus Valletta.

Pastaus Homemade Pasta
Whether you’re craving creamy Cacio e Pepe, bold Nduja Four Cheese, or a vegan pesto twist, our pasta is crafted fresh daily with love and the finest Mediterranean ingredients. Pair it with a glass of our curated Italian wine and soak in the cosy, buzzy atmosphere—whether you’re dining in Valletta’s charming downtown.

Ready to savour the magic? Reserve your table now and let each forkful transport you to Italy.

Book your table: https://www.pastaus.com/request-a-table

What is authentic Carbonara?

Traditional Carbonara is associated with Rome and uses eggs and cheese to create its creamy texture. The sauce is not based on cream. Instead, the warmth of the pasta helps emulsify egg, Pecorino Romano and pasta water into a glossy coating.

Why guanciale matters

Guanciale is cured pork jowl. As it cooks, it releases flavourful fat and develops crisp edges, giving Carbonara much of its characteristic savoury depth.

Pecorino Romano and black pepper

Pecorino Romano brings sharp, salty flavour while freshly ground black pepper adds warmth and aroma. Together with egg and guanciale, these ingredients make the dish rich without needing a heavy sauce.

Does Carbonara contain cream?

Traditional Roman-style Carbonara does not require cream. Its creamy consistency comes from the emulsion of egg, cheese and hot pasta water.

Carbonara at Pastaus Valletta

The Pastaus menu lists Carbonara with eggs, guanciale, pepper and Pecorino Romano D.O.P. Guests can pair it with a fresh pasta shape from the available Pastaus selection.

Where can you eat Carbonara in Valletta?

Pastaus is in Old Theatre Street, Valletta, and serves Carbonara as part of its traditional pasta sauce selection alongside Cacio e Pepe, Amatriciana and Gricia.

Carbonara FAQs

Is Carbonara an Italian dish?

Yes. Carbonara is an Italian pasta dish strongly associated with Rome and the Lazio region.

What cheese is used in Carbonara?

Pastaus uses Pecorino Romano D.O.P. in its Carbonara.

Can I choose fresh pasta with Carbonara at Pastaus?

Pastaus is built around a choose-your-pasta, choose-your-sauce concept, subject to the fresh pasta selection available.

See the Carbonara on our menu Book a table

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta alla Norma (pasta alla norma), earlier called “pasta con le melanzane” (“pasta with eggplant”) is an Italian dish of pasta and eggplant. It is typical of Sicilian cuisine,from Catania in particular.

Main ingredients we have pasta, tomato, eggplant, ricotta salata
It is made of spaghetti or other pasta with tomato sauce, covered with slices of fried eggplant and served with grated ricotta salata cheese and often basil.

Spaghetti alle vongole is a classic Italian dish of spaghetti tossed with clams, garlic, white wine, parsley and an optional touch of chilli — light, aromatic and ideal as a starter, main or to share.

What it is

Spaghetti alle vongole is a simple seafood pasta from Italian coastal cuisine. The flavour comes from fresh clams (vongole), garlic, white wine and parsley, with chilli used optionally for heat. The emphasis is on fresh ingredients and clean, briny flavours rather than heavy sauce.

Core ingredients

• Spaghetti
• Fresh clams (vongole)
• Garlic
• White wine
• Fresh parsley
• Chilli (optional)

How it’s made — at a glance

Classic preparation is straightforward: pasta is cooked until al dente while clams are steamed briefly with garlic and white wine so they open and release their juices. The pasta is then tossed with the clam cooking liquid and finished with parsley (and chilli if you like). Reserving a little pasta cooking water helps emulsify the sauce and bind the flavours.

Serving suggestions

• Serve piping hot; the dish works as a starter or a main and is often shared.
• Keep accompaniments simple so the clam flavour remains central.
• If you have dietary needs (for example, gluten intolerance or shellfish allergy), please check with our staff before ordering.

Enjoy this at Pastaus Valletta

Want to try our version of this classic? Join us at Pastaus Valletta. View our current offerings on the menu page or book a table to reserve a place.

Taste the story — join us at Pastaus Valletta.