Emma Mykytyn Il-Merill Review: Authentic Maltese Dining in Sliema
Looking for traditional Maltese food in Sliema? During our recent stay in Malta, we made a point of seeking out restaurants known for serving Maltese cuisine, and Il-Merill quickly stood out as one of the most memorable meals of the trip (If you are looking for something similar in Valletta, please also read about our visit to Legligin).
Tucked away on a quiet side street in Sliema, this cosy and character-filled restaurant offers a warm welcome, generous portions, and a menu packed with classic Maltese flavours. If you want to eat somewhere that feels local rather than touristy, then you can’t pick better than Il-Merill.
Why Visit Il-Merill in Sliema?
Il-Merill is one of those restaurants that feels like a genuine find. While Sliema has no shortage of places to eat, many of the seafront options lean towards international menus and tourist-friendly dining. The focus is firmly on traditional Maltese cuisine, served in a relaxed and welcoming setting. It is the kind of place where you can settle in for a hearty dinner, try local specialities, and enjoy a meal that feels rooted in place.
Why is it called Il-Merill?
This is the Maltese name for the national bird of Malta, the Blue Rock-thrush.
Atmosphere and Interior
One of the first things you notice about Il-Merill is its quirky and memorable interior. This is not a sleek, minimalist dining room. Instead, the space is filled with vintage clocks, retro telephones, old signs, and all sorts of nostalgic details that give it a homely and slightly eccentric feel.
The restaurant is small and intimate, which adds to the charm. Tables are very close together so conversations bounce around the room with a lively, welcoming energy throughout the evening.
That cosy atmosphere does mean one thing though – booking ahead is essential. Il-Merill is popular, and with limited space, it fills up quickly. We witnessed many potential diners without bookings being turned away.
Food at Il-Merill
The menu at Il-Merill celebrates traditional Maltese food. This is comfort food rather than fine dining, the presentation is simple, but portions are large and filling. You will find that some of the food is very similar to Italian, with garlicky sausages, pasta and rabbit very popular (we’ve also enjoyed rabbit dishes in Bergamo, Italy).
On the menu at Il-Merill
Some of the dishes that make Il-Merill stand out include:
- Rabbit dishes – rabbit is one of Malta’s best-known delicacies
- Lamb shank – rich, comforting, and ideal if you want something substantial
- Maltese sausage pasta – full of flavour and very meaty
- Octopus and seafood dishes – a nod to Malta’s coastal location and seafood traditions
- Imqaret – a classic Maltese dessert filled with dates, perfect for ending the meal on a sweet note
If you like trying a few things, it is worth considering sharing courses so you can sample more of the menu.
Here is what we ate and loved.
Drinks
To go with the food, there is also a range of local Maltese wines. Pairing your meal with a bottle of Maltese wine adds to the experience and is a great way to explore more of the island’s food and drink culture.
If you are unfamiliar with Maltese wines, this is a good place to start, especially alongside the richer meat and pasta dishes. They have three local wines by the glass, from the Delicata winery’s Ziffa range, so we made sure to try all of them!
Service
Service at Il-Merill is friendly and personable, with a familiar family-run restaurant feel that makes a meal more enjoyable. Staff are approachable and happy to explain dishes, which is especially useful if it is your first time trying Maltese cuisine.
As with many small and popular restaurants, service can slow down a little when the restaurant is full. However, the overall atmosphere is relaxed, so this feels more like part of the dining experience than a major downside.
Prices and Value
Considering the portion sizes, the quality of the cooking, and the central Sliema location, it feels like a very good-value option. Compared with some of the more tourist-focused restaurants along the waterfront, Il-Merill offers a more authentic experience and a meal that feels worth the spend. Scroll down to see how much we paid in total for our meal at Il-Merill.
Top Tips for Visiting Il-Merill
- Book in advance – the restaurant is small and very popular
- Arrive hungry – portions are large and filling
- Try a Maltese speciality – rabbit is the obvious choice
- Ask for recommendations – staff can help guide you through the menu
- Take your time – this is relaxed dining, not a rushed meal
Final Verdict: Is Il-Merill Worth Visiting?
If you are looking for authentic Maltese food in Sliema, Il-Merill is absolutely worth visiting. It may not be the slickest or most modern restaurant in town, but that is part of its appeal. What you get instead is a warm and welcoming setting, traditional dishes full of flavour, and a dining experience that feels genuinely Maltese.
For us, it’s the kind of place that sums up why we love searching out local restaurants when travelling. It is unpretentious, full of character, and serves food that gives you a real taste of the destination.The total cost of our three-course meal for two with bottled water and three wines was €84.35 excluding tip.
If you are planning a trip to Malta and want to go beyond the obvious tourist spots, add Il-Merill to your list.
Where is Il-Merill Restaurant?
9, St. Vincent Street, Sliema, Malta
Book a table at Il-Merill Restaurant
Book direct by telephone (or via Whatsapp) +356 9922 2769
