Just like in Malta, the local people in Gozo, Malta's sister island, enjoy their local dishes; whether it's breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a modest snack. There are an extraordinary range of places to eat and drink on the island, all offering great value for money. I am proud to share my guide on where to eat on a budget in Gozo. I have listed the best affordable dining spots we discovered with the help of the locals in Gozo.

1. Bunna Cafe, Gozo

Address: 38A Triq ir-Repubblika, Ir-Rabat Għawdex, Malta

Bunna Cafe, where restaurant owner Philip Spiteri goes for coffee, is one of the best cafes in Malta. Its coffee is as great as its food. What makes this cafe special is how the two women who run it welcome everyone as if inviting them into their homes. They offer wonderful hospitality, delicious sandwiches, croissants, and toasts.

2. Gleneagles Bar, Gozo

Address: 10, Triq Il-Vittorja Gozo GSM 2400, Malta

Gleneagles Bar, run by brothers Tony and Sammy for 50 years, is an institution in Gozo. Like all great bars, it serves as a meeting point for locals, a hideaway, and a true part of local history. The brothers are full of stories, and when you visit this pub, you feel a real connection to the island's history. Additionally, the view from the bar's balcony overlooking Mgarr harbor is magnificent – you can watch people come and go for hours.

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Great fresh salads at Mojos are just one of the many delicious items on the menu

3. Mojo’s

Address: Triq Fortunato Mizzi, Ir-Rabat Għawdex, Malta

Probably the best lunch spot in Gozo, Mojo’s has a fantastic menu featuring fresh juices and amazing salads; the Gozitan burgers are legendary, and the sweet spicy cheddar fries are too. The owner Claire is a legend and has shared many beautiful tips about her island.

Everything on the Ta’ Philip menu is great, but I loved the octopus

4. Ta’ Philip

Address: Triq Sant’ Antnin Ghajnsielem, Mġarr, Malta

Ta Philip, run by friendly and talented restaurant owner Philip Spiteri, is a place where you can taste traditional Gozitan dishes slow-cooked over a wood fire. It also offers a great selection of wines.

5. Vini e Capricci by Abraham’s

Address: Gozitano Agricultural Village, Mgarr Road,, Xewkija XWK 9014, Malta

Vini e Capricci is a great place for a nice coffee or a glass of wine, and it’s another spot in Xewkija where you can enjoy high-quality yet affordable meals. The lunch menu features grilled paninis starting at just €9.50, delicious soups, and salads. (the wild fennel salad is great) Standout dishes include Risotto al Guanciale (€10.75) and Rabbit Ravioli (€14.75).

Delicious ftira at Ta’ Saminu Bakery

6. Ta’ Saminu Bakery

Address: Triq Tal-Ħamrija, Xewkija, Malta

Family-run and spanning generations, Ta’ Saminu Bakery is one of the last traditional bakeries on the island. They specialize in Gozitan-style ftira, qassatat with various fillings, biscuits, and local breads, all baked in a wood-fired oven. A queue extending out of the bakery is always a sign of local popularity, which is reassuring.

7. Sphinx Pastizzeria

It has various branches in Gozo and Malta

If you ask any Maltese local what their favorite local dish is, they will probably tell you Pastizzi (pronounced past-it-si).

Whenever you go in any direction in Gozo or Malta, you will encounter a Pastizzeria.

The classic pastizzi comes in two forms; with ricotta cheese and my favorite, with crushed peas.

Chef Stephen La Rosa's go-to place is Sphinx Pastizzeria, and their pastizzis are fantastic. Beyond the classics, they also offer some adventurous flavors like new truffle pastizzis.

Sabrina trying delicious ravioli at Cafe Jubilee

8. Café Jubilee

Address: Pjazza l-Indipendenza, Ir-Rabat Għawdex, Malta

One of my favorite spots in Gozo, Café Jubilee has been instantly popular among the locals in Victoria since it opened in 1998, and following its success, a restaurant was opened in Valletta two years later.

You can get one of their excellent cheese and tomato toast sandwiches for just €2.50. Their signature dish, Nanna’s Ravioli, is only €10.95 and the portions are generous.

Since the rest of their extensive menu falls within this price range, it is an excellent place offering great value for money. Additionally, it is open from 8 AM to midnight, so there’s really no excuse not to go.

Bonus? This dimly lit cozy cafe is filled with quirky decorations (think tables and chairs stuck to the ceiling), making it perfect for a romantic meal with loved ones or friends.