Some meals satisfy hunger, while others transport you entirely elsewhere. Our visit to Naan Bar, an award-winning Indian restaurant and cocktail bar nestled on Old Bakery Street in Valletta, was the latter—a feast for the senses, an adventure for the taste buds, and an evening that left us dreaming about our next visit before we even stepped out the door.
An Atmosphere That Draws You In
From the moment we walked in, it was clear—Naan Bar isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an experience. The ground floor hums with energy, a stylish yet welcoming bar where handcrafted cocktails and mouth-watering Indian appetisers set the tone for the night. The air carries the intoxicating scent of smoky spices from the Tandoor platters, teasing what’s to come.
But the real magic unfolds below deck.
Descending into the intimate dining area, we entered a space where modern elegance meets the warmth of Indian hospitality. It’s here that the chefs, trained in prestigious Indian luxury hotels, weave their magic—offering contemporary takes on authentic Indian dishes while honouring age-old cooking traditions.
A Cocktail Bar with a Twist (of Lime and Indian Spices)
Let’s talk about the cocktails.
If you think you know Indian flavours, wait until you experience them in liquid form. Naan Bar’s cocktail menu takes classic Indian ingredients—tamarind, saffron, cardamom, mango, and chilli—and turns them into unforgettable drinks.
Each sip felt like a journey through India’s diverse spice markets, where smoky, sweet, tangy, and fiery notes harmonised perfectly. Whether you’re sipping on a spiced gin infusion or a tropical rum blend, one thing is certain—you’re not just drinking a cocktail; you’re experiencing a well-crafted masterpiece.
A Menu That Speaks to Every Palate
Whether you’re a meat lover, vegetarian, keto devotee, or in search of halal-certified dishes, Naan Bar caters to all. Their approach to Indian cuisine is not just about bold flavours but also about thoughtful inclusivity.
And if you’re craving Indian goodness but prefer to stay in? No problem. Naan Bar delivers via Bolt and Wolt, or you can call ahead and pick up your order from the restaurant—because some meals deserve to be enjoyed at home, too.
Our Culinary Journey at Naan Bar
Our evening started with a selection of Tandoori delights, each bite infused with smoky heat and balanced by aromatic spices.
- Tandoori Salmon—infused with mustard spice, paired with a sweet and tangy pineapple chutney that perfectly complemented its deep charred flavour.
- Chicken Tikka—marinated in red chilli and yoghurt, grilled to juicy perfection, and topped with a refreshing mint and coriander glaze.
To set the perfect tone, we paired our appetisers with a bottle of crisp Sauvignon Blanc, its citrusy notes cutting through the richness of the spices like a dream.
And then came the main event—a spread of dishes that made our taste buds sing.
- Old Delhi Butter Chicken—char-grilled chicken bathed in a rich, creamy tomato gravy, fragrant with fenugreek and deep, smoky notes.
- Home-Style Chicken Curry—chicken drumsticks slow-cooked in a masala curry, served with fluffy basmati rice and warm naan.
The food didn’t just taste good—it told a story. A story of Indian culinary heritage, of spices carefully blended to create balance, of smoky, slow-cooked perfection that can only come from true expertise.
And when we thought we couldn’t eat another bite? The naan arrived. Freshly baked, soft yet crisp at the edges, it was the perfect vessel to scoop up every last drop of sauce.
Beyond the Food: An Experience Wrapped in Warm Hospitality
It wasn’t just the food that made the evening unforgettable—it was the people.
The staff at Naan Bar embody Indian hospitality at its finest. Warm, attentive, and genuinely passionate about what they do, they made us feel like honoured guests rather than just diners. Whether it was recommending the perfect wine pairing or sharing the history behind a dish, their knowledge and enthusiasm added a personal touch to our experience.
Why Naan Bar is a Must-Visit in Valletta
What makes a restaurant truly exceptional? For us, it’s the perfect storm of atmosphere, food, drinks, and service. Naan Bar delivers on every level.
✅ Award-winning Indian cuisine that respects tradition while embracing innovation
✅ Unique, India-inspired cocktails that you won’t find anywhere else in Malta
✅ Dietary-friendly menu with vegetarian, keto, and halal options
✅ Warm, welcoming service that makes you feel like part of the family
✅ Convenient dining options—dine-in, takeaway, or delivery for a night in
The Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a culinary adventure that blends bold Indian flavours with contemporary elegance, Naan Bar is the place to be. It’s the kind of restaurant that lingers in your memory long after the last bite, calling you back for one more naan, one more cocktail, one more unforgettable night.
So, if you’re in Valletta and ready to treat your taste buds to something extraordinary, you know where to go.
