Average restaurant spending in Malta drops to €22.74 per meal, survey finds

A recent survey has revealed that diners in Maltese restaurants spend an average of €22.74 per meal, marking a drop from €25.89 recorded in the first half of 2024.

The study, conducted by Vincent Marmara for the Association of Catering Establishments (ACE), gathered data from eateries between July and December 2024. This study was presented during an event hosted by ACE on 27th February 2025.

The survey asked restaurants to calculate the average spend per customer (including VAT) by dividing their weekly sales by the total number of covers. The results show significant variation across different types of dining establishments:

• Cafeterias and snack bars: €13.75 per customer
• Casual dining restaurants: €26.04 per customer
• Fine dining restaurants: €51.36 per customer
• Staff canteens, food trucks, and kiosks: €14.50 per customer
• Takeaway outlets: €12.60 per customer

This decline in average spending could reflect shifting consumer habits or changing economic conditions, particularly in the second half of 2024. Fine dining establishments continue to have the highest average spend, while takeaways remain the most affordable option for diners.

As Malta’s restaurant industry navigates evolving trends, this data provides valuable insight into consumer spending patterns and the performance of different dining sectors.