I'm Hugo — a French expat in Malta who eats out too much and has strong opinions about it.

Entrepreneur, food lover, and the person behind TAJJEB! — Malta's most honest restaurant guide.

The story

I moved to Malta three years ago, initially for work. What I didn't expect was to fall in love with the food scene — the freshness of the fish, the stubborn honesty of traditional Maltese cooking, the quiet confidence of the best kitchens on the island.

I also noticed there was no reliable guide. Tourist platforms list what's popular. Delivery apps rank what's convenient. Friends ask "where should I eat?" and nobody has a satisfying answer.

TAJJEB! is my answer to that question — a personal, independent guide to eating well in Malta, written by someone who actually lives here.

The approach

How I do this

Unannounced visits

I visit every restaurant without warning and pay for everything myself. No special treatment, no curated experience — just the meal as any guest would experience it.

Honest writing

I write what I think, with kindness but without flattery. If something doesn't work, I'll say so — but I'll always find what's worth celebrating.

Editorial independence

When a restaurant invites me or compensates me for a visit, I say so clearly. My opinion remains my own regardless. Transparency over pretense — always.

A local perspective

I live here. I come back to these restaurants, I follow them over time, I notice when they improve — or don't. This isn't a tourist's snapshot. It's a resident's ongoing relationship.

By the numbers

restaurants reviewed

years living in Malta

2×

new articles per week

honest voice

The mission

Why TAJJEB! exists

To become the most trusted food guide in Malta — for the expats who just arrived, the Maltese who want to rediscover their own island, and the travellers who want to eat like a local.

One table at a time.

Get in touch

Say hello

@tajjeb.malta
Follow for weekly discoveries hello@tajjeb.com
For collaborations & suggestions @tajjeb
Short videos, real restaurants