Suzanne and Christopher Sharp first noticed one another in a crowded train on the London Underground in the early 80s. Though they locked eyes, they didn’t speak. A few weeks later, by chance, Christopher showed up at Suzanne’s 21st birthday. Within a year, they were married.

Both have international backgrounds—Christopher was born in Kampala, Uganda, while Suzanne was born in Malta and grew up in Rome. His work as a video editor soon took them to Riyadh. “There were no cinemas, no restaurants, no clubs,” Christopher told Vogue. “So in the evenings we’d go down to the souks and buy Afghan rugs from the war.”

In 1997, back in London, they opened the Rug Company, a store dedicated to high-quality, hand-loomed rugs. The brand now has showrooms all over the world, from Oslo to Beirut, Los Angeles to Dubai. Still, the couple spends part of the year in Malta, where, over the last 10 years, they have been restoring Casa Bonavita, an 18th-century palazzo turned boutique hotel. Here, they share their guide to their favorite restaurants, shops, and sights on the island.

Rubino

Malta has such a rich food culture. We often suggest Rubino. It has that wonderful old-world feeling—unchanged and full of character. Their traditional local dishes are deeply rooted in the island’s history. (rubinomalta.com)

The Villa Bologna Restaurant

On warm spring days, we love having lunch under the trees in Villa Bologna’s garden. It’s magical. (thevillabolognarestaurant.com)

Camilleri Paris Mode

We often go shopping at Camilleri Paris Mode. It’s a real jewel with an incredibly well-curated selection of goods. We tend to go there for Santa Maria Novella perfumes; Suzanne has worn Acqua della Regina for years. (camilleriparismode.com)

Villa Bologna Pottery

The pottery workshop at Villa Bologna Pottery is wonderful. Seeing local artists in action is such a rare, tactile connection to the island’s tradition of craft. Plus, you can take home something really pretty. (villabolognapottery.com)

Caffe Cordina

A longstanding spot in Valletta that offers a real sense of daily life. It’s ideal for coffee and a light pause on a long day of exploring. Its slightly grand yet slightly faded atmosphere feels very Maltese. (caffecordina.com)

Terrone birgu

A perfect waterside spot. It’s definitely worth seeking out for long, unhurried seafood lunches right on the harbor. (terrone.com.mt)

Ta’ Victor Restaurant

If you’re interested in local produce, Ta’ Victor Restaurant, in Marsaxlokk, is a good place to experience fishing culture firsthand. It’s got fresh fish, seasonal ingredients, and an authentic, family-run atmosphere. Our favorite dish is the simply prepared whole grilled fish. Guests can also ask what’s been caught that morning, or, if they call ahead, request something specific for lunch or dinner.

Trabuxu Wine Bar

If you’re interested in wine, Trabuxu Wine Bar, in Valletta, is a must. It’s in a beautiful vaulted cellar and has a thoughtful list that leans into European producers, with a strong showing from Italy and France, alongside some excellent Maltese labels. We recommend trying anything from Marsovin or Meridiana. (trabuxu.com.mt)

the bastions of Mdina

For something more active, an early morning or late evening walk along the bastions of Mdina offers a completely different perspective of the island—quiet, cinematic, and incredibly atmospheric. Nearby gardens such as San Anton Gardens provide a greener, softer contrast for a slower, more relaxed pace.

Upper BARRAKKA Gardens

Another stroll is in Valletta. We love going from the upper to the lower Barrakka Gardens and through the Saint Barbara bastions.