Prices and facts on this page were checked in October 2026.
Caterers and private chefs in Malta
Dapperlance lists independent caterers, private chefs and bakers in Malta and Gozo: a private chef trained at the Institute of Tourism Studies who cooks in villas, on yachts and at weddings, a Rabat patisserie making seasonal Maltese sweets and custom cakes, and a home bakery for celebration cakes, cupcakes and dessert tables. Message any of them for free from their listing.
What does catering cost in Malta?
Delivered party food in Malta costs about €7 to €22 a head in 2026, a catered wedding or reception with service €36 to €58 a head before drinks, and a custom cake €25 to €95. Most caterers and every private chef we checked quote per head after a menu discussion. The figures below come from the caterers, hotels and cake makers in Malta that publish a price list, checked in October 2026, so read them as the going rate and confirm the price for your date and numbers. The full price lists, minimums, extras and the VAT and food registration rules are in our guide How much does catering cost in Malta?
| Format | Published price, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Finger food or party menu, delivered | €7 to €22 a head, minimum 10 people |
| Office lunch, delivered | €9 to €26 a head, minimum 10 to 12 people |
| Wedding menu from a caterer, all inclusive | €36 a head at 200 guests or more |
| Hotel outside catering, reception or buffet | €42 to €57.75 a head, minimum 80 to 100 guests |
| Open bar package | €8.50 to €18 a head for three or four hours |
| Custom celebration cake | €25 to €95 by size and design, cupcakes €2.50 to €3 each |
| Private chef dinner | Quoted per head, no published prices |
Three things move the price. Service: a plated dinner with staff costs far more per head than a delivered buffet because the labour is the largest cost. Menu: local seasonal produce, fish and Maltese specialities such as figolli and prinjolata are priced by what the market charges that week. Numbers: private chefs set a minimum spend or minimum guests, and the per head price drops as the group grows.
How to choose a caterer or private chef in Malta
Ask whether the business is registered with the Food Safety and Security Authority, which applies to home bakers as well as commercial kitchens. Food businesses in Malta must register with the authority before they trade and everyone handling the food needs a food handling card, so a professional will have done both. For a private chef, ask about qualifications (ITS is the Malta hospitality school), where they have cooked, and whether they bring equipment or use yours.
Taste before you commit for a wedding or a large event. Most caterers offer a tasting for a fee that is deducted from the booking. Ask what is included in the per head price: staff, crockery, glassware, linen, delivery, and clean up are often separate lines, and the cheapest per head quote can be the most expensive total.
Common mistakes to avoid: ordering a cake by photo without agreeing the portion count (a three tier cake for 30 people is mostly display), not stating allergies and dietary needs in writing (home kitchens may handle nuts and gluten), and booking the villa before checking that its kitchen can cope with a chef and a dinner for twelve.
Entertainers, party venues, DJs and photo booths for the same party are priced in our guide How much does a party cost in Malta?
Browse the caterers and chefs listed above and message them directly, it is free. Related categories: Event Planning, Event Staff & Equipment and Entertainers.
Frequently asked questions
Do home bakers in Malta need to be registered?
Yes. Anyone selling food in Malta, including from a home kitchen, must register as a food business with the Food Safety and Security Authority before trading, and anyone handling the food needs a food handling card. The authority's 2026 home food production guidelines limit home producers to low-risk foods and to selling direct to the customer. A registered baker can show the registration and will be clear about allergens in the kitchen.
How far ahead should I book a caterer or a cake?
A private chef dinner needs about a week for menu and shopping, more in August. A custom cake needs one to two weeks, and a wedding cake a couple of months. Wedding catering for May to October is booked six to twelve months ahead.
What does a private chef need from me?
A working oven and hob, fridge space, and an idea of the menu and any allergies a few days ahead. Most private chefs shop for the ingredients and bring their own knives and specialist equipment, then clean the kitchen before leaving. Ask what is included in the price.
Is a buffet or a plated dinner cheaper?
A buffet is usually cheaper per head because it needs fewer serving staff, and it suits mixed groups and children. Plated service costs more but controls timing and portions. For a wedding in Malta, many couples do a plated main with buffet style antipasti and desserts as a middle ground.