Elia Café

For over 60 years our iconic coffee shop and confectionery in High Street, Hamrun, just opposite the church of San Gejtanu has been the meeting place for people from all walks of life and of all age groups. It is the place to be if you want a relaxing cup of coffee or a tasty snack. You can choose from wide selection of hot and cold snacks but we also offer a wide range of pastries and cakes, including a number of traditional products for which we are still renowned.

Even though over half a century has passed from since the first Elia set up his business, many of the recipes used for today’s products are the still same.

Our home-made specialties not only taste good; they look delicious too – traditional products such as Qassatella ice-cream (an artisan ice-cream with lady finger biscuits and jam centre), Kannoli Siciliani, and Pasti tal Karamella, more famously known as ‘tal-hgieg’ or green cakes. Other favourites include our Qassatella Marmorata, Qaghaq tal-Qastanija (honey rings), Sinizza, and Torta Pastina. All these treats are bound to make your day if you enjoy sweets.

And, when on your way home, have a look at our confectionery service counter for our maouth watering gatueax.

We start off the year preparing for the Prinjolata and Perlini (sugared almonds) which are synonymous with Carnival. These are followed by the Kwarezimal, Qassatat tal Helu and Bwieqi taz-Zebbug (marzipan olives in marzipan bowls) throughout the 40 days of lent. On the feast of St Joseph, the 19th March, you can taste our traditional Zeppoli (made with rice), Xkunvat and Sfineg ta’ San Guzepp. As Easter approaches, our counter is transformed into a sea of colours from the beautifully wrapped Easter Eggs of all sizes, which are made only from the finest Belgian chocolate. Whilst you are there make sure you get your hands on one of our differently shaped Figolli.

Throughout the summer months, beat the heat with our thirst quenching Granita.

The end of Summer brings with it the lampuki season, and this is when you can enjoy a slice of our popular Torta tal-Lampuki not to mention the rest of our selection of savoury pies which are available all year round, both for eating in, and frozen to be baked in the comfort of your home.

Throughout November, we prepare the traditional Ghadam tal-Mejtin (ossa dei morti). For the feast of San Martin we prepare hand-made Marzipan Fruits and Nuts, and Hobz ta’ San Martin.

At Christmas time the confectionery shop is packed with almond cakes, fruit cakes, Christmas puddings, ricotta qassatella, soufflés, chocolates, panettone, biscuits and everything else you might need to create your very own Christmas hamper with style.

As well as all this, throughout the year Elia Cafe’ offers a range of mouth watering gateaux, fancy cakes, pastries, wines and spirits which will keep you coming back day after day.