The beautiful thing about Malta is that wherever you look, there is always something interesting going on. After months locked down, this summer many bars and restaurants have been again investing in live entertainment and Jazz nights have been one of the more popular choices. We have curated a list of some of our favorite jazz nights by taking into consideration location, ambiance, service and performers.

Bridge Bar, Valletta

Facing the iconic Grand Harbour, Bridge Bar epitomizes cultural night life in Valletta. Located on an array of stone steps across an iron bridge, it is arguably the most instagrammable spot in the capital city.

Every night at Bridge Bar is busy with couples romantically sipping a glass of wine together or groups of friends sharing a laugh. But Friday is where the magic happens. It’s Jazz nights. A four-piece jazz band plays at the bottom of the stairs, right on the bridge. Its jam packed with locals and tourists enjoying a delicious Maltese platter and sipping on cold drinks on a warm summer evening. The performance starts at 8.30pm and keeps on going till late.

If you are looking for a special scenic jazz night in the city, we recommend trying Bridge Bar. You can give George a call here.

Il-Gazin Vilhena Band Club, Floriana

It’s not often that you see an old band club converted to a hip jazz and blues bar. It is set as an alternative café for the local community in the mornings, serving ftiras and toasties together with the traditional ‘te fit tazza’. While in the evenings, it’s a hub for local bands to perform under the famous arches.

Unsurprisingly, they have dedicated Friday evening solely to Jazz and these days they are inviting local jazz legends to roll back the years and entertain the young crowd. The iconic Sammy Murgo is smashing it with the sax, Heathcliffe Balzan toying with the piano, Noel Grech showing how it's done on drums and Mario Aquilina who is the master of bass.

Il Gazin is a popular hangout spot for people who appreciate and support local musicians and for those who like to jam with friends. The staff are incredibly welcoming and the prices are extremely competitive.

You may book J is for Jazz every friday directly from chitzo.

Quarterdeck Bar, St Julian's

If you are looking to spice up your Thursday evening this summer, Quarterdeck Bar is definitely a classy choice to enjoy a nice relaxing evening of pure Jazz with George Curmi Puse. He will be entertaining you with soulful jazz from 9pm till late.

Quarterdeck is a classy cocktail and rooftop bar in St. Julians. It has an elegant indoor lounge area that naturally expands to a rooftop terrace overlooking the charming Portomaso Yacht Marina. Located within the Hilton Hotel, the bar has a range of cocktails that match perfectly with the nautical ambiance.

If you think this is for you, you can find more information here.

Fra Giuseppe, Balzan

Situated in a cute little alleyway along the old walls of Hal Balzan, Fra Giuseppe triumphs when it comes to a romantic setting. Recognized as one of Malta’s leading wine bars, visiting Fra Giuseppe is a must visit pretty much all year round with a great selection of wine and scrumptious Maltese platters.

Recently, the popular wine bar has been organizing several live performances from local musicians and have even dedicated Thursday nights solely to Jazz by the talented Adrian “Ir-Russu” who will be playing your favorite jazz melodies, together with his special guests.

Winzer, Valletta

Walking down St Lucia Street towards the Marsamxett Harbour, lies the most peculiar black door. It naturally invites you to explore its small but stylish interior of Winzer Wine Bar. It is cultivating a unique space right in the heart of Valletta for wine enthusiasts to taste Germany’s best wine regions. I had never seen such a modern design in a Maltese wine bar before visiting Winzer - it’s a perfect spot for an intimate night out with friends.

The wine bar only re-opened its doors at the beginning of summer, and has since been organizing several wine tasting events. However, the bar has also diversified into intimate jazz sessions, partnering with some of the most decorated jazz musicians on the island to create a magical experience in its small wine bar. You can catch the likes of Angie Vella Zarb & Karl Galea or Adrien ir- ‘Russu' playing once a week.

Other Great Jazz nights

There are more places jazzing things up.

Beside the Floriana Granaries, Balzunetta is a great location to enjoy several jazz players work their craft while enjoying a meal at their gastropub. They have welcomed Swing Nuages, Gypsy Typsy and Angie Vella Zarb to their premises.

Bang in the middle of Strait Street, lies a a cozy little gin and tapas bar called Yard 32. Several artists, including some of the finest jazz players, play outside as guests sip on their G&T's and nibble on their range of tapas.

Established back in 1933 as one of the first entertainment venues in the 3 cities, Cafe Riche' is still creating waves today. Over the summer, they've entertained guests with jazz through their Under the Bougainvillea event featuring notable artists including James Cummings, Gabriel Agius Pascalidis and Matthew Pellicano.

While further North on the island, Barracudas Veċċja have been organizing regular jazz nights on Thursdays evenings. Located by the wateredge, no two nights are the same as they have featured several great players including Carlo Muscat with Diccon Cooper; Walter Vella with Marc Galea; Alex Bezzina with Daniel Sant and; Warren Galea with Mark Harrison among other notable acts.

Keep your eyes on Chitzo because we will soon be selling tickets for a Jazz Festival at Ivy House between the 22nd-24th October, it's surely not to be missed.

More on Chitzo

If you are bored at home and want to find cool new events to attend by yourself or with your friends, Chitzo is the place to head to. We have loads of new events every week! Stay tuned...