A compulsory stop on Republic Street after a tough morning shopping, Cafe Cordina is a Valletta institution. Indulging desert desires and coffee cravings since 1837, the interior also sports some beautiful antique decor and a painted ceiling by Maltese artist Giuseppe Cali. The premises housing Caffe Cordina have a long and interesting history. They were known during the rule of the order of the Knights of St. John as the 'Casa del Commun Tesoro', namely the Treasury of the Order. During the early days of British rule the building was appropriated to various public offices and later converted into the Grand Hotel. At the beginning of the century it was taken over by the Casino Maltese and in World War II the block suffered heavy damage during the blitz of 1942.
If you visit in summer, grab a table outside and have an outrageously large ice cream (but move quickly:during tourist season it's every man for himself between 12 and 2pm...) The service can be a bit on the slow side but if you're in a rush you can always stand and drink your espresso at the bar inside as locals do.

Republic Square, Valletta