Cocktail bars are everywhere — but the ones that offer something different and unique always seem to catch my eye. As you roam through the narrow streets of Malta’s capital, Valletta, you’ll find dozens of bars that are great for a mid-day aperol spritz or an after-dinner cocktail.
But KAMY Cocktail Bar is a must-visit for unique cocktails that turn beverages into art. Inside this tiny space lie craft cocktails that are not only Instagram-worthy but are delicious. The bar’s website even describes it as “unlike any cocktail bar you’ve ever seen” — and I completely agree.
Mixology meets art
Emily Caldwell / The Manual
If you manage to snag a seat at this popular cocktail bar in Valletta, you’ll want to stay for a while. The tiny interior holds only a few small bar tables to lounge at, yet offers a massive cocktail menu to explore. I almost couldn’t decide which to try first, but I went with the popular Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh cocktail I saw on TikTok before coming.
The cocktails each have a unique “film” that lies atop each drink that remains intact even as you sip the drink down. These drinks, paired with the cozy, intimate vibe and eclectic decor of the bar, made this place truly stand out during my trip to Malta. As I sipped on my drink, I found myself wondering why more bars like this don’t exist back home.
The House Special Art Cocktails also include other creations inspired by popular artwork and iconic figures, such as Marilyn Monroe by Andy Warhol and The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dali. If you love artisan cocktails and appreciate art, you’ll love this spot. Of course, you can get a variety of traditional cocktails at KAMY too, as it is a fully-equipped bar. Speciality art cocktails naturally come with a higher price point, but it’s worth trying at least one for the experience. Many of the cockails I tried while lounging at KAMY Bar had a nice layer of foam on top (one of my favorites in speciality cocktails).
Visiting KAMY Cocktail Bar
Emily Caldwell / The Manual
In my experience, most “social media” famous spots tend not to live up to the hype, but this one surely did. Not only do these drinks look awesome and taste delicious, but I also found it sparked my inquiring mind to want to learn more about some of the drinks inspired by paintings I hadn’t yet heard of. As I waited for my drinkm I found myself checking out the dozens of interesting art pieces that filled every inch of the walls throughout the bar.
If you’re visiting Malta during the busy season (summer to early fall) and want to ensure a spot at KAMY Cocktail Bar, I recommend going early and preparing to wait. This spot gets increasingly busier later in the evening as people go before and after dinner reservations. If your schedule allows for some daytime drinking, you may find you are able to get in easier during the day. I visited during the high season in August and was able to snag a table in under 10 minutes.