Francesco Mazzei, one of my favourite chefs recently announced he was leaving his position with D&D in London (and therefore his two restaurants Sartoria and Fiume in town). He soon announced however an exciting partnership with a Malta boutique hotel, Corinthia Palace. With a Malta trip already booked, I am very happy to share the press release on this blog.

Partnership with Corinthia Palace

Corinthia Palace in Malta is delighted to announce a partnership with renowned Italian Chef Francesco Mazzei. Launching 5 June 2023, Mazzei and his culinary team will serve Italian classics and signature favourites throughout their residency, bringing a taste of Southern Italy to Villa Corinthia in the hotel, until autumn 2023.

Mazzei was raised with a passion for food, often in the family kitchen, and had his first taste of a professional experience working in his uncle’s Gelateria where he mastered Italian cakes and gelato by the age of nine, and later taking his first chef role at the age of 14. Over the last four decades, Francesco has been recognised as one of the great Italian chefs, having worked in five-star hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe, Asia, the United States, and the Middle East.

Calabrian-born Francesco Mazzei shared his enthusiasm about the residency, stating: “Spending time in Malta has been a goal of mine for several years, given its rich history, and proximity to Italy. And partnering with the iconic Corinthia Palace is a very exciting project. My Executive Chef Simone Petulla and I have created menus that will reflect the creative and diverse nature of Italian cuisine, to appeal to locals, hotel guests and visitors. I look forward to continuing to explore the abundant produce generated on and around the island, and weaving these ingredients into our daily specials.”

Francesco is creating an enticing menu of Italian classics, as well as his signature dishes. The menu boasts a generous selection of colourful antipasti, a fritto misto featuring seafood and seasonal vegetables from the Maltese shores and soil, and a show-stopping ‘Orecchia di elefante’. While the dishes will be rooted in Italian tradition and flavours, Mazzei and his team will draw inspiration from local seasonal produce to create a memorable and modern dining experience.

Alexandra Pisani, General Manager of Corinthia Palace, commented: “It is an honour to have such talents as Francesco Mazzei and his team with us in Malta, which will further position Corinthia Palace as a top culinary destination. He is much more than a chef – Francesco is passionate about celebrating the culinary arts, and he is a philanthropic inspiration who is dedicated to bringing about positive changes in the world.”

The wine offering will be equally well considered, with the sommelier team an accompanying wine list that will showcase exceptional selections from Italian vineyards. Signature Italian aperitivi and cocktails will also be served.

For further information on Corinthia Palace or to make a reservation, call +356 2144 0301 or visit www.corinthia.com/palace

About Corinthia Palace

Originally opened as a restaurant and transformed into Corinthia’s founding hotel in 1968, Corinthia Palace in Attard has become a legendary part of Malta – a see and be seen destination. The San Anton Palace and its glorious gardens are a few moments away, but the hotel grounds themselves are idyllic. Al fresco dining is championed come summertime with The Summer Kitchen complementing the sun-soaked days and balmy evenings. An elegant residence with 147 charming rooms and suites, the real magic of Malta can be observed from the comfort of this tranquil hotel.