Francesco Mazzei at Villa Corinthia

A taste of tradition with a modern twist
Francesco Mazzei has crafted a tempting menu that celebrates Italian classics with a modern twist. While rooted in the rich flavours of Italian tradition, each dish is elevated by the finest local, seasonal ingredients, offering a fresh and unforgettable dining experience.

Meet Francesco Mazzei
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, Mazzei 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.

Francesco Mazzei at Villa Corinthia | WDC e24

From the refined elegance of the restaurant “Francesco Mazzei” at Villa Corinthia to the playful charm of The Secret Garden, Chef Francesco Mazzei gives us a taste of the creative vision shaping two of Malta’s most exciting dining experiences. Each plate tells a story — one of heritage, heart, and reinvention. And this is only the beginning: new concepts, fresh ideas, and a whole lot of passion are on the horizon. In this episode of Wine Dine Combine, we sit down with Chef Mazzei to talk about: The inspiration behind his culinary journey from Calabria to Malta; His love for truffle season and the dishes that defined it; The art of balancing fine dining with fun, flavour, and innovation; His partnership with Corinthia Hotels and what’s next for Villa Corinthia and The Secret Garden.