There should be a 6 Stars option to rate here, as Five stars isn’t enough to describe this experience!
My experience at Chef Francesco Mazzei’s restaurant in Villa Corinthia, Malta, was one of the best restaurant experience I’ve ever had - if not the best... From the moment I stepped in, I felt completely taken care of, like embarking on a first class culinary journey.
The service was impeccable, every member of the team always radiating warmth, smiles, and professionalism. Special shoutout to Danica, who greeted us every morning with the brightest smile for breakfast, and Mameli, who made our evenings unforgettable with her kindness and gracious hospitality. The whole team is something special. There were so many incredible people that I wish I could name them all!
One of the highlights of this experience was meeting Chef Francesco himself. I felt that we were meeting the Lionel Messi of Chefs! Truly a genius in the kitchen and also one of the most humble and kind people I’ve ever met. He was very gentle while chatting about food and our common Italian origins with my farher, and took plenty of time to chat with us, making us feel like the most important guests. Somehow rare to find someone with such talent who is also down-to-earth and quite dedicated to his team.
Every dish we tried was cooked to perfection and with lovely flavours. We enjoyed a range of Italian dishes, and each one felt like a masterpiece. The agnolotti with rabbit is the perfect mix of Italian cuisine with a local Maltese twist; the pasta with pesto had the perfect balance of freshness, and the fettuccine alla bolognese had the taste that I was hoping for to be enjoyed by the Summer Garden. We also tried Italian antipasti platter and seafood, both were also of top quality. Last but not least, there is a great selection of wines and at dinner we were graciously greeted with complimentary Prosecco.
We dined both in the beautiful main restaurant and the Summer Garden by the pool, both settings were perfect and each meal felt like a special event for us.
I left Villa Corinthia not only feeling satisfied but deeply connected to the place and the people who made the experience extraordinary and unforgettable. I’m hoping to return very soon. If you’re ever in Malta, you must visit and experience...
Read moreLocated in the Corinthia Palace, just 7 steps up a short staircase from the lobby.
Dinner was served in the grand Neoclassical dining room, a stunning space that also hosts breakfast and extends into an overflow area and bar seating. The interior exudes timeless sophistication, defined by fluted Corinthian columns, ornate entablatures with rosettes, and high ceilings framed by pale stone and elegant mouldings. The result is a room that feels both stately and serene — a perfect setting for an indulgent evening.
There are around six tables for two and six for four, giving the space an intimate but refined atmosphere.
Bread service featured four varieties — crispy sticks, white, sourdough, and a rustic loaf — all delightful and well-made. It’s charged separately at €6, which feels a touch steep, though an amuse-bouche would have been a nice gesture.
Cocktails lean Italian, with the house special being a Negroni. There are five variations; I opted for the Negroni Mezzei (a white Negroni twist), which was well-balanced and aromatic.
The Fritto Misto della Casa included arancini, cauliflower tempura, and vegetable croquettes (carrot and courgette, though not mentioned on the menu). Despite the inconsistency in description, it was an enjoyable and well-fried starter.
The Agnolotti al Brasato — hand-shaped ravioli filled with braised beef — came in a pleasant sauce, though the meat itself was slightly dry. Still, it worked nicely overall, especially with the shaved cheese.
The highlight was the Fettuccine al Ragù di Agnello, featuring egg pasta with lamb ragout, mint, and Pecorino. Wonderfully balanced and free of the usual gaminess, it was rich yet fresh, with the pepper adding a subtle lift. A touch more salt would have perfected it.
Dessert was a Marsala tiramisù, creamy, delicately sweet, and beautifully balanced. The accompanying biscotti served as petit fours were a lovely final touch.
Service was attentive and professional. One small note — staff should avoid asking if diners would like sides with their primi, as this isn’t typically the Italian way.
Overall, a refined and satisfying dinner in a magnificent setting, with thoughtful touches that reflect Chef Mazzei’s elegant approach to...
Read moreA Royal Dining Experience at Francesco Mazzei’s Restaurant, Corinthia Palace, Malta My family and I recently had the pleasure of dining at Francesco Mazzei’s restaurant situated within the stunning Corinthia Palace in Malta, and I can't express how fantastic our experience was. We had the opportunity to enjoy meals at both Villa Corinthia and The Summer Garden, each offering its own unique blend of charm and culinary excellence. Food: The food was absolutely amazing—every dish we tried was a masterpiece. The menu offered a delightful array of flavors, showcasing the best of Italian cuisine. From the perfectly cooked pasta to mouth-watering seafood and delightful desserts, every bite was a true celebration for our taste buds. The quality of the ingredients was evident, and the creativity behind each dish left us in awe. Ambience: The ambience at both Villa Corinthia and The Summer Garden was simply brilliant. Villa Corinthia provided an elegant and sophisticated setting, perfect for a family gathering, while The Summer Garden featured a picturesque outdoor space that felt both refreshing and inviting. The gardens were lush, and the atmosphere was serene, enhancing our overall dining experience. Hospitality: What stood out most was the hospitality. We were treated like royalty from the moment we entered the restaurant. The staff was incredibly friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, ensuring that our every need was met with a smile. Their warmth made us feel right at home, and their personal touches truly elevated our experience. In summary, our visit to Francesco Mazzei’s restaurant at Corinthia Palace was nothing short of extraordinary. With outstanding food, beautiful settings, and unparalleled hospitality, it’s an experience we will cherish. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking to enjoy an exceptional dining experience in Malta. We cannot...
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