Any leading hotel worth its reputation understands that beyond offering a memorable stay, it must also deliver exceptional dining experiences for its guests. For Hilton Malta, this is certainly a tenet it holds dear. Amid a stellar collection of bars and restaurants, including the ever-popular Blue Elephant Thai restaurant, Hilton has long been renowned for its array of dining delights that attract both locals and tourists alike.

Now, a fresh chapter in the hotel’s dining offerings is being ushered in as it welcomes Eduardo Gandia Martinez as its new Executive Head Chef. As a seasoned culinary virtuoso with international experience in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, Mr Martinez is set to blend his expertise with the hotel's already admired dining reputation.

Hailing from Alicante, Spain, where a love for food is woven into the very fabric of life, Mr Martinez went on to formalise his passion for cooking within the Basque Country, a revered haven for gastronomy. He worked his way up through several kitchens, eventually earning himself coveted positions under luminary chefs such as Martin Berasategui, Quique Dacosta, and Francis Paniego among others, honing his craft at a string of two-star Michelin restaurants.

His career thus far has taken him around Spain and the south of France to Oman, where he has transitioned from restaurants and boutique hotels to international chains, working with Hyatt and Hilton, including heading up the kitchen at the launch of Hilton Mallorca which opened in summer of 2022. When the opportunity arose to join Hilton Malta, it felt like the next logical step in his professional journey to gain more international experience.

“I was drawn to Malta because of its similarities to other Mediterranean islands. I felt this would enable me to continue to expand my skills in Mediterranean cooking, which is the cuisine that is closest to my heart,” Mr Martinez reflects. “Since I arrived here a few months ago, I've been getting to know the talented kitchen team at Hilton. It's really important to me to work well with our existing team. Teamwork is key to running a successful kitchen, it’s the foundation for us to begin to build upon and evolve Hilton's culinary offerings.”

Mr Martinez explains that he has been working especially closely with Head Chef Andre Spiteri and Executive Pastry Chef Otis Caruana, two true stalwarts of the Hilton kitchen brigade with many years of service under their respective belts. Together they have been familiarising Mr Martinez with the hotel's current offerings, and also introducing Eduardo to a few Maltese delicacies along the way.  

According to Head Chef Andre Spiteri, “At Hilton we offer a range of dining options at our restaurants which include Oceana and Blue Elephant, as well as our seasonal eateries such as our poolside bar at the Merkanti Beach Club and The Gazebo. Collectively, we cater to every mood of eating imaginable, from formal dinners to more casual bites by the pool and lavish buffets. Our kitchen crew needs to be versatile and dedicated to make sure we consistently deliver quality food that lives up to Hilton's reputation.” 

Executive Pastry Chef Otis Caruana echoes this sentiment: “For us, it's important that each restaurant provides diners a unique and exciting dining experience with unique menus. This is also true of the sweets and pastries we offer in each venue. We take the time to craft delicious desserts that really complement and enhance the main dishes, drawing from a range of culinary traditions and innovative cooking techniques.” 

Managing a multicultural brigade of around 100 chefs and stewards might seem like a formidable task, particularly in an industry grappling with the challenge of recruiting and retaining top talent. While Mr Martinez acknowledges the demands of his role, he confesses that he has been heartened by the team's support.

“We have people from all over the world, with different ways of working, passions, and personalities,” he explains. “I see my role as a kind of coach, like in a football team. I'm here to keep everyone motivated and excited about our goals. At the end of the day, I want each person to feel as if they can take ownership of our dining experiences and feel a part of what we are creating together.”

Maintaining a balance between tradition and innovation is an art that the Hilton Malta team has continued to embrace. “Being a leading hotel in Malta for so long means we're committed to preserving our identity,” Chef Andre affirms. “That said, we also recognise the importance of consistency while allowing room for gradual, well-thought-out menu updates that resonate with evolving tastes.”

Continuing on the theme, Chef Otis highlights the hotel's proactive stance on adapting to changing concepts. The evolution of The Gazebo from a fish-focused eatery to a grill-centric restaurant is a prime example, a transformation driven by what local and foreign diners were seeking from the hotel.

Now with a new executive chef at the helm, are there plans for more drastic changes to Hilton’s dining options? While more significant changes are on the cards for the future, Mr Martinez's immediate focus is on strengthening his team and ensuring the best ingredients are sourced for the highest quality food. 

“At the moment, my main mission is to create an efficient and collaborative kitchen that delivers quality. Preparations are also underway for the festive season, where we’re working on truly special food items and menus for our guests and clients to enjoy,” Eduardo explains. “But of course, there are more elaborate plans in the pipeline that myself, Andre, and Otis are working on together with the hotel's management team to dream up fresh ideas for our diners and guests.”

While the finer details of these upcoming dining experiences are being kept under wraps, the prospect itself is undeniably exciting. “Rest assured, everything will be unveiled in due time,” assures Eduardo with a smile.

As of now, Mr Martinez extends a warm invitation to all diners to visit Hilton Malta and savour the exceptional culinary journey that awaits. Whether seeking delectable sushi or a gourmet burger by the pool, a sumptuous Thai banquet, or a grand buffet serving a range of international dishes that everyone in the family is sure to adore, one thing is certain—every menu promises an exquisite dining experience in true Hilton fashion.