As autumn settles over Malta, Chef Francesco Mazzei welcomes the season with a renewed sense of warmth at Villa Corinthia. Known for his signature blend of Italian flair and heartfelt hospitality, he reflects on the flavours that define this time of year – from the earthy allure of truffle season to the comforting indulgence of Sunday Carvery lunches and elegant afternoon teas.

In this conversation, he shares what’s new at Villa Corinthia, his plans for the festive season, and how his culinary journey is expanding from Malta to London.

Q: Autumn has arrived at Villa Corinthia. What can guests look forward to this season?

A: Autumn is one of my favourite times to cook. It’s a season of comfort and fantastic produce. At Villa Corinthia, we’ve created a new à la carte menu that celebrates those flavours, bringing together simple, honest ingredients with a touch of elegance.

We’re starting our much-anticipated Sunday Carvery, the Mazzei way, of course, and introducing a new classic afternoon tea, created with the same thoughtful approach to food. And then there are our weekday express business lunches, which give people the chance to enjoy a beautiful meal without needing to step too far away from their day.

It’s all about making great food feel effortless.

Q: Autumn also means truffle season – a favourite for many. What can guests expect from this year’s tartufo menu?

A: One of my favourite seasons, tartufo season! We’ve been working with truffles at Villa Corinthia every year since I’ve been here, and it’s something I really look forward to. There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh truffle, it lifts a dish in the most beautiful, simple way.

We source ours from Tenuta San Pietro a Pettine in Umbria, through Carlo Caporicci, who I’ve been working with for years. Carlo’s truffles are incredible, pure quality and full of character. This year’s menu is all about letting the tartufo shine. Simple, elegant and absolutely delicious.

Q: Will you be spending time in Malta during Christmas?

A: Yes, I’ll be splitting my time between Malta and London over Christmas, I wouldn’t miss the festive season at Corinthia Palace for anything. Christmas here is always special. The place began as a grand family home, and under the Pisanis’ care, that family spirit is still very much alive. I’m expecting a truly buzzing season!

And it’s not just about family gatherings, the Palace is also the perfect place to celebrate with colleagues and clients. It’s a Christmas that feels classic, full of tradition, but with a little soul, a little Italianità, you know?

We’re also delighted to bring back Corinthia Palace’s early morning Christmas Day breakfast, it was a real favourite and I can’t wait to see guests enjoying it again. Expect a cabaret-inspired night on New Year’s Eve, and we’re hosting a classical concert on December 15, which is going to be very special.

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Q: This summer’s Secret Garden series was a huge success. How did that shape your vision moving forward?

A: ‘Secret Summer’ was incredible, the energy, the music, the food, the people. Seeing that response gave us so much inspiration for autumn and winter.

People are looking for experiences that are not just about what’s on the plate, but about how they feel when they’re here. That’s why we’re bringing the Secret Garden live music narrative forward to Villa Corinthia. We’ve introduced Saturday lunches with live music, and the response has already been fantastic.

There’s something special about the Villa on a Saturday, it’s lively but still intimate, and people stay for hours. And of course, we’ve added our Sunday Carvery, so there’s something for everyone.

Q: There’s some exciting news on your horizon as well…

A: Yes, I’m very excited to be opening a new residency at Corinthia London, called Mezzogiorno. It’s a project that’s very close to my heart, inspired by the flavours of Southern Italy and the kind of hospitality we’ve built at Villa Corinthia.

London is such an important part of my journey, so bringing a little piece of this spirit there feels special. What makes it even more exciting is that we’ll have dishes that create a real connection between Malta and London – a celebration of both places and everything I love about Mediterranean cooking.

But of course, Malta remains a big part of my story. Villa Corinthia is also where the Corinthia legacy began, and it’s where my latest chapter started too.