Contessa, the flagship restaurant of The Phoenicia Malta, has announced the appointment of Matteo Melcore as its new Restaurant Manager. With an illustrious career spanning continents and culinary experiences, Matteo brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for excellence to his new role.

Matteo's journey into the world of gastronomy began at a young age, shaped by his family's fish restaurant in the south of Italy. Spending his formative years working alongside his siblings during summers, Matteo developed a deep-seated love for food and hospitality. This early exposure ignited a lifelong pursuit of culinary excellence.

After relocating to Rome for his studies in journalism, Matteo continued to fuel his passion for food by working in renowned restaurants during weekends. His dedication and hard work led him to graduate while gaining invaluable experience in the culinary world.

At the age of 30, Matteo embarked on a new chapter in London, where he rekindled his career in hospitality. Starting from the bottom, he worked his way up the ranks, eventually becoming the General Manager of a prestigious fine dining establishment within a remarkably short span of 3.5 years. His tenure in London also included a transformative experience at Compass Group, where he collaborated with culinary luminary Michel Roux and then oversaw operations in various international locations, including the Caribbean, through his time with Piccolino Individual Restaurants.

Following his successful stint in London, Matteo ventured back to his roots in Italy and later to the Netherlands, where he contributed his expertise to the opening of a restaurant, focusing primarily on training and development.

Now, Matteo brings his extensive background to Contessa at The Phoenicia Malta.

Beyond his professional endeavours, Matteo exhibits a compassionate side, as evidenced by his involvement in teaching telecommunications to children with special needs during the COVID lockdown. His empathy and altruism reflect his genuine desire to make a positive impact on the community.

Speaking about his new role, Matteo expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "I am here to be part of a story... of a family. That is the feeling I am getting with Contessa. This restaurant is already prestigious, but I want to make sure that it becomes even more so."

Food & Beverage Manager, Matteo Biagini, together with the rest of the Contessa and The Phoenicia Malta team, warmly welcomed Matteo Melcore and look forward to “the exciting culinary journey” ahead under his leadership.