The Xara Collection proudly celebrates a remarkable milestone as Executive Chef Clint Grech marks 25 years with the company, a journey defined by passion, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence across its portfolio of distinctive restaurants and venues.
At the centre of this achievement is de Mondion, the Michelin-starred restaurant at The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux in the historic fortified city of Mdina, where Chef Clint continues to shape one of Malta’s most refined gastronomic experiences.
Reflecting on this milestone, Executive Chef Clint Grech at De Mondion commented: ‘Reaching 25 years with The Xara Collection is an incredibly proud moment for me. My journey began long before my professional career. When I was a child, I used to visit my grandfather’s catering establishment in Mellieħa, where I grew up surrounded by the energy of the kitchen; the aroma of freshly baked bread, the rhythm of service, and the passion of my family working together. Those early experiences shaped my love for cooking and ultimately led me to pursue this path professionally. Having grown up in neighbouring Rabat, where I still live with my own family today, this region is entirely woven into who I am. My vision has always been to take our guests on a journey through the island, celebrating its seasons, its people, and its heritage, while continuing to evolve and innovate across all our kitchens.’
Over the years, Chef Clint has elevated the culinary standards across the restaurants within The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux and in Mdina, leaving a lasting imprint on each concept while continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation and quality. Chef Clint joined The Xara Collection in 2001, where, under the mentorship of Chef Kevin Bonello, he developed a distinctive style blending Maltese and Mediterranean flavours with classical French techniques, guided by seasonality and sustainability. Appointed Executive Chef of The Xara Palace hotel in 2023, he has continued to evolve the restaurant while maintaining its Michelin star, working alongside Head Chef Gabriel Caruana at de Mondion to push culinary boundaries while staying rooted in Malta’s heritage. For Chef Clint, walking into the restaurant every day feels like coming home. He draws constant inspiration for his menus simply by walking through the historic gates and winding streets of Mdina, letting the ancient architecture, sweeping views, sounds, and history shape his culinary art. This balance of honouring tradition, nurturing talent, and embracing thoughtful innovation has become the guiding principle behind everything he does.
His approach is deeply anchored in sustainability and seasonality. Maintaining close, personal contact with an extensive network of local farmers and suppliers in the immediate vicinity of Mdina and Rabat, alongside the in-house Xara Gardens, he champions a true farm-to-table philosophy. Signature dishes, such as the ‘Xara Garden Barigoule’ and sourdough elevated with Xara Gardens olive oil, reflect the vibrant character of the Maltese Islands, balancing innovation with authenticity. Through this vision, Chef Clint continues to shape de Mondion into an experience that is both progressive and profoundly connected to its surroundings.
Justin Zammit Tabona, Managing Director of The Xara Collection, added: ‘We are immensely proud to celebrate Chef Clint’s 25-year journey with us. His influence extends far beyond de Mondion, shaping the culinary direction of The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux. His passion, creativity, and dedication continue to inspire our teams and elevate every dining experience. We look forward to many more years of success together.’
This milestone also highlights the strength and diversity of The Xara Collection’s culinary offerings. Beyond de Mondion, the group encompasses a range of acclaimed dining concepts, each led by passionate chefs contributing to the collection’s dynamic identity. These include the refined Mediterranean cuisine of Medina Restaurant, the contemporary flair of Rosami led by Executive Chef Davide Marcon, the relaxed brasserie-style dining of OKA’s, and the historic charm of Trattoria AD 1530. Together, these restaurants reflect The Xara Collection’s commitment to culinary excellence, innovation, and memorable guest experiences.
Complementing its culinary offerings, The Xara Collection presents a range of exquisite accommodations, each with unique charm. At the heart of the collection is The Xara Palace, a meticulously restored 17th-century palace in Mdina, featuring 17 individually designed luxury rooms and suites with breathtaking views of Malta’s baroque architecture. Found just moments from the main hotel, Palazzino Belvedere offers an intimate, romantic escape in a beautifully restored 17th-century palazzino, featuring two bedrooms, multiple terraces, and panoramic views of the historic streets and Maltese Islands. For families or larger groups, Villa Barumbara combines expansive living spaces, a state-of-the-art cinema, a swimming pool, and extensive outdoor facilities, all set against the serene countryside with stunning vistas of Mdina. Just a short drive away, The Xara Lodge provides a versatile venue for bespoke events and corporate gatherings, complete with an outdoor pool; housing the Xara Catering kitchen led by Executive Chef Adrian Bonello.
Together with the culinary vision of Xara’s Chefs, these properties offer an unparalleled blend of heritage, luxury, and personalised hospitality. The exquisite dining experiences perfectly complement the accommodation showcase of The Xara Collection, a leader in F&B and luxury stays in Malta, reflecting their dedication to creating extraordinary experiences for every type of traveller.
Dining and Cooking