Malta was last week featured on Italy’s national Channel 9 in a new episode of the hit TV show Little Big Italy, hosted by restaurateur and entrepreneur Francesco Panella. The popular format travels around the world in search of authentic Italian culinary traditions, guided by members of the Italian community living abroad.
The Malta episode offered a compelling showcase of the island’s food scene, its Mediterranean identity, and the deep cultural and historical ties that connect Malta and Italy. Through food, stories and local experiences, the programme highlighted Malta as an international hub where Italian culture continues to thrive.
Joining Panella in this episode were three long-time Malta residents who brought their personal perspectives and exper-tise: Valerio Ballotta, a prominent international art dealer, Claudio Caprio, a well-established entrepreneur active across multiple sectors and based on the island for many years; and Caterina Bruno, a journalist and communications professional who, through her agency Magenta, has been fostering strong connections between Italy and Malta for years.
Three Italian restaurants in Malta competed in the episode, each offering a unique interpretation of Italian cuisine and atmosphere: Zero Sei Trattoria Romana, located in Valletta and led by Fausto Soldini; La Vela, in the Msida Marina and run by Enrico Alecci and Vincenzo Bocoraglio; and Le Majoliche, situated in St Julian’s and managed by Fabio Lipari and Elisa Valerio.
The episode is available on demand on the official Discovery platform.
