For chef and owner Salvatore Pavone, cooking is more than a profession - it is a passion that has shaped almost three decades of his life.

Originally from Zafferia, a small village in Messina, Sicily, Salvatore began his culinary journey nearly 30 years ago, gaining years of hands-on experience in professional kitchens before going on to successfully run restaurants in Italy.

His approach to food is deeply connected to his Sicilian roots, where cooking is closely tied to family, tradition and the quality of ingredients. These values have remained at the heart of his work throughout his career and ultimately followed him to Malta, where he moved with his family to begin the next chapter of his culinary journey.

Today, that passion comes to life at Sabbagata, a family-run restaurant where Salvatore works alongside his wife and dedicated team to create an experience built around authentic flavours and genuine hospitality.

For Salvatore, staying true to his culinary heritage is central to what Sabbagata represents. 

His decades of experience have allowed him to combine the knowledge gained throughout his career with the flavours and traditions he grew up with, creating food that reflects his connection to Sicily while welcoming diners in Malta.

Beyond the kitchen, Sabbagata is also a reflection of the family behind it. The restaurant brings together Salvatore’s passion for cooking, his family’s support and a commitment to making guests feel welcome.

With a modern approach to continuous research, today’s menu presents new delicacies of contemporary cuisine, where fish and seafood take centre stage alongside cured meats, all brought together through craftsmanship and a distinctly Italian identity.

Have you ever visited Sabbagata in Malta?