Dining out is one of life’s pleasures, but finding a restaurant that turns a meal into an experience can be a rare delight. In a place like Malta, where eateries and takeout options are a dime a dozen, the need for a memorable dining experience is real. An increasing number of diners is looking for more than just a bite to satisfy their hunger, craving an experience that engages all the senses. This is exactly what Hammett’s Mestizo offers, going beyond just filling plates with food, taking guests on a journey to the heart of Latin American culture.

Part of the innovative Hammett’s Collection, Hammett's Mestizo reflects the group’s commitment to creating unique dining experiences. Founded by award-winning chef and seasoned restaurateur Chris Hammett, Hammett’s Collection is celebrated for its forward-thinking approach to both cuisine and sustainability. The collection forms part of Von der Heyden Group’s investments, which includes the IBB Hotel Collection, a dynamic international hospitality company with a presence across Europe.

We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Chris, the visionary behind Hammett's Mestizo, to learn more about what guests can expect from this restaurant and what makes it a cut above the rest. “From its authentic cuisine and lively atmosphere to its unique approach to events, Hammett's Mestizo is all about delivering an unforgettable culinary experience where people can unwind and let go of their daily stresses,” he shares, adding that this ethos is reflected in every detail of the eatery.

Since opening its doors in 2020, Hammett's Mestizo has quickly become a favourite among both locals and visitors. Known for its lively atmosphere and Latin American-inspired cuisine, the restaurant offers something truly distinctive. “Anyone who’s never been will be quite impressed the first time they step in; the building is really something, with its two stories and high ceilings,” the founder notes. “Events are a very big part of what we offer, and what sets our venue apart is its versatility,” Chris explains, reflecting on the extensive experience his team brings to hosting everything from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations. “Whether you're in the mood for a casual night out or on the hunt for a venue that can host your special occasion, Mestizo is well-equipped to cater for different needs,” he adds.

Chris moves on to describe the venue’s rooftop pool bar, perfect for both morning and evening events, also highlighting the mezzanine level that comes with private areas and its own bar. “Here you can host a small event, a large one, and everything in between," Chris tells us. The main dining area downstairs also accommodates larger groups, with the flexibility to offer exclusive, semi-exclusive, or non-exclusive experiences.

But it’s not just the space that makes Hammett's Mestizo a go-to destination; it’s also the ambiance. Music plays a central role in creating the right vibe, with a curated selection that changes according to the time of day and the crowd’s energy. "We work with a London-based company to curate our music," explains the restaurateur. "It’s usually quite energetic, but if it’s a quieter Monday night, it’ll be a bit mellower." The restaurant features live DJs every Friday and Saturday, and there’s even talk of introducing live bands to amplify the already vibrant atmosphere. And when it comes to private events, Mestizo offers the flexibility to tailor the music to the mood of the guests. "If it’s a fully private event, you can have full control over the playlist," Chris clarifies.

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Of course, ambiance and events are only part of the equation. The true heart of Hammett's Mestizo lies in its culinary offerings. The drink menu boasts an impressive selection of Latin American wines and spirits. “Most of our wines and spirits are from South America,” he reveals. “We have a huge selection of mezcals, tequilas, pisco sours and other South American spirits, along with a few beers and wines from Europe for the less adventurous.” This extensive selection is unmatched in Malta, making Mestizo a must-visit for those seeking an authentic taste of Latin America.

The food at Hammett's Mestizo is equally distinctive, with a menu that features classic South American dishes presented with a creative twist. “Our chefs are all from Latin America, including our head chef, Raul, who’s from Venezuela. Then we’ve got people from Peru, Argentina, and Colombia. This gives our dishes an authentic touch,” Chris explains. “We incorporate the culinary traditions of Meso and South America mainly through the raw ingredients we've managed to source, which don’t grow locally,” he adds. Signature dishes like the ceviche and tacos have become favourites, offering a genuine taste of South America right here in Malta. "Our ceviche is fantastic, and we make our own taco shells from scratch, which I don’t think anyone else in the country does," Chris proudly tells us.

Hammett's Mestizo also hosts special events that highlight these standout dishes. On Taco Tuesdays, guests can enjoy a variety of taco fillings and freshly prepared taco-shells, designed for sharing to add to the authenticity of the experience. “We offer three different fillings every Tuesday at a great price, so guests can sample and share in a lively, fun atmosphere,” he notes.

Another unique event is La Cevichería Thursdays, where guests can enjoy a multi-course meal made from a whole fish, prepared in a way that minimises waste. “Ceviche is a traditional Peruvian dish that often uses prime cuts of fish, but we use the whole fish—nose to tail—for our ceviche, tiradito, and chicharrón. By sourcing the fish locally, we aim for a more sustainable approach,” the restaurateur explains.

On weekends, Hammett's Mestizo offers a Brazilian Churrascaria experience with an all-you-can-eat concept, serving continuous cuts of meats like pork, neck, and beef sirloin at the table. “It’s a genuine churrascaria experience that captures the essence of Brazilian cuisine,” Chris notes.

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The name "Mestizo" itself reflects the restaurant’s philosophy of blending cultures and experiences. "In South America, ‘mestizo’ originally referred to people of mixed European and native ancestry,” the founder explains. “The idea behind our name is that it’s a mix, just like our food and our atmosphere." This concept is woven into every aspect of the restaurant, from the dishes on the menu to the warm, welcoming service that makes every guest feel at home.

At Hammett's Mestizo, luxury and relaxation go hand in hand. "We aim for luxury in terms of ambiance, service and quality but we want our guests to feel at ease nonetheless. So rather than sticking to formalities, our efforts are directed to creating a casual vibe where people can let their hair down and enjoy the moment," says the restaurateur.

In a country where South American cuisine is still emerging, Hammett's Mestizo is leading the way, offering a vibrant, authentic taste of Latin America. As our conversation draws to a close, Chris beautifully sums up the whole idea behind Mestizo: "What drives our service and inspires our offerings is our desire to make people feel at home, giving them a space to leave their worries behind and enjoy themselves in style.”