09/10/2026
FEATURING: Jeffrey J Vella
Category: Best Head Chef
Tomassino Restaurant at Sheraton Zagreb Hotel
Croatia | Europe
Chef Jeffrey J Vella is a distinguished Maltese chef whose heritage in hospitality dates back to his upbringing in a family of hoteliers. From an early age, he was fascinated by the artistry and dedication of chefs working within hotel kitchens. This inspiration led him to start preparing meals for his family and their guests by the age of ten, laying the foundation for his lifelong passion for the culinary arts.
Over the course of his esteemed career, Chef Vella has collaborated with some of the most respected figures in the culinary world, including Gordon Ramsay, the Alain Ducasse group, and Jean Christophe Novelli. His extensive experience encompasses the management of prestigious properties worldwide, which demonstrates his unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of gastronomy.
In recent years, Chef Vella has brought his expertise to Rovinj, Croatia, where he leads a dedicated team of chefs and sommeliers at the Michelin-starred restaurant Cap Aureo. His leadership and vision have been instrumental in establishing the restaurantβs acclaimed reputation, further showcasing his influence and skill in the culinary industry.
Chef Vellaβs culinary specialty centers on Mediterranean cuisine, with a particular emphasis on the use of locally grown, fresh ingredients. He prioritizes sourcing the majority of his ingredients from Istria, ensuring that his menus honor the region's rich agricultural tradition. By focusing on βgreen and poor cuisine,β he celebrates the abundant vegetables and less commonly used categories of fish and meat, transforming these ingredients into extraordinary dishes that highlight their natural flavors.
After spending years living in major cities across the globe, Chef Vella has now adopted a lifestyle rooted in locality. He resides in MaruΕΎini, a small Istrian village near Rovinj, where the community maintains a deep connection to the land. Surrounded by neighbors who operate their own farms, Chef Vella enjoys access to a wide variety of local products, including cheese, prosciutto, vegetables, and the regionβs renowned Malvazija w**e and extra virgin olive oil.
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