Cala Vista Dubai: A Taste of Italy's Amalfi Coast at Jumeirah Mina A’Salam

Tucked away at Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, Cala Vista brings the charm and flavors of Italy’s Amalfi Coast to the heart of Dubai. Opened in January, this picturesque restaurant offers diners a unique blend of homeliness and exotic allure, all while enjoying the stunning backdrop of the Burj Al Arab and shaded olive trees.

With crockery reminiscent of an Italian nonna’s kitchen, Cala Vista creates an ambiance that instantly transports you to Italy. As Pasquale Sommella, the general manager, explains, "Cala Vista" loosely translates to "a view from above" or "overlooking the cove"—fitting for a restaurant that aims to evoke the feeling of dining along Italy’s coastline.

Atmosphere and Seating

Cala Vista offers both indoor and terrace seating, with its design thoughtfully crafted to highlight the natural beauty of its surroundings. On the terrace, you'll find circular booths shaded by olive trees and tables with water views framed by intricate latticework. The vibe is laid-back yet chic, blending boho elements with plush white cushions and wooden seating. The Palm Jumeirah peeks out in the distance, adding to the serene atmosphere.

The Menu: A Culinary Journey

Our meal began with a basket of freshly baked, soft bread, paired with a flavorful tomato dip, served by our ever-smiling server, Lidia. For starters, we ordered the Insalata di Carciofi e Fiche (Dh55), a refreshing artichoke and fig salad with rocket, walnuts, truffle, and balsamic dressing; and the Carpaccio di Manzo (Dh120), a delicate beef striploin carpaccio served with rocket, Parmesan foam, and basil pesto. Each dish was packed with flavor, especially the figs marinated in a tangy dressing, and the carpaccio simply melted in the mouth.

Lemons are a theme throughout Cala Vista—from the décor to the menu—and this became even more apparent with our mains. We unintentionally ordered two lemon-centric dishes: the Dentice alla Griglia (Dh195), a beautifully grilled red snapper with white asparagus and lemon sauce; and the chef-recommended Tagliolini al Limone (Dh115), served with creamy burrata. Both dishes featured lemon in a way that was subtle yet rich, enhancing the flavors without overwhelming them.

To balance the meal, Lidia suggested a side of Grilled Vegetables (Dh45)—a delicious medley of chargrilled asparagus, courgette, aubergine, and artichokes, which perfectly complemented the citrus-forward main courses.

Desserts: A Sweet Finale

For dessert, we opted for two different dishes to avoid repeating the lemon overload from earlier. We went with the classic Tiramisu, recommended by head chef Luca Crostelli, and Il Limone, a dessert that perfectly encapsulates Cala Vista’s lemon theme.

The Tiramisu was served in two sizes—individual (Dh60) and sharing (Dh110)—and we chose the larger size, which was prepared fresh at the table. This rich yet light dessert walked the fine line between creamy and airy, offering a perfect end to the meal.

However, it was Il Limone (Dh60) that truly stole the show. This layered lemon dessert, served in a frozen lemon, was a symphony of flavors. Tangy lemon sorbet, sweet lemon cream, and crunchy lemon crumble were topped with frozen basil-infused condensed milk. Served over ice, this dessert was a refreshing and flavorful experience that left a lasting impression.

Chef Luca Crostelli’s Vision

At the heart of Cala Vista is Chef Luca Crostelli, an Italian chef with over 14 years of experience, including working alongside Michelin-starred chefs. Hailing from Florence, Crostelli describes his cooking style as "tradi-chic", blending traditional Italian techniques with modern flair.

His passion for pasta shines through on the menu, which features a variety of pasta dishes, including tagliatelle, tagliolini, tortelloni, linguine, and chitarrine. "Pasta is a canvas for creativity," says Crostelli, who takes pride in showcasing the versatility of this classic Italian staple.