La Cala by Mia
Authentic Italian Flavors
“La Cala” translates to “The Cove,” a small sheltered bay, usually between rocky headlands, typical of Mediterranean coasts and Islands.
Our logo is inspired by the colours and shapes of majolica pottery handcrafted in many coastal regions in southern Italy.
Majolica plates, jars, tiles, and decorations are an invaluable element of the region’s local artisan identity.
Through the colours and pattern of our logo, we aim to capture and share the beauty, hospitality, tastes, and genuine lifestyle of southern Italy.
Our Beliefs
We believe the genuine quality of the food one enjoys is the basis for a quality life. We are what we eat.
In a world that increasingly pays attention to e appearances rather than substance, La Cala aims to return careful food preparation and a genuine dining experience to the basic elements of quality, enjoyment, and nutrition.
All around the world, food brings people together. Good, healthy food makes good, happy people.
To cultivate and share our beliefs, La Cala chooses to serve authentic, healthy items typical of the Mediterranean diet found in southern Italy.
We are led by four main principles: Authenticity, Sustainability, Natural and Quality.
The authenticity of the tastes at La Cala comes from the commitment of our two Italian founders. The dishes served are truly inspired by the traditions of southern Italy and are often based on recipes handed down by their families’ mothers and grandmothers.
Even when we serve Italian flavours, we believe in sustainability reliant on a local supply chain. Vietnam is home to top-quality ingredients that we use to prepare our dishes. Fresh vegetables are supplied by farmers in Da Lat while fish and seafood are sourced exclusively from fishermen in Nha Trang.
We believe that great taste and nutrition reside in natural ingredients. We process our items in-house and do not use any artificial flavouring nor apply any shortcuts for our authentic recipes.
Quality is the first and only factor that determines our decisions. The quality we offer is guaranteed by the in-house processing of our food and our suppliers’ selections. Ingredients such as olive oil, dairy products, and wines that are not available locally, come only from Italy.
Our Story
La Cala began in Nha Trang in 2019 as the idea of two Italian friends who wanted to spread joy through quality Italian food.
Salvatore and Nicola had been living in Vietnam since 2015 and decided that the time was right to open their first restaurant in Nha Trang in the summer of 2019.
They both come from southern Italian families with mixed traditions and backgrounds in farming, fishing, and hospitality, and thus had a clear understanding of how to make their dream of La Cala a reality. La Cala was very clear in their minds. It had to recreate a small, authentic south Italian corner in Vietnam with an original design and authentic soul.
The design of the restaurant was inspired by the architecture of the Aeolian Islands, arguably among the most beautiful places in the Mediterranean.
The food they chose to serve is prepared according to the recipes and techniques passed down from their mothers and grandmothers.
The philosophy that they apply to service is based on the warm hospitality and laidback, healthy lifestyles of southern Italy.
Today La Cala is sought out by many locals and travellers in Vietnam who appreciate its principles and authentic soul.
Since it first opened, La Cala has expanded and increased its offerings in Nha Trang, becoming a highly regarded restaurant in the city. In 2022 La Cala began expanding to other cities and locations with the opening of La Cala by Mia in Thao Dien (HCMC), an outlet resulting from a valuable partnership with the Mia group.
Our Vision
To be the best southern Italian food experience in Vietnam
La Cala aims to consolidate and extend our reputation for offering the best southern Italian food experience in Vietnam.
We aim to grow while adhering to our guiding principles of Authenticity, Sustainability, Natural and Quality, the cornerstones of our philosophy.
La Cala’s vision and beliefs will be cultivated by the individuals involved, the most valuable asset of our project. La Cala’s success will be our people’s.
Come and taste the authentic pizza, pasta, bread and many more surprising home-made dishes that La Cala prepare daily for you. With cozy decor, Italian touch point, La Cala makes you feel very welcoming.