If you’ve ever wandered through the sun-soaked streets of Positano, inhaled the aroma of fresh basil in a Roman piazza, or watched the sea sparkle from a Tuscan terrace, you know the magic of summer in Italy. Now imagine capturing all that on a single plate—no flight required.
Cala Vista, nestled inside the stunning Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, is bringing that dream to life with their limited-time Italian summer specials. This season, they invite guests to experience the warmth, romance, and rich flavors of the Mediterranean through carefully curated dishes that are both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.
An Italian Summer, Dubai Style
Set against the backdrop of the Arabian Gulf with a terrace reminiscent of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Cala Vista exudes a laid-back, sun-drenched charm that perfectly complements its summer menu. The restaurant is already celebrated for its coastal Italian cuisine, but this summer, it goes a step further by offering exclusive dishes that pay homage to the country’s seasonal bounty.
Think of it as a vacation for your taste buds—freshly made pasta, sun-ripened tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, seafood kissed by lemon, and desserts that melt slowly into sweet memories.
Five-Course Summer Journey
At the heart of Cala Vista’s offering is their Summer Tasting Menu—a five-course journey designed to transport diners to different regions of Italy. From Ligurian pesto to Neapolitan seafood stew, each course tells a story.
Start with a Heirloom Tomato and Burrata Salad, elevated by 25-year aged balsamic and a touch of Sicilian sea salt. Follow it with Homemade Ravioli di Ricotta, filled with lemon zest and served in a sage butter sauce. The main course varies from grilled seabass with fennel and olives to a rustic slow-braised lamb with rosemary polenta.
The finale? A delicate Limoncello Tiramisu, a citrusy twist on the classic, bringing brightness and boldness in each bite.
Al Fresco Dining, Italian Style
What’s an Italian summer without al fresco dining? Cala Vista’s sun-dappled terrace is dotted with olive trees, white linens, and soft lantern light, inviting guests to dine as Italians do—outdoors, surrounded by laughter, wine, and good conversation.
Whether you’re indulging in a romantic dinner for two or enjoying a long lunch with friends, the setting is tailor-made for warm evenings, sea breezes, and clinking glasses of Prosecco.
Culinary Craft Meets Italian Soul
The man behind the menu, Chef Luca Crostelli, has poured his heart into this seasonal celebration. With roots in Florence and training in Michelin-starred kitchens, he combines traditional techniques with inventive flair. His mission? To make each dish sing with summer and soul.
“It’s not just about ingredients,” says Chef Luca. “It’s about memory. I want people to taste a dish and feel like they’re in a village in Sicily or on a boat off the coast of Capri.”
Supporting this vision is sommelier Pasquale Sommella, who has paired each dish with Italian wines—some familiar, others rare—that complement the ingredients and elevate the overall experience.
Trending Ingredients and Global Appeal
The menu doesn’t just reflect Italian tradition—it taps into global dining trends that appeal to today’s food-savvy diners:
Ancient Grains and Wellness
Pasta made from farro and spelt, two ancient Italian grains, offer nutty complexity and a healthier profile. These grains are easier to digest and packed with fiber, protein, and flavor—perfect for mindful eaters.
Fermentation Revival
From pickled vegetables to sourdough focaccia, fermented elements play a supporting role in several dishes. This nod to gut health and slow food adds both depth of flavor and nutritional benefit.
Sustainability Matters
Local sourcing, seasonal ingredients, and low-waste practices align with growing eco-conscious dining preferences. Cala Vista’s team works closely with regional farmers and fishmongers to minimize environmental impact while maximizing freshness.
More Than a Meal: Cala Vista Experiences
In addition to the tasting menu, Cala Vista is offering several themed experiences that add another layer of excitement:
Vista Brunch
Held every Sunday, this communal-style brunch offers a vibrant mix of antipasti, mains, and desserts served on shared platters, with live music and plenty of Italian flair. It’s perfect for group gatherings and lazy, indulgent afternoons.
Pranzetto Al Fresco
For business lunches or quick midday escapes, the weekday summer lunch menu features light, seasonal dishes like grilled vegetables, pasta salads, and citrusy grilled chicken—served efficiently without compromising quality.
Viaggio di Vino
This wine-pairing journey allows guests to explore lesser-known Italian vintages with guided tasting notes, enhancing the dining experience and offering an educational twist for wine lovers.
A Feast for the Senses
The atmosphere, too, is meticulously designed to amplify the summer theme. The music playlist includes soft Italian classics and coastal jazz. The décor leans into Mediterranean minimalism—terracotta tones, blue glassware, fresh herbs in clay pots, and soft, candlelit elegance after sundown.
Even the scent—enhanced subtly with citrus and rosemary oils—evokes the unmistakable fragrance of an Italian garden at twilight.
Why It Resonates
So why are diners flocking to Cala Vista this season? It’s not just the food—it’s the experience.
In an era where people crave authenticity, connection, and escapism, Cala Vista delivers. It allows guests to slow down, savor, and immerse themselves in something deeply sensory and delightfully different.
It’s no surprise the restaurant is trending among locals and tourists alike. Influencers have already begun showcasing their visits across social media, while foodie forums are abuzz with rave reviews.
Plan Your Visit
The Italian Summer Specials are available until the end of August, with both à la carte and prix fixe options available. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend evenings and brunches.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for something extraordinary to do on a warm summer night, Cala Vista promises an experience that lingers long after the final bite.
Cala Vista’s summer dining specials aren’t just meals—they’re memory-makers. They whisper of lazy Italian afternoons, laughter echoing across vineyards, and the joy of sharing exquisite food with the ones you love.
If you can’t make it to Italy this year, don’t worry. Italy, it seems, has come to you.
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