Born in Italy and raised in New York City, Nina Clemente
realized the possibilities of transforming local ingredients
into Southern Italian feasts by watching her mother make
traditional, delicious and seasonal cuisine. Throughout
her childhood, food was the anchor for gatherings with
friends and family, and the table was where stories were
shared, and vibrant memories were cultivated. It was those
moments that inspired Nina to make cooking her career.
After graduating from Brown University with a degree
in anthropology, Nina headed to the West Coast to real-
ize her culinary aspirations in Los Angeles. Armed with a
strong foundation from the years she spent practicing her
craft alongside her mother, coupled with stints working
at restaurants during those formative years, Nina began
throwing dinner parties.
By word-of-mouth, Nina developed a successful private
catering business informed by her thoughtful culinary style
marrying Italian-inspired dishes with local ingredients and
produce. She went on to work at the Curious Palate and
then at Osteria Mozza, honing her approach under the
guidance of Nancy Silverton.
Nina’s passion for European culture led her to continue her
education at Maya’s Restaurant in St. Barth’s, followed by
an impactful experience working under the tutelage of En-
rico Crippa at his three Michelin-starred restaurant Piazza
Duomo in Alba, Italy. T
he time there furthered her love affair with the Italian cuisine
and traditions that inspired her career. After a subsequent
stint at The Plaza at The Standard, High Line in New York,
Nina connected with The Smile partners Matt Kliegman,
Carlos Quirarte and her childhood friend Melia Marden to
conceptualize their first West Coast restaurant informed by
those traditions.
At The Smile’s di Alba in Los Angeles, Nina debuts focaccia
with seasonal accompaniments and market-driven plates
that are a reflection of her Italian culinary heritage and The
Smile’s stylish, community-driven restaurant experience.
Dishes are clean, colorful, and vibrant on the palate — food
that nourishes is beautiful to look at and tastes amazing.
Photos Courtesy of Emily Hart Roth
Partners Matt Kliegman, Carlos Quirarte, and Melia Marden
of New York City’s popular The Smile and Smile To Go
bring their stylish, community-driven approach to Los An-
geles with the opening of their first West Coast restaurant,
di Alba. Located in the epicenter of Downtown LA’s Arts