Chef Stefano Criber of Dolce Vita Ristorante & Pizzeria
In our 8th edition of EATALCHAM, we are featuring Chef Stefano Criber of Dolce Vita Ristorante & Pizzeria.
Meet Chef Stefano Criber, the culinary mastermind behind Dolce Vita Ristorante & Pizzeria. With international experience and deep Italian roots, he brings a unique blend of tradition and innovation to every dish. From his Abruzzese heritage to his vision for wine-pairing dinners and Sunday brunches, Chef Stefano is redefining Italian dining in Kuala Lumpur.
Discover how his passion for authentic flavors, fresh ingredients, and unforgettable dining experiences shapes the menu at Dolce Vita—plus, his must-try signature dish!

Executive Chef Stefano Criber
1. Your international experience has surely influenced your approach to cooking. How would you describe your culinary style, and what special elements do you bring to “Dolce Vita”?
Ah, yes! My international experience has certainly shaped my approach to cooking. I believe that the art of Italian cuisine is deeply rooted in tradition, but it also has a way of embracing new influences, and that’s what makes it so dynamic and exciting. My style? It’s all about bringing the essence of Italy to the plate with a touch of innovation.

From Top to Bottom: Mushroom Soup, Prawn & Crab Croquettes, Deep-Fried Seafood, Black Angus Beef Carpaccio, Burrata Cheese, Octopus Ligurian Style
2. Your passion for cooking began with experiences in your family. How did your upbringing in a family environment shape your vision of cooking today?
Growing up in an Italian family, cooking was all about love and tradition. My mother and grandmother taught me the value of fresh ingredients and cooking with passion. These early experiences shaped my approach to cooking focused on authenticity, simplicity, and bringing people together.

Trofie Pasta with Ligurian Pesto
3. How do you incorporate the traditions and ingredients of your region into the dishes you create at “Dolce Vita,” and what makes Abruzzo cuisine special to you?
Abruzzo is a region rich in flavours, with a beautiful balance of mountains and sea, which brings a unique variety of ingredients! What makes Abruzzo cuisine special to me? It’s the simplicity letting high-quality ingredients shine. And above all, it’s the passion because in Abruzzo, food is love, and at Dolce Vita, I bring that love to every dish.


Dolce Vita Ristorante & Pizzeria

From Top to Bottom: Pizza Burrata & Basil Pesto, Pizza Cinque Formaggi, Pizza Beef Salami
4. What fresh and innovative approach do you aim to introduce to the dining experience at Dolce Vita in the future?
At Dolce Vita, I blend tradition with innovation to create a unique dining experience. I plan to introduce “Wine pairing dinners” and “Sunday brunches”, offering a true taste of Italy with fine wines, handmade pasta, and artisanal delights. It’s all about creating unforgettable dining experiences. My goal? To make Dolce Vita not just a meal, but a memorable journey through the flavors of Italy.


Rack of Lamb
5. If you could recommend just one dish from your menu that truly represents your culinary style, which would it be and what makes it so special?
If I had to choose one dish, it would be our Rack of Lamb, perfect for sharing between 2-3 people. Cooked to perfection, it’s tender and crispy outside, flavorful, and paired with sides like roasted brussels sprouts and potatoes, which complement the richness of the lamb beautifully. To elevate the experience, I recommend enjoying it with a bottle of Montepulciano Riserva, a bold Italian wine that enhances every bite. This dish reflects my style rooted in tradition but with a refined, contemporary touch. Vi aspettiamo!

Check out Dolce Vita’s new menu HERE
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Dolce Vita Ristorante & Pizzeria
Address: Unit G-17, Ground Floor Nexus, City, 7, Jalan Kerinchi, Bangsar South, 59200 Kuala Lumpur
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 11am – 10pm
Contact: +6012-256 7309