This month, we chatted with Nouf Busubaia, Founder and Co-Owner of LaRocca Ristorante (among other roles), for a heartwarming insight into the worlds of hospitality and entrepreneurship.
OHLALA – You have a background in finance. What made you move into the restaurant world?
Nouf Busubaia – I started my career in the banking sector with Citibank, then moved to Mumtalakat. I loved the dynamics of taking a simple concept and transforming it into a real project – conducting feasibility studies, analysing markets and watching developments rise from the ground up. Later, I joined Bahrain Bayan School as Head of Finance and Projects under the leadership of Sh Dr May bint Sulaiman Al Otaibi, who believed in my potential. After completing my MBA at DePaul University, I realised my heart was pulling me toward creativity, design and experiences that bring people together. Life often moves at a stressful pace, and I wanted to create a hub where people could slow down and celebrate la bella vita – the beautiful life – through food, ambience and company. A trip to Italy cemented my vision: I could bring that same sense of beauty and connection to Bahrain. LaRocca was born from that dream – blending the financial discipline I had built over the years with my passion for hospitality, culture and storytelling.
OHLALA – LaRocca has a charming ambience and is located in a family-oriented neighbourhood. Can you tell us more about it and what your purpose and differential are?
Nouf – When we dreamt of LaRocca, location was essential. We wanted it to feel like a little hidden gem – far from the busy, crowded areas – much like walking through the narrow streets of Italy, turning a corner, and discovering a boutique family-run restaurant. We worked closely with our architect, GSA Architecture, to bring this dream to life. The interiors were kept simple and natural, featuring soft, earthy tones that created a cosy yet elegant setting. We insisted on details like white linen table service – a hallmark of Italian hospitality – paired with elevated silver service to bring refinement into a neighbourhood setting. It was unconventional at first, offering upscale dining in a family-oriented area, but as guests visited and experienced the concept, the dream began to make sense. LaRocca offers the sights, sounds and aromas of Italy while celebrating life’s simple pleasures. Our goal has always been to create an experience where guests can savour la bella vita.
OHLALA – Food and feelings are always interconnected. What is the biggest joy of creating and owning an eatery?
Nouf – The biggest joy comes when we see guests truly immersed in the experience – laughing over a shared platter, celebrating milestones or simply relaxing after a long day. Food has an incredible power to bring people together, turning ordinary evenings into lasting memories. At LaRocca, we feel especially proud when guests choose us to celebrate life’s most special moments. We’ve even created a tradition of giving them a handwritten postcard as a keepsake – something personal to remember the occasion by. We also take festive seasons seriously because they reflect our vision of la bella vita. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, Ramadan, Eid, Christmas or New Year’s Eve, we love creating themed dinners and atmospheres that make guests feel like every visit is a celebration worth remembering.
OHLALA – People often say that owning a restaurant is extremely difficult but rewarding. What have you learned so far in these two years since the opening of LaRocca?
Nouf – I’ve learned that the restaurant industry demands both passion and resilience. It’s not just about offering great food and exceptional service – it’s about consistency, attention to detail and building a team that truly shares your vision. These past two years have taught me to adapt quickly, listen to our guests and continue innovating while staying true to our identity. It hasn’t been easy. Like raising a child, it requires time, dedication and patience. You can’t expect everything to happen at once – building a loyal team, gaining guests’ trust and creating a clear strategic plan all take time and persistence. But with each challenge came growth. After our first year, we opened LaRocca Pizzeria to showcase authentic wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas. In our second year, we introduced Il Salone, our classical mocktail lounge that transports guests to an elegant, vintage Italian dream. For me, passion means continually building, evolving and adding new layers to the dream. The journey never really stops; it keeps growing with you.
OHLALA – You also work in the beauty field as CEO of Dr Ahmed Asfoor Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Clinic. How do you balance both careers? Is there any common ground in both positions?
Nouf – At first, balancing both careers seemed daunting, but I realised both fields share a common thread: creating experiences that improve people’s lives. At the clinic, it’s not only about beauty – it’s about confidence and well-being. Some patients come post-cancer, others need treatment after burns, some are children struggling with bullying because of how they look and others simply want to pamper themselves for their wedding. It’s about restoring confidence and helping people live a better, fuller life. At LaRocca, it’s about joy, connection and celebrating life’s moments. Both roles centre around bringing happiness and meaning to people’s lives in different ways. Time management, delegation and a clear vision are key. Both careers taught me the importance of building strong, passionate teams and leading with genuine care while staying committed to excellence.
OHLALA – Do you believe you are an entrepreneur at your core, no matter which field? What drives you to have a vision for businesses?
Nouf – For me, entrepreneurship is about seeing possibilities where others see limits. It’s about vision, courage and the willingness to create something meaningful. Whether it’s in healthcare or hospitality, I’m driven by the idea of building experiences that make a difference. Places or services that people connect with on an emotional level. Entrepreneurship also means embracing risk, learning through challenges and having the resilience to keep going when things get tough. It’s about turning passion into purpose, surrounding yourself with the right people and continuously evolving to stay true to your vision while adapting to the world around you. For me, every project is a chance to create something lasting, something that people will remember not just for what it was, but for how it made them feel.
OHLALA – Do you have any dos and don’ts when it comes to starting a business? Do you have any tips to share?
Nouf – Start with a clear vision and be prepared to work hard to bring it to life. At times, you’ll find yourself doing many things on your own – and that’s okay. Stay true to your dream because you’re the only one who truly sees it. You’ll face opinions, doubts and even resistance, but you have to listen to your heart and trust your vision. Listen to your customers, they’ll guide you better than anyone. Don’t rush the process; building something lasting takes time. And don’t be afraid of failure – it often teaches you far more than success ever will.
My biggest advice? Build a business around something you genuinely love, because passion is what keeps you going when things get tough. – Nouf Busubaia
Dream big – dreams do come true, and when they do, don’t stop dreaming; live it, cherish it and keep it growing. And most importantly, surround yourself with people who believe in you, your family, your friends and those who encourage you when things get hard.
OHLALA – What do you think about Bahrain’s business scene? What, in your opinion, is necessary to thrive in it?
Nouf – Bahrain boasts a growing and vibrant business scene, particularly for entrepreneurs with fresh ideas. To thrive here, you need adaptability, creativity and a willingness to innovate. Networking and collaboration are also key – businesses succeed when they connect with the community and support one another. Above all, authenticity matters. People here value brands that stay true to their story, deliver consistency and care about their customers. I also believe in the importance of patience and long-term vision. Success doesn’t come overnight. It requires building trust, offering quality and creating experiences that resonate emotionally with people.