Where European elegance meets coastal California ease
CasaDamí is a restaurant and wine bar devoted to the art of hospitality. Inspired by the European philosophy of La Dolce Vita, it blends the warmth of old-world dining with the rhythm of Newport Beach’s coastal life. Each moment, from a midday glass of rosé to a candlelit dinner for two, is designed to feel personal, timeless, and alive.
Our Philosophy
At CasaDamí, hospitality is an extension of care. We believe the most memorable experiences come from intention—the way a table is set, a bottle is opened, or a dish is finished just before it leaves the kitchen. Dining here is not rushed or routine. It is a ritual of connection, conversation, and craft.
The Space
Nestled in Newport Beach’s Peninsula Village, CasaDamí captures the intimacy of a European wine bar with the sophistication of a coastal retreat. Candlelight dances across marble and glass, music hums softly through the evening, and every detail, from the flowers to the playlist, is chosen to make guests feel as though they have stepped into a slower, more beautiful world.
The Founders
CasaDamí was founded by Dave Shah and Camilla Caremoli, partners in both life and vision.
Born and raised in Southern California, Dave built his career at the intersection of technology, branding, and design as the Founder and CEO of Wve Labs, a global digital product studio known for its precision and craftsmanship. His love for hospitality grew from a lifelong fascination with storytelling and the belief that a restaurant, like a brand, can make people feel something.
Camilla, a hospitality professional born in Italy, brings the soul of European culture to every detail of CasaDamí. Her deep understanding of service, style, and the subtleties of human connection shape the restaurant’s warmth and flow. Together, they created CasaDamí as an homage to the way Europeans dine: unhurried, elegant, and full of heart.
The Team
Rodney Gutierrez
Executive Chef
Chef Rodney Gutierrez brings a worldly sensibility and a deeply personal touch to CasaDamí’s kitchen. His culinary roots trace back to New York City, where he honed his craft at acclaimed restaurants including Rosemary’s, Claudette, and Electric Lemon. There, he developed a refined approach that celebrates seasonal ingredients and bold, expressive flavors.
Before joining CasaDamí, Rodney worked as a private chef in the Hamptons, designing bespoke menus for discerning clients and curating intimate dining experiences that connected food with feeling. His philosophy is simple yet powerful: cuisine should bring people together and evoke emotion.
At CasaDamí, Rodney channels his creativity and precision into a menu that reflects both European inspiration and California ease. Each dish tells a story of craft, warmth, and connection — the essence of CasaDamí itself.
Allan Camarena
Wine and Beverage Director
An Orange County native with a world-class résumé, Allan Camarena leads CasaDamí’s wine and beverage program with depth, discipline, and heart. His career spans collaborations with global icons such as Wolfgang Puck and Nusret Gökçe, and he made history as the first sommelier at Pendry West Hollywood, later becoming Beverage Director as the property earned two Michelin stars.
Mentored by industry legends including Ari Rosen and Master Sommelier Michael Jordan, Allan believes great wine should always feel joyful, never pretentious. Influenced by his boxing family roots and cousin, Olympic gold medalist Oscar De La Hoya, he approaches hospitality with focus, curiosity, and warmth. At CasaDamí, every bottle he selects tells a story meant to be shared.
A FINAL NOTE
Every visit to CasaDamí is an invitation to slow down, raise a glass, and savor the beauty of dining well. Here, luxury is not about excess. It is about presence.