ABOUT

A Modern Tale of Female Entrepreneurship

In post-war Italy, in the humble South, a young and courageous woman named Giovanna—fondly known as Nina—opened her first corner shop in a village of fewer than 1,000 residents. Driven by love and passion, Nina quickly turned her shop into the heart of the community, a place where she proudly raised four children and nine grandchildren while creating a legacy rooted in hard work and genuine connection.

Inspired by her grandmother’s story, Monica, Nina’s eldest granddaughter, founded La Nina Caffè & Mercato in London. Carrying forward the same values of quality, warmth, and unparalleled customer service, Monica has transformed a former coffee shop and restaurant in Isle of Dogs into a haven of Italian hospitality.

For us, our mission is clear: to celebrate Italian culture and community through cooking classes, wine tastings, and intimate events. We strive to recreate the warm and welcoming atmosphere that is quintessentially Italian—a magical experience where everyone feels truly special. 

*In this pic la Nina with her gran-daughter Monica, when she was one year old.

The founder of the project is the eldest niece, Monica Olivieri, who learned to sell, communicate, create relationships, in that magical place of Nina's shop, and she now is eager to recreate that atmosphere at the moment online through her exquisite e-commerce, and soon in her first store on Isle of Dogs. 

Monica is a food marketing expert and food event  organizer, with a background in corporate restaurants and fine dining.

Together  with Monica, her life partner, whose background is also fine dining, are managing this unique project that is very much a family affair.