KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 -- Approaching its 30th birthday next year, La Risata is much-loved by many for its hearty Italian fare.

In a world of uncertainty for the F&B industry with rising costs and fickle diners who prefer fads, the restaurant has remained steadfast with its values, as driven by owners Lissa Yeoh and Yuen Sze.

Their story starts in November 1996, at a time when the Italian restaurant scene here was very much in its infancy.

You had Ciao Ristorante near the Royal Selangor Golf Club and L'Osteria in Ampang Point, while Ristorante Bologna in Istana Hotel and Scalini's along Jalan Sultan Ismail focused on the fine dining scene.

Till today, Ciao Ristorante is still in business, albeit in a different location but in the same ...