Review Dolce Vita Ristorante - Boston

Visiting Dolce Vita feels like a journey to the heart of Italian dining, thanks to the owner, Franco. He charmingly insists, "You don't need a menu," and instead recommends a dish based on your current mood. This personal touch transforms each visit into a unique culinary adventure. The ambiance is just as delightful, adaptable for romantic evenings, family meals, or casual dining. What truly makes Dolce Vita stand out is the inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of a cozy corner in Italy. Franco and his team's warm hospitality ensure that every visit is not just a meal, but a memorable experience.

We have been to this restaurant a few times. It is a special occasion restaurant for us since prices are a bit high (entrees $25 to 40). The owner is almost always there. He regularly goes out to greet people browsing the menu outside and convinces them to come in. Once you are at your table, he will ask you what you feel like having and make suggestions. Beware his suggestions often appear on the bill as a "custom" dish and so price may reflect that. He embraces an old world charm of acclimating the customers, making his rounds to check in on you, suggest wine and dessert. We have found the food consistently great. The experience has been great as well. The service has always been attentive. Make sure to go early. We go between 3pm to 4pm. Most recently we went on a Thursday at 4. By the time we were done at about 6:30 it was bustling with activity. The bar was full, tables mostly filled. The wine list is more than enough to get you started (our bottle was $150). The dessert menu is pretty great with the essentials. I had the cream puffs and loved them. The pasta, seafood, meat, sauce are always delicious. We ordered the grilled octopus for an appetizer. It was so delicious and tender. Would definitely order again. There is a single bathroom near the bar and it is meh. Not terrible but definitely not awesome. Consider both the busyness of the restaurant (aka having to wait) and your comfort with cleanliness. It is hard to believe this is a gem on Hanover because it is so early on the block you may feel like there is a lot more to consider --and there is!-- But, it is worth a try and then you can walk off some of the dinner by walking around the neighborhood to see the other restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, bars, souvenir shops. It is an amazing neighborhood. (Word to the wise- many places only take cash, yes I know...) This restaurant does accept credit cards so no worries there. Our bill was over $400, which I don't expect is all that unusual. Pictures attached.

Visiting Boston's North side will get you into the Italian section of town which is filled with Italian restaurants and bars! We chose Dolce Vita Ristorante for it's cool atmosphere but little did we know everything else would be so great! The food was the best with plenty of original choices from spaghetti and meatballs to lobster you name it! There were Italian singers that went from table to table singing your favorites! The best part was the service the waiters were completely taking care of you! Drinks, food, atmosphere and service what's not to like! My family loved it!

First time visiting but will not be our last. Stopped in here super last minute because the restaurant we had reservations for had a lack luster menu and we were craving authentic Italian cuisine. We were seated promptly despite how busy it was. It was a bit warm in the restaurant but honestly as soon as we were served (which was QUICK) we did not mind. There was also a violinist performing for each table which added to the charm. Extensive wine list and menu did NOT disappoint. I ordered the eggplant lasagna and WOW! The sauce was a perfect balance of salty and sweet, cheese was unbelievable, fresh basil. Our server was incredible. The owner was bussing and setting tables. If you want a legit Sicilian Italian experience try this place! Amazing!

Civilians family restaurant full of photos of stories and history of the place. In Wednesday night owner was in restaurant and give his attention to every guest. The food was so delicious that i forgot to take a picture. Grilled Octopus was soft and yummy😋 If you looking for great Italian food i recommend it. Big choice of pasta and sea food.

Stopped here for a early afternoon drink they owner greets you and his very friendly and welcoming. Although we did not end up eating here as we had already eaten I would recommend you make a reservation and dine in as this has a great atmosphere with a large open front to the restaurant. Staff are welcoming and friendly.

Amazing Italian restaurant in downtown Boston. Veal Saltimbocca was delicious, appetizers were phenomenal and the staff was amazing. Highly recommended you try this place out.

In from Galveston TX. Owner very nice but servers seemed unhappy. Food was very good. Overall good but improvements are needed.

Incredible! I am gluten-free, and the owner himself came to our table, told us we did not need a menu, said, “I make you something great!” He preceded to invent a dish on the spot, and it was phenomenal! My husband thoroughly enjoyed his meal. It was a night we will always remember!💗

Ended up just dropping in, was the best find for us. They offered to make anything we would like and made wonderful suggestions to help us. The eggplant lasagna was a delight, we also enjoyed a pasta Primavera and several other dishes continued to amaze us in the quality of the food and service. We go back in a heart beat. Thank you also to the owner, who checked to make sure we had a wonderful visit.

Amazing food. It's probably the best fettuccine i have ever had. This desert should be illegal it was so good. Great atmosphere. The owner greats everyone with a smile. The perfect end to our vacation!

Pasta was great, food was good. My bestfriend ordered Egg plant Lasagna and she could’ve sworn it was just egg no egg plant. Our appetizers were great and server was amazing I just wish we had gotten his name. The owner had stopped at our table which we thought was great. Definitely a place that we will return to.

Fantastic food! Real, genuine food in the north end not like the hustle and bustle of the busy tourist trap restaurants this is a great place, I can’t emphasize that enough! The man who greeted at the door, who I assume is the owner, made us want to come in with his friendly demeanor and big smile and I’m so happy I did! Honestly, the best food in the north end maybe even in all of Boston!