Great little Italian place in the heart of Little Italy. Service was so attentive which was nice. We arrived as they opened at 4 pm. Portions were very generous and the Meatballs (2) Appetizer was delicious. However, while our main course was good, I expected better especially based on all the reviews I read. I was underwhelmed, honestly. We had the pesto pasta and the pasta with meat sauce and we've had better. Maybe it was an off day. [Edit per Restaurant response/request: the pasta in our dishes was not drained enough, both watery - which affected the sauce taste too, it tasted off; somebody was in a hurry in the kitchen that evening! otherwise, it would have been very good] Anyway, if we go back we'll try something else. The place is quaint and has ambiance, lots of elbow room too. We would try it again and would recommend it anyway.
I had the best dining experience I’ve ever had here! We were promptly greeted with not only waters, but fresh PASTA and bread! The staff noticed we were dressed up and asked if there was an occasion. We were out for my birthday, and multiple employees wished me a happy birthday. Our waitress was able to give fantastic, informed dinner recommendations, and she was able to help us pick out some tasty cocktails. Our food came and we all agreed it was the best pasta we had ever had! At the end of dinner, our waitress brought over birthday tiramisu and a fruit plate. It was so kind and absolutely delicious! We also tried the banana foster tiramisu, cannoli, and chocolate cake. Again, fantastic! I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday. The staff took great care of us and made sure to make me feel special. We will be back soon!
The service, the food, the ambiance were all amazing. The staff was hustling around and completely on top of things, the man I assume was the owner was so sweet and was checking on us as much as our server who was also wonderful. We each got a different dish and were so pleased with them (ravioli di summer with Fellini and then the pesto Omar). I would give this more stars if I could. Can’t wait to go back!
We are Foodies from NWA out of Bentonville Arkansas. La Dolce Vita really gave us an authentic taste of the sweet life of Italian cuisine. From a warm friendly welcome to great conversation with the staff. We have tried a little from every spot in little Italy but La Dolce Vita gave us the truest feel of Italy! The ingredients were fresh. Ava our waitress was wonderful and the owner was active and attentive to his customers. After getting a taste of the rest of little Italy we couldn't resist coming back for more!
Hands down the best restaurant in Little Italy. My favorite part is when the Chef comes out and randomly slaps some food down onto your plate for you to try that you didn't even know was something that could happen, so you and your date both say "This is great!" and eat it up while dipping the bread into the leftover sauce as the muscles come out and you realize that you love this restaurant more than you thought you ever did before.
I recommend the Short Rib Special. Beautifully done!
Nice place and the food is great. Very warm the people working there, you have the real feeling of been served not as a guest but as a friend. The night we were there was an Opera event with singers… not common to see around! Veeeery good
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Not a local’s opinion. Very happy we made reservations, La Dolce Vita is obviously loved by many. The staff was mostly attentive, but obviously very busy. For appetizers we ordered the Hungarian Hots and Vine Ripe Caprese. The Caprese was disappointing, and the tomatoes were not ripe and little flavor. The Hungarian Hots was the star of the show, I believe we all wanted to lick the plate. My son had the Pesto Omar, and it was very safe decision but absolutely delicious. My husband had the chicken Parmesan his “go-to” and overall the dish was tasty but the pasta was cooked about one minute short of Al dente sadly. I enjoyed Seafood Di Mare and it was very delicious. The portions are enough to serve two. The overall decor was like walking int a garage sale or someone’s random personal collections of knickknacks. A person whom I believe to be an owner was walking through the restaurant and greeting local regulars with a large bowl of pasta that he dished out of to his many favorites throughout the evening, sweet but a bit unsanitary.
Overall delish and we can’t wait to try all the restaurants in Little Italy and provide our opinion on the the best!
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Tonight's trip to little Italy was outstanding!! We chose LA Dolce Vita, and if I could say we were impressed, that would be an understatement.
Our server was Oliver, he knew the menu extensively and gave fantastic recommendations. He was extremely polite yet felt like a long-time friend at the same time. He took the time to explain some menu choices, and boy, was he right! It was a busy night, and he was spot on, definitely a great asset to the restaurant.
We decided on the molto meatballs for an appetizer, super flavorful. The veal really shines though and was seasoned perfectly!
Our server reccomend the fettuccine Fellini with pancetta for my fiance, and I chose the Abruzze.
WOW!!!!
My fiance absolutely loved her dish, The fettuccine was so tender, perfectly cooked, and the flavor of the pasta was delicious. The perfect balance of creamy tomatoe sauce and the pancetta really brought through the savory salty notes.
My Abruzze was a thief, lol. I would say it stole the show. The veal and ground beef were definitely quality and the absolute perfect ratio. The blend of herbs and seasonings couldn't be better. Normally, i would add salt and pepper to any dish, I would smack myself if I even thought of adding anything. (Ok... so maybe some red pepper flakes, but I love anything and everything spicy)
Dessert is normally not something we go for, but the tiramisu was some, if not the absolute best I have ever had.
The owner, Terry, stopped by and introduced himself and offered us a sample of the Cacio e pepe. It was delicious, and I would highly recommend it for any creamy Alfredo type sauce lovers.
Terry is a great guy, loves his customers, and makes sure the Italian family ways are shared with everyone. We are from the Youngstown area, we found out he was old friends with my fiancé's poppa and spoke great things about him. The good guys always stick together, and the bad guys...well their just on their own. I love that motto, sir.
Lastly, maybe should be firstly, hats off to the chefs and kitchen staff. You guys knocked it out of the park, and we owe you a round from the bar next time we're in.
We look forward to another visit very soon, and we will be bringing some friends and family as well. This place is way too good not to share.
For all those who wonder. Stop in and give "the sweet life" a try. You won't be disappointed!
Celebrating our 29th wedding anniversary at La Dolce Vita in Cleveland's renowned Little Italy was an experience straight from an Italian dream. The flavors erupting from their homemade dishes were nothing short of spectacular, exhibiting a perfect balance that tantalized our palates with every bite. A standout was the impeccable wait staff who went above and beyond, ensuring we felt not only special but genuinely cared for throughout our meal. The lattes, velvety and robust, and the spot-on espresso only elevated our already delightful evening. The owner, embodying classic Italian hospitality, graced our table multiple times, sharing various pasta favorites and enveloping us in warm conversation that made us feel like esteemed family members. La Dolce Vita doesn't just serve food; it curates moments - with fabulous laughter, exquisite wine, and amazing cocktails being the cherry on top. Anxiously awaiting our next visit to this splendid culinary gem.
Normally, La Dolce Vita is perfection. Easily one of my favorite places in Little Italy. On this particular night, the restaurant was packed, service was slow (but friendly!) And the food was mediocre. It also was blazing hot and uncomfortable. I ordered my meal with grilled chicken that was rubbery, and overdone and did not taste good. It was taken off the bill. Our waitress was over worked. I felt bad for her running around everywhere and feel that it wasn't her fault but the kitchen being backed up. I will be back, but on busy Friday nights, maybe to accommodate their reserved patrons, not accept so many reservations or walk ins.
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