Good food, though the specials are pricey. Everything was served hot and nicely prepared. Very crowded, as they try to fit as many tables and customers in the space as they can. Server was attentive and professional. Best to avoid peak hours if you want a less noisy atmosphere, but in total a nice experience.
Connie
What a disappointment. The place....dingy, badly in need of ceiling repairs and a cost of paint. Noise level deafening. Hostess slow and unenthusiastic. Wait staff overwhelmed. Food mediocre at best. We waited over an hour for appetizers which were rapidly followed by mains before we finished the appetizers. Just not a good experience from start to finish.
An amazing place in historic little Italy area. Nothing bad to say about the experience, but it just didn't blow the door off if you understand. Service was top notch and the best part was the desert.
Kelly T.
This was such an awesome place. My pasta was so delicious. I can't wait to bring my dad here when he's in town. I know he'll appreciate the large portions and the bread. The patio was lovely and so was our server!
Mitchell G.
Visited La Dolce Vita with and on the recommendation of a friend from Cleveland area. Wonderful place! Far from looking run-down the somewhat worn appearance works well, evoking an old-world warm and welcoming location. Stamped tin ceiling panels. The food was excellent, well presented, with generous portions and delivered by a very attentive wait staff. There were no long waits between ordering and the appearance of the plates at our table. The owner even stopped by afterwards, making the rounds, asking if everything was satisfactory. If you're in Cleveland for any reason please stop by La Dolce Vita! You will love it!
Connor Lesniak
We came here for a work dinner while shooting a film nearby and it was magnificent. All of us are pretty well-versed foodies and within 10 minutes we were oohing and aahing over the cacio e pepe that they make using farfale. Then the owner showed up with a literal mixing bowl of a fresh garlic and tomato pasta just to treat his patrons, we didn’t expect it and the guilty smile with which he spooned it onto each of our plates “just to try” was half the atmosphere of the restaurant bundled up in an act of hospitality. No kidding, it was 2x better than pasta I’ve had in much finer establishments, or even in the big tourist haunts in New York’s little Italy. Service with Marissa was incredible, and everyone was beyond friendly. What a delight!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Parmesan, Cacio E Pepe, Pesto
Angela Cicero
We really liked our dinner at La Dolce Vita. I like how they give you complementary warm bread and fresh fruit. That really stood out to me, compared to other restaurants in Little Italy. Food came out quickly and was delicious. Will definitely be returning, I recommend!Dietary restrictions: Gluten free options for my friend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fettuccine Fellini
La Dolce Vita never disappoints! The food is amazing (The house specials- short ribs and seafood linguine were to die for. - chef's kiss!!) The staff is top notch ensuring everything is perfect, especially Matt, our server, and it was BUSY!!! The duet that played just added to the whole experience/atmosphere and the sound level was just right. But of course, my favorite part is finding out what Terry, the owner, is sharing from his magic silver bowl! ♥️Perfecto!!!!
PK C
So accomodating! In for a conference wirh many separate checks.Food was excellent! Sangria highly recommended.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Rasta Pasta, Chicken Parmesan, Tiramisu, Gnocchi Dolce Vita with Sauce
Amy George
If you’re going to get dinner in Little Italy, you HAVE to go to La Dolce Vita. From the service (bar side too!) to the food to the owner Terry, this place is so warm and inviting. Couldn’t recommend more!
Great environment, nice reception with a little waiting time. They also provided small plate of special pasta as a starter, nice and small desert for free.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Ehsan Asadi
Delicious food, cozy environment and great service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Parmesan
Stephen Mullis
Amazing place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Trista J.
Our family enjoyed a delicious dinner here! I grew up on homemade Italian food so I'm always picky. We ordered un fried calamari-del with the tomato sauce and zucchini delicious although chewy. We had gotten pizza for the kids that they call flatbread and it was thin not like what I at least think of as flat bread. It was good as I sampled it lol! We ordered a special for the night; short rib and mushroom risotto and it wowed me and my four year old. It was full of taste and texture and the surprise strawberry garish was delicious! I could probably eat that every night for dinner. We also ordered pasta - just spaghetti with red sauce and it was yummy. My husband and I each had a wine from Sicily and it was very smooth and a bit strong. ha! We also got served a delicious bow tie pasta with cracked black pepper thanks to Terry. It was so good and creamy. Terry came up to us before we started to eat but had no idea who he was - just a kind/funny stranger and then he came back with food and again for a quick conversation. Terry has a great personality and runs a beautiful restaurant. He makes you feel happy to be there and gives the restaurant a spectacular atmosphere Filled with liveliness and a welcoming feel. Thank you for having us! We sat outside in the very front with our puppy, Bucatini. We were able to see patio and inside and I think it's just so cute! It reminds me of Italy and I loved that feeling. Our waitress was Ava and she was so friendly and welcoming and great with our kids. When we visit Cleveland again we will be back because I love little Italy and La Dolce Vita!
Friend's favorite restaurant in Cleveland but they were off their game when we visited. Waiter seemed disorganized. Didn't see her for a full 15-20 minutes after seating. Host even asked if waiter stopped by yet. Nearly half full but wait staff were literally running between rooms and kitchen. None of us could figure out why. Maybe that's their thing!?! So many things re service were not up to (what I reasonably expected) par. Food was not up to expectations either. So disappointed. We really wanted to love this place for our friend.
Good food, though the specials are pricey. Everything was served hot and nicely prepared. Very crowded, as they try to fit as many tables and customers in the space as they can. Server was attentive and professional. Best to avoid peak hours if you want a less noisy atmosphere, but in total a nice experience.
What a disappointment. The place....dingy, badly in need of ceiling repairs and a cost of paint. Noise level deafening. Hostess slow and unenthusiastic. Wait staff overwhelmed. Food mediocre at best. We waited over an hour for appetizers which were rapidly followed by mains before we finished the appetizers. Just not a good experience from start to finish.
An amazing place in historic little Italy area. Nothing bad to say about the experience, but it just didn't blow the door off if you understand. Service was top notch and the best part was the desert.
This was such an awesome place. My pasta was so delicious. I can't wait to bring my dad here when he's in town. I know he'll appreciate the large portions and the bread. The patio was lovely and so was our server!
Visited La Dolce Vita with and on the recommendation of a friend from Cleveland area. Wonderful place! Far from looking run-down the somewhat worn appearance works well, evoking an old-world warm and welcoming location. Stamped tin ceiling panels. The food was excellent, well presented, with generous portions and delivered by a very attentive wait staff. There were no long waits between ordering and the appearance of the plates at our table. The owner even stopped by afterwards, making the rounds, asking if everything was satisfactory. If you're in Cleveland for any reason please stop by La Dolce Vita! You will love it!
We came here for a work dinner while shooting a film nearby and it was magnificent. All of us are pretty well-versed foodies and within 10 minutes we were oohing and aahing over the cacio e pepe that they make using farfale. Then the owner showed up with a literal mixing bowl of a fresh garlic and tomato pasta just to treat his patrons, we didn’t expect it and the guilty smile with which he spooned it onto each of our plates “just to try” was half the atmosphere of the restaurant bundled up in an act of hospitality. No kidding, it was 2x better than pasta I’ve had in much finer establishments, or even in the big tourist haunts in New York’s little Italy. Service with Marissa was incredible, and everyone was beyond friendly. What a delight!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Parmesan, Cacio E Pepe, Pesto
We really liked our dinner at La Dolce Vita. I like how they give you complementary warm bread and fresh fruit. That really stood out to me, compared to other restaurants in Little Italy. Food came out quickly and was delicious. Will definitely be returning, I recommend!Dietary restrictions: Gluten free options for my friend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fettuccine Fellini
La Dolce Vita never disappoints! The food is amazing (The house specials- short ribs and seafood linguine were to die for. - chef's kiss!!) The staff is top notch ensuring everything is perfect, especially Matt, our server, and it was BUSY!!! The duet that played just added to the whole experience/atmosphere and the sound level was just right. But of course, my favorite part is finding out what Terry, the owner, is sharing from his magic silver bowl! ♥️Perfecto!!!!
So accomodating! In for a conference wirh many separate checks.Food was excellent! Sangria highly recommended.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Rasta Pasta, Chicken Parmesan, Tiramisu, Gnocchi Dolce Vita with Sauce
If you’re going to get dinner in Little Italy, you HAVE to go to La Dolce Vita. From the service (bar side too!) to the food to the owner Terry, this place is so warm and inviting. Couldn’t recommend more!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seafood Pasta, Cacio E Pepe
Restaurantji Recommends
Great environment, nice reception with a little waiting time. They also provided small plate of special pasta as a starter, nice and small desert for free.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Delicious food, cozy environment and great service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Parmesan
Amazing place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Our family enjoyed a delicious dinner here! I grew up on homemade Italian food so I'm always picky. We ordered un fried calamari-del with the tomato sauce and zucchini delicious although chewy. We had gotten pizza for the kids that they call flatbread and it was thin not like what I at least think of as flat bread. It was good as I sampled it lol! We ordered a special for the night; short rib and mushroom risotto and it wowed me and my four year old. It was full of taste and texture and the surprise strawberry garish was delicious! I could probably eat that every night for dinner. We also ordered pasta - just spaghetti with red sauce and it was yummy. My husband and I each had a wine from Sicily and it was very smooth and a bit strong. ha! We also got served a delicious bow tie pasta with cracked black pepper thanks to Terry. It was so good and creamy. Terry came up to us before we started to eat but had no idea who he was - just a kind/funny stranger and then he came back with food and again for a quick conversation. Terry has a great personality and runs a beautiful restaurant. He makes you feel happy to be there and gives the restaurant a spectacular atmosphere Filled with liveliness and a welcoming feel. Thank you for having us! We sat outside in the very front with our puppy, Bucatini. We were able to see patio and inside and I think it's just so cute! It reminds me of Italy and I loved that feeling. Our waitress was Ava and she was so friendly and welcoming and great with our kids. When we visit Cleveland again we will be back because I love little Italy and La Dolce Vita!
Friend's favorite restaurant in Cleveland but they were off their game when we visited. Waiter seemed disorganized. Didn't see her for a full 15-20 minutes after seating. Host even asked if waiter stopped by yet. Nearly half full but wait staff were literally running between rooms and kitchen. None of us could figure out why. Maybe that's their thing!?! So many things re service were not up to (what I reasonably expected) par. Food was not up to expectations either. So disappointed. We really wanted to love this place for our friend.