I've been to this establishment twice now and just cannot justify the cost of it given the quality of my experiences. The vibe inside the restaurant is cozy and elegant. Lots of mirrors and close together seating. It can get a bit stuffy at times, but lovely, esthetically. My servers on both occasions were well-informed and kind, but I think they're understaffed, so patience was required. The meals I had were good, but nothing spectacular. I went for Sunday brunch my first time and had a Chicken parm sandwich with fries the second. I can't remember much about my first trip except that I had the impression it was overpriced and not kid friendly. I went again recently and a similar experience. The kids meals are 12 bucks and do not come with a drink. For pretty basic chicken strips and fries. ? The kids cheese pizza was better, as to be expected, but nowhere near worth that cost. My Chicken parm was mid at best. I had a glass of rosé and a gin smash. At least I expect that to be overpriced. My group of five had a group of three join us, so I was charged the automatic 22% tip for a large group. I understand this practice, I do. I've bartended for and served many large parties and given excellent service only to get nearly stiffed for all my effort. And our server the second time around was mostly wonderful and deserved it. But I would have tipped more if they hadn't forced it. It's a gamble you take with automatic gratuities. My lunch + two kids meals + their drinks + mine + tip = OVER A HUNDRED DOLLARS. This is insanity. I feel like we're just being taken for a ride anymore with some of these outrageous prices. It angers and depresses me. I love restaurants and the dining out experience. I love to taste different chef's takes on traditional dishes and try out new ones! I love meeting my friends on the patio at a lovely establishment for a cocktail or a coffee, and I'm happy to pay good money for those sunny outings, but not when the prices feel mostly unjustified. I'm not saying don't go, because it ain't all bad, but I wouldn't bring the kids, maybe stick to water, and make it a 'special occasion' spot. The kind you save up for. ?
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Patrise Taylor-Harris
Always great food, and a wonderful atmosphere.
Heidi Brandt
Delicious wine, pasta and dessert!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Ravioli
Cindy Mcwhirter
I brought my Culinary Essentials class from English Valleys to Cafe Dodici for a tour of the restaurant and lunch. Lorraine greeted us outside, then gave the students a brief history of the amazing art and embellishments in the dining room. She then took us to the kitchen area, where Chef Tim showed the students chopping skills and methods, as well as explained the operations of the kitchen as a whole. My students were mesmerized as Tim patiently and graciously explained the inner workings of the kitchen. We then had a beautiful and absolutely delicious lunch. My students had never had goat cheese before and were a bit skittish about trying it. They all did, though, and they fell in love! Our server was superb. Our glasses were consistently filled, and our empty dishes were immediately removed from the table. He kept bread coming for the hungry teenagers, all while presenting a very pleasant disposition. He then boxed our leftovers and promptly returned them to their owners. Lorraine then explained ProStart to the students, inviting them back for an event Nov. 12. My students said this was their "best field trip ever." Thank you Lorraine and staff for welcoming us with open arms. These kids experienced something that is worthy of a Michelin rated restaurant in New York City. Bravo!
I went there with a couple of my classmates and this place was AMAZING. The food looks so good and tastes amazing and the people that work here are really nice too. It's also very welcoming, the servers are so kind and kind of made it feel like home. And the decor and vibe is so cosy and very cool. I definitely recommend eating here it's an amazing place with some awesome people.
I Did not enjoy being ignored and looked down on. It was my birthday, the waitress made it a point to throw my cake on the table and walk to the next table next to us with cake and sing happy birthday to well known patrons. Unfortunately you are judged from the moment you walk in and won’t get service like other individuals.
When we finally left the owner approached us outside, we explained everything and told her my husband left she actually said “tisk tisk that’s bad on him for leaving his wife on her birthday”.
My husband had to leave to pick our children up because it had been 2 1/2 hours at the point to get an appetizer and food which typically would be ok but the fact the we couldn’t get our waters or wine refilled was a little frustrating.
I’m sorry and I’m not one to complain and make a point to call people out but the owner really irritated us with that comment. I felt truly unappreciated and looked down on.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1
Bryce P
(In advance we came to this establishment to enjoy a family members birthday and have a good dinner together.) Service was terrible, we had to get the waitresses attention when she was walking by to get refills on our drinks that have been empty for 20+ minutes, waitress then responded with “we are super busy” (there was 3 waitresses serving and about 7 tables seated, granted could be a few outside) then continues to roll her eyes when she walks away. One of our people in the group left early due to the 2 hours of waiting and the lack of service. Once the owner walked up to us and this was mentioned she respond with “well that’s on your husband for leaving you here on your birthday.” If you don’t spend hundreds of dollars on wine, you won’t be respected. I wouldn’t expect a good time at this establishment. The owner is stuck up and arrogant!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
polly morris
We so appreciate the food and vibe of the Dodici Family. Thank you for all the great experiences in your cozy restaurant and coffee shop and looking forward to many more!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Matt J
Delicious lunch special. Their menu items looked very good as well. Eclectic design but feels like a neighborhood hang out.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Gene Crossett
Small town treasures. Almost every small town has them. My hometown, Washington, Iowa, has them. There are two which I extol–the State Theater and Cafe Dodici. As a kid, the State was my cool summer refuge where I viewed many of the classics. In my much older age, Dodici is my dining venue of excellence. Over the last fifteen years I have often frequented the cafe, whether when “home” visiting family or now in retirement and traveling the hour and a half one way to have my favorite eggplant parmesan. In those years I have continually received not only wonderful food but also kind and generous service, all making for an immensely satisfying dining experience. When possible, I bring friends to join the moment–they are ready for the next trip. Those who ask about Dodici say “when can we go?” With a wide variety of foods on the menu, they want to return to try more. Even a dear friend is please with her vegan meals. Dodici’s eggplant parm is my “gold standard,” one by which I compare all others. And so I return again and again to one of Washington’s treasures. I am replenished, satisfied, and rewarded, dining with friends and enjoying great food.
Parking: Parking is immensely convenient, with town square across the street (enjoy the fountain).
Wonderful food and service
Great food, lovely ambiance. Cafe Dodici is a special destination to look forward to.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tiramisu, Ravioli, Dodici Salad
I've been to this establishment twice now and just cannot justify the cost of it given the quality of my experiences. The vibe inside the restaurant is cozy and elegant. Lots of mirrors and close together seating. It can get a bit stuffy at times, but lovely, esthetically. My servers on both occasions were well-informed and kind, but I think they're understaffed, so patience was required. The meals I had were good, but nothing spectacular. I went for Sunday brunch my first time and had a Chicken parm sandwich with fries the second. I can't remember much about my first trip except that I had the impression it was overpriced and not kid friendly. I went again recently and a similar experience. The kids meals are 12 bucks and do not come with a drink. For pretty basic chicken strips and fries. ? The kids cheese pizza was better, as to be expected, but nowhere near worth that cost. My Chicken parm was mid at best. I had a glass of rosé and a gin smash. At least I expect that to be overpriced. My group of five had a group of three join us, so I was charged the automatic 22% tip for a large group. I understand this practice, I do. I've bartended for and served many large parties and given excellent service only to get nearly stiffed for all my effort. And our server the second time around was mostly wonderful and deserved it. But I would have tipped more if they hadn't forced it. It's a gamble you take with automatic gratuities. My lunch + two kids meals + their drinks + mine + tip = OVER A HUNDRED DOLLARS. This is insanity. I feel like we're just being taken for a ride anymore with some of these outrageous prices. It angers and depresses me. I love restaurants and the dining out experience. I love to taste different chef's takes on traditional dishes and try out new ones! I love meeting my friends on the patio at a lovely establishment for a cocktail or a coffee, and I'm happy to pay good money for those sunny outings, but not when the prices feel mostly unjustified. I'm not saying don't go, because it ain't all bad, but I wouldn't bring the kids, maybe stick to water, and make it a 'special occasion' spot. The kind you save up for. ?
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Always great food, and a wonderful atmosphere.
Delicious wine, pasta and dessert!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Ravioli
I brought my Culinary Essentials class from English Valleys to Cafe Dodici for a tour of the restaurant and lunch. Lorraine greeted us outside, then gave the students a brief history of the amazing art and embellishments in the dining room. She then took us to the kitchen area, where Chef Tim showed the students chopping skills and methods, as well as explained the operations of the kitchen as a whole. My students were mesmerized as Tim patiently and graciously explained the inner workings of the kitchen.
We then had a beautiful and absolutely delicious lunch. My students had never had goat cheese before and were a bit skittish about trying it. They all did, though, and they fell in love!
Our server was superb. Our glasses were consistently filled, and our empty dishes were immediately removed from the table. He kept bread coming for the hungry teenagers, all while presenting a very pleasant disposition. He then boxed our leftovers and promptly returned them to their owners.
Lorraine then explained ProStart to the students, inviting them back for an event Nov. 12.
My students said this was their "best field trip ever."
Thank you Lorraine and staff for welcoming us with open arms. These kids experienced something that is worthy of a Michelin rated restaurant in New York City.
Bravo!
Recommended dishes: Tomato Soup, Goat Cheese Torta, Tuna Melt, Ravioli
I went there with a couple of my classmates and this place was AMAZING. The food looks so good and tastes amazing and the people that work here are really nice too. It's also very welcoming, the servers are so kind and kind of made it feel like home. And the decor and vibe is so cosy and very cool. I definitely recommend eating here it's an amazing place with some awesome people.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cheesecake, Goat Cheese Torta, Meat Lover's Fettuccine, Tuna Melt, Ravioli
It was so amazing. I would come here everyday!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Ravioli
We like eating here because of the delightful atmosphere and good food. Ariana was a delight.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Higher class restaurant but tremendous feel, service, food and above all, experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
I Did not enjoy being ignored and looked down on. It was my birthday, the waitress made it a point to throw my cake on the table and walk to the next table next to us with cake and sing happy birthday to well known patrons. Unfortunately you are judged from the moment you walk in and won’t get service like other individuals.
When we finally left the owner approached us outside, we explained everything and told her my husband left she actually said “tisk tisk that’s bad on him for leaving his wife on her birthday”.
My husband had to leave to pick our children up because it had been 2 1/2 hours at the point to get an appetizer and food which typically would be ok but the fact the we couldn’t get our waters or wine refilled was a little frustrating.
I’m sorry and I’m not one to complain and make a point to call people out but the owner really irritated us with that comment. I felt truly unappreciated and looked down on.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1
(In advance we came to this establishment to enjoy a family members birthday and have a good dinner together.)
Service was terrible, we had to get the waitresses attention when she was walking by to get refills on our drinks that have been empty for 20+ minutes, waitress then responded with “we are super busy” (there was 3 waitresses serving and about 7 tables seated, granted could be a few outside) then continues to roll her eyes when she walks away. One of our people in the group left early due to the 2 hours of waiting and the lack of service. Once the owner walked up to us and this was mentioned she respond with “well that’s on your husband for leaving you here on your birthday.” If you don’t spend hundreds of dollars on wine, you won’t be respected. I wouldn’t expect a good time at this establishment.
The owner is stuck up and arrogant!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
We so appreciate the food and vibe of the Dodici Family. Thank you for all the great experiences in your cozy restaurant and coffee shop and looking forward to many more!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delicious lunch special. Their menu items looked very good as well. Eclectic design but feels like a neighborhood hang out.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Small town treasures. Almost every small town has them. My hometown, Washington, Iowa, has them. There are two which I extol–the State Theater and Cafe Dodici. As a kid, the State was my cool summer refuge where I viewed many of the classics. In my much older age, Dodici is my dining venue of excellence. Over the last fifteen years I have often frequented the cafe, whether when “home” visiting family or now in retirement and traveling the hour and a half one way to have my favorite eggplant parmesan. In those years I have continually received not only wonderful food but also kind and generous service, all making for an immensely satisfying dining experience. When possible, I bring friends to join the moment–they are ready for the next trip. Those who ask about Dodici say “when can we go?” With a wide variety of foods on the menu, they want to return to try more. Even a dear friend is please with her vegan meals.
Dodici’s eggplant parm is my “gold standard,” one by which I compare all others. And so I return again and again to one of Washington’s treasures. I am replenished, satisfied, and rewarded, dining with friends and enjoying great food.
Parking: Parking is immensely convenient, with town square across the street (enjoy the fountain).
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tomato Soup, Eggplant Parmesan, Dodici Burger
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