I had the butternut squash and sweet potato ravioli. It was delicious. My mojito, not so much but I sent it back and got a margarita and it was delicious.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Taylor and Cassamas Family
So we show up at 4:15 on a Friday to a empty restaurant, to be told that the place is FULLY BOOKED and that we could sit at the bar if we like. This is the second time we have run into this when trying to try the restaurant, I understand reservations, but we mostly make dinner decisions on the spur of the moment.
The place looks nice and from what we could smell the food seemed good but there are too many choices in Dover, so rather than be turned away at an empty place, we will just go to the other options
Atmosphere: 2
Service: 2
Jeff Spires
The only true restaurant in Dover that is fine dining.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
TINA Howland-wilkinson (Dusty Herb company llc)
The waitstaff and hostess were amazing! First time here, the space between tables is bit tight. The service was great! Food was good, my husband food was cold. Wine was so good! Is this place I would go out my way to eat? No. But over. All I say it’s ok. The pricing for area is about right. Price for drinks is right. I just wish there was something that’s gave it a wow factor. Parking is going to be busy. So parking could be. Challenge but , it’s Dover.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 5
ANGELA ZIRA
I’ll start by saying I’ll be as fair as possible. Could not wait for my birthday dinner. We made reservation reservations for 7:30 Last night. We were a bit early, because I did not want to be late. We went to the bar and ordered a drink. My drink was excellent. While sipping my drink, I looked around. I had this feeling like I stepped back in time to maybe some retro restaurant from a Mad men episode. Very retro chic I loved it. Beautiful use of a smaller space. I believe that first drink, and the design of the space were the best part of the evening. It took a bit for a waitress, then it took even longer for an appetizer. We were going to share the meatballs with Burrata and marinara while the flavor combination was exceptional. The quality of the meatballs were very lacking.. To start, they were heated in the microwave The Buurrata was an ice cold rubbery blob . We both ordered the fillet and scallop special only to be told they were out of fillets. I could understand if it was only a special, but you have fillet on the menu as in every day dish. How do you run out? We could not eat the meatballs as much as we tried we had to pack them up. We sat there and sat there and looked around trying to get anybody’s attention without being too obvious and obnoxious just to get a drink. Finally, we get another drink. We did not get our meal, which I was very surprised. I ordered Braised short ribs. I did not Order a chunk of chuck roast. So somewhere in that description, you should put “boneless “short ribs for the people that actually know the difference . Bone in and bone out are two very different cuts of meat. . Disappointing as I prefer my braised chuck roast much better. The potatoes are rotten or lump of cold, coagulated, shaved potatoes, and cheese. Last, but not least the so-called sauted green beans Were actually raw. I feel very let down and disappointed. I had pushed my plate away and was waiting and waiting and waiting for the waitress who stood at the bar on her phone while the host who seated us was sitting there drinking wine eating a meal. You can’t pay attention and read your crowd with your face in the phone., I’ll start by saying I was seated at 7:20 did not get My entrée served until 8:50 . This is not the laid-back land of Italy. Even when I went to Italy my food came a lot faster. Later on, I’ll give it one more shot, But as somebody who truly knows how to cook and appreciates food and worked in a restaurant industry, everybody’s raving reviews have to be from people with nothing else to do and no taste buds. This is all happening on a Saturday night when you should be prepared. Hirer more people , retrain the ones you have. Make them check their phones at the door until their breaks.,
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 2
Tim Ashe
La Dolce Vita is simply outstanding in every way. The food is scrumptious. The service is outstanding. The atmosphere is beautiful and inviting. It's the kind of restaurant you want in your city.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Seaglass127
Drove over an hour as restaurant had been highly recommended by friends. Had reservations and arrived on time. Waited well over an hour to even put food order in. Drinks came almost 45 minutes after arrival. Food was excellent but waited almost 2 hours for food to arrive; manager was seen going to tables but never came to ours to explain delay. Very disappointed
Lisa B
We were greeted by a sweet young woman and promptly seated in corner booth as requested. Our server was delightful and friendly. Food was good and enjoyed by all. We had the meatballs and Caesar salad , and special ravioli with squash and pumpkin and shrimp, delicious. Unfortunately the couple with us ordered Marsala but was brought Parmesan veal, they opted to keep it and said it was good. Love the atmosphere of restaurant and menu options.
Green Footprint
I’ve eaten here a few times, and while the decor is nice, the atmosphere can be uncomfortable. I’ve noticed the owner speaking very harshly to staff in front of customers, raising his voice and blaming them for things that seem minor. It really affects the dining experience and makes the place feel tense. I really hope management learns to treat their employees with more respect as they’re the ones keeping this place running.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 3
Eric Shurtleff
My girlfriend and I went here on a Wednesday night for our anniversary. The atmosphere was amazing and the ambient music was perfect. It was also not loud or hard to hear across the table. Our server, Jane, was very personable and extremely kind. She was also very attentive to my allergy. The charcuterie board, duck leg, carbonara, tiramisu, and chocolate hazelnut flute were all absolutely incredible. Everything was very fairly priced and I will definitely be coming back. Highly recommend!!
My wife and I had a pleasant, delicious meal here but got food poisoning from the charcuterie board that we shared. I expressed concerns to La Dolce Vita privately 2 weeks ago and heard nothing back from them.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
Riddhi Borse
Amazing food quality and portions. It’s hard to find a place with kind staff, perfectly cooked pasta and delicious sauces.
Sean “seando”
Great service. Cold environment. The food is just not really right. They try to get inventive with classics usually to to their detriment. I had the pasta with clams and the main profile you get is bitter charred lemon. This is usually my go to dish and I get it because I love clams and I want that briny goodness to shine through. My parents had shrimp Florentine, which was served with the same charred lemon and it was likewise overpowering. Don't know that we would go back.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 5
chimayred
We live in Durham, we’re foodies, we love to cook and we love to eat out. We lived in Portland, Maine for 20 years and were on top of that fantastic restaurant scene. We moved to Durham 10 years ago and like the scene here too, but it’s been exploding of late. I guess we’re not on top of the scene as much as we thought because we didn’t realize this place has been around for almost 2 years. We knew the old restaurant that was here and we’ve been here to shop and eat at the thirsty moose, so we know this area but somehow this just slipped past. We made reservations for four last night. From the minute we walked in it was outstanding. Fantastic decor, classy, urban, but not pretentious. Super friendly and patient wait staff. We were immediately given outstanding bread and herbed olive oil. This is one of the little things I look for that tells me a restaurant takes itself seriously. Drinks were reasonably priced, nothing outrageous considering the trends, ten to $20 for various types of wine, beers and craft cocktails. Girls had Bellini, guys had Negroni’s. After that, I had a glass of Prosecco. Drinks were generous and well done. The calamari starter was among the best I’ve ever had. It’s kind of its own cliché, but it’s one of those things that’s just so good. But this was in a class by itself, really flavorful and crispy. The only downside was that there were a variety of Unique fried vegetables in there, and I would’ve rather had more calamari.:-) We had chicken piccata, the ravioli special, chicken, Parmesan, and sausage calabrese. Everything was so good that my only regret was that I can’t eat there a couple times a week to sample everything on the menu. We passed on dessert, but it was an extensive list. Our waitress was terrific.
Z2874SVwilliams
Online reservations indicated no tables available until 7:30PM my wife called immediately secured a 5:30PM reservation. Upon arrival seated quickly with not wait. The restaurant soon became quiet busy but they handled it perfectly. Our server was a friendly recent UNH grad . I had Tuscan salmon creamy and delicious my wife had porcini with scallops, quite tasty. Fresh bread a reasonably priced Chianti Reserve. This was a delightful experience. Side note they seem to have a steady flow of people eating at he bar and a small easy chair waiting area. Parking easy.
I had the butternut squash and sweet potato ravioli. It was delicious. My mojito, not so much but I sent it back and got a margarita and it was delicious.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
So we show up at 4:15 on a Friday to a empty restaurant, to be told that the place is FULLY BOOKED and that we could sit at the bar if we like. This is the second time we have run into this when trying to try the restaurant, I understand reservations, but we mostly make dinner decisions on the spur of the moment.
The place looks nice and from what we could smell the food seemed good but there are too many choices in Dover, so rather than be turned away at an empty place, we will just go to the other options
Atmosphere: 2
Service: 2
The only true restaurant in Dover that is fine dining.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The waitstaff and hostess were amazing! First time here, the space between tables is bit tight. The service was great! Food was good, my husband food was cold. Wine was so good! Is this place I would go out my way to eat? No. But over. All I say it’s ok. The pricing for area is about right. Price for drinks is right. I just wish there was something that’s gave it a wow factor. Parking is going to be busy. So parking could be. Challenge but , it’s Dover.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 5
I’ll start by saying I’ll be as fair as possible. Could not wait for my birthday dinner. We made reservation reservations for 7:30 Last night. We were a bit early, because I did not want to be late. We went to the bar and ordered a drink. My drink was excellent. While sipping my drink, I looked around. I had this feeling like I stepped back in time to maybe some retro restaurant from a Mad men episode. Very retro chic I loved it. Beautiful use of a smaller space. I believe that first drink, and the design of the space were the best part of the evening. It took a bit for a waitress, then it took even longer for an appetizer. We were going to share the meatballs with Burrata and marinara while the flavor combination was exceptional. The quality of the meatballs were very lacking.. To start, they were heated in the microwave The Buurrata was an ice cold rubbery blob . We both ordered the fillet and scallop special only to be told they were out of fillets. I could understand if it was only a special, but you have fillet on the menu as in every day dish. How do you run out? We could not eat the meatballs as much as we tried we had to pack them up. We sat there and sat there and looked around trying to get anybody’s attention without being too obvious and obnoxious just to get a drink. Finally, we get another drink. We did not get our meal, which I was very surprised. I ordered Braised short ribs. I did not Order a chunk of chuck roast. So somewhere in that description, you should put “boneless “short ribs for the people that actually know the difference . Bone in and bone out are two very different cuts of meat. . Disappointing as I prefer my braised chuck roast much better. The potatoes are rotten or lump of cold, coagulated, shaved potatoes, and cheese. Last, but not least the so-called sauted green beans Were actually raw. I feel very let down and disappointed. I had pushed my plate away and was waiting and waiting and waiting for the waitress who stood at the bar on her phone while the host who seated us was sitting there drinking wine eating a meal. You can’t pay attention and read your crowd with your face in the phone., I’ll start by saying I was seated at 7:20 did not get My entrée served until 8:50 . This is not the laid-back land of Italy. Even when I went to Italy my food came a lot faster. Later on, I’ll give it one more shot, But as somebody who truly knows how to cook and appreciates food and worked in a restaurant industry, everybody’s raving reviews have to be from people with nothing else to do and no taste buds. This is all happening on a Saturday night when you should be prepared. Hirer more people , retrain the ones you have. Make them check their phones at the door until their breaks.,
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 2
La Dolce Vita is simply outstanding in every way. The food is scrumptious. The service is outstanding. The atmosphere is beautiful and inviting. It's the kind of restaurant you want in your city.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Drove over an hour as restaurant had been highly recommended by friends. Had reservations and arrived on time. Waited well over an hour to even put food order in. Drinks came almost 45 minutes after arrival. Food was excellent but waited almost 2 hours for food to arrive; manager was seen going to tables but never came to ours to explain delay. Very disappointed
We were greeted by a sweet young woman and promptly seated in corner booth as requested. Our server was delightful and friendly. Food was good and enjoyed by all. We had the meatballs and Caesar salad , and special ravioli with squash and pumpkin and shrimp, delicious. Unfortunately the couple with us ordered Marsala but was brought Parmesan veal, they opted to keep it and said it was good. Love the atmosphere of restaurant and menu options.
I’ve eaten here a few times, and while the decor is nice, the atmosphere can be uncomfortable. I’ve noticed the owner speaking very harshly to staff in front of customers, raising his voice and blaming them for things that seem minor. It really affects the dining experience and makes the place feel tense. I really hope management learns to treat their employees with more respect as they’re the ones keeping this place running.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 3
My girlfriend and I went here on a Wednesday night for our anniversary. The atmosphere was amazing and the ambient music was perfect. It was also not loud or hard to hear across the table. Our server, Jane, was very personable and extremely kind. She was also very attentive to my allergy. The charcuterie board, duck leg, carbonara, tiramisu, and chocolate hazelnut flute were all absolutely incredible. Everything was very fairly priced and I will definitely be coming back. Highly recommend!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
My wife and I had a pleasant, delicious meal here but got food poisoning from the charcuterie board that we shared. I expressed concerns to La Dolce Vita privately 2 weeks ago and heard nothing back from them.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
Amazing food quality and portions. It’s hard to find a place with kind staff, perfectly cooked pasta and delicious sauces.
Great service. Cold environment. The food is just not really right. They try to get inventive with classics usually to to their detriment. I had the pasta with clams and the main profile you get is bitter charred lemon. This is usually my go to dish and I get it because I love clams and I want that briny goodness to shine through. My parents had shrimp Florentine, which was served with the same charred lemon and it was likewise overpowering. Don't know that we would go back.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 5
We live in Durham, we’re foodies, we love to cook and we love to eat out. We lived in Portland, Maine for 20 years and were on top of that fantastic restaurant scene. We moved to Durham 10 years ago and like the scene here too, but it’s been exploding of late. I guess we’re not on top of the scene as much as we thought because we didn’t realize this place has been around for almost 2 years. We knew the old restaurant that was here and we’ve been here to shop and eat at the thirsty moose, so we know this area but somehow this just slipped past. We made reservations for four last night. From the minute we walked in it was outstanding. Fantastic decor, classy, urban, but not pretentious. Super friendly and patient wait staff. We were immediately given outstanding bread and herbed olive oil. This is one of the little things I look for that tells me a restaurant takes itself seriously. Drinks were reasonably priced, nothing outrageous considering the trends, ten to $20 for various types of wine, beers and craft cocktails. Girls had Bellini, guys had Negroni’s. After that, I had a glass of Prosecco. Drinks were generous and well done. The calamari starter was among the best I’ve ever had. It’s kind of its own cliché, but it’s one of those things that’s just so good. But this was in a class by itself, really flavorful and crispy. The only downside was that there were a variety of Unique fried vegetables in there, and I would’ve rather had more calamari.:-) We had chicken piccata, the ravioli special, chicken, Parmesan, and sausage calabrese. Everything was so good that my only regret was that I can’t eat there a couple times a week to sample everything on the menu. We passed on dessert, but it was an extensive list. Our waitress was terrific.
Online reservations indicated no tables available until 7:30PM my wife called immediately secured a 5:30PM reservation. Upon arrival seated quickly with not wait. The restaurant soon became quiet busy but they handled it perfectly. Our server was a friendly recent UNH grad . I had Tuscan salmon creamy and delicious my wife had porcini with scallops, quite tasty. Fresh bread a reasonably priced Chianti Reserve. This was a delightful experience. Side note they seem to have a steady flow of people eating at he bar and a small easy chair waiting area. Parking easy.
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