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
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!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seafood Pasta, Cacio E Pepe
Sogol Asaei
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
Jasl Jewelry
Great EVERYTHING!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mr. Pankau
This was one of the best Italian restaurant experiences I've had in many years. It was very close to what you'd actually experience in Italy - a simple menu with daily specials and drinks. The decor such as the hand-drawn Pavarotti/Joan Sutherland poster and the street corner view really added to the authentic ambience. The beef short rib was expertly braised and had amazing flavor and texture. Excellent service as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kateri Zawilinski
I think this would be a flawless first-date spot. The decorations are adorable and atmosphere spectacular. The food is solid, not to die for but not a single thing wrong with it. They brought us samples for a dish we didn't order and some fruit on the house at the end. High recommend!
Cute place and authentic. Food was good, large portions and some samples they walk through and drop at your table. We especially loved the eggplant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michael gillman
Wonderful hospitality and food! Greeted at the door with entry and exit. Pasta sampling fresh from the kitchen and an unexpected fruit desert to complement the excellent food and drinks. Thank you
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Matt S.
Too many bad reviews, for them to claim an "off night" or "short on 'staff'".. The service here has proven to be less than spotty, on several occasions...and the whole "family style" claim on Opera Night is preposterous.. "Family" of what? Sparrows? Ants? Paramecium? They throw a teacup saucer sized portion in your general direction.. The experiment is over, for us.. The bad reviews have considerable commonalities: I admonish you to peruse them all, before trying this clip joint..
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
Tasnim Fakih
Amazing, amazing gem of a restaurant! The food was delicious- we loved the calamari and pizza. The owner is very kind and generous- he made us feel very welcomed. The customer service is all about quality - and not quantity. Our waitress was also sweet and sincere. We felt very welcomed and will definitely be back again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
AnnaMarie Ogunmola
This was such a great spot. We were seated right away and brought this beautiful bread and butter. While we waited for our food pasta was brought around. The gnocchi was some of the best I ever had. The waitress was so sweet and out of nowhere brought us a plate of fresh fruit with sweet ricotta. Next time I'm in Cleveland I will be back!!!
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
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
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
Great EVERYTHING!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This was one of the best Italian restaurant experiences I've had in many years. It was very close to what you'd actually experience in Italy - a simple menu with daily specials and drinks. The decor such as the hand-drawn Pavarotti/Joan Sutherland poster and the street corner view really added to the authentic ambience. The beef short rib was expertly braised and had amazing flavor and texture. Excellent service as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I think this would be a flawless first-date spot. The decorations are adorable and atmosphere spectacular. The food is solid, not to die for but not a single thing wrong with it. They brought us samples for a dish we didn't order and some fruit on the house at the end. High recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Calamari
Restaurantji Recommends
Cute place and authentic. Food was good, large portions and some samples they walk through and drop at your table. We especially loved the eggplant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wonderful hospitality and food! Greeted at the door with entry and exit. Pasta sampling fresh from the kitchen and an unexpected fruit desert to complement the excellent food and drinks. Thank you
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Too many bad reviews, for them to claim an "off night" or "short on 'staff'".. The service here has proven to be less than spotty, on several occasions...and the whole "family style" claim on Opera Night is preposterous.. "Family" of what? Sparrows? Ants? Paramecium? They throw a teacup saucer sized portion in your general direction.. The experiment is over, for us.. The bad reviews have considerable commonalities: I admonish you to peruse them all, before trying this clip joint..
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
Amazing, amazing gem of a restaurant! The food was delicious- we loved the calamari and pizza. The owner is very kind and generous- he made us feel very welcomed. The customer service is all about quality - and not quantity. Our waitress was also sweet and sincere. We felt very welcomed and will definitely be back again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This was such a great spot. We were seated right away and brought this beautiful bread and butter. While we waited for our food pasta was brought around. The gnocchi was some of the best I ever had. The waitress was so sweet and out of nowhere brought us a plate of fresh fruit with sweet ricotta. Next time I'm in Cleveland I will be back!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5