For locals that know Italian, this small bistro is no secret. Chef Joe makes all of his sauces and pasta's. Real Italian cooking takes patience. Chef Joe's dishes best represent the time he's taken to perfect his craft. I started with a stuffed pepper. The dish was prepared to perfection. Next came the Oso Bucco. Moist, tender and a sauce to die for. Having grown up in the NYC Metro area, it brought back fond memories.
dsnyder283
Joe is a 1st class chef. Love the Italian seafood offerings. Perfectly prepared. Big portions. Classy. Never disappoints!
K.T
Order two sopes, al pastor and asada. Unfortunately, I was only able to taste the black beans. The beans overpower the rest of the flavors. Salsa was very good. Not sure if I would be back…
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
gaylesr1
This restaurant is consistently, the best Italian food we’ve ever had. I had the chicken Parmesan last night and asked for the angel hair instead of the fettuccine, and the angel hair was definitely freshly made. The watermelon caprice salad was fabulous as was the Caesar and the gnocchi. They have added a deli to the restaurant now also. Definitely recommend this restaurant if you want real authentic, delicious Italian food that makes you want to eat another round no matter how full you are.
Rich S
Dolce Vita Restaurant has just launched their new Salumeria/Italian Deli located within the restaurant and it's exactly what this area has been lacking; a high quality Italian Delicatessen providing authentic Italian meals for take out, outstanding sandwiches, and genuine Italian deli options not found anywhere local. The food and atmosphere will make you feel like you're back on NY's Mulberry Street! Kudos to Chef Joe and Arlene for giving Bluffton an authentic Italian experience like no other!
Jerry K
The food and service was outstanding ! The clams in white sauce were the best I have ever had and the whole meal was terrific. The chef and host were extremely personable and made us feel like family. Our server was first class and did an excellent job.
maherman2017
Stopped in to grab a menu and see what this place was all about. What a find!! We were greeted by Arlene and without hesitation she was able to accommodate us with seats at the bar. We had a great time getting to know her and the amazing chef Joe and our server Patrick. Our food was delicious, we had the angel hair pasta with vegetables in a pink cream sauce as well as a special request for gnocchi with Gorgonzola sauce - they are like little puffs of love they are delicious!! Highly recommend the desserts as well - the cannoli and 7 layer chocolate cake are no joke. They also have a wonderful wine list. Can’t wait to go again and again!
toma26945
Tonight was the 3rd time my wife and I have eaten here since we moved from NJ last Sept. Every time the food is terrific. I had the seafood fra diavolo with pasta which was delicious. She had the lasagna again, because its so good she looks forward to it since breakfast! The specials are always off the charts. Tonight stuffed zucchini flowers. Spectacular! Arlene and Joe are the best. If you live here or are visiting and are looking for the real deal Italian, dont waste your time looking any where else. Dolce Vita never disappoints.
jshalps
This place is the absolute worst. Worse than Olive Garden which the Chef recommended I go to by the way - thanks for the recommendation! You need to replace your hostess. And your chef. And your owner. Ciao!
FranL46274
Very unpleasant service. Hostess is very rude, chef/owner has his corvette parked in two parking spots in front?? IDK this restaurant left a bad taste in my mouth. Food is passable (compared to my preference of NYC italian) but good if you are really strapped for Italian food
Even though the signature dish is Chilean Sea Bass which is always outstanding, on our last 2 visits Veal is now high on our choice list. Wonderful and prepared to perfection. As always our Low Country culinary escape for excellence. Then the upcoming surprise....an authentic Italian Delicatus or Delicatessen is coming to Dolce Vita. Can't wait
ChrisM13199
The restaurant was empty. The calamari was totally overcooked The meals, the nights special of veal and the restaurants special lasagna, were served luke warm. It was not of a quality to even take home. The owner, hostess, is defensive and the opposite of customer friendly, We never complain about restaurants but this place,which has been here for a considerable time, is worn out and reflects the tired approach of the chef and owner. Go somewhere else !!! l
Wanderer10671884637
I went for the first time this evening to celebrate my wifes new job. Was greeted warmly by a nice woman and shown my table. Service was a little slow because there was only one waiter for the entire place but thats ok because its hard to find help when nobody wants to work. Our waiter was polite and attentive and I ordered a hot app of Calamari. It came out relativly quick and was delicious and the marinara was amazing. It was crispy, not greasy just perfect. I then ordered the eggplant parm and it was worth the wait. The sauce was very flavorful and I have to say it was the best eggplant parm I have ever had. My wife enjoyed her meal and the prices were very reasonable. I will be back and I happy to have found somewhere good close to home.
OnAir307579
An exquisite Veal Chop surrounded by risotto and fresh spinach. We are making our way through the menu. What a journey and then we get surprised by the delightful specials. What fun. Keep it up Joe.
S1597OHmichellel
It is so wonderful to know we always have a fantastic place to take family and friends. It doesn't matter if it is a special occasion or just a evening out; Joe, Arlene and the staff at Dolce Vita always deliver wonderful food and atmosphere. Dolce Vita is a special place that you have got to try. The food will not disappoint!!!
For locals that know Italian, this small bistro is no secret. Chef Joe makes all of his sauces and pasta's. Real Italian cooking takes patience. Chef Joe's dishes best represent the time he's taken to perfect his craft. I started with a stuffed pepper. The dish was prepared to perfection. Next came the Oso Bucco. Moist, tender and a sauce to die for. Having grown up in the NYC Metro area, it brought back fond memories.
Joe is a 1st class chef. Love the Italian seafood offerings. Perfectly prepared. Big portions. Classy. Never disappoints!
Order two sopes, al pastor and asada. Unfortunately, I was only able to taste the black beans. The beans overpower the rest of the flavors. Salsa was very good. Not sure if I would be back…
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
This restaurant is consistently, the best Italian food we’ve ever had. I had the chicken Parmesan last night and asked for the angel hair instead of the fettuccine, and the angel hair was definitely freshly made. The watermelon caprice salad was fabulous as was the Caesar and the gnocchi. They have added a deli to the restaurant now also. Definitely recommend this restaurant if you want real authentic, delicious Italian food that makes you want to eat another round no matter how full you are.
Dolce Vita Restaurant has just launched their new Salumeria/Italian Deli located within the restaurant and it's exactly what this area has been lacking; a high quality Italian Delicatessen providing authentic Italian meals for take out, outstanding sandwiches, and genuine Italian deli options not found anywhere local. The food and atmosphere will make you feel like you're back on NY's Mulberry Street! Kudos to Chef Joe and Arlene for giving Bluffton an authentic Italian experience like no other!
The food and service was outstanding ! The clams in white sauce were the best I have ever had and the whole meal was terrific. The chef and host were extremely personable and made us feel like family. Our server was first class and did an excellent job.
Stopped in to grab a menu and see what this place was all about. What a find!! We were greeted by Arlene and without hesitation she was able to accommodate us with seats at the bar. We had a great time getting to know her and the amazing chef Joe and our server Patrick. Our food was delicious, we had the angel hair pasta with vegetables in a pink cream sauce as well as a special request for gnocchi with Gorgonzola sauce - they are like little puffs of love they are delicious!! Highly recommend the desserts as well - the cannoli and 7 layer chocolate cake are no joke. They also have a wonderful wine list. Can’t wait to go again and again!
Tonight was the 3rd time my wife and I have eaten here since we moved from NJ last Sept. Every time the food is terrific. I had the seafood fra diavolo with pasta which was delicious. She had the lasagna again, because its so good she looks forward to it since breakfast! The specials are always off the charts. Tonight stuffed zucchini flowers. Spectacular! Arlene and Joe are the best. If you live here or are visiting and are looking for the real deal Italian, dont waste your time looking any where else. Dolce Vita never disappoints.
This place is the absolute worst. Worse than Olive Garden which the Chef recommended I go to by the way - thanks for the recommendation! You need to replace your hostess. And your chef. And your owner. Ciao!
Very unpleasant service. Hostess is very rude, chef/owner has his corvette parked in two parking spots in front?? IDK this restaurant left a bad taste in my mouth. Food is passable (compared to my preference of NYC italian) but good if you are really strapped for Italian food
Restaurantji Recommends
Even though the signature dish is Chilean Sea Bass which is always outstanding, on our last 2 visits Veal is now high on our choice list. Wonderful and prepared to perfection. As always our Low Country culinary escape for excellence. Then the upcoming surprise....an authentic Italian Delicatus or Delicatessen is coming to Dolce Vita. Can't wait
The restaurant was empty. The calamari was totally overcooked The meals, the nights special of veal and the restaurants special lasagna, were served luke warm. It was not of a quality to even take home. The owner, hostess, is defensive and the opposite of customer friendly, We never complain about restaurants but this place,which has been here for a considerable time, is worn out and reflects the tired approach of the chef and owner. Go somewhere else !!! l
I went for the first time this evening to celebrate my wifes new job. Was greeted warmly by a nice woman and shown my table. Service was a little slow because there was only one waiter for the entire place but thats ok because its hard to find help when nobody wants to work. Our waiter was polite and attentive and I ordered a hot app of Calamari. It came out relativly quick and was delicious and the marinara was amazing. It was crispy, not greasy just perfect. I then ordered the eggplant parm and it was worth the wait. The sauce was very flavorful and I have to say it was the best eggplant parm I have ever had. My wife enjoyed her meal and the prices were very reasonable. I will be back and I happy to have found somewhere good close to home.
An exquisite Veal Chop surrounded by risotto and fresh spinach. We are making our way through the menu. What a journey and then we get surprised by the delightful specials. What fun. Keep it up Joe.
It is so wonderful to know we always have a fantastic place to take family and friends. It doesn't matter if it is a special occasion or just a evening out; Joe, Arlene and the staff at Dolce Vita always deliver wonderful food and atmosphere. Dolce Vita is a special place that you have got to try. The food will not disappoint!!!