La Dolce Vita - Authentic Italian Cuisine
La Dolce Vita - Authentic Italian Cuisine
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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Hours
Tue
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Wed
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Thu
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Fri
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Sat
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
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Ratings and reviews
4.5
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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CUISINES
Italian, Contemporary
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options
Meals
Dinner
features
Does this restaurant offer free wifi?
Details
About
We welcome our guests to an authentic Italian restaurant: here we offer traditional cuisine, with a modern take on northern and southern Italian recipes. Mauro, the chef, and his wife Tina, have an huge amount of experience behind them. Mauro is from Naples, Tina was born in a little sicilian town near by Enna. He began to learn everything about the southern cuisine by his experience in Naples since he was a child, from "Polipetti alla Luciana" to "Paccheri ai frutti di mare". Furthermore he moved in Milan and he had the chance to learn the northern cuisine, from "Risotto ai funghi porcini" to "Polenta grigliata", one of his favourite specialties! From an ancient sicilian tradition, Tina learnt everything about the desserts by her grandmother and her mother, from "Millefoglie" to "Cannoli cake". We hope you enjoyed reading about us. but it would be great if you would have the chance to taste our fantastic dishes!
CUISINES
Italian, Contemporary
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options
Meals
Dinner
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Free off-street parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Gift Cards Available
Contribute
4.5
152 reviews
Excellent
122
Very good
17
Average
8
Poor
0
Terrible
5
Roving249349
5 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
La Dolce Vita has an extensive and creative menu; highly varied Italian cuisine with a nod (expected) to seafood. The service was cheerful and informative, with real input from several members of the staff. Everyone in our party (three) was very pleased with the quality of each course and the promptness of the service. The offerings on the menu particularly the entrees, were varied and numerous and were supplemented by a large "specials of the day" addition.
There was really no major downside to La Dolce Vita. The atmosphere was pleasant and friendly although the physical atmosphere seemed just a bit bare, reflecting perhaps the architectural limitations of the restaurant's strip mall location. The prices seemed on the steep side for many of the items, although not out of line with the quality and presentation of the food. A place to return to again and again!
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maria P
3 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
Our group of ten came in on Saturday night and had the time of our lives! All of the food, from appetizers to dessert was amazing! I highly recommend the calamari with anchovies and the burrata. The squid ink lobster ravioli was perfect as was the veal and the complimentary limoncello at the end was a very nice touch. Speaking of nice touches, Sheryn is amazing. She has a beautiful voice and got our table extremely excited to sing along. We will be bringing twenty with us the next time! Thank you Chef Mauro and Tina!
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
millerpgh15
Pittsburgh20 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
We saw the 5 star reviews and decided to try la dolce vita. We were not disappointed. The restaurant is in a small cozy space in a strip mall on Stickney Point Rd. We were heartily greeted and seated promptly. A live singer added Italian ambiance. The mozzarella and tomato capers was fresh and wonderful, lacking the heavy oil you typically find. The arugula salad with cherry tomatoes and shaved Parmesan reggiiano cheese similarly had just the lightest touch of olive oil and vinegar. Excellent. The egg noodle with Bolognese sauce was very good. The fruits de mare over a tube noodle was very good - clams, shrimp, muscles and octopus with a hearty res sauce. The only suggestion I’s to ensure that the dishes are properly brought to the table. Finally, the wine menu is very good. Our entrees were warm rather than hot. Al in all, we will return.
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
finfun
Ohio193 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
Perfetto!!
Wow! Not often that you find a 10 our of 10. This is a hidden gem in an uninspired strip mall. Inside is a warm and inviting surprise. Special was delicious pappardelle with shrimp and porcini mushrooms - rich flavor that highlighted the ingredients. I had the linguine with clams. Not the usual linguine with clam sauce. This was perfectly prepared linguine with olive oil and garlic and a dozen tender little clams. Delicious warm crusty bread. We felt like we were at a dinner party in the owner's home. Thank you!
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeanandstevenk
Williams Bay26 contributions
Apr 2022 • couples
Amazing Italian! The owners are straight from Italy! Everything from the pasta to the desserts are homemade. We eat mostly gluten free and even though there was no gluten free bread, there are entree options that would meet the gluten free bill and even a gluten free dessert. Service was amazing! The owner stopped by to make sure all was well. Such a wonderful atmosphere. Will definitely come back again. Everything was top notch!
Written April 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shedoyle
87 contributions
Dec 2020 • couples
What a gem!
We had a yearning for some authentic Italian food so I did a search in the area we are staying here in Sarasota and came upon this great restaurant. It’s in a small strip mall along with a bunch of other restaurants. Dont let that fool you. This is the real deal when It comes to freshly prepared food with all the best ingredients. An example was the eggplant rollatini which was on the special app for the evening. The eggplant was so tenderly cooked and the ricotta whipped into a perfect compliment for this dish. All the pasta is homemade here. There is a wine list of all Italian wines. Pictures of famous Italian stars make for a lovely cozy authentic atmosphere. We loved it so much I bought gift certificates for friends for Christmas. Desert was delicious. See the chocolate flourless cake I included in this review. This place is not to be missed while in Sarasota and yearning for freshly prepared Italian food!
Written December 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cunha53
Ormond Beach229 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
On our first night in Siesta Key we found this wonderful Italian restaurant for take out. The staff was just a pleasure to talk to and was very helpful. We ordered the sautéed calamaretti with hand pressed garlic breadcrumbs and anchovies as a started along withe entries of Paccheri ai frutti di mare (large tube pasta, paired with mussels, clams, octopus and shrimp, simmered in a mouthwatering Italian tomato sauce), and 2 orders of Polpo con patate (octopus with “farm-to-table” potatoes, freshly grown parsley, a hint of garlic and olive oil). Also, they have a wonderful wine list. If we are in the area again we will be back.
Written August 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gaston L
Sarasota1 contribution
Sep 2020 • couples
Outstanding and authentic Italian fare. Excellent corvina fish, pastas such as papardelle bolognese and more. Great fresh salads and appetizers. Owners Mauro and Monia cook food bought daily. Extremely fresh salads. Calamari and other sea food is also bought daily and not frozen. Outstanding service by waitress Tina. Great neighborhood restaurant even if as it were in Rome, Milan, Florence or even Sicily for the sea food. We highly recommend and we’ll return.
Written September 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tinaminio
Gaston - Mauro prides himself in everything fresh! Monia (the server) mentioned how you loved your dinners! We are so happy you enjoyed your experience and we can’t wait to host you again! All our best- Tina and Mauro Maglione
Written October 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jss322
Sarasota28 contributions
Nov 2021 • none
Earlier in the day called and Booked a table for four hungry people. We arrived to find immediate seating. The food is superb and the staff most attentive. We had many dishes between us and everyone was tasting from everyone else’s plate. The eggplant appetizer is very traditional and delicious. We also all shared the clams and linguine which was exceptional. What can I say other than this is a gem among many restaurants in the area. Thanks for a lovely evening. Jean and family
Written December 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thoughtfultraveler27
Columbus79 contributions
Feb 2023 • none
We went to La Dolce Vita this evening and were so impressed. This has to be the finest Italian food outside of the meals we have enjoyed in Italy. We ordered sautéed calamari, grilled octopus, and eggplant pasta. For dessert we chose a homemade cannoli cake. Everything was outstanding. The owners and their staff are warm, attentive, and genuinely proud of the food they serve. We can not recommend this restaurant enough.
Written February 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tinaminio
Thank you so much!
We are so excited about your wonderful review….
Thank you again and we are looking forward to seeing soon
Best regards
Tina and Mauro
Written February 27, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
laurentcgy
Vaureal5 contributions
May 2022 • none
We have quite few good Italian restaurants in Sarasota but this one is the BEST. The quality of the food is just simply Excellent. We were a table of 4 and everything which pas presented to us was plentiful and delicious. The appetizer mussels were uniquely prepared with a lot of pepper and the mussels were plum and there were a lot for an appetizer. Each on of our entries were excellent and we were all raving about it. And the deserts were marvelous. The staff was so pleasant and helpful with a detailed knowledge of each dish, amazing. We met the owners who are delightful people. You must try this restaurant.
Written June 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tinaminio
Thank you so much!!!
We are so grateful to have a customers who really appreciate our efforts!!
Have a great life
See you soon
Tina
Written June 2, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steve C
New Jersey15 contributions
Mar 2024 • couples
My wife and I love this restaurant and encourage anyone that hasn't been there to give it a try. Don't be fooled by the unassuming exterior as it sits in a basic strip mall on Stickney Point Rd. When entering you'll likely be greeted by the owner Tina. She is warm and bubbly and will make you feel right at home. Her husband Mauro is the chef and a master at creating memorable meals. The dining experience brings back memories of the family-run trattorias my wife and I visited during our time in Italy.
They have an extensive selection of Italian wines so you'll be sure to find something that fits your taste and budget. You'll start with their delicious hot baked bread and dipping oil. Their menu includes a wonderful selection of homemade pastas as well as seafood and meat dishes. One of my favorites is the Pappardelle Funghi e Salsiccia which is a mix of fresh pappardelle with mushrooms & sausage in an decadent cream sauce that is to die for. Every dish we've tried has been cooked to perfection. Finish off your meal with a cappuccino and one of their homemade desserts.
In summary, this restaurant offers much more than just a great meal. It provides a dining experience I think you'll want to return to again and again. Bon appetit!
Written April 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KMJH
Ridgefield Park16 contributions
May 2023 • friends
This place was a hidden gem! Food was wonderful, seasoned like real Italian food not like "Florida Italian" food which generally has no garlic, no salt, and no taste! Anyone from the northeast where we get great Italian food knows what I mean...but this place would hold its own against any of the northeast Italian restaurants! The appetizers great, olive oil with roasted garlic heaven and pasta cooked perfectly with great sauces! And dessert just capped off a great meal. Plus a wide variety of wines and many moderately priced to match with a perfect dinner! We are definitely going again and again and I am bringing more friends next time!
Written May 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark M
Northville79 contributions
Dec 2020 • family
Very good from start to finish. The eggplant app & burrata app delicious. Can not go wrong with a fresh pasta dish and or a veal dish. Lasagna also great. You can ask Tina (the owner) to try her homemade Limoncello, the best I have had anywhere in the world!
Written December 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PlatterTalk
Sarasota250 contributions
Jun 2022 • none
Do yourself a favor and set aside a couple of hours with your spouse, friend, or group of friends and get ready for a fun and delicious dining experience. From the minute your walk in and are greeted by the friendly staff, to the last sip of creamy limoncello, this place delivers with all engines burning. Drop by on a Saturday night and be crooned by the talented lady jazz singer. All in all, a great place that we recommend without reservation! (And, you don't need a reservation!)
Written June 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tinaminio
Thank you so much!
I really appreciate your review and I’m looking forward to seeing soon
Best regards
Tina
Written July 17, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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