La Dolce Vita Ristorante Reviews

Tried this quaint restaurant at the recommendation of a wine-bar waitress (she eats there 3 times per week). Arrived around 8 p.m. and we were seated immediately since it was a Thursday night. The restaurant was pretty empty which made us nervous. The host/waiter was very attentive and everyone enjoyed their dishes. I had the lobster ravioli special. The cream sauce was divine. Prices were reasonable for La Jolla.

We ate in an open air courtyard surrounded by flowers waited on by a doting waiter who couldn't have done more. The food was tasty & plentiful.

It reminded us of a typical rustic, quaint Italian cafe - but busier! Great food and ambience - can't go wrong.

Tucked away we found this restaurant, got a table inside and ordered some water to start and a menu. More than 10 mins later we were still waiting to be served in the not overly busy restaurant and despite looking at the servers almost pleadingly we continued to be invisible ! We thought we would simply leave someone came over and we ordered. Our food was amazing so we were glad we stayed. Tips need to be earned and for a country and relies on them my tip is serve people in a timely manner but the food is great.

This is a well-run restaurant with a nice selection of Italian favorites, and excellent pizza. Nice outdoor seating options, and great ambience. The service was competent and efficient. It's a friendly atmosphere. Definitely try the pizza.

We had a large group and sat outside and it was perfect weather. The restaurant is one of several business down a side street (not for driving on) off the main road and the outside seating is in front with lights overhead. Hard to describe but very cool. Everyone loved their food and our waiter (sorry I can't remember his name!). Two ladies in our party come from an Italian family and loved the food. Fun to hear them conversing with our waiter in Italian :-) Our waiter made a great wine recommendation as well. We had a wonderful meal and a wonderful time. The only bad thing about this visit was that I was too full to eat anymore!

Great setting and location. Friendly staff but pizza is just ok. A bit undercooked crust. But ambiance outside in the court is fantastic!

Happened upon this quaint little Italian cafe one afternoon. I was in a group of 5 girl friends. Delicious food, fantastic atmosphere. It really was a dejavu experience of being in the South of France. Highly recommend. I had a vegetable pasta with tomato sauce and broccoli, squash and mushrooms. Delicious!

Excellent food and very friendly staff and management. They make you feel at home. Each part of our meal was delicious. Friendly atmosphere. Pasta dishes and sauces were excellent.

The smartest thing we did was make reservations, we were seated immediately, the atmosphere is romantic, there were a three singers throughout the evening, singing around your table, nice and very friendly people, the food was delicious, nothing overdone, your classic italian fare done beautifully in a courtyard setting by a fountain, doesn't get more romantic than that. My husband and I would definitely recommend this restaurant and would come back to be serenaded by Luigi and Tammy.

We have gone to La Jolla for 33 years but just discovered this amazing restaurant. Stopped here in July for lunch and food was so good we almost canceled our dinner plans at another restaurant. We made sure to go here for dinner and were not disappointed. Owner(Al) , has done a great job of creating a wonderful atmosphere and is from Sicily. The food is some of the best Italian we have ever had. (My wife Italian). Outdoor dining(and inside) just like being in Italy. Very friendly staff.

We stumbled upon this restaurant on a Friday evening. We had a table "outside", meaning in the covered shopping arcade outside of the restaurant. The fun part were the singers! There were two ladies and a gentlemen, who took turn at singing songs from the 1950's and before. I usually don't care much for this, but it fitted the atmosphere perfectly. The food was nice (pastas and chickparm -heaven on a plate-).

Located In the heart of La Jolla’s Prospect Street is this fantastic Restaurant. If you are looking for a great Italian lunch or dinner in a really nice outdoor patio under the lights...you have to give this restaurant a try. Thank you Alfio (owner)for a great dinner. Food and service are a 10/10.

It’s the best Italian food I had ever. Here you can have “ cannelloni di spinachi “ the best you can have. Want to write some more but no words for this place.

We stumbled across this place while walking around La Jolla. It has a cute little courtyard and has a ton of charm. The food was outstanding and flavorful. The menu had a nice variety. The meatballs in particular were to die for. Seems like a family owned and operated place. The service was good and everyone on the staff was pleasant. The prices were very reasonable. Highly recommended.

This was our first time to La Dolce Vita & will definitely not be our last. The food was incredibly delicious, the ambiance was perfect. They had some nice music playing. We loved it. We began with the caprese salad & the grilled octopus, which was amazing. My husband got the veal scaloppine & I had the veal with the Gorgonzola mushroom cream sauce. We loved our meals. We had a great bottle of wine, they had a great wine selection. The service was terrific. We highly recommend this restaurant.

If you are looking for a place in La Jolla where you eat very rich at fair prices and well served with an Italian flavor this is the place. You are attended by very friendly staff from Italy. The pasta is good and the portion generous. I recommend risotto with truffle. Pizza is not exactly the original style but good taste and size paya 3 people or 3.

We returned for dinner on a Friday night April 29, 2016 as the singers are entertaining. Didn’t review but also went Friday, 2-5-16. A couple of patrons also sang, one who sang Country and the other Show tunes. There is a new and very nice menu. We each had an appetizer, Scampi sole mio and Burrata with sliced tomatoe. Rhonda had Veal and I had Fettucine Pesto with chicken, and a side order of mushrooms. Bread was with their excellent dipping sauce. We continued tring their white wines and a bottle of their Oregon Riesling, very nice. Food and service were excellent. Portions are large so we brought home left-overs.

Good Italian food, reasonably priced and good service. Chicken Parm was very good. We will be back on our next visit.

We found this place tucked away; what a treat! We ordered a starter, the caprese and goat’s cheese starter which were both absolutely delicious. Main for us was a pistachio pesto with seafood and penne with vodka sauce. The food was genuinely gorgeous and plentiful. The service was excellent and the patio in the shade was a great place to soak up the atmosphere (and people watch). Would thoroughly recommend!

We went here on a whim… And are so glad that we did. I had the lobster ravioli special and it was to die for. My coworkers had the vodka pasta and the rigatoni and both of them loved it. We sat outside on the little patio and there were heaters, so it was nice. The inside is kind of small, but we didn’t go in there. The service was good and the food was excellent. We walked away with tip for right around $80. What a deal!

We sat on the patio. The food was awesome. We all had pasta of some sort. The server was relaxed and friendly and attentive. He was especially nice to my son. Recommend!

Had dinner here Friday Oct 9, 2015 and had a great experience. We each had pasta dishes, split an appetizer and each had a cannoli for dessert. Also, had a nice white wine from Sicily that was only $28. Wine list had a number of interesting choices including some from the restaurant owner's own winery. Service was excellent. On top of all that on Friday nights the place has a singer from Naples, Italy named Luigi with a great voice. He also jokes around between songs. The night we were there it had some guest singers also. It was all great fun and we will be back. Place has a Prospect address in the heart of the Village but it is actually tucked away down a courtyard off of Prospect.

Thank you to all the dedicated TripAdvisor reviewers! Without your reviews we wouldn't have tried this place. It's truly a hidden gem. This is a small, authentic, Italian restaurant. We went on a Saturday night around 7. The place want packed, but the outside seating was almost full. They had live music and overhead sting lights. The ambiance was romantic and fun. It looked like we came at the right time when the regulars are there. A waiter and a regular treated us to some songs, older couples danced, and who I assume was the owner hopped on the cajon to accompany the keyboard player/singer. I ordered the ravioli which was delicious! My husband ordered the procuitto and penne pasta, but regretted his decision once he saw another tables lasagna come out. We also treated ourselves to the cannoli which was so good! It's very difficult to fine great cannoli. Give this place a shot for a fun night!

Food deeply mediocre. Ambience quite pleasant until the “Entertainment” began. The WORST the keyboard alone, unamplified, might have been OK. Then the vocals began. One DEFINITELY could NOT refer to it as singing ‼️‼️ Horrible. Couldn’t hear yourself think, you most certainly couldn’t converse with your dinner companions. The noise was defining and industrial strength amateurish.

We went to this restaurant with a group of 18 of us. We had two tables that weren't close to each other, but it was fine. The restaurant is outside and has a really nice atmosphere. We ordered from a fixed menu - I had the risotto and it was amazing. We had tiramisu for dessert and it was delicious. Highly recommend this restaurant as a romantic dinner for two or with a group. Awesome!

This is processed reheated food!!!Truly inauthentic and has nothing to do with Italian cooking or flavors. My 11 year old son easily picked up on the pre- frozen pizza crust. The pasta vognole was a limp of pasta with shells and canned clams dumped on dry noodles- no sauce whatsoever. The lobster raviolis had hard edges a nd the sauce tasted like a powder cream sauce. To the owners, you need to revisit authenticity and fresh ingredients it’s not that difficult. Make your own dough-thin out the crust and invest in a good wood burning oven. Pedro the server was the highlight of the experience. He is so lovely and personable .

The food here is outstanding and the portions are large. And as if that weren’t enough, prices are very reasonable, too. The courtyard dining area also provides a lovely ambiance.

We just got back from visiting La Jolla for a couple of days. We had reservations at George's at the Cove, but unfortunately that did not work out for us, so we left. Across the street and down an alley was this little Italian Restaurant that looked very charming. We sat outside in their little courtyard setting and was very pleased with the service, (well, since we were the only people there at noon, what else could we expect) and food. My wife and I shared a pizza...it was just OK and a delicious Panini sandwich. So, overall we were very pleased and did not miss eating at George's.

First time finding this gem in La Jolla Cove. It was a VERY pleasant surprise. Cudo To Ludo, who runs an excellent restaurant. You will not be disappointed. Ask for Giorgio, a very social and knowledgeable waiter, who aims to please. I look forward to a return trip!

I love this place :) It always puts a smile on my face! The food is delicious, the portions are large, so we get to enjoy it for more than one meal, the staff is very friendly and there are some funny servers there as well. My favorite part is when the music starts, and the owners (I think) and several other people start singing. I can't even describe to you how much fun this is. They sing "big" and proud and with lots of love for what they are doing. Just a great experience for adults and kids as well. We eat here whenever we're in town first because the food is great, secondly the ambiance inside or outside, under the twinkly lights and the trees, although inside can get a little warm. Third, the personalities that clearly enjoy singing their way through an evening :)

This restaurant caught us by surprise - we had a party of 11 and caught them by surprise by showing up at around 3:30pm. We were starving!!! But it ended up being ridiculously good. The menus items I tried included the truffle risotto with sausage (amazing), spinach cannelloni, grilled octopus, the charcuterie board, Caesar salad, bruschetta, fettucini alfredo with chicken and a local IPA. There were others, but I can’t remember everything - and, it was all amazing. The food was slightly expensive for linner (lunch/dinner), but not for La Jolla. And, in all fairness, we had leftovers for 3 days. The pasta (and everything) was clearly hand made, from scratch. Can’t wait to go back.

The people of San Diego already blessed with a wonderful city have I think superb Italian food too at La Dolce Vita. It is not that easy to find but worth doing so. Unassuming and the waiter kept his distance but wow the dishes were superb. And the owner/cook also makes his own wine. Highly recommended.

Such a lovely restaurant who came back the next evening. Delicious pasta, pizza and wines. Very welcoming owner who made us so welcome

The wine, food, and service were excellent. We showed up without a reservation and were seated fairly quickly, even though the restaurant was packed. The ambiance outside is reminiscent of an Italian restaurant straight from Italy. Our server was attentive, excellent with recommendations, and very kind. Our family ordered four different pastas and split them, which was a great idea. Don’t miss out on this spot!

Ate outside in the courtyard area and the food and service was excellent. I had the cannelloni and it was excellent. A really nice change from the American food elsewhere on offer.

We used to occasionally (4yrs+) visit La Dolce Vita when in the mood for good Italian food. As vegetarians, we would find many options here. The food is good and service is excellent.

Only good thing about this place is the ambience. Courtyard setting is very charming but food is average. We ordered two pizza's and were completely put off by what we got. They tasted like frozen supermarket products. This place does not give you a value for money. You are better off dining else where ****Never Order A Pizza here****

Superb service and outstanding pasta and salad dishes! Close to shopping and the beach. Pets are also welcome and the atmosphere, a half block off the main road, is quite rustic with a beautiful courtyard and fountain.

My wife and I went to La Jolla on our recent vacation. We discovered this restaurant by chance. Walking by we saw a sign and entered the set back location. Reading the menu, it was an Italian place with everything homemade. The topper was that from 3-5 pm everything was half price. The food is beyond good. We ate there 3 times, that is how good the food was, let alone the bargain.

Fettuccini Alfredo is delicious. As is the bread! Tiny place, but good service and extensive menu. Tomato basil soup was outstanding. Huge meatballs with the spaghetti.

Lovely little place with indoor and outdoor seating. Very attentive staff and the portions were great. Highly recommend stopping here!

Our grilled octopus was "okay" and the carpaccio was the same. The papparadelle brasato was quite tasty. The service by the entire team was excellent

We had a very relaxing, quiet, and romantic lunch. It has a quaint outdoor dining area. They have a very good wine list at reasonable prices. The Linguini Mediterrano had fresh shrimp, calamari, clams, and scallops. I had it with the red sauce. My wife had the shrimp and linguini with a white wine sauce. Both were excellent. They came with fresh warm bread and a very good house salad. The restaurant is located behind some other shops along a walkway. It is well marked and easy to find because it is just across the street from George's seafood restaurant. We will definitely return on a Friday or Saturday night when they have live entertainment.

Cozy location, Great food and friendly staff. Go on the weekends for some wonderful entertainment. Sit indoors or out. Interesting shops just steps away.

Great lunch! Homemade pasta with short ribs mushrooms and a fantastic cream sauce. Great patio. Fresh warm bread with a tomato compote for starter.

They have a charming spot in La Jolla and they serve the best pizzas ever. If you are in the area definitely try out this place. The personnel is also very kind and friendly.

The restaurant is located a few minutes walk from the La Jolla cove. Had a very nice business dinner - the service, food, and atmosphere were great. There's an underground parking across the street.

Old world charm providing a romantic experience away from the tourist in the heart of La Jolla. Classic Italian dishes with singing on Friday.

Visited with kids. Amazing bread and the sauce. Ate the fettuccine alfredo, the salmon special etc. Everybody loved their food which is rare:)

Sunday eating here was very calm. and we ate on their outside patio area where they have nice little bistro table and chairs. the restaurant is down a corridor so you don't get all the street noise.very lovely intimate setting.

Tucked away in an alley is a pasta gem. La Dolce Vita has a few tables inside and more in the alleyway but any wait for a table is worth it. The salads are huge, the pasta superior. Also, try their pastas. Service is competent and attentive.Better than its more pricey neighbors.

I dont recommend that place at all plus i drove from vegas to san diego to celebrate my daughter‘s birthday as she’s in college. This is very sad. The food was great. In the beginning we mentioned it was my daughters birthday, they said they would bring cake out and sing. Towards the end , they started rushing us and picking up our plates asap. Only because there was a big line out the door. He then said no cake because it got busy. But then proceeded to sing and told whole restorant lets sing fast so they can leave and it embarrassed my daughter , which was not nice. That was bad customer service in my opinion. I asked him again please is my daughters golden BDay and he said sorry is line.. i made reservation week in advance to celebrate bday and my daughter end up leaving in tears .

Had a caraf of wine.Also wonderful bread with their own dipping sauce. My husband had the prawns scallops dish with mash potatoes.He loved it. Finished with a marvelous desert. Please try it's like being in Italy!!!!!!!

Stumbled upon this place just walking by and noticed the brightly lit tree and fire towers. So glad we stopped in. From the bread to the Eggplant Involtini for an appetizer to the Gnocci Della Nonna, everything was phenomenal. The staff were super friendly, even moving around the fire towers to be closer to us. Overall great experience and would definitely go back.

We had a delightful evening dining at La Dolce Vita Friday November 20, 2015 with our friends Ben and Sidne Marchese (they own Sicilia Belle in La Jolla, and thus know Sicilian food!). On Friday evenings La Dolce Vita brings in a changing, charming group of musicians and singers; we had a table near them and it was a lot of fun listening to a wide variety of pieces. It is not every place where you can be entertained by a Naples like singer, a Japanese singer named Tammy, a dark-haired French lady who was raised in the ex-French colony of Morocco, a Mexican gentleman with a great voice, a piano, violin, spoons and soft drums. Besides the normal red-sauced Italian/Sicilian (owner Enzo is from Sciliy and has been here 20 plus years) dishes, the place has a number of light sauced fish dishes. Bread is very good and comes with the place’s special red dipping sauce. Wide variety of 10 appetizers and 4 salads ( I tried one that had prosciutto and melon over spinach topped with shaved cheese and walnuts, with olive oil and balsamic vinegar-delicious) , 8 Pizzas, 15 Pasta dishes, and 8 Second Plates including a 14 oz rib-eye topped with truffle oil served with potatoes and spinach for only $29.95, the most expensive item on the menu (most are $15 to $20). Service again was excellent; this is a very well run restaurant. Place has a Prospect address in the heart of the Village but it is actually tucked away down a courtyard off of Prospect.

I rarely give out a 5 rating, but La Dolce Vita is very deserving. Tucked away in a little shopping alcove and easy to miss, you can dine alfresco (outside) in a charming little courtyard, or inside the bright and country-style restaurant itself. Alfio waited on us and he was awesome! Friendly, conversational and attentive without being too much, he made sure we had everything to have a great meal. We started with homemade bread and tomato/olive oil dipping sauce. My daughter and wife had a salad, and I had the Shrimp Salvatore, a delicious meal with shrimp with lemon, and homemade linguine. We topped it off by sharing a Tiramisu which was terrific, right down to the fresh whipped cream and the shaved chocolate on the top. The bill was very reasonable, especially in LaJolla. Would love to go back!

Stumbled across this quaint Italian bistro in the heart of La Jolla. Glad we reserved as this restaurant did not disappoint. Ambiance & service was awesome. Delicious food . I had the sole served on a bed of risotto w a lemon & capers. We left very satisfied.

Nice restaurant in La Jolla. Family said their dish was good. Unfortunately my eggplant dish wasn't that good. Also, the restaurant automatically adds tips to the bill.

Enzo decided to retire after 25 years or so of owning this iconic place in the old Village.....many locals have been coming here for years, like ourselves. The new owner Alfio has restaurant experience and also was a Matre D on the Oceania Cruise line. He has changed a few things as a news owner would expect to do. Been there a few times since the change in fall of 2018 and it is still one of our favorites.

Authentic Italian food served by a efficient and friendly staff. Enzo makes his own wine and insures quality, beautifully prepared and tasty food from appetizers thru deserts. Luciano from Genoa presented each course with flair. Would have made my Italian mother appreciative.

I ordered 2 individual size pizzas for carry out service. They were the worst pizza I have ever eaten. The crust was not house made and I believe to be a frozen product. The tomato sauce was on the sweet side and both pizza were blanketed with too much cheese. The only thing good about one of the pizzas were the 4 fresh tomato slices. They also were over priced. I would have been much better of going to Vons and bring back a pie from the frozen food isle. This being said the hostess was pleasant which somehow made opening the pizza boxes and finding yucky pizza that much more disappointing.

This is a popular spot in La Jolla. The food is average to just above average Italian food in the US. I ordered an eggplant parmigiana which was above average. My husband and son’s penne and lasagna were mediocre. The tiramisu was way too sweet with little to no sponge or lady finger present. The service was friendly and location good, off the main road.

We have visited la dolce vita in the past but this was by far the worst experience. The waiter wad disinterested and lacked personality. The food was obviously prepared ahead of time and heated up as it was not fresh at all. There were hardly any people and it was Easter. It was our go to place for great Italian food but it was a huge let down. Things need to change.

Veal scallopini was delicious along with everything else! Wait staff was very nice, friendly and accommodating. Cozy patio area beautifully decorated.

We loved this place so much we dined her 2 times on our vacation. This is a true Italian family owned restaurant. The food was authentic and so tasty. My son loved the fettuccine Alfredo and I had the Truffle Risotto was soooo good. Really everything we tried was great and classic Italian cuisine. The waiters were very attentive and made a point to get to know you. On our 1st night our waiter offered to let me sample a small plate of the risotto since I could not decide between it and another dish. I did get the risotto on the 2nd visit. Will definitely go back if in La Jolla again.

In La Jolla for the day and counted on the reviews to guide me...and that’s how we ended up here. Could say this was the best meal of my trip. From the start, going through a narrow little alley off Prospect Street...I loved this already. Felt like one of my many experiences in Italy. Then you come to a cute little courtyard with molti tavoli e una piccolo fontana (not running but still) lol We had the kindest waiter, and I’m sorry, I’m awful with names, but I got to practice my Italian as he was from Sicilia. The meal and the whole ambiance at lunch, when the sun was shining...I literally remember afternoons I spent like this all over Italy. What an absolute pleasure! I would kill right now for the Shrimp Salvatore pasta fish and the Tira Misu. Even my very difficult mom enjoyed the La Dolce Vita Insalate (with shrimp)! Fantastic choice and a perfect lunch in La Jolla!!! This is top on my list when I return!

Se have been several times to this wonderful place where we have had delicious dinners!!! My family loves it and we try to go back every time we go to San Diego. Their service is always impeccable. The food is amazing!!!! I love their pastas and would suggest their Burrata!!!!

A recent dinner here was a delightful experience. Everything we ordered was well-prepared, with great attention to detail. Very good value in an expensive town.

Outstanding - calamari was some of the best ever anywhere, meat board was great, fettucine noodles exactly right. Seating is a bit precarious with uneven flooring, and the bathroom down the alley is not ideal, but the food was so good, none of that really matters. Three people, all different entrees, everyone very happy.

We were looking for a dinner place while walking the streets and found this place which has unusual location in the middle of a courtyard with businesses around. We liked everything but the special supposed to be filet medium rare with mushroom sauce. They honored it and allowed to choose another plate at no charge. The kids really liked gelato but it does come with chocolate sauce so we recommend skipping it as it was great by itself.

I highly recommend this restaurant. Excellent pasta,. Very good wine list. Enjoyable. Going back tomorrow.

Food was mediocre and staff is only pleasant not customer service oriented. The meatballs were dry and over cooked and the fish risotto was not refined. The bolognese was cold and the margarita pizza was awkward. Definitely not authentic driven Italian food.

The beat Italian food in California. The eggplant was beyond tasty all fresh ingredients. Will be back every time we are in La Jolla.

Really enjoyed the indoor/outdoor setting, quick/humourous server, tasty meal and reasonable prices. The live singer was a bonus!

I made a reservation with a gentleman named AL. Wow, he was very helpful. My wife and I came here for dinner and we were definitely impressed. Seems like every employee here is Italian. The food was like no other I’ve ever tasted. I ate so much, because it was amazing, and yet I didn’t feel bloated. I would definitely recommend this place. We even came back the next day for a margarita pizza.

This La Jolla restaurant continues to be consistently GREAT! Alfio Conti runs a very customer friendly and service oriented establishment. This trip, again, did not disappoint in providing delicious food offerings. The octopus/shrimp in fra diavolo was a nice spice "kick" to start the dining experience. The main entree was Farfelle (fresh bow tie pasta) n Sausage. Be sure to ask for either Georgio or Luda if you want Outstanding service! Salute!!

The food is simply amazing!! We were seated right away by a nice fellow (did not get his name) and he brought water right away which was appreciated. Our server Isabel was very attentive and personable. We enjoyed the bread and red sauce... so good! We both ordered pasta which was very delicious! The serving sizes are very generous as well... you will go home full. Thank you again Isabel!!

Food was very mediocre. Very disappointed. The meat and cheese board were ok but the chicken parm and tortellini were so disappointing. Service was ok but would not go back

We came in later in the lunch time. Got very attentive service, great menu options, and very pleasant outdoor ambiance. Evrry dish was great, see pictures.

Stopped by for a late dinner after a holiday cocktail party. We were welcomed with warmth and given a choice of where to sit. Ambience was lovely - twinkling lights, indoors/outdoors, and the food and service was excellent. We never felt rushed or pressured in any way; just great service. Will definitely return.

We had a very pleasant evening listening to Luigi (and local shop owner Linda) singing and enjoying some fine food. The Bruschetta was fresh and the chicken parmigiana very tasty. Decently priced wine, too. This place is a good find opposite some of the more expensively priced restaurants in La Jolla. Worth a visit.

Was staying at an Airbnb across the street. We had just gotten into town and didn’t feel like going far for dinner. We settled on La Dolce Vita. Pleasantly surprised. Good assortment on the menu. Classic Italian cuisine. Appetizers were yummy and our pastas delicious. Decent portion. Little pricey but what do you expect in La Jolla? Service was ok. Little slow. But the place was packed and it was a Tuesday night. Overall a nice place. They had seating outside with heat lamps. Nice for a date.

Good Italian food, unpretentious and good service. A little quite and off the beaten path. Wait staff was attentive.

One of my favorite places in La Jolla. The place is quiet, a hidden gem. The food is superb and the service very good. The chicken pamergiana is outstanding, portions generous. The bread and the sun dried tomato and olive oil dip that goes with it is, on its own, worthy of the dining experience. The prices are very acceptable.

The sweet life yes! Warm and inviting atmosphere and extremely welcoming staff. 4 people 3 appetizers, 4 entrees, bottle of wine plus 2 extra glasses of wine and all were delicious. Slice of dessert not ordered brought to the table. Feels like home. Loved this place!

All of the restaurants on the ocean were full, so we took a chance on this Italian place. What a great time! A simple Caesar salad was taken to a new level, and the tomato cream soup was very flavorful. Great service pulled it all together nicely. TIP: The restroom is at the end of the walkway.

We have been to this restaurant many times for dinner to enjoy the music. Many customers are repeat entertainers and the music and fun make up for the is average food. I would stick to pastas, which are reasonably priced. When you factor in the free entertainment, it is a very pleasant way to spend a mild summer night- sit on the patio,

Food is prepared fresh and is delicious. Service is friendly and attentive. The Tira Misu is among the best I've ever had. Comfortable outside seating is available, under the trees and away from the street.

We visited this restaurant a couple of times while on vacation to La Jolla. Its a local gem. Great food, reasonably priced and good service.

This is one of those nice spots tucked away down a narrow shopping alley, don't worry the sign is big enough to see. It's super quiet here and the wait staff is incredibly knowledgeable on the food, but especially the wine. We recommend the pizza and the pesto fettuccine. Cool place, try to sit outside next to the fountain.

Really loved this place. The owner was so welcoming and helpful finding us a nice table outside as we were a large party and making sure we were warm. Really good food and the most amazing tiramisu!

I went to the restaurant with my husband for lunch. The food was tasteless, not impressive. In a city with very good options I did´n recomend it!

Excellent wine, service and food! Visiting the area on business with co worker, but had a free night and came across la dolce vita.

WOW! I'm so glad we made reservations. The place is a happening and really tasty. The service was good and the food was delivered nice and hot. Sometimes it's so hard to get hot food but not here. We started with the burrata salad which was excellent, one of the very best I've had. I got the fish of the day, it was dry and needed more sauce. Boo got the Lamb, the lamb was good but very small servings of meat, not meaty at all. Another ordered the Chicken Parmigiana, and another had the Shrimp Salvatore. The Tiramisu is excellent. We were all stunned when we ask for a spoon for the pasta and they brought a teaspoon. AND the bathroom is at the end of the outside strip. A note: It's hard to monitor the cleanliness and towel supply when so far away and so busy.

What a pleasant surprise! We recently came to the San Diego area for a short vacation. After checking into our hotel, it was time for dinner. I searched around on Google and saw the menu here and thought it sounded good with a lot of options. We were able to find some nearby street parking and walked on over. It's somewhat open air, and it was a little cool the evening we went, but not too bad. They do have an area to dine outside as well. My husband, knowing I never finish a meal, opted for the Beef Carpaccio, and said it was amazing! I was originally looking at one pasta, then chose the Tortellini Zio Lino. It was sooo... good! The sauce was like an Alfredo, but a little lighter and creamier. We also had the warm bread with their dipping marinara sauce (it's a sun dried tomato sauce, with anchovies). I don't eat fish, but the bread with oil and cheese was good. We went on a week night, around 5 p.m., so it was pretty empty. However, we had good service and enjoyed the meal. We both said it was probably our best meal of the trip!

This little restaurant set back in an alleyway off the main drag was really great! Delicious food and top rate service. We are outside with a heater to keep us warm. Nice fairly priced wine list and our waiter was extremely attentive and accommodating. All of the food we ordered was tasty. Don’t miss the goat cheese ball appetizer! Overall great alternative to the more formal options in La Jolla!

Choosing an Italian restaurant must always be careful in the USA La dolce vita is an excellent restaurant where the true flavors of Italian cuisine meet without “detours” from the original Alfio is the manager always kind and helpful

No functioning men's room at a restaurant. Just a sign saying "men's room closed" During a pandemic? With no place to wash our hands? I'm out. Also - service was not good.

We stumbled upon this wonderful place in the quaint area right off Prospect St. called International Shops Courtyard. Excellent atmosphere, service and food. The food is authentic Sicilian/Italian fare done right. The bread, hand-made in-house, and the red sauce served with it, is superb. The polenta fries are out of this world great. Owner/chef Enzo is also a wine maker, and his Syrah is fantastic. The prices are reasonable, too. While it lacks a view of the ocean like other nearby places across the street, it more than makes up for it with the great food and service. And they even have a live Italian opera singer and pianist on the weekends.

Hearty portions of beautifully presented and authentically prepared/flavored Italian cuisine - this was the kind of upscale but affordable restaurant that felt like a grandma was cooking and having a great time in the kitchen. A tasty break tucked into a shopping alley, with attentive and friendly service to make you feel comfortably at home.

Had a meal at least his Resturant last night the waiter was wonderful and got the jokes. Gave a very good quality of service the food was very,nice however when we had the mussel they were very small but for some reason this seem to be the normal in this area, unsure why. He also seem surprised when we order a full bottle of wine, but with the general cost of a bottle of wine in the area around £20 I can understand why ..and if any one know why Wine is so expensive I would really like to know

Our family loved our experience here. The food was amazing and huge servings. It’s hidden away in a nook with cute outdoor And indoor seating. There was also an amazingly talented and entertaining singer Luigi and pianist. If you have a change to go on a night they are performing I highly recommend it!

Highly recommend! This authentic Italian restaurant is tucked away in a quiet alley off the Main Street, the food was incredible and service was fantastic.

Love this restaurant. The food is consistently good, the service is efficient and friendly and the ambiance is just delightful. The restaurant is tucked away in a little alley of shops in downtown La Jolla. Once you are seated you just start to relax and take in all that makes this restaurant unique. This place is perfect for so many reasons. Come, and you will see for yourself.

Off Prospect Street in an alley, but worth finding, for salads, pizza and pasta, along with many wines, with gluten-free options. Service could not have been more friendly.

We stayed in La Jolla for 4 days and on the last night randomly found this place tucked away in a little shop alley. We went early for dinner (around 5pm) and were seated immediately inside next to the open windows where we could feel the cool breeze. Their musical talent was in the process of setting up his equipment but was social and friendly with us. The waiter was quick and witty, and very accommodating. I had the Polla Parmigiano (chicken with linquine and vegetables with marinara), my sister and husband both had the lasagna, and my brother-in-law had the seafood spaghetti. My chicken was tender and flavorful, excellent! We all finished our plates and enjoyed our time there on our last night. The prices were mid-range (about $15-$20 per plate) and they had real linen and napkins, lovely and charming tucked away atmosphere.

We have been to La Dolce Vita a few times and love it here. The food is very good. The singers on Friday night are very good. Make sure Luigi is there on Fridays. He is funny and a great singer. Tina is also very good. I might even sing a classic

This was a sweet little Italian restaurant hidden away. Loved the outdoor seating and the people there were fabulous. The food was good and the menu offered options I haven’t seen elsewhere.

We found this by walking around and asking if a few locals. Loved it, the food was fabulous, fresh and the wait staff was happy to help in any way they could. Loved every bite and would not hesitate to return when in the city.

Authentic Italian dining. Menu selections are great. We had baked goat cheese appetizer with pistachios. Linguine vongole just like I ate in Milan. Tortellini zia was prepared similar to alla Carbonara. Service was good. We will definitely be back.

Such a nice option to eat outside in a patio setting with trees, lights and good Italian food. We were seeking a casual but good restaurant with outdoor seating (and not on a sidewalk with everyone walking by our table). This restaurant is a little hidden from the main road but easy to access and street parking is all around. Atmosphere feels like Italy, relaxed and comfortable. Pasta was fresh and tasty.

Have eaten here several times and have never gotten a bad meal. Love the singing in the evening. Our go to place when visitors come in from out of town.

QUICKIE REVIEW Good ravioli found here. FOOD This is what I tried: Lobster ravioli Lobster ravioli was the special of the day and man was it special. Would definitely recommend this place. They all serve bread a little different than other places, which helps make it unique. PARKING No, street parking. SERVICE Waiter did what he had to do. PRICE Roughly $50 for dinner for two. TIP/OTHER THOUGHTS They are a bit heavy on the pours of red wine. You don’t feel cheated at all when you eat or drink here.

My wife and I had a San Diego gift card and found La Dolce Vita. My wife had a calamari steak and I had the daily special, pork belly. WOW what a wonderful surprise. the flavors were amazing. Both were far better then we had expected. The service was first rate. They even made sure when they took pictures of us that everything was perfect including the background. The atmosphere inside was very charming. We enjoyed our meal outside on the patio. There are other shops in the courtyard which could make it busy with people walking by.

We enjoyed our first night's dinner there, we went for our next dinner there, as well. The waiter/chef/owner is terrific. Friendly, knowledgeable about regional Italian cooking. We can easily recommend the caprese salad appetizer, the shrimp salvatore pasta and the vitello e funghi. The veal was the most tender I've ever had. The second night we had the bruschetta which was full of tomatoes on tasty toasty bread, repeated the caprese salad and then split the cacio e pepe. It was made the way it should be...spaghetti, pecorino romano and black pepper. No butter, no cream, no bechemal which many places use and, to my mind, ruin the dish. The wait staff are friendly and attentive without being pestering. We had reservations at 7:30. It was noisy at the beginning but had quieted when our main courses had arrived. They provide a home made bread that is served warm and delicious.

Food is mediocre at best, chicken parm and pizza were poor. Service was slow and restaurant is quite cramped, salads were ok

We stopped at la Dolce vita for lunch. The food was authentic and good. The fresh, warm bread was delicious and the homemade sauce too. A big GRAZIE to Tindaro, who served us!

Our party of 5 had a great evening here. The ambiance is comforting. We were welcomed and seated by the owner. A very friendly man The advice in menu choices was knowledgeable and helpful. All the entrees were delicious and well presented. The portions were large Wine selection was a nice range of styles and prices Overall we agreed this rated 5 stars

Walking by decided to try this. So happy we did. Very busy on saturday night but they fit us right in. Every staff member we interacted with was kind and friendly. The food was delicious. The servings are very big. We overordered...we could have split a meal for sure so if you dont have a huge appetite make sure to look at the plates being served around you.

Sat outside in the patio courtyard on Valentine's day with some friends. Nice quiet easy going ambiance. Good pricing for the neighborhood. The waiter was very courteous and thoughtful. The food was average.

I have eaten at this restaurant numerous times when visiting La Jolla. I have never been disappointed. The food and the service are superb. You can eat inside or outside. The inside has a beautiful mural (Trevi Fountain, I think) has faces hidden in it. It's a lot of fun to look for them.

Just had one of the best dining experience of all time! We skipped on Little Italy to avoid the crowd (and traffic) and found this place right in town. The restaurant had such a warm, cozy, and authentic feel from the setting to the servers and the live Italian music! We were serenaded throughout the night. Our server, Letizia was fantastic and welcoming. And the owner, Enzo, was very personable and made sure his guests were well taken care of. Oh, did I mention the food was great too? Definitely recommend this place!

The courtyard is very unique and rivals Carmel by the Sea. Cute shops line the romantic patio. Exquisite décor and revised menu. Serenading Maestro Luigi and owner Enzo will make you feel like returning family every time. Parking in the rear.

we liked the informal Italian atmosphere, our server was delightful, and had good recommendations. adequate wine list, nice mellow guitar music in the background

It was quite late and we found this very nice place for dinner, the pizza was very good, they offer an hand made bread that was wonderful with the accompanying sauce, also the pasta and the salad were excellent. The food was fresh and very very good, plentiful, also the beverages. The waiters were very kind. The place nice and elegant.

We had dinner at this nice Italian restaurant. The atmosphere was very nice with live music and the service was very friendly and attentive. The food was good but not outstanding. Nevertheless, if you are looking for Dolce Vita you won’t regret it!

We booked this as a "recovery" dinner for a group of extended family after a wedding the prior Saturday. We really enjoyed it and, if events bring us back to La Jolla, will return. The venue is perhaps 50/50 inside and outside. We booked outside, which is a bit of a risk in April (marine layer) evenings in the SD area. We need not have worried, as the courtyard is very sheltered and filled with heat lamps. Super comfortable. The staff were all welcoming and friendly throughout. Why not 5 stars? The food was almost there. The bruschetta and goat cheese appetizers were excellent, but the calamari was over-fried. The pasta orders were also very good, but with one exception. And a few little weird things - we ordered sparkly for the table (yay! wedding complete!), and they said they'd run out of what we ordered. Bummer. But then they found a couple of bottles (yay! toasts!), but then they couldn't find any champagne flutes to serve it in. Big deal? No - you can drink prosecco in a wine glass, of course. But who runs out of flutes? "Seriously, who throws a shoe? That hurt!" Ok, it's a stretch, but that was the quote from one of our guests and we all laughed. Regardless, we'd go back with zero hesitation.

I have to admit, it had been years since the last time I ate at La Dolce Vita. Back in the day it was my "go to" restaurant. Within moments Enzo came over and greeted me with a hug and a "been a long time!" We were promptly seated out on the patio. My wife and I ordered the Cozze Pepate (mussels) for an appetizer. Of course the bread is like cake and dunking in the sauce is a must. For entrées my wife ordered the Bolognese with penne and I had the "Special" (pasta with mussels, shrimp, calamari, mushrooms...). It was delicious as I have always remembered. For desert we shared a tiramisu and a cannoli. Enzo came out and gave us each a delicious moscato to pair with desert. I am truly sorry it took me this long to remember this quaint off the street gem in the heart of downtown La Jolla. I promise... We will be back soon.

What a lovely little spot tucked back in the craziness of prospect street! The location is right in the middle of it all, but you wouldn't necessarily know it. There is indoor seating, but, if the weather is nice, I suggest sitting outside in the garden. La Dolce didn't seem very big. So I am not sure how it would work for larger groups. Parking is really the only downside, but that is an issue with anything on Prospect St. The food was delicious! We were each able to find something we enjoyed. There is a great mix of chicken, steak and seafood on the menu. The service was wonderful. Our server was quite witty and friendly. He was quick to refill our waters and bread. I highly recommend visiting here!

We stopped by while strolling around on vacation. What a surprise! EXCELLENT SERVICE, DELICIOUS FOOD. Their Sun Dried Tomato in olive oil was a delectable! The pasta was in another league! If you visit la Jolla, definitely stop by, you will not regret it!

Excellent experience. The food was exquisite; probably the best lasagna ever eaten. The server was extremely knowledgeable regarding the menu. There were 5 people in our group. Each person ordered a different item and everyone was very pleased with their choices. My wife ordered the lasagna and it was “FIRE”. I ordered meat trio that included steak, Italian sausage, and braised short ribs - none of them missed the mark. If we lived in the area it would be in our standard rotation of restaurants.

I've been to a lot of Italian restaurants in the US, in many countries, and even in Italy, and this visit is the worst visit yet. Thought we had found a hidden gem, an authentic Italian cuisine (as they call them selves), in the US.. amazing! We ordered to pizzas, waited for about 25 minutes, and when it arrived it was the wrong pizza. Had to send the pizza back, and I got a new one fast, too fast! This one was not heated enough. It was raw inside, and extremely soft around the edges. Since we had another appointment and was running out of time, I just had to settle with what I got. Since this was an authentic Italian cuisine I was really surprised that the pizzas were thick, extremely thick! Italian pizza is NOT thick! Real Italian pizza are thin and with a crust, baked in a pizza oven. Not sure if they use a pizza oven either! With Italians working there I'm not sure why they make these pizzas! Okay! So then we got the receipt! And to my surprise, they had already added the tip! Why on earth do they do that when the food doesn't meets the customers expectations? Really irritating! Will not recommend this restaurant to anyone, and will not visit again next time I'm in the city!

This little Italian place was simply perfect. We had the best waiter from Florence who helped provide great advice on the menu. His two recommendations were simply great meals showing off the freshness of the ingredients and the expertise of the chef. I also ordered the meatballs and these were spot on. A good meatball really requires 3 types of meat and this place knows what they are doing. Definitely check out this place. They might not have the views of some of the other restaurants in La Jolla but the food more than makes up for it.

We had stopped at La Dolce Vita for lunch, while in La Jolla with our 8 & 12 year old boys. The restaurant is tucked between some buildings with some little shops. We chose to eat outside and it was perfect. The server was so kind and he was very attentive the entire time. The bread was so delicious, I could have eaten it all myself. One boy had fettuccini alfredo, the other one had penne and my husband had the Fettuccine al Pesto and I had the Penne al Pomodoro Fresco. All of the meals were delicious! I would go there again next time we visit!

As we walked to our table, I spotted a gentleman eating a Pepperoni Pizza that looked outstanding! While others at our table ordered Spaghetti and (very large) Meatballs, and delicious looking Chicken Parmesan, I ordered the Pepperoni Pizza. We were all exceptionally happy with our meals! We arrived at 5:30 and were seated and served promptly. We would surely return!

We had dinner on Friday with friends and really enjoyed it. The dining and singing around the piano was very fun. We decided to come back the next Friday for more great food and singing BUT it was terrible. The service was ridiculously slow and to top it off we had an unexpected guest ... A HUGE COCKROACH was sitting in the bottom of the wine glass when we finished the drink. No compensation was made other than you not charge for the wine or the cockroach! We'll never go back.

This is a hidden gem. Food was great and service was outstanding. Our server was also helping with a large wedding party but this did not impact his service with us. This restaurant is a must if you want great Italian food.

La Dolce Vita was a disappointment. My wife and I went there for dinner last evening, and though things looked promising -- a warm ambience, friendly staff, all tables filled -- things went downhill fast. We ordered a salad and a pizza; the salad was okay, but after waiting nearly 40 mins for our pizza we were told that they had "run out" of pizza! What?!? The wait staff said they had a "thin crust" version, however, so we went with that. 20 mins later, the thin crust arrived -- this was clearly a frozen crust, overloaded with bland sauce and greasy cheese; we were unable to cut through the crust, and similarly unable to pick up a slice without getting covered with sauce and cheese. We were starved, but after gamely trying to ingest this poor facsimile for a pizza, we left half of it on the table. We passed on a takeaway box and dessert. In a final insult, we were charged the same price for the pizza, even though it was not at all what we'd ordered. Stay away from this place.

Ambiance...check! Amazing pasta dishes...check! Alcohol...check! Maybe it was because we were so hungry after walking along the La Jolla cliffside trails or more likely this place is just that good, but this was, by far, the very best meal we had during our San Diego vacation! My whole family loves Italian food and we adore pasta dishes in particular. We all ordered different dishes and it was all so very delicious! I was worried that we would be dressed too informally for this place but didn't feel uncomfortable at all. We LOVED the atmosphere at this restaurant!!!

After a long day in San Diego, my husband, son and I were looking for some good Italian food back in La Jolla where we were staying for a few days. Living in New York, we have had some of the best Italian food and were hoping we could satisfy our cravings at La Dolce Vita. . We happened upon this charming restaurant right in town. Outside was a lovely courtyard with tables for dining which would be perfect in the warmer weather- they did have heat lamps, but we opted for an inside table. Our table overlooked the courtyard- very pretty. The staff was very attentive, professional and accommodating. We were hungry so we ordered a few dishes that we all got to share. For an appetizer we ordered the Calamari Fritti, which was so very tender; it seemed to melt in our mouths. A wonderful sauce on the side was the crème fraiche with horseradish, delicately mild and complimented the Calamari perfectly. We also ordered the Pesto and Pollo Pizza, (chicken, pesto, goat cheese and pine nuts) mmm…so good! The Penne A La Vodka was creamy and delicious, and the Chicken Parmesan was very tasty. The food was plentiful but we couldn’t resist ordering the New York Style Cheesecake for dessert (cookie crust with chocolate and raspberry sauce). An excellent choice and lived up to it’s New York name! I must mention that that our waiter was very helpful and attentive as well as the owner. My husband and I had ordered a glass of Cabernet with our meal and really loved it. When we asked for more details about the wine, the owner engaged in a lovely personal conversation with us. We came away happy- satiated from a great meal and a great Italian restaurant. Viva La Dolce Vita!

We researched and found La Dolce Vita was supposed to be one of the best Italian restaurants in La Jolla and decided to give it a try. We had the option to sit inside or outside. There was live music outside. We chose inside as the tables were far apart and inside wasn't too crowded. Wait staff was terrific. Food was excellent, hot and good-sized portions. The ONLY complaint was parking. Our only option was $20 in a lot across the street in an office building. The elevator is turned off at night, so you have to walk up the ramp. And $20 for parking for an hour+ dinner was exorbitant. Other than that, it was great.

Very small with nice atmosphere..If weather right nice little patio out front. Excellent service and food is great. Love the lobster raviolis. Salad with melon excellent

My wife and I were staying up in Huntington Beach and decided to do a day trip down to La Jolla. We usually do some research ahead of time, to make sure we have a great food experience, but we didn't this time. We were just walking down the street, smelled the food, and we know immediately that we wanted to try it. Man, it didn't disappoint. Everything from the Salad to the Pasta was very good, and the service was outstanding. I also think that it goes a long way when the owner walks around and greats everyone! Is shows me that he gets it, and this owner seemed like a great guy! Do yourself and favor and try this spot. It was the best meal we had in California!

We had a great lunch here. There are dining options to eat indoors or outdoors. Outdoor seating is in a small courtyard. I ordered a pizza with proscuitto, parmigiano, arugula and diced tomatoes. No red sauce, just an olive oil base. Very tasty! My wife had the clams with linguini, again really good. Good value here for sure. What really elevated our lunch though was the service. Diego was amazing.....super friendly and attentive! Couldn’t have asked for better service actually! Definitely recommend if in the mood for Italian.

My wife and I had great food, enjoying live music. Nice people and friendly service. I give it five stars.

First night in La Jolla of five and chanced upon this restaurant. Situated in a courtyard of a shopping area it didn't look promising but was well populated with customers. The food was good with portions that were just right for a healthy appetite but not too large. Service was good too, experienced waiter who knew when he was needed.

We stumbled upon this place. The food was outstanding, reasonably priced and the service was excellent. I would highly recommend this restaurant.

We stumbled upon this awesome little place while strolling around La Jolla, enjoying the sunshine. The owner is charming and so hospitable! The food was exceptional - so fresh! Make this a must do when in the area!

Nice little place with some courtyard seating. We went on a Tuesday night and it was very quiet. Food was good and decent prices. Service was fair. They were trying hard but missed a lot of little things. We had to ask for water constantly as well as wine. They were out of the octopus.

Cannot recommend enough. Authentic, delicious and the owner is a true delight. He is so friendly and lovely and makes his guests all feel at home. The food was absolutely delicious and authentic (owner is from Sicily). My mom is from Italy and we wanted to find a restaurant like this in San Diego and ended up finding this one almost accidentally walking around La Jolla. Everyone should go!! It will be first on our list next time we come back to San Diego.

Had a wonderful dinner there last night, starting with the bread served with a sun dried tomato and olive oil combo. They could make a fortune selling it! Their eggplant involving was incredible, and that was followed by perfectly cooked veal. The outdoor setting was perfect, and the staff was superior. A definite must for anyone in the La Jolla area.

Staying in Carlsbad- decided to take a quick trip to la jolla - saw the sign for this restaurant located down a cute alley. Stopped for a quick lunch - my husband and I both had the special - lobster ravioli in a cream sauce- fabulous - as well as the homemade bread served with olive oil and sun dried tomatoes.

To be avoided. You book and then you don't find a table. When you confirm a reservation online, when the customer shows up you cannot send them away.

Outstanding lunch with mozzarella caprese and spaghetti. Meatballs were delicious and freshly made! Warm bread was great too! Service was very attentive. I would definitely recommend!

Charming little place with indoor/outdoor seating. Staff greeted and treated us like old friends. Warm bread served with olive oil dipping sauce. Penne alla Vidka was divine, as was Mushroom Risotto.

We have been to this restaurant in the past and the food and service were excellent. It is under new ownership and things have changed, for the worse. Upon arrival at our table, I asked the server to please clean the chairs. The owner came over and said everything has been wiped down completely. As several pieces of food were on my chair from the group before us, the server apologized and wiped it off. We asked for the 4-course dinner which we had prepaid through a third-party. The owner said he is not accepting those anymore despite the April, 2021 expiration. He said, just get a refund from the company. From that point on, the attitude was not good at all. Our waiter did not come around and ask us how our dinner was. If he had, we would have told him that the shrimp was overcooked and the pasta sauce was too liquid with no flavor. So much for Shrimp and pasta dish. The eggplant lasagna was ok, nothing special. What was extremely strange was when dinner was over we were asked for our credit card but did not get a bill. He said we would get a receipt after we paid. We have never not received a bill after dinner and just asked to pay. When we did pay and finally get a receipt the other couple with us had their items listed with no dollar amounts, just a total. This is very unprofessional. We were very disappointed that a restaurant we liked has gone downhill. Perhaps most importantly, attitude of the owner and staff was appalling. When we left after dinner, appetizers and wine, we expected a thank you. Nothing. Not going back and if you appreciate a smile, you won't go either. If the attitude had been even marginal this would be a 3-star review, not 2.

The Italian food here was great, the wine list reasonably priced, and the staff very friendly and helpful. Very welcoming and accommodating to larger families and groups. Italian spoken here.

I loved this place, the food and the staff. The tables outside are surely a great ambiance and add to the overall feeling. Well surely be back

We had a great afternoon to enjoy a sidewalk table and Italian cuisine. The service was quick with a smile and genuine concern to ensure a fine dining experience. Highly recommend to make this a must on your dining options.

Dolve Vita is not just one of the best restaurants in La Jolla, but in the entire US as well. The food is absolutely fabulous, and the service is top-notch. The owners are very friendly and welcoming, making you feel right at home. Every dish we tried, from the octopus to the pasta with vodka sauce, various pizzas, caneloni with spinach and ricotta, and various salads, was not only delicious but also prepared with great attention to detail. We are already planning to visit again and highly recommend this hidden gem to everyone.

I don't think so. I don't like my dishes, especially when not suited to the food, to be doused in tomato sauce. For what this restaurant pretends to be we did not enjoy the food and felt that this restaurant was overpriced for what it offered.

Outstanding food and great service. Even my Sicilian mother thought the food was great and she is a tough critic. Don't miss the fried goat cheese appetizer. We liked it so much we went twice in less than a week. A special thank you to Al who was an awesome host.

Lovely surroundings Waiter likable (be careful with optional added) Cooking is good So it's the first time I see the waiter decide the price for his tip on a check. (amount printed on the bills). And as you are a winner you have a line to pay another Tip on CB receive. I don't think that it is honest methods. It's why I marked 1 star. What a shame....

La Dolce Vita Ristorante is a nice Italian restaurant off the Prospect street hidden away in a little passage. We always had passed by it but never had the opportunity to try the food. Needless to say the food and service were really good. Georgio our server provided an excellent service. We tried different kind of salads, pasta and pizza and they all tasted good. Keep in mind that this restaurant only serves wine and beer. The wine selections are reasonably good but the beer selections can definitely be improved.