Reviews from Yelp.com & Citysearch.com
10/26/2008 Posted by kidgraphite
I
took my wife here last weekend for her birthday. The food was
excellent, the wine was a perfect complement, and the service (Chris,
the owner) was outstanding. The restaurant has a small interior, with
fireplace, and is nice and quiet so you can enjoy the company you are
with. The food all tasted very fresh and flavorful.
I'm a transplant from San Francisco, and travel frequently. I have to
say this was some of the best food and service I've experienced. Top
drawer, in every regard. Thank you, Chris.
Pros: Fresh, flavorful food. Outstanding, friendly service. Quiet, warm, romantic. Perfect in every regard. An incredible find
Seattle, WA
08/23/2008 Posted by TCoyne415
Just
ate there with six people after walking by and thinking it looked
interesting. What a find! We tried lots of dishes -- menu was very
creative ("nuovo Italian" or Pacific NW Italian) with fresh
ingredients, great preparation, superp service and a good, high value
wine lis to boot. Sometimes in life, luck is with you and you find a
great restaurant by accident. Tonight was our night -- we lived in San
Francisco for 8 years, and this place would do very well there.
05/01/2008 Posted by swiftk
How
can you not love this place?! The service is personal, friendly and
warm. The owner is very accomodating to his guests. The food is
amazing! Overall, it's a great place and I'd recommend it to anyone
Seattle, WA
Seattle, WA
Issaquah, WA
5 star rating
08/14/2007
Best Italian I've Ever Had
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended
11/23/2007 Posted by dburch120
I don't even know where to begin. This place is AMAZING! My boyfriend and I recently took our first trip to Seattle and our hotel recommended La Dolce Vita for the best Italian food in the city. We were very skeptical, because Italian is our favorite and we're very picky. The intimate setting is absolutely perfect for an evening with friends sharing a bottle of wine or a night alone with your significant other. I can honestly say that the food is the best Italian food I have ever had. I live in the Bay Area and it breaks my heart that La Dolce Vita is all the way in Seattle. I highly recommend the Shrimp Scami appetizer, Penne Pasta with italian sausage, mushrooms, tomato sause, and cream, and their paninis. I spoke to both the owner and his father and they are excellent gentlemen who put the + to an already A-rated establishment. Enjoy! and make sure to make reservations to insure you don't miss out on the best place in Seattle!
Great Food, Very comfortable dining, nice atmosphere
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended
07/18/2007 Posted by judpen
I've enjoyed La Dolce Vita three times now, and can not wait to get there again. A great spot to eat before the Sonics games. The first time, I enjoyed the Wild Boar dish, which was very authentic and something I had never tried. It was very good, and also very different, which I like! There's too many restaurants out there with the same Menu, and I was pleased to see some different items on this one. I've also enjoyed the Filet Mignon dish, which came with a side of very flavorful vegetables. The third time I visited, the special of the day was the Osso Bucco! What a delight! An enormous cut of Veal, that must have been slow roasted the entire day. It was piled on top of a bed of special Rissotto. I've also enjoyed the appetizers. The shrimp scampi is excellent. We also tried a pear ravioli starter, which I had never heard of. I would say that was my favorite, although everything is excellent. The owner/chef/waiter has always been out to meet and greet us with a smile. He makes you feel like your a regular, and even stayed open an hour late while we enjoyed some after dinner wine. He made us feel very comfortable and at home. I have never written a review on this site, but after eating here, I felt it was my duty to get the word out on La Dolce Vita! The Sweet Life! Yes Indeed!
Seriously Amazing!
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended
06/22/2007 Posted by choirboy_lap
I went here for the first time with 2 coworkers, and we snagged the one outdoor table. Our waiter was so great at checking in with us and recommending wines and specials. I have never before in my life order "lamb shank," but it was a special last night, and it was ridiculously good. Then the owner and chef came out to check on us also, and joke with us about our waiter. He also told us that they are building an extended deck so they can add 10 more tables to a new patio area. I will for sure be going back and recommending la dolce vita to my friends.
Intimate, romantic with great wine and food!
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended
04/11/2007 Posted by khanes
My boyfriend and I went here for the first time last night and loved it!! The service was impeccable, the atmosphere relaxed, and I loved the music selection. It wasn't too crowded, so it was an intimate, relaxed setting. I had a delicious halibut dish and my boyfriend had spaghetti with bolognese, all very flavorful. Also a great wine selection! We'll definatly go back, especially since it's within walking distance.
Most Divine Italian in Seattle
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended
03/05/2007 Posted by scotty4442
My wife and I had the privilege of dining at La Dolce Vita two weeks ago on a Friday evening before a Sonics game. We tried going to Buca di Beppos, but luckily they were full so we went five minutes west to La Dolce Vita.This small Italian restaurant is anything but your everyday Italian joint.The menu is well rounded and the service exceptional! The owner himself (Chris Frost) was our waiter and he made us feel like we were in our living room receiving five star service.I can honestly say that we have never had a waiter go so out of their way that much to make sure we were perfectly content.As far as the food goes we started with the Pear Ravioli.Having a pasta as a starter is something that I have never tried before but am glad I did.The portion is perfect for two people and the taste was extraordinary.Pear and Gorgonzola went hand in hand to create a perfect appetizer.My wife ordered the Linguine Scampi with Crab and Prawns which I had to try.It was a terrific dish.Unlike most seafood pastas, the Prawns were cooked perfectly and not overdone like at most places.The sauce was seasoned perfectly and not over-garliced which seems to be the norm for every other Italian restaurant.I myself had the Wild Boar "Dolce Vita" with the Bing Cherry sauce and Gorgonzola Gnocchi.Everything on my plate was absolutely perfect.The sweetness of the Bing Cherry sauce complemented the saltiness of the boar.Who ever paired the boar with that sauce is an absolute genius.Even the Gnocchi was cooked to perfection which is easy to over do.For desert my wife and I decided to split their house- made Tiramisu.True you can get Tiramisu anywhere, but even this was outstanding and a lovely end to one of the best dining experiences we have ever had in Seattle.Everything about La Dolce Vita is incredible, from the atmosphere/ service, to the (in our opinion) 5 star cuisine, I would recommend this restaurant to anyone in or around the Seattle area.It is truly the Italian gem of the Emerald City.
Best ITALIAN in the NW
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended
10/26/2006 Posted by pastamaster
I would be remiss were I to not to post some feedback for this little treasure. Because business makes me a frequent traveler to Seattle, service and quality make me a frequent patron of La Dolce Vita. A typical situation find me down the hill at one of the extended stay hotels in the area, a brisk walk and Im ensconced in Italian flare and flavor. It seems the previous review attempts to associate the progressive with the inauthentic. Well, perhaps if you associate authenticity with spaghetti and meatballs you will find that to be case but if youre looking for veal ossobucco, wild boar, fresh and innovative seafood creations, you wont find a superior in Western Washington. The flavors of La Dolce Vita are rich and subtle. Their selection of Italian wines is second to none. If you're looking for true, fine Italian Dining and attentive friendly service, look no further, youve now found La Dolce Vita.
Great Food, Great Service!
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended
07/25/2006 Posted by 206diner
Absolutely a must try Italian restaurant! The Vongole was great - generous portions, super tasty! Service was great! We walked into the restaurant at 1015pm and the restaurant closes at 1030 and they welcomed us in and served us even though it was 15 mins. to closing. Great ambiance, great place to take your date.
Superb experience with a flair!
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended
07/17/2006 Posted by amrakx
This is my third dinner experience at La Dolce Vita. Like a fine wine it continues to improve with age. From the polished server to the crisp white table cloths adorned with a single red rose adornment it only gets better from here... The salmon on the fresh sheet never fails to impress. I tried the amatraciana this evening and it was excellent! The sauce even outdid my favorite La Rustica's signature dish. The server's attentive but relaxed style enhanced the pleasure of our dining. The tiramisu was heavenly, light as a cloud and probably the best I've had. What a wonderful ristorante, truly a 5 star evening! Thank you!!!
A 10 on my citysearch scale!
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended
04/21/2006 Posted by gregnika
We saw this restaurant when staying at a hotel around the corner and are so glad we did; what a delight this was! The ambience was inviting and warm, the food was exquisite, and the service attentive and consistent. All in all, one of the best dining experiences we've had in a long time.
Superb Italian Dining!!!
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended
04/14/2006 Posted by martibella
I have eaten in many of Seattle's best Italian retaurants and I have to say this is about the best. The five times I have eaten there the food has been exquisite and the service is unmatched. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed with comfortable chairs, booths and tables. The menu is creative with rich flavors and superb side accompaniments. They serve the best bruschetta (several kinds) I've had anywhere. The wine list is varied and reasonably priced with many excellent vintages. La Dolce is great place to celebrate special occasions - the staff works hard to make everyone feel special. This is now my regular (and only) Italian eatery.
Wow, wow and wow!
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended
02/16/2006 Posted by wooz
Finally, a worthy Seattle Italian restaurant. I've been here 4 times now and I have never been disappointed. Every dish I've had has been spectacular and the quality of the ingredients and food has been exquisite. Do yourself a favor. If you love Italian food and good dining, this place is a must. It is lower Queen Anne's hot little secret.
Not to be missed!
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended
02/07/2006 Posted by philipr26
La Dolce Vita is a gem of a restaurant that should not be missed! My 5th visit was with a co-worker that was newly introduced to this place and she went back for dinner the following evening. I have never had the same dish twice and have always been delighted. The service is excellent without being overdone - no 'pomp and circumstance' here. If you have not yet visited La Dolce Vita, you are missing out on something very special...
Oh What a Night!
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended
02/05/2006 Posted by brownke
La Dolce Vita is such a find! From the moment you walk in the door you feel the warmth and charm of this Italian gem. The staff is amazingly gracious and attentive--full of knowledge from wines to menu items. Even the owner will visit your table to say hello--a personal touch that means so much. And the food...that's the best part!!! From the starter salad to the entrée to the dessert--everything was amazing! It was hard to pick one menu item but I'm in love with the chicken piccata! The Dolce salad was off the charts good, the tiramisu was to-die-for and the burnt crème melts in your mouth. Our bottle of wine, selected beautifully by our waiter, was the perfect compliment to our food selection. There's a respectful and genuine rapport with everyone who works there and they know how to make exceptional food. Can't wait to go back!
yet to catch on romantic wonderland
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended
01/23/2006 Posted by bgoldy99
I've been to this place about 4 times and it has been consistently amazing. The food is superb and the service is amiable and super friendly. My first time there the owner sat down with us for about 10 minutes and just chatted -- then sent over dessert! Romatic atmosphere -- a great date place.
Best Italian in Seattle!
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended
01/23/2006 Posted by dooday
I want to start off by saying that, hands down!, "BEST!" Italian in Seattle is an understatement. It could be the best on the west coast, if not the best on both coasts. I've been to little Italy in New York, I've been up and down the west coast eating at fine Italian restaurants. The five times that I've been to this little gem of a restaurant have been over the top! I am a West Seattle native, and have been to every fine Italian restaurant in the city,(Il Terrazzo, Assagio, Il bistro,Tulio). La dolce vita is playing Polo, while the others, Hmmm, rugby? In close, this restaurant deserves all the praise, and more! Congratulations to the owner and staff for making me a devoted and satisfied customer! Thank you. David K. Eklund
Amazing is an understatement!!
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended
01/14/2006 Posted by mrbills
It's hard to remember somewhere comparable to La Dolce Vita. The chef's distinctive, mouthwatering food absolutely blew us away! Although it was a crowded Friday night beofre a Sonic's game, the service was intimate and timely. Phenomenal! The decor, wine, staff, delicious food to the overall warmness of our experience...La Dolce Vita is a MUST for anyone who loves an outstanding experience. Owner, Chris Frost, has made all the right decisions!
An Affair to Remember
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended
12/11/2005 Posted by r_jackson
Ordinarily Im not compelled to write reviews but for La Dolce Vita I feel its warranted. Id been planning a big night for an approaching two-year anniversary; tickets to the ballet at McCaw Hall were secured, flowers, everything but the fine dining. I stopped in and was introduced to the owner, Chris Frost, who invited me to sit down for a glass of wine to discuss how to make the evening as perfect as possible. On the big night we both decided on the specials. I had a halibut while my wife had a salmon ravioli. Both dishes were rich, fresh, well prepared and our server, Andrew, matched us with a bottle of wine that fit the tastes perfectly. The entire wait staff wished us happy anniversary and we were treated with complimentary tastes of dessert wine. Rarely is an evening at McCaw overshadowed by the dinner that precedes it.
Lower Queen Anne's Little Secret
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended
12/09/2005 Posted by chadpetersen
Everything about our first visit to La Dolce Vita exceeded our expectations. The menu is extensive enough to satisfy the adventuresome, yet it still provides several of the "Italian" basics. The wine list is expansive and the staff is knowledgable enough to offer meaningful suggestions. Not only is the menu terrific, but the service is especially excellent. This is a great place for a romantic evening, special event, or for those evenings when packaged speghetti and canned sauce is out of the question.
Delicious Dinner with Excellent Ambiance
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended
11/29/2005 Posted by kellyhennessey
My husband and I were attending a show at Key Arena and wanted to try a new restaurant beforehand. We hit the jackpot! La Dolce Vita is wonderful. The setting is quiet and romantic, the service is out of this world and the food is scrumptious. Chris (the owner) made us feel like we were guests in his home and Andrew (our server) was very attentive and made sure we always had what we needed. The rest of the staff was great as well. The prices we just right for the quality and amount of food you receive. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a warm, delicious plate of Italian comfort food! It is a great place for a date or for a family meal.
Oh What A Suprise
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended
11/19/2005 Posted by tinabob
My wife and I were headed to the Key Arena for an event and on the way we stopped by this restaurant we've never heard of for a bite to eat. A look at the menu and we were sold. We both ended up have specials though. She had fresh halibut stuffed with crab and basil with this amazing sauce, and I had a roasted veal chop with marsala and portobello mushrooms. Our appetizers were great aswell, manilla clams with a very delicate white wine sauce, and a Dolce Vita salad with fresh strawberries and gorgonzola. The owner Christopher Frost has the personality alone to make your experience wonderful. His staff is charming and attentive, there wine list is the has the BEST VALUE IN SEATTLE. A must try, we'll definately be back. Just nice to have a great restaurant where you feel comfortable.
La Dolce Vita--A great dining experience
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended
11/18/2005 Posted by bigdmoney
La Dolce Vita is a great dining experience that benefits from a wonderful serving staff and food that is to die for. It was a very personal and inviting environment that was enhanced by the wonderful lighting and decor. It is a great place to bring a date for a romantic evening or wonderful for a nice family outing. Chris (the owner) did a wonderful job of making us feel at home while our server Andrew never missed a beat. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone headed to the Seattle Center or for anyone just looking for a wonderful dining experience.