La Dolce Vita - Authentic Italian Cuisine

We were truly excited to try this place. With many years of experience in Italian food restaurants and service we were truly disappointed. The food was bland at best and while the servers tried to be on it they missed the synchronicity and took things off our table that we had to request vinegar/oil and no offer of crushed red or black pepper. The Gorgonzola cheese on the salad was packaged cubes, not fresh and just 4 small slices of pear. For these prices there are many other Sarasota Italian restaurants that we will continue to frequent but at $150 + for 2 ppl this will not be somewhere we return to.

What an awesome experience, straight out of Italy. We would have never found this gem on our own but where introduced by a friend on his invitation. Tina, the co- owner greeted us at the door like we were family! We were welcomed by the serving staff equally as warmly. We were informed that everything was home made including the desserts. I had to take a picture of the bread and oil/garlic as it was sooo tasty. We had a tough time deciding what to eat but it didn’t really matter what was chosen, it all was sooo delicious. An added touch to the evening was the singer. Even Tina belted out a couple of tunes. The end of the evening was fun when it turned into a bit of a karaoke with a family at the next table. We were introduced to Mauro, the Chef/co-owner and husband of Tina. What a wonderful duo providing passion into both the authentic Italian cuisine and the guest experience. We’ll be back again & again!

We fell in love with La Dolce Vita with the intimate dining experience, exquisite wine knowledge staff and the gastronomic delights!!! La Dolce Vita was appropriately busy however we were well cared for, all evening! I feel fortunate to find this First Class Restaurant for dining when I am in Florida! Bravo Dine in: YesTakeout: Yes

Darling authentic Italian food and atmosphere. Tina is a wonderful host! The food was delicious! We will definitely be back!Food: 5/5

Dined here last night for the first time: Excellent! Warmly greeted by Tina and staff upon arrival, and delivered personal attention throughout our evening. Amazingly delicious food, all prepared fresh and to order, from starters through to dessert. We felt untrusted and very welcome in this establishment - and will be back whenever we are in town. Delicioso!!!

La Dolce Vita is an absolute gem of a restaurant whose modest, unassuming location in a Stickney Point strip mall completely belies the eatery’s charming intimacy, authentic Italian dishes and superior service. I’ve gone with groups of five, four and two, and each time have been impressed by the attentiveness of the wait staff and the friendliness of Tina, the delightful owner. The scratch-made food is fantastic, just don’t expect heavy mounds of pasta smothered in red sauce. Each dish gets high marks for creativity, presentation and, most especially, flavor. I’ve visited Italy several times and would rank La Dolce Vita right up there with the best food from the “old country.”

True Italian cuisine, If I did not know any better I thought I was back in Italy. Hands down the best Lasagna I had since I been to Italy. The Mussels in the red sauce with the homemade bread was mind blowing. The desert was excellent and thank you for the Limoncello that was so good we ordered more. Thank you so much for that wonderful meal see you soon.

Not only the food is great, the staff is amazing. 10 stars complements to this restaurant. The owner shows the love to every guest. Thank you Tina!

Had a lovely first experience here… bruschetta to start was amazing, bucatini pasta and as excellent, tiramisu to finish was a fun take in a glass, and the final most amazing part was the limoncello! I don’t know if they put cream in there or what, but it was delightful. Service was like you were in your Italian aunts houseRecommended dishesRigatoni

Friends took us here for the first time on Tuesday 12/27. The food, the wine selection, the dessert and the service were all outstanding. Every part of the meal from appetizers, main courses, and dessert were Five Star! We will be back again!!