Dolce is a rare find. What a fantastic neighborhood restaurant! Friendly service, delicious food, great wine all in a beautiful setting. The scallops are among the best we've ever eaten and the cioppino was excellent. And now that they have live music on Saturday evenings, Dolce has become one of our favorite dinner spots. read more

Had a my dinner here with family (large party) and the had an amazing experience. This place is very nicely designed and has a very chic but cozy feel to it. The food was amazing from soup to salads, appetizers, flat breads and the main course options. Also we had the pleasure of having Damian (hope I'm spelling it right) attending to us which made our experience even more amazing. Everyone in our party loves her and raved about her. Will definitely be back. read more

I absolutely love Dolce!! As a new resident to San Diego, my family decided to take me out to dinner for my 25th birthday. We decided on Dolce mainly because it was close, and second because we are huge wine fans. We showed up without a reservation (bad idea for parties of 4 or more) and they managed to work us in anyways. They have traditional style seating, so you usually get sat with other parties- which, when wine is flowing, is usually a lot of fun! The food was amazing, definitley worth the price. The wine was fantastic as well, as my family and I have been back many times to indulge. And dessert, well... enter at your own risk! This place has got what it takes to keep you coming back for more! read more

Came here on a Sunday for an early lunch before the horse races at Del Mar. The place is beautiful and unique inside but we actually sat outside on the patio which was equally lovely. We sat down around 11:30 and our waitor brought us waters and didn't come back for another ten minutes to take our drink orders...we got mimosas with the house (aka shitty) champagne which were nine bucks a pop, but standard for this area. I ordered the lamb sausage flat bread and my dude ordered the tomato/mozzarella/proscuitto panini. For 17/18 dollars I expected the flat bread to have a LOT more lamb on it. The bread part was tasty and crispy, but the toppings just did nothing for me. Poorly seasoned greens, no sauce, and just a few sad pieces of lamb sausage...I was disappointed. The panini was delicious, but again, not very generous on the meat. Our server did not come check on us once; he saw that we had finished and grabbed our plates and didn't come back for another ten minutes so I actually had to go grab him to get the bill. We wanted a quick but enjoyable lunch and it ended up being 2 hours because the service was so slow. There was no one inside and only 4 tables full of people outside with two servers...the service should have been a lot better. Overall, I would say the food was about a 6, the service was a 3, and the actual restaurant style and atmosphere gets an 8. Has a lot of potential but they really need to step up their game. read more

We had another fabulous dinner at Dolce recently, actually twice. We were there for their Caymus Wine Dinner that Chef Chris paired perfectly with the Caymus and then we were there for Christmas Eve with family and friends. Excellent food and service. We will be back and pick up some wine to take home! read more

Anyone who has been out to East county knows how difficult it can be to find decent food in East county. Dulce Pane E Vino is one of those places where the food is freshly prepared, delicious with a relaxing ambiance. In my book, if you know how to prepare salmon, then everything else is golden! They've got a good wine list and the prices are reasonable. Their gelato is made on site and sold from a large case inside the restaurant along with pastries. There's something a bit more enjoyable about getting up to choose your desert from the case, rather than just ordering it from a menu with photos or having a wheeled cart of choices brought out to you. Breakfast is good too- if you live out here- you'll appreciate that tip. read more

I've eaten at Dolce four or five times in last couple of years. Funny, the last time I was there (about a month or so ago), I thought the prices were pretty reasonable (I never really quite felt that way). So, it's kind of odd that after I got home I realized that I was way overcharged or I simply overpaid. Not sure which. I don't think I was deliberately cheated and since I couldn't locate the itemized receipt, I will chalk it up to being overly generous! The flat breads, shrimp with pesto and brussel sprouts with lardon are tasty small plates ranging from $9-$12. Paul Hobbs Chardonnay at $40.00/bottle. Very nice. Dining options in Fairbanks Ranch are very limited - Dolce fills a need. read more

Nice atmosphere. If you are an attractive female pray that your bartender/wait person is NOT KC. OMG what a rude person! I'll never come back when she is behind the bar or on deck waiting tables. Disappointing experience today. read more

Dolce - Italian Near Me - Rancho Santa Fe, California

See all

Good atmosphere and service but food is average and slow in getting to you Atmosphere was ok Noise level was on read more

YUM----eeeee! This is my new favorite place to eat. We came here with another couple on a Friday night. The place was small and busy but we loved the ambience. Great selection of wine which blows Wine Steals and 3rd Corner away but I guess that doesn't say much. The food is to die for! Everything we ate was delicious. My husband had a sausage flat bread and I had the Hamachi Salad. I can't wait to come back for the tasty Beef Carpaccio Salad again. I'm still craving for more. The only reason it did not get five stars is because the service was incredibly slow which can be enjoyable if you're wanting to take your time.....really take your time. Also, our waiter who was very kind, mistakenly over billed us and forgot to bring our friend her coffee at the end of dinner, during dessert. They were too slow but at least the entire staff was nice. read more

I had the chicken jidori and it was disgusting. The chicken was over cooked. The service was descent. read more

Dolce - The chicken was like cutting into beef jerky. - Italian Near Me - Rancho Santa Fe, California

I read the stellar reviews here on Yelp and was looking forward to my visit to Dolce. I ordered a BLT panini. It was $13 with soup. The soup was great - smoky tomato, very good. The "panini" was a toasted white bread sandwich. The bread was the kind that you get from Safeway for $1 for a really long loaf. From Wikipedia: "Panini are sandwiches, Italian in origin, but now international. In Italy, a panino (Italian pronunciation: [panino]) is customarily made from a small roll or loaf of bread, typically a ciabatta or a rosetta. " It was okay as a toasted white bread sandwich, but I do not think it was a panini. And I'm not sure I would have minded if it were some other kind of bread (I hesitate to say the word "artisan", since that too means different things to different people), it's the holding out of plain ol' white bread as panini material that is objectionable. read more

This is a classy gem. (Thank God---they are not caught up in copying all of the latest trends, so you won't get stuck sitting on a lousy cold metal chair, surrounded by a quasi garage/barn/graffiti-laden warehouse) Excellent food and a very inviting relaxing atmosphere. We have come for lunch several times. Very consistent quality. Great wine selections by the glass. Prices are within reason for the high quality of food and preparation. Everything on the menu is delicious, and I especially like the Angry Chicken and the Cedar Salmon. read more

We went here the other night. The staff were on it upon entry. We made reservations to be safe, but not necessary for a sunday night, since the races are done. We ordered the standard bruscetta, meat & cheese platter to share. Both were fantastic. They were out of 2 of our chosen bottles of wine, but that's not a big deal. We tried the NY steak & short ribs; margherita flat bread and finally the roasted chicken. No complaints. All the ingredients were very fresh & the portion sizes are reasonable, not overwhelming. All were cooked to perfection. I believe the only negative we had was towards the prices. They are quite pricey for the dinners & their portions. I understand they are in Rancho Santa Fe/Fairbanks Ranch & likely have high rent...but the prices are a bit high. Are bill nearly caused a couple heart attacks. read more

Really cool place. Love the salumi "flatbread" and the BLTA. Don't get chicken on the BLTA like I did the first time. It cranks up the price of the sandwich to a $19 BLTAC and the chicken doesn't work with the combo. They give you a very gracious amount of bacon in the first place. I don't drink, but it's apparent that there is a very nice wine collection here. Recently there has been this disturbing leg of some animal in the back that I tend to stare at for a few minutes each time I go back even though I know it's cured and totally normal. I guess that's why I'm not a chef. I'm also tempted to try the super duper ultimate water filter machine they have, but I don't want to pay for it. Curious as to why it costs money. They are guilty, just like almost every restaurant in the Ranch, of switching their menus around at certain times in the day (I believe 2pm). P.S. Do yourself a favor and get the butterscotch dessert thing. read more

We have been here several times- always have had a good time and great food Attentive waitress and fast service Recommend read more

Sat outside during the sunset, it was a little cold but they have an outdoor fireplace - 5 stars for ambience. The service excellent. We ordered appetizers, food, dessert. This would be a five star place except for the food - I had the half chicken and it was a mediocre dish. Talk to your server about the dish you're ordering, they can be helpful. We did that for the dessert and I wish I'd done it for the main dish. read more

We had a team luncheon here yesterday. Cons: Unfriendly Service. We were hardly checked on. SUPER slow service. It took us over 2 hours for lunch. Not a full menu. No pastas. Only salads, paninis and a few entrees. Pros: Good short rib flat bread. Lunch for 6 people was $300. I'm not sure I would come back, since there are so many other places to eat. However, the potato corn chowder and short rib flat bread was pretty good, so I may or may not come back for those. read more

I love this place. The food and service is excellent. I love KC the bartender. She is sweet and funny as well as beautiful. The wine selection is great and the ambiance is relaxing and posh. read more

I've written several positive reviews for this restaurant. Actually, I think that this is the only restaurant I've written more than one review for. But the service surpassed expectations last evening, with a group of 13 celebrating a birthday right smack in the middle of the restaurant. This has become my favorite go to restaurant, and I was eager to share with my guests, who loved the food, thought the service was terrific (really....6 bottles of wine to uncork? Cake that needed to be cut and served?....all done with a smile). Dolce made the event even more special with the warmth and service of a neighborhood restaurant that knows your tastes well. New York Times, Frank Bruni just wrote an article today on What we want in restaurants...and it sounded like it described this restaurant completely. "The chef Jonathan Waxman, 68, who owns the Manhattan restaurants Barbuto and Jams, said that we older diners are true in our tastes to the etymology of the word "restaurant," which promises to "restore one's spirit." read more

Had a completely satisfying experience at lunch. The corn chowder was delicious, and the chicken pannini done just the way I like - with more ingredients than bread and expertly grilled with the component textures and tastes preserved. Can't wait to go back and try the more complex offerings at dinner time. read more

This restaurant is a pleasant surprise in Fairbanks Ranch area. We had a large party with many kids and they were happy to accommodate. We requested outside seating and we were seated in almost a private area, which was nice. The food was pretty good. We had different types of pizzas-meat lovers was the tastiest, as was the margherita. Salads were great. Soup was bland. Service was very attentive. Great place, all in all!! read more

Beautiful decor, excellent service and food. Top notch wine and spirits list as well. I will be back for sure. Bravo to management and the staff! read more

We go here quite often and it is a lovely spot. Few of my personal favorite: pizzas (all of them) and the gnocchi with Boar meat sauce, which is awesome Steven is an excellent host, the staff is very friendly. I recommend to sit on the patio read more

I have to admit, Dolce Pane E Vino Restaurant is overrated...but in the absolute best way possible. It is difficult to find a good bottle of something to sip on for under $100, but the price does come with the guarantee that it will be amazing. Appetizers are the way to go. I love coming here with a small group of friends and ordering a few to nibble on while we enjoy our wine. The cheese plate and any of the flat bread pizzas will be sure to please everyone in the group. The communal tables are fun if you're with a date. For extra first impression points? Order the salted caramel dessert. read more

Finally, a new spot to eat in the Ranch!! Pros: Location - If you live/work in the area, then you know how desperately we need new restaurants! Wine - If you like wine, then this is a spot for you. Lots of choices at all price ranges. Soup - The cauliflower soup is the stuff dreams are made of...so delicious with veggies from Chino Farms. Cons: Price/Portions - The food is expensive considering these are "tasting" plates. The paninis come with a side soup or salad, so that is by far the best deal. The pane rusticos (flatbread pizzas) are tasty, but tiny. Beverages - If you don't drink wine, then your beverage selection is limited. They only offer bottled iced tea (and if you've read my other reviews, then you know that this is a big pet peeve of mine...it's fresh brewed or nothing!). It just recently opened, so I'm hoping that they revise the menu to be more satisfying for the price. But overall a great addition to the Ranch. read more

Many of our friends love this place! We had to try it...so one afternoon after lunch and before dinner, we went there to give it a try. We ordered: 1. Spinach salad 2. Arugula salad It was simply a snack in between meals so we didn't go too crazy. Ambiance: elegant and cozy at the same time. Presentation is beautiful, and the wine racks by the front door is stacked beautifully and high. The outdoor patio is also a relaxing and plush setting, perfect for a get-together among friends and/or family. The bar looked well stocked, we shall be back for happy hour again! read more

Me and my husband spend a lovely evening at the restaurant. Everything - the hostess, our waiter Phillip, the food and the wine were excellent! We really recommend this place. read more

See all

The food was amazing. It is a pricey place but as other reviewers have said it is in a high rent district. We will definitely be back! read more

Every time I come here, I wonder why I don't come more often. The flatbread pizza is unique and delicious. The wine selection is fantastic. The food is fresh. I love the pretty patio, and as the racetrack property across the street is improved, the view will only get better. The dinner menu is also great, and the service has always been outstanding. Be prepared... This is not your casual neighborhood pizza place. This is a pretty pricey meal. However, the quality of the seasonal menu makes this a great spot for a nice meal out. read more

Loved the ambiance of this place- cozy & warm. But not entirely in love with the menu- it lacked options. We ended up sharing a salad and a fish dish. We had good food and service but nothing spectacular. read more

There are few times that I ever want to write a review on yelp, but I left dolce with much less than a dolce taste in my mouth. Let me start with the service. My server was texting the entire time my boyfriend and I were having dinner. She was over in the bar area talking to some long-white-haired man and his family shmoozing it up and failed to refill our water or ask me for another much needed glass of wine for way too long. We sat without anything to drink as we were eating our overcooked spicy chicken. We had to flag down a busser by getting up and walking to the hostess stand. She then came over and acted like nothing was wrong and flipped her blond hair as she walked away. So rude! Amateur service staff! To top off our already ruined date night, the owner was at the bar drunk as a skunk, being really loud and obnoxious, cussing and telling people "f*** you, take a bottle of wine home! I personally know the vintner". I'm not sure why they have gone so far downhill lately, but I'm going to guess that customer service is not their specialty. I have come in at least 10 times before this last visit in May, (with coworkers and clients) and I doubt I'll be returning. It seems to be the local hangout for the local alcoholics...including the owner. read more

If you like to have best food and service just come to dolce see Reid and miles you can't go wrong

Yum yum Dolce: good wine and delicious bites. We did the $20 per person wine tasting last night (from 4-6pm) and loved every moment of it. The tastings are done on the back patio which is so lovely, but I do suggest coming early to snag a shady spot. Passed apps were included with the tasting and of the ones that we tried, the 4 cheese flatbread was definitely my favorite. And once the wine buzz kicked in, we also ordered a cheese plate (super yum) and a fungi flat bread pizza (not my fave, but still good). All in all I would say if you are a wine lover, Dolce is a must try. read more

Delicious food and friendly, happy service:) Love that they're open late. We'll definitely be back. read more

Dolce - Italian Near Me - Rancho Santa Fe, California

I love coming here. The food is always fresh and the services have great. I would love to come here everyday for lunch and dinner. read more

This is the best restaurant ever! Food, atmosphere, vino a must visit! The ambience and service was so welcoming! I loved the variety of small plates! The farm fresh, wood fired cooking was over the top! Thank you! read more

What a disappointment.....my wife and I were recommended to come here and try the flatbread, which we did. We took out the boxes and went to a wonderful view spot, opened them and....wow....we had never seen such poor toppings on anything like that. Sausage, where were you? Red onions.....almost invisible. Skimpy would be an overstatement. And at the prices we paid, $19 per flatbread, such a let-down at any price, especially this one. There are similar, far better offerings available within a short distance, and we'll be eating there in future. read more

It is truly unfortunate when a restaurant of good reputation has staff behaving in a manner as if they were going for the "casting" of Mean Girls, the movie. We had a reservation for 4 and we did arrive at the requested time. However, the reception from the "hostess' was not very cordial, in fact it was cold and rude. I was to began my 70th birthday series of celebrations and what better way then to go to the area's well know eatery. I mentioned the fact that I noticed the corking fee of $50 and did make a comment that this may reflect in the outcome (review). I had brought a rare 2001 Pomerol, Grand Cru Classé to have and enjoy among friends that evening. Her response was brassy and then guided us to a patio table. She was abrupt to say the least, rude. The server eventually arrived minutes later. She was rude and literally spead the menus as if we were dining in a 1950's diner. She eventually returned to our table, and I was about to ask about the special , if any, she informed us that we could and probably "should eat at an other place." As she left, we decided to do exactly what she recommended. We did go to a wonderful and enchanting restaurant in the middle of Rancho Santa Fe Village where we were warmly greeted and most of all, served as valued patrons. It is unfortunate that the so-called post-millennium generation feels constantly entitled to everything.They must have thought that their "tips" may have been impacted/affected with my remark. TIPS means to ensure prompt service and is generally NOT an entitlement. No one is entitled to an automatic gratuity for poor public relations and mediocre service. It is regrettable but i will never encourage or recommend Dolce as a restaurant of choice for any future celebrations or dining venue. If the staff would to go for casting of a movie such as "Mean Girls", I recommend that they get an agent and see how far they would in that industry. They ceratinly do not belong in the restaurant business. I'm sorry for the proprietors of Dolce but such a treatment of any patrons should never occur read more

A classy, local hangout, part wine-bar, part eatery, and a cool social scene. Consistantly good food, great wine selection and knowledgable staff. Can get busy at times, which may account for some service related issues seen here, but hey, relax and enjoy the European way of not having to be in and out of somewhere in 60 minutes! Great atmosphere and energy. Good for groups or on your own, you can usually find good conversation at the bar. Tucked away a bit, but well worth the effort in seeking out. Lack of 5th star is related to some pricing issues for certain menu items (as others mentioned), but it is in a high rent district. Enjoy!! read more