This is another local gem in the far East Valley, they have really good food, a large selection of deli meats and cheeses as well as sauces, pastas and other items you never knew you needed. I stopped in for lunch the Dolce Vita cold panini. It was great, love the taste of Gorgonzola and Prosciutto, the bread was very fresh. Perfect size lunch. The Gourmet panini are really good and are very big. If you eat the whole thing there you get your picture on the wall. Lastly, they have really good gelato, lots of flavors. Really a good place for food. read more

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It's Arizona Restaurant week and she-who-must-be-obeyed and I decided to dine at Dolce Vita Italian Grocer as it's became our favorite East Valley purveyor of gelato. We each selected the $44 set meal that included a Caprese salad and bread, fried calamari, hot bruschetta ragu, Sicilian-style lasagna and, ta da, gelato for desert. The fresh mozzarella was so gorgeous we ordered 2 balls to takeaway. Hot bruschetta ragu was simply lovely bread topped with a meat ragu and melted mozzarella. Honestly, we've had better calamari and would prefer a marinara sauce versus what tasted like French fry sauce. The lasagna was delicious and the serving of such a size we happily brought some home. My partner ordered South Africa Dark chocolate and Reese's gelato whilst I ordered Madagascar vanilla and key lime gelato. Whilst Dolce Vita is a restaurant it felt and tasted as if we were eating at someone's home. The young staff were super attentive and very knowledgeable about all on offer. I highly recommend you give Dolce Vita a go! read more

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Decided to stop in and see if they had any hot Italian sausage, which they did not do to a flood earlier in the week. They did have the mild so I bought a pound to give that a try. It was very good. The employees were all very helpful and the place itself was clean. Stop in and give this place a try! Next time when it is earlier in the day I will sit and have some hot food made to order. read more

Found this little Italian Grocery store when I was trying to satisfy my craving for All'Antico Vinaio from our trip to Florence. Walked in to a family owned and run Italian grocery store with a deli. They have an extensive menu of food from pasta, to panini's and even gelato! We ordered the Emilia and the Cortadino. Both were delicious but the Emilia was *chef's kiss delicious! The focaccia on the Cortadino was so crunchy yet so pillowy and the spicy gardenia was delicious! But the Emilia stole the show. The size of the sandwich is huge! My husband and I split 1 half and took the rest home to our kids. It was so flavorful and the burrata was so creamy and delicious. I recommend checking this place out!!! read more

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Stupify!!! Biscoff cookie goodness with a quarter of Moroccan chocolate. Biter sweetness. The perfect pair Great location Outside seating Local family Happy service!! read more

Dolce Vita Italian Grocer - Delis Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

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Very nice employees and great gelato. I went with a large group and they were very accommodating.

Excellent food. Friendly service. One serving feeds 2-3 people. Get the SCicillian gourmet sandwich. Great value. read more

Dolce Vita Italian Grocer - scicillia sandwich with fries. - Delis Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

Food was delicious! Our server was friendly, extremely helpful, and gave us great food recommendations. We have been back several times and have never been disappointed. There are numerous vegetarian options and the kitchen was willing to make modifications possible. read more

We stopped by early one Saturday morning; we waited for a few minutes then left so we could return closer to opening time. We arrived the second time about nine minutes before opening. We checked the doors and they were still locked, even while employees were visible and saw us. A few minutes later, a woman drove up and tested one of the doors and it was open - she went in and was promptly escorted OUT! Very inhospitable! Very RUDE! Obviously uninterested in customers who had hoped to receive some service. The woman spoke with us and was very hurt and disappointed. THANKS FOR NOTHING "Dolce Vita Italian Grocer!" We have really enjoyed some of your products and past service, BUT... WE WILL NOT BE BACK!!! read more

Great food and very friendly atmosphere. What a find! The sandwiches were fantastic and it doesn't hurt that you can get gelato next door.

First time here I've had gelato before, so I was really expecting some delicious ice cream. I ordered two flavors the Biscoff award-winning and a banana chocolate flavor. I got the medium, which is a small cup half with the Biscoff half with the banana. We're talking a scoop of ice cream total. It was $8.50 for a cup of ice cream. I was blown away at the price. Then I said well if it's delicious it's worth it. I have to say the ice cream was OK certainly not worth $8.50. Both flavors were just so so nothing to write home about I won't be back. read more

This is such a cute and casual Italian lunch spot! Authentic Italian food. The people are great and helpful as well. You can pick up fresh meat, cheese, or cookies at the deli counter. Or dine in and have a yummy sandwhich with a beer, glass of wine, or aperol spritz. I highly recommend the meatball sub read more

First time getting to enjoy the tasty sandwiches and wonderful gelato at Dolce Vita. I'll be back.

This spot has been on my list to try! Went in today and they didn't dissapoint. Had a delicious eggplant parm panini and of course had to get some gelato! Everything was delicious, fresh and packed with flavor. If you love authentic Italian this place won't dissapoint. Endless options of pastas, sandwiches, and deserts plus so many delectable grocery options. The vibe is laid back and welcoming and the staff was so friendly! read more

What a great find! We had been going to the Gelato place next door for years. Restaurant week encourage us to check it out. Food so delicious with unexpected large portions! Calamari, rice balls, meat balls, panning, brushetta. All delicious. Gelato for desert. Definitely going back for dinner. Delizioso!!!! read more

I special ordered cannolis for my dad's 90th birthday. They were piped the morning of pick up and perfect! They were delicious! He and entire family loved them. read more

There are restaurants, and then there are hidden gems like this neat little Italian eatery where the line between "dining out" and "being adopted by the cook" disappears in the best possible way. From the moment we walked in, the cook herself greeted us with the kind of warm, genuine smile that makes you forget you're in a public space. By the end of the evening she had invited us to her actual home for cooking lessons--like we'd known her for years instead of minutes. That kind of unscripted hospitality is rarer than a perfect risotto. And the food? Pure deliciousness that matches the heart. Every bite sang with bright, honest Italian flavors--nothing fussy, nothing fake, just layers of garlic, herbs, tomatoes, and cheese that taste like they came straight from someone's nonna's Sunday table. The dishes were so full of soul you could almost hear the wooden spoon scraping the bottom of the pot. It's a small, unassuming spot that somehow manages to feel both intimate and alive. You leave not just full, but genuinely happy, already daydreaming about that next visit (and those promised cooking lessons). If you want Italian food that tastes like love served on a plate, stop searching. You've found it. Five radiant stars. Go. Bring friends. Learn to cook. Repeat. read more

We made reservations for their Valentines Day special. It was our first time ever actually eating here so we were excited to try it, as we live nearby and have always had the intention of going. The portions of food were insanely huge! They served an appetizer, Prosecco, a pasta, and main course, and a dessert. We needed to get a box after every course in order to save room for the next. I was very pleasantly surprised with all of my dishes. Unfortunately I don't remember the names of all of them, but we started off with the croquets and dipping sauce, followed by the asparagus and speck pasta. I then received the tuna dish, which had the most flavor of any tuna dish I've ever eaten (although slightly over cooked), but still really good. Then the tiramisu was excellent! I would highly recommend. The shop itself is such a unique place to dine in that it's definitely worth a stop. You can purchase any of the imported pastas, sauces, meats and cheeses from the counter and as a bonus it's attached to the gelato shop! read more

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Always enjoy eating meals there - and save room for best gelato around in great variety of flavors. Homey casual atmosphere and attentive service. read more

Tasty arancini and mortadella was the best I've had and the mozzarella di bufala was fantastic

I've browsed here before, but never eaten here and now I wish I'd started several years ago. We attended a panini event tonight and it was splendid! I can't possibly pick a favorite (and we had a LOT), but each sandwich was excellently prepared and a perfect temperature. The service was courteous and friendly, and we felt very catered to the entire evening. It's a cute little place and we felt very comfortable! There was one sandwich in particular that featured provolone, and my goodness. It was like eating provolone for the first time. It was SO. GOOD! I'm full to the brim while writing this, but already excited to go back! read more

Dolce Vita Italian Grocer - Meatball panini - Delis Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

I didn't get to eat here, but had take out instead. I ordered the lasagna and it came with bread. Everything was phenomenal. I also had the Biscoff cookie gelato and it was delicious too. read more

My husband & I stumbled across this place and omg it's sooooo good. Feels truly authentic; like your family is cooking for you!! Watch out because the "gourmet" panini is HUGE! Soooo yummy. Def going back asap read more

Very authentic vibes I've only tried the desserts though so I don't fully know. I had a bad experience with my lemon cello cake slice. It didn't taste good at all it tasted as if something was wrong with it and was not how I expected it to be. read more

Went in for pasta shells came out with shells, balsamic vinegar, prosciutto, and a fresh made deli sandwich. I love this place true authentic family run Italian grocer. The sandwich (Parma) was amazing light olive oil prosciutto tomato mozzarella toasted ciabatta. Anything you need from the Deli I assure you they will have. read more

Dolce Vita Italian Grocer - Parma sandwich - Delis Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

Such a wonderful spot to get gelato! Every time I come, they always have new flavors. So delicious. Wonderful service, each person is so lovely. read more

super awesome store and restaurant!!! came in with my sisters on saturday evening. we shopped for our dad for christmas gifts, and got a few goodies for ourselves:) the guy at the meat counter was so much fun to talk to, and get advice!! we tried deli samples, and got some delicious espresso, and fruit gelatos!! the gelato was as smooth as butter, light and delicious!!!!! the fruit flavors are dairy free too!! lots of goodies in the store, dessert case, and deli!! must try!! great clean store too!! read more

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This place was a real gem. I had just a procedure done on my wrist & was looking at the prospect of making the dinner I had planned with trepidation when we remembered it was boy scout night. I resolved to get dinner on the way back use it as an excuse to explore. Found this place en route & likely wouldn't have found it otherwise. It's kinda tucked into a corner right next to another Italian restaurant & really leads with their gelato. Sure enough you walk right in to a counter of delicious looking gelatos with about a dozen flavors I'm looking to try BUT if you go through the little arch way you find a sparsely decorated yellow room with a handful of tables, a few shelves Italian groceries, & some of the most delicious Italian food in the area. It's so hard to find legit good Italian food I don't really try anymore. It always tends to be over sauced & bland. No so here. Everything we saw served looked absolutely drool worthy we had a hard time picking our dinner. Me & husband each grabbed a pasta dish & we picked out a pizza (per the recommendation of the guy that helped us). I'm fairly sure the guy that helped us was mentioned in an earlier negative review. The guy has an inherent attitude that I could see rubbing the wrong person the wrong way. However we found him to be passionate about his food & his business & really enjoyed him. I hope him & his crew continue to do what they do & we look forward to coming back. read more

Dolce Vita Italian Grocer - Fried Pizza - Delis Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

Gelato was amazing, so creamy and delicious! Prices were reasonable, I'll have to try some of their Italian specialties they have in their cafe. read more

Less than $20 bucks for 3 delicious gelatos in the hot AS summer to help us cool down. I got the espresso which was delicious and not too sweet. Both my kids got strawberry and I tried some and it was delicious. read more

Dolce Vita Italian Grocer - Delis Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

Beat Gelato in town! When we crave dessert, this is the place that we would come to. Perfect for summer get away. read more

Dolce Vita Italian Grocer - Delis Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

Very expensive for 3 meat balls 2 rice balls with no pasta or anything and these were gross Will not go back read more

Divine staff - the girls behind the counter are attentive and cheerful, as well as accommodating! My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed our dinner-in lunch! I am gaining my health through a zero carb diet, and it was so refreshing to find easy & delectable choices for both of us! She is still talking about the Dolce Vita panini (fresh bakery bread made from their own recipe) and my charcuterie board for one was full of Italian imported meats and cheeses! I have one complaint- they are located too far from my home!! I wish they would open a location in Cave Creek! They also make the finest gelato- all others PALE IN COMPARISON. You may think you've had gelato before... but once you try Dolce Vita's - you will know everything else is an inferior second. I recommend Stupify and the rare Panna Cotta flavors (award winning). read more

Dolce Vita Italian Grocer - One person charcuterie with provolone & Parmesan - Delis Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

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Maybe best gelato in Mesa. Great quality, great selections, flavors rotate constantly. Price is a little steep but don't mind paying for quality. Cute little spot - not much seating - usually busy during typical "ice cream" times - evenings and weekends. read more

Barbara F is nuts!!! This place is wonderful!!! I am from Chicago and it's really hard finding good authentic and not overly priced restaurants here in AZ. The owner is a hoot- so friendly and wanting to share his food knowledge!!! Gelato has the best flavors in AZ. All the Panninis are fabulous made with wonderful homemade bread- gnocchi with pesto awesome and lasagna delicious!!! Avoid the calamari though. Great place!!! read more

Dolce Vita's food is just like my mom used to make. The owner is from Sicily, and makes the best Italian food I've had here in the valley. I'm from NY so I'm picky about my food. The first time I ate there I asked the owner if my mother was in the kitchen. The store / restaurant is small but the products are real and imported. I highly recommend that anyone who loves Italian food STOP in and enjoy! read more

A must to stop by if dining at Alessa's! Always love stopping in for goodies, and they have a wide range of imported goods from different areas of Europe. The staff has always been friendly, and the store is both clean and well stocked. Be sure to check out if you are in the area! read more

I rarely give negative reviews and am typically very patient and understanding. However... we had been wanting some really authentic and delicious Italian food and figured this place could be a hidden gem. First off, it's not. The staff was rude and unfriendly. Very quick to get us out and basically got insulted for asking for garlic bread, which I felt was pretty unnecessary. The food was bland and mediocre. The meatball park looked like a frozen meal out of a microwave. Lasagna was plain and quite small. The only reason they are getting 2 stars is that my carbonara was decent at best. Again, I typically feel that places don't deserve bad ratings but this was a really off putting experience. Would never return. Save yourself and just go to Alessia's next door... read more

What another delicious experience, this is not a review about their famous ice cream, no, it's for their fantastic Thursday Appertiff Night night, from 5pm to 7pm. You order a from a list of Appertiff drinks and with that you receive a wonderful array of Appetizers. Charcuterie player, with cheeses, cured meats, fresh baked breads. Then meatballs, in a zesty tomato sauce, pizza, eggplant parmisan and even freshly made donuts, such a value! We were there with a party of 4 and we couldn't finish it! Now the service is a little slow, but enjoy the easier pace of things, go with the flow. The owner is there and he is very kind and works hard, everything is surley worth the wait. If you have room stop for gelato across the room, that's out of this world as well! read more

Great food and service! Very pleased to have found this amazing authentic Italian restaurant/deli. Will be back to try the paninis. read more

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