Food, service, and the restaurant are all incredible. The seafood is always cooked to absolute perfection and every meal could be shared family style as their portions are so generous. Being right on the beach makes for such a beautiful view. They have the best calamari, we get it every time and it's always cooked perfectly and perfectly seasoned. read more

We came in and sat at the bar on the left. A cockroach climbed up from behind the bar and was was on our plate, we quietly grabbed it and notified the bartender. They didn't bring us a new dish. We got our check and they didn't even buy us one drink or the dish that cockroach climbed in.. We could've made the cockroach issue a big deal and decided to be good humans and not ruin everyone's else's experience. Will not be coming back. Overpriced and the service does not take care of customers. read more

My husband took my kids and I here for Mother's Day. The four of us were sat between two very large parties in the covered outdoor section. It was so loud, we couldn't talk to each other and couldn't even hear the waiter. I asked if we could be moved inside as it appeared much quieter in there. The manager came over and was so rude. He said sure move if you'd like but in 20 minutes, it will be just as loud. I tried to argue that the acoustics of the room we were in made the noise much worse, but then realized I was not going to spend my Mother's Day arguing with a rude manager. Anyway, we went to Federici's on Main and it was FANTASTIC! read more

Great location right across from the beach! Cute atmosphere and decor. Lots of great menu items to choose from. We got fried calamari and a pizza. The fried calamari was a generous portion, and the pizza was good. Pricing was good. Service was a tad slow for a not busy day, but otherwise we enjoyed and would come back. It's a great place to get off the beach and grab lunch before heading back for an afternoon on the beach. Some people came dressed for lunch and we had walked right off the beach with bathing suits and a cover up. So either works. read more

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A friend and I walked in around 30 min after the restaurant opened and we sat outside. We each ordered an aperol spritz which was delicious! I got the crab cake sandwich and my friend got the poke bowl, which despite being on the appetizer menu, it was enough as a full meal for one person. My crab cake sandwich was pretty good but my friend didn't like her poke bowl as much since it was drowning in soy sauce. Her stomach also severely hurt after the meal. Overall, we enjoyed the aperol spritz aspect of the restaurant/meal so we would probably return just for a drink. read more

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We enjoy this Jersey Italian shore spot and we've been here twice. Portions are big and the cooking is solid. It's always busy and can be a bit noisy inside, but the vibe is very good and friendly. We opted for all seafood, since we were following the shore rule, I e when within 1 mile of the shore you must eat seafood. LoL. Scampi was the most beautiful, but my seafood risotto was absolutely delicious. I had veal parmesan the previous time and it was also excellent. read more

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At one time this was a great place, unfortunately after today we will not be returning. My wife ordered the filet mignon and it was absolutely tasteless, tough (ordered medium rare) and significantly lacked seasoning. The veal francaise that I had was equally tasteless with not even a hint of lemon or seasoning. Additionally, it was also overdone with unusually tough pieces and served with potato wedges.....never saw that before. But on a brighter note our server was excellent. Don't waste your time with high priced low quality meals here. Way better places out there. read more

Food is great this was my second time there. Drinks are too strong though. Pizza is great there I got the bruschetta pizza last time I got the margarita both great. I ordered the chicken franchise it was really good. The restaurants decorated so cute with the orange arch. The bathrooms had no ac though it was hot in there. I've tried the salad to there and the giant meatball both really good as well. read more

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girl rushed us out at the end because they needed the table as i was still trying to finish my drink. we were there a total of 30 mins. food also wasn't worth the price read more

right by the ocean they have a great happy hour by the bar area. This was our go to spot for the summer. The service was good. read more

La Dolce Vita - Mozzarella tower, a Cosmo and a beer - Italian Near Me - Belmar, New Jersey

The best part of happy hour at The Dolce Vita isn't the ocean view, the delicious food, or the comfy vibe - it's the bartender, Joe. He made us feel like regulars and was so much fun. Three of us shared the meatballs marsala, the mozzarella tower, the mini ossobuco, and tuna carpaccio. We also had the delicious cannoli for dessert. Joe makes perfect drinks and is so warm and welcoming. We had a great time at happy hour and I'll definitely be back when I'm in town. read more

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My entree was good. I got the rigatoni bolognese. My family got the orecchiette barese and pork chop kinsel. They were not too impressed. However, I'm really here to complain about desserts. Tiramisu plating is horrible, but it tastes good. You can't get a full bite of all flavors unless you're digging down. Big daddy cake plating is too narrow and it really should be a warmed up a little. Lastly, why on earth would anyone want Juniors cheesecake as opposed to a homemade Italian one? Glad we tried it, probably won't be back compared to some other spots nearby. I enjoy letting businesses know of some logistic updates that should be made. Not great, not bad. read more

La Dolce Vita - Rigatoni bolognese + mozzarella - Italian Near Me - Belmar, New Jersey

Went on a Friday night in February, while I do realize it's a restaurant on Ocean Ave, you shouldn't have people sit in the front window rooms in the winter if it only heats to somewhere around 58-60 degrees. People were in coats and hats to eat dinner. The entrees took an absurd amount of time, like three separate times our waitress said "your food should right out" and a 4th visit as she embarrassedly apologized that it wasn't out yet. Then somehow the food came out shockingly cold, which a steak cooked so over medium rare that it was grey through. The chicken rollatini was advertised as prosciutto and cheese stuffed, but was really just a boatload of spinach inside a thin chicken breast with no cheese and tiny diced prosciutto. There was so no rollatini, more like spinach stuffed chicken. The raviolis were cold and the broccoli was fine, at best. The mashed potatoes and bread were great though. Would not go back ever and highly do not recommend to anyone when there are so many good Italian/steak and seafood spots in the area. read more

We made a quick stop at La Dolce Vita while strolling along the boardwalk for our final happy hour of the summer. They have a great bar that you can sit at while watching the waves crash on the beach. Our bartender, Mike, crafted an amazing Pomegranate Martini--strong and delicious. My husband had the house Chardonnay, which was smooth and not overly oaky (if that's a word!). We started with some warm bread, served with a flavorful eggplant sauce and seasoned olive oil. For appetizers, we enjoyed the cheeseburger sliders and filet mignon tips on crostini. The horseradish sauce paired with the filet tips was a standout, and we even used it to dip our sliders--it was that good! To top it all off, we ended with the complimentary cannoli offered for checking in on Yelp--a perfect sweet finish to a fantastic happy hour. read more

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I am not sure what protocol is for gift cards, but, I purchased a gift card for $400 for my aunt and uncle's 50th anniversary in March 2023. The card was never used. My aunt passed away last week. She never used the gift card. The family decided to host a luncheon yesterday at this restaurant after her funeral. We had an e-mail she had printed for gift card but it did not have gift card number. I tried several times to appeal to the restaurant to honor this card. They said they changed computer systems last year and have no way to look this card up. In spite of the fact that on my first call they said since they changed computer systems the had to reissue all gift cards. Needless to say they would not honor the $400 gift card yesterday so we are out $400. read more

Had dinner there last night. Wasn't pleased. Disappointing- have had many meals there before and it was decent. New chef? Not sure we will back. read more

No vegetarian options unless you're a child. At least put a vegan/vegetarian pasta on the menu. There is not even an appetizer that is vegan. read more

We tried: Watermelon margaritas $14 Char grilled octopus $22 Rigatoni Bolgonese $24 Lobster Ravioli $32 They offer a charming atmosphere with exceptionally courteous service. The food was cooked to perfection and we met the owner/ chef - he was delightful. read more

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It was my first visit here celebrating a friends birthday with a group of 11. We were seated right away and ordered our drinks. We all shared a bunch of appetizers and everything was fantastic; fried calamari, stuffed meatball with ricotta, tuna carpaccio, antipasto, etc. For my entrée, I ordered the stuffed pork chop which was outstanding however the broccoli rabe that came with it was absolutely flavorless. The only other complaint I had was not mine but my friend ordered a steak medium rare and it was cooked well. Our server was so friendly and attentive. I would definitely come back. read more

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The food is fantastic!!! we have been there many times. The inside bar tender tonight could not have been more rude. Horrible!! experience almost threatened my wife​ read more

Loved this place so much, haven't been here in a year...not sure if new owners but received my food before our drinks. I understand they're short staffed however the waitress is miserable and that really reflected her tip. Owner needs to think about hiring more staff for summer rush . After working in the service industry for many years. I felt awful not leaving her 20% but to not even smile or acknowledge anything we said to her it was super rude, and I would ne read more

My dish Petto di Pollo Sorrentino was really good! Chicken was very juicy, sauce was delicious, raviolis were very good as well. Only issue I would have is that it was over stuffed with spinach that was a little too much. The clams and Barratta from the appetizer menu was very good. The chicken Frances's was bland and disappointing. The service was excellent! The waitress was very pleasant, helpful and attentive! The place is very nice! The only issue we had was that it seem to get very warm in there. read more

La Dolce Vita - Petto di Pollo Sorrentino - Italian Near Me - Belmar, New Jersey

Went here last night for easter dinner. The place was packed, good thing we had a reservation. We got some bread to start, mussels fra diavolo, and this seafood platter. everything was delicious, I got an orange crush too which was refreshing. My main dish I got the fettuccine dolce vita, it was good but just a little bland and only gave a few shrimps with it. Nice restaurant on the shore read more

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I made reservation for Grinch night on 12/18. I knew would be crowed busy is why I made a reservation. for 6pm. We arrive and no table available .Staff unable tell us when table ready. Waited 15 minutes asked again. Staff said no idea. There were a few tables but I guess not for us . I wait 10 more minutes. told young man desk .Does not look like anyone leaving soon. Why did I make reservation. ?He says. You can stay or leave ! Do not know what else to say ! I was invisible. I was dismissed. We left. The staff rude unprofessional Poor customer service .I have always recommended La Dolce Vita.I have eaten here numerous times. I tried to just send a message to restaurant. However the servers are down and message not transmitted Okay , convenient! Guess they really do not want to know how poor the customer service is !Mary K read more

Made a reservation in this l Dolce vita restaurant tonight for our to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. This place was recommended by a friend We are locals live 15 mins away from belmar but had not eaten here before arrived. The manager seemed very nice and sat us at the table. Then we got this waiter an old, grey haired short man with grey beard pretty grumpy but OK we ordered the pitcher of their signature sangria i. asked for heavy on the alcohol.but It tasted just like fruit punch not too much alcohol in it at all We ordered the calamari was OK nothing great. Came with red sauce with pesto on top not a good combination and but ate it anyway we struggle to get a waiter attention to get some more sauce without the pesto. To finish the calamari, Finally got that I had ordered the filet mignon and my husband ordered the rack of lamb. The waiter was not helpful about what came with what sides . We had to ask he was so grumpy The main course arrived was served by some other waiter. The fillet mignon was swimming In olive oil. Just awful had to take it off and put to the side of my plate There was no kind of steak juice or sauce surrounding it. Nothing mashed potatoes were old and reheated. The asparagus was pretty good. my husband's rack lamb came with some really weird mashed potatoes. Don't really know what they were looked like yogurt and soggy spinach not great. The lamb was pretty good. The waiter never returned to the table to ask if we needed anything or if everything was OK nothing however we had noticed he had gone to other tables When it came time for him to collect the plate we had asked for the bones of the lamb for our dog. He just nodded then I had asked how come the steak was in olive oil It seems strange. He never answered me just rudely took the plate and left. He returned to ask if we needed anything else my husband said no he then returned with the check. My husband paid the exact amount in cash the waiter came back quickly and took it . We had discussed how obnoxiously rude he was and what percentage of a tip we were gonna leave. He then walked past our table with the bill folder in his hand and muttered "do not come back "so my husband asked me what he said. I said I didn't clearly hear him, but my husband did was shocked that that's what he said so my husband called him over and asked him why he was so rude and wouldn't answer the question I had asked about the steak in olive oil he said well she ate it so there was nothing I could do about it. My husband said we were not looking for any compensation she was just asking a question and you were so rude you didn't even answer her Then my husband asked why he had said such a rude comment about not to come back He claimed he didn't then he totally blew my husband off and proceeded go to the next table beside us .My husband said I heard what you said he said I'm not talking to you I'm dealing with this table now and rudely blew us off again So we then decided. We were not going to tip him got up went to the desk spoke to the manager, told him what had transpired the manager was shocked and apologized. My husband said I was going to leave him. Tip, but he thought because I paid the exact amount in cash and hadn't given him a tip with the payment that I wasn't tipping him even though he was a terrible waiter and so obnoxiously rude,but because he told us not to come back. I am certainly not going to leave him a tip now .. and we will not be back again. And by the way We are not tourist. We are locals and that's a terrible way to be treated so I give this place a one star the food we had is only ok overpriced and not great and the waiter was absolutely obnoxious, rude and arrogant. don't have his name and old short guy with a grey hair and a grey beard... on the check it states server :Dolce S read more

La Dolce Vita - Italian Near Me - Belmar, New Jersey

The setting is very nice on Ocean Av in Belmar. Tablecloth dining . The Branzino was excellent but the roasted potatoes were dry and the spinach had little or no flavor. I added lemon and butter myself to spice it up. The prices in general are way too dear. If you want gourmet, introduce soft whipped butter not hard diner packets. The roasted lemon w/the branzino should have a cloth covering it to catch the seeds from falling into the entree. I thought the entree came out too quickly 8 min??? Look at the menu prices online before dining. Staff, though friendly, is a tad slow for a rather quiet dining room, perhaps they were understaffed. Parking is metered. Can be a problem in the hectic summertime. read more

La Dolce Vita - a dining room with a fireplace - Italian Near Me - Belmar, New Jersey

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We went to enjoy the Happy Hour.... The bartender was so very rude!!! We walked out. Won't be going back!! read more

I really enjoy the bar at this restaurant. Joe is a great bartender. He's a funny light hearted guy who makes you feel like family. If you've had a tough day Joe always lifts you up. Food is always great. It's my local "go to". Highly recommend you go here and enjoy the food and the ocean front views. Stop by and see Joe and enjoy the laughs. read more

My wife and I just dined there. Restaurant week. Outstanding! Amazing! Sausage and fava bean starter...great! Stuffed mushrooms...terrific! She had the chicken special, I had the oso buco...both great! Terrific desserts and Clay the server was top notch. We will be back real soon! A do not miss! read more

I never fail to stop here and enjoy a consistently delicious lunch or dinner when I'm in town. Ordered: Fantasia di Mare - Seafood salad with shrimp, calamari, octopus, and mussels in a house special lemon vinaigrette. PERFECTION read more

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La Dolce Vita has a great location and the wait staff is good but those are the only positive things I can say about it. My friends and I have eaten lunch here frequently--we made reservations for 1 pm on Valentine's Day but were not told that only the dinner menu would be available. We ordered nonetheless. I asked the waiter if the Antipasto for Two ($26) could be slimmed down to an antipasto for one; he checked the kitchen (management?) and reported back it could be served for one. My friend's chicken was barely warm; she sent it back. We've never had to send back anything in our frequent visits to La Dolce Vita. When the bill arrived, I was charged for the Antipasto for Two ($26); I questioned the waiter and he agreed that it must be a mistake. He returned with a new bill--the management had decided that even though I had only half the item on the menu, I was charged $22 for my serving--a 15% reduction on food that was 50% less that the double serving. Needless to say, a very disappointing experience. The restaurant was busy but was not full. We will not be back. read more

Delicious food and very friendly service in a lovely casual restaurant across the street from the beach in Belmar. Tonight I had Fusilli Caponata, easily the best meatless pasta dish I've ever had anywhere. The portion was very generous, enough for another meal. Finished off with also very delicious Limoncello cake. Even the bread at the table is noteworthy. Go early, snag a window seat, you won't regret it. read more

Food was really good, no complaints! Portions were huge. A bit pricey though. My only issue was how noisy and crowded the restaurant was. Granted it was a Saturday night in the summer so I guess it was to be expected. Definitely going back but after summer is over. Worth checking out! read more

Used to be our favorite spot after the beach. Would go here twice a week. But between the loud crazy music where we can't talk to the lack of good help, we will find a new place to go. So sad. read more

I generally steer clear of writing bad reviews and it takes a lot to make me really unhappy with a restaurant, but it happened here. I've had two dinners at La Dolce Vita. The first was five years ago, before I moved away. I remember thinking that the meal was tasteless and expensive. I moved back recently and a friend wanted to go because it was a beautiful summer day and the ocean view location is great. I don't like making decisions about a restaurant from a single experience, so I was up for it. It was MUCH worse this time. The chicken of my $35 entrée was like leather. Did they prepare it days ago and leave it in the refrigerator? It seemed like it. The ravioli looked great, but had just about no taste. The staff was very nice, but there weren't enough of them and they were badly trained. The two bartenders (where we ate) were overwhelmed. One of them was also waiting and BUSSING tables. It took around 10 minutes to get to order a drink and nobody checked on us at any time. I'll probably go back for the happy hour, which is great. But I'll never pay those prices for that food again. read more

The food is really good but the restaurant is managed poorly. There is no point making a reservation because you will wait anyway. The hostess is rude. The bar is small and over crowded with patrons waiting for a table. It seems like they are trying to rush you through your expensive dinner. It is not fine dinning. Too bad because the location is great. Very disappointed. read more

To be honest, I've visited La Dolce Vita in the past and was never wowed by the food. It was always decent Italian fare, but I never loved what I ordered. However, my husband and I dined here over Labor Day weekend and had an excellent meal from start to finish! We sat outside to enjoy the last of the summer weather, but next time I think we'll ask to sit inside instead. There were a lot of flies that day, and you can't see much of the beach; it's mostly a view of Main Street. The indoor dining area is much nicer! Our server (pretty sure her name was Margot) was very friendly and accomodating! My husband ordered a beer that they were almost out of, so she brought him what they had left (about a half of a glass) for free. So nice of her! For appetizers, we ordered the Calamari Fritti al Filetto and the Burrata Special. The calamari is a must-order, it's served over red sauce and pesto, so it's packed with flavor compared to your typical calamari dish. The calamari was perfectly crispy too, just enough breading without being too much. I personally hate over-breaded calamari dishes, so this was perfect! The burrata special was awesome too, I hope they add it to their permanent menu! It was plated with a few different Italian meats, and the burrata was mouth-watering. For entrees we ordered the Burrata Alla Pesto (without the tomatoes) and the Chilean Sea Bass al Pistachio. The pesto, artichokes, and burrata made the Burrata Pesto sooo good, it was such a delicious combination. The chilean sea bass was a really unique dish, and the sea bass was cooked perfectly. Both portions were huge too, we had plenty of leftovers! Looking forward to dining here again next summer! read more

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Food is wonderful... some of the staff are beyond rude. Ruined the whole experience. Staff used to be great... something has changed. Belmar local here... Will not be going back. read more

The service here was absolutely abysmal, I was so disappointed after reading good reviews. The hostess did not look up my reservation so she sat us inside instead of out & basically threw our menus at the table. The poor waiter definitely needed some additional help; he had a huge area to himself and apologized for the long wait to take our orders. They ran out of bread (at an Italian restaurant!) and we were without water or anything to drink for over 45 minutes. The food was decent when it came out, but they didn't give us cheese for the pasta. At that point, we were just tired and ready to leave. They definitely need more staff and better training for an eatery down the shore! read more

Great dinner in every aspect! Not a quiet romantic spot but we went there for the food! Not disappointed.