Every time I get a chance, I make a stop by La Dolce Vita, my favorite Italian bakery in Lancaster, where I can get delicious fresh-baked pastries and very tasty cakes for special occasions. I got a delicious Chocolate cake for my dad's birthday, and my parents loved it. I was in a hurry, so I got one of their turkey BLT sandwiches, which was fresh and really good. The ladies working at this establishment are very helpful and friendly. I truly recommend their chocolate cakes and their pastries, specifically their fresh-baked croissants and cheese danishes. If you live in the outside of Lancaster, it's totally worth the drive. read more

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My Husband and I love coming here for the amazing Italian desserts and the well crafted drinks and food! The croissant sandwiches are always so delicious and the bakery has the best variety. The staff is always absolutely wonderful and will answer any questions you might have about the baked goods. The cafe is small and very cozy and is nestled in a lovely location in downtown Lancaster. I always get the sfogliatelle as it's my favorite dessert and I got the pumpkin donut this weekend and it soft, warm and not overly sweet! The Tiramisu latte was also perfect! read more

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This place is amazing! It's small but has SO many Italian desserts and pastries! It can get busy in there but the staff are so on top of it and make sure you get served in a prompt time. You can order actual food here that's not dessert and cafe drinks as well. I took my parents and BF here who aren't from Lancaster and they all enjoyed it! There's some indoor high top seating if you'd like to eat there or find a nice spot in the city to eat. Highly recommend stopping by here if you're in the Lancaster area and want to fulfill your sweet craving (assuming they are open when you visit Lancaster). You can park in the Prince Street Garage and walk, it's not more than 5 minutes from there I'd say. read more

La Dolce Vita Courthouse Bakery - Fruit tart, custard crème filled pastry and some sort of cheesecake with white chocolate? - Bakeries Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

This cozy little shop is located right across the court house on Duke street. They have the best selection of freshly made Italian cookies and pastries. The breads are so beautiful that they look fake! It's pretty small and can get busy during holidays. There's a few bar seats by the picturesque windows to enjoy a snack and cappuccino. They have drinks and coffee as well. They even have sandwiches and salads! This has been a favorite for years. The service is always friendly. There's usually some parking right out front! read more

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An abundance of assorted Italian and other pastries. Service is great and so is the staff. read more

Something has changed. Went in this past week and there were definitely way less choices in the cases. Bought the cookies I absolutely love and sad to say, not only were they misshapen (see picture) but the jelly inside was hard as a brick. This is the second time I've gotten stale cookies from La Dolce Vita so I'm not sure if they already sold the place or they've just given up, but it's not the same. read more

La Dolce Vita Courthouse Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

This place was so rude! Just walked in there 2:17pm Saturday August 9 first of all a tour group was in there and the people were disgustingly rude then young girl at counter was so rude I said can I be helped she just started at me, I said do you have sour dough bread she said rudely we don't do sour dough bread, who talks like that?!!!! Omg was so awful they just left a good paying customer away will never spend money there and will make sure I share the story how rude they all were read more

Beautiful cakes, pastries, cookies and other desserts. This business is a downtown staple. I'd give 6 stars if I could!

This tucked in spot has much to recommend it. Good cookies, excellent cannolis nice napoleons. Yummy pasta salad. So why 4 and not 5 stars? Being pedantic and a purist. Cream puffs had great filling but were made with sfogliatelle shells and not pate choux. I know that's fussy but I. Wanted. A. Cream. Puff. Damnit. Seriously, give them a visit. It's worth it for everything else read more

Amazing bakery. Coffee, iced chai croissant bfast was actually so good. Run to this bakery! Such a friendly staff also read more

Those home made cannoli's are delish! A friend recommended this bakery / pastry shipped while we were visiting Lancaster the other day. Friendly staff, tight parking. read more

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Thank you to the staff for operating a clean space. There was ample sanitizer, plastic barriers and everyone was masked properly! Makes picking up food more comfortable for those with COVID high risk. Having never been here, I asked what they were know for. They said cannoli. Being 8:30 AM I also got a croissant and blueberry turnover. All three were delicious! The croissant was buttery, flakey and soft. The right proportion of chocolate. The blueberry turnover was FANTASTIC. The cannoli was also very good. My wife and I are big cannoli fans and have a special relationship (had them the evening of our engagement, at our wedding and seek them out on our anniversary). These were great. A lot of complex flavors. Subtle cinnamon in the patty, a hint of lemon in the filling. The sweetness was appropriate. Good filling to shell ratio. The staff was nice and helpful for our first time visiting. Will definitely come back if I'm in Lancaster again! read more

La Dolce Vita Courthouse Bakery - Chocolate Croissant - Bakeries Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

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The sandwiches we ordered were tasty and good quality, we also bought more than $30 worth cookies, they are good as well and they provide good selections of cookies and desserts. It should be a very solid bakery. However we arrived in the afternoon and all the bread was sold out. I could have given them 4 stars, but the one star was taken away due to the service. We arrived around 2:30pm on a Friday, their closing time was 4:00, when we were checking out all the cookie trays in the display, the workers were taking trays away in a speedy way, knowing we were still looking, pointing at them, and deciding. It's like they really wanted to clean up the place so they can close, and didn't want us to spend time to look and decide (they do have good selections, that's why it will take a minute to decide). It's really unwelcoming feeling, like they don't care selling them to us, so they want was to clear the store for closing. I believe the food/ cookies are solid, just wish we didn't experience that kind of service. read more

Stopped in today to buy a Napoleon ... or 2! Also purchased an Elephant Ear and Chocolate Chip Cookies. Everything was delicious . The staff were very nice and the display cases of gorgeous pastries are spotless. read more

La Dolce Vita Courthouse Bakery - Napoleón - Bakeries Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

The downside - it's steps away from my office. The upside - EVERYTHING is to die for! I've been coming to La Dolce Vita for years. It's my number one go to for cookie trays (great for holiday gifts and get togethers) and sweets to get me through my afternoon. Aside from all the delicious cookies and cakes, I love grabbing lunch here too. There are a few tables outside and two or three stools at the bar. A great place to enjoy a cannoli and see what's going on outside. Back to the lunch...the mozzarella, tomato and basil sandwich is my favorite. The pasta salads are equally fantastic! All in all, it's a wonderful place to visit. read more

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Absolutely the best pastries - cookies and cakes! Want an authentic Italian cookie tree, this is your place! Great little store that packs a punch in customer service and delicious food! Staff is always friendly and helpful. Be prepared to pay for the best - no cheap ingredients nor any corners are cut in the making of these fabulous items- so don't be upset if the prices are not cheap. read more

La Dolce Vita Courthouse Bakery - Store - cookie trays / trees on top of the counter - Bakeries Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

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I placed a wedding order for 100 people. While the desserts look amazing, La Dolce Vita was unable to have the order ready at the arranged pick up time. This threw off a good portion of my wedding day schedule. So while they make beautiful desserts, do not expect timeliness. On a positive note, the girl at the front did offer me a complimentary coffee as an apology for the delay. read more

No follow through on customer service. Ordered a special cake for a 75th birthday. The cake was not ready at pickup and was made wrong. This wasn't discovered until it was cut at the party. I called and was told I'd receive a gift card for the error since it was due to the baker misreading the slip. Never received. Called again and promised same. Never received. Called and emailed again and still nothing. This place is good if you are buying something pre-made but your special order will probably be wrong and late. read more

We walked into the bakery twice in one week to purchase cakes for birthdays. Both cakes were amazing! The first one was chocolate and peanut butter, and the second was raspberry filling and yellow cake. Delicious! AND they placed little Happy Birthday edible signs on the cakes along with the persons name for no additional charge! While we were there we also purchased a tuna boat sandwich which did not disappoint! They also offer military discounts! We will definitely be going back! read more

Best bakery around. Having grown up in New Jersey, I love authentic Italian bakeries and this is one of the best I have ever had. Fantastic sweets, great coffee, lunch sandwiches are amazing, and the breads are some of the best around. This is a ten out of ten! read more

Ordered a cake weeks in advance for an event. It was supposed to be ready by 10am. I got there after 10:30 and it was still being iced. I'll never go back again. read more

AWESOMELY wonderful bakery. Ordered a chocolate charlotte for my GF's birthday and it was the absolutely best cake we have had. You can tell they use fresh, quality ingredients... and the artisanship that goes into putting their pastries together.. definitely shows. Bought some Fruit tarts and they were DELICIOUS! The filling was light and not overly sweet (like other places) the fruit was fresh!! If you haven't discovered this gem of a bakery... come down you will not be disappointed. I know I'll be back for some sandwiches and salad! Visited again!! *1/29/2018* Did not disappoint! Amazing goodies! read more

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Walking in the store is always so exciting, so much tasty stuff! BUT, I just had what is basically a lobster claw - sfogliatelle - and I have to say, not good. I had first had one in Boston at an Italian bakery known for them - that was the best! BUT the one at La Dolce Vita - no. It looked like it would be good but the pastry was kind of hard and not flaky and buttery and the inside was NOT creamy at all. Don't waste your calories or $$. Try something else here. read more

Wonderful Italian place for snacks, sandwiches and pastries. They have seating inside along their window overlooking the street as well as some outside. There are so many choices. Their soup selection is diff every day. Tried their soups, pasta salad, coffee with macaroon - everything was fresh and tasted good. We were told pastries and desserts are made here - no wonder everything looks so inviting and fresh. Friendly staff. read more

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I needed a fix for my sweet tooth and stopped in. Many selections available but not as much as pre Covid. Ordered 3 cookies came to $5, However the taste was a little disappointing. I am not fully convinced that the cookies are scratch made or a pre purchased base. Won't be back but hope you like it. read more

I love quality baked goods. I especially love the Italian baked goods from back in Brooklyn. At La Dolce Vita I found them. Fantastic cookies, pastries, bread, rolls, muffins and cakes are there. I had a cake made for my wife's birthday and the employees were so helpful and the cake was awesome. If you want a taste of Italy and great service with reasonable prices this is the place. read more

I love this place!! Every time I'm in the Lancaster area I try my very best to make my way here for some of those amazing Italian pastries. Customer service is amazing, the pastries are amazing and the entire experience is just amazing. I often stop in to get pastries, coffee and sit outside at the small tables they setup outside. They do have seating inside but it's stools, not actual tables. Overall a small shop that is a gem in the Lancaster area. I highly recommend going out your way if you are in the area to get some of their amazing treats. read more

Had to come downtown to do run around and found this adorable bakery! If you walk in and come out empty handed there's something seriously wrong! Their sandwiches were amazing. We were so hungry we forgot to take pictures. I have the Italian Panino so good and my mom had the Turkey BLT( she said it was the best BLT she ever had). We then shared a Nutella cheese puff. It was very good, not something we need again. But there are so many desserts you don't have to repeat! An adorable set up with class casings of all their goodies. Definitely worth checking this bakery out if you are around! read more

Beautiful Italian Bakery located right off the center of downtown Lancaster. Brings me back to my days of living on Federal Hill in Providence, Rhode Island. All pastries are made in house and they are amazing. We bought a Ricotta Cheesecake and it was amazing. Scented with lemon and a tender crust to hold this luscious filling in. Display cases looked soooo tempting but did not want to put ourselves in food coma . Can't wait to go back and indulge in some of those great Italian & French pastries & desserts. read more

La Dolce Vita Courthouse Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

The staff was helpful and attentive. The food and bakery items are amazing. The coffee is fantastic. What else could you want? This place is amazing. read more

This bakery hits all the right notes if your looking for a classic Italian cookie. I have only had the cookies so my review is based on cookies. But they bring me back to the Italian bakeries in Philadelphia. All I am missing is an espresso and outdoor seating. read more

La Dolce Vita Courthouse Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

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Went for brunch after central market. Bride and I hat hot pastrami, offspring had ricotta spinach mozzarella. FABULOUS. Tons of traditional Italian baked goods and pastry. Good French selection and a few Jewish delights. Owner and staff were warm, courteous and efficient. Can't wait to return. Note: this is more bakery than restaurant so only a few window stool seats. dining in can be a challenge. Hope to see a few sidewalk tables come spring. read more

La Dolce Vita Courthouse Bakery - Goodies - Bakeries Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

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Super little find! We wandered in to look at pastries and ended up with lunch and cookies. We had a turkey sandwich, and a meat, and a veggie sandwich pocket - and oh yes we got those cookies! Everything was fresh and delicious Staff was friendly and helpful. It was a great stop. read more

La Dolce Vita Courthouse Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Looks can be deceiving. The attractive pastries and sweet delights in the precisely decorated cases initially pull you in. Which yummy treat to choose? Which ever one you choose however will not hit the mark. We have tried this place many times over the years hoping it was just an off day or something. Unfortunately time and time again the crust is flavorless or not quite right. The fruit tart crust is something more of what you would hang on a Christmas tree rather than eat. The chocolate cigar is bland and missing the buttery and rich texture as is to be expected. A cannoli so sweet you might go into diabetic shock. Dry flavorless cookies. High prices and curb appeal means nothing without flavor. read more

Love this place. Family run. ALWAYS makes the best birthday cakes for my dear mother's birthday, and accommodates every request. Beautiful artistry as well!! read more

La Dolce Vita is by far the best bakery in Lancaster. If you are looking for a special cake for any occasion, look no further. The La Dolce Vita bakers put their heart and soul into every cake. Our daughter's wedding was today and there is no Baker I trusted more!! Bailey and her crew went above and beyond to be sure we had the most delicious and beautiful cake for our daughter and her groom. Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts! read more

I had very high hopes after reading the reviews but I have to say I am very disappointed. Everything I tried was very bland. The elephant ear just fell apart like it was stale. The cookies had no taste and the zeppoli was very strange. It's small but nice inside. Very nice from the outside. I was excited because I was born and raised in Philadelphia and thought this would be like the Italian market. Not even close:( read more

I've always enjoyed a good Fruit Tart cake - so for my birthday this year, my mom got me a Fruit Tart from La Dolce Vita Courthouse Bakery thinking it would be of good quality. She paid $23.50 for a cake enough for about 6-8 people. On the night of my birthday, I noticed something which I thought was a bit unusual for a Fruit Tart was that the strawberries which were lined around the edge of the cake still had the leaves attached. It didn't look very nice. Once we actually sliced and served it, everyone's first complaint was that the kiwis were hard. They were also cut in to thick slices. Other things wrong with this cake: You could really taste the egg in the cream/custard, the crust was very dry, and there was this very thick gel (known as fruit glue). Overall, it was not a good cake and because we were all so displeased with this cake, my mom and step-dad took it back the next morning (we had only eaten less than a quarter of the cake). When they got there and explained about the cake, one of the ladies said to them, "Well there's nothing wrong with the cake, it might just be a matter of you not liking it." She was very rude. She told us that she could make another cake, but at this point they were so disappointed that my parents said no because the birthday had already passed. The lady said that she couldn't give my mom and step-dad the money back but that she could give a gift card. She gave them the gift card but did not provide a receipt with how much the card contained. So my mom and step-dad assumed it was for the full amount of $23.50. A few days later, my mom and I decided to order sandwiches and soup for lunch and pay with our gift card. When we were ready to check out and pay with the gift card, the cashier said "The total is $19.36." I handed her the gift card which was supposed to have $23.50 on it. She came back and said, "You owe $4.36." I said, "There was supposed to be $23.50 on the card" she said "No you only had $15 on the card. Do you have the original gift card receipt?" I said "No. No one gave us a receipt." She said "Well the card has $15 on it so you owe $4.36" Once we took our sandwiches back to my mom's work the sandwiches, which were supposed to be grilled and warm, were ice cold and not even that good. The soup was also cold. Overall, my experience with La Dolce Vita was not a very positive one and would not recommend this bakery to anyone. You're better off going to Weis or Giant. At least if they mess up your order, they'll do a better job of remedying the situation. read more

From Pasta to Tomato sauces,to cannoli to cakes and cookies, La Dolce Vita has probably Lancaster's best handmade desserts ,cookies and cakes. When you first walk in,your eyes are bombarded with rows and rows and layers and layers of jaw drooling cookies. Along with their famous cookies are their cakes. On display ,to give you an idea of quality and quantity and artistry. They will make your cake to your specifications with their artist flare. They also have a list of there own specialty cakes to have for any event ,birthday, anniversary, etc. Also billowing in other display cases are there homemade lunch sandwiches,specialty pizza (by the slice only and only one type) and cold pasta salads All made fresh daily.They vary from tomato, basil and mozzarella sandwiches to chicken and pesto mini boli's, So whether your sweet tooth is calling you,or you have a simple hankering for a fresh sandwich with an espresso...Dolce Vita is the place to go and definitely a hot spot here in Lancaster read more

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Bought dozen St Joseph pastries and through them out. They were greasy and tasteless. Paid more for them than I could have purchased in Brooklyn, N.Y. and in Brooklyn they are to die for. Who ever says these pastry are good has never had real Italian pastry. read more