This is truly a hidden gem in DE! I was visiting family over Mother's Day weekend, and we had reservations for 5pm (note: reservations are STRONGLY encouraged for prompt seating). As a Baltimore native, I'm used to the charm of the Little Italy restaurants; pulling up to La Dolce Vita had me scratching my head. It is truly not much to look at from the outside or inside, but-- as my grandmother always taught me-- never judge a book by its cover. I'm glad I didn't. The 2 polite servers were already busy when we got there, but we were seated quickly and provided with our drinks and table bread promptly. The menu is small yet cozy and familiar. The specials were relatively extensive, also (maybe for the holiday?). My family ordered 2 appetizer specials (escargot & clams casino)-- both were alright, but I'm also not a huge fan of either. Plate presentation was nothing fancy, but still looked very nice. With any entree, you receive a side salad-- a small display of fresh spring greens with tomatoes and cucumber. Don't be off-put by the packaged salad dressing. Our table ordered: lamb Ossobucco (special), veal & shrimp Marsala, and chicken parmigiana. Due to the increasing patrons, our main dishes took a little longer to come out, but it was nice to catch up with family. Again, the presentation of the main dishes were nothing gourmet, but hearty and clean. The Marsala has a sweet flavor, which is not usually how I make it, but it was still rich and tasty. I had the chicken parmigiana, and was surprised to see that the side angel hair pasta came with meat sauce-- I later realized that it's listed on the menu (oops!). Their pasta sauce is absolutely delicious, and I wish I ordered more for bread-dipping! Save room and pack up half of your meal, because you *WILL* want their delicious, homemade desserts. Our table shared tiramisu and a cannoli-- let me tell you, they put Baltimore's Vaccaro's to shame. The cannoli was probably the best I've ever had, and the tiramisu was so light and fluffy without an overwhelming coffee flavor. For 3 people (no alcoholic drinks), the total was about $150. This is incredible for the delicious food and large portions! Please please please go here for the best Italian food on the shore! read more

Once you find the entrance (on the side) and go in you realize what a nice restaurant this is. It's a simple traditional Italian restaurant- not upscale or fancy. You should make a reservation first. We dined on a Thursday night at 6 and it was almost full. Yes, it's a bit dark inside but that's not a problem. Service was very good. We had generous glasses of wine with dinner and our main courses came out fairly quickly. We both had chicken piccata with pasta, preceded by a house salad. It was well done with just the right amount of breading and a nice flavor of lemon and capers. We had been wanting to try this restaurant for a long time and are glad we did. read more

La Dolce Vita - Chicken picatta with angel hair pasta - Italian Near Me - Millsboro, Delaware

Good food, good people, and reasonable prices. We try to go once a month to support this old family authentic Italian restaurant.

The food was amazing, we had the Linguine & clams, chicken Parmesan, lobster raviolis, and cheese, raviolis. The appetizers were mussels Diablo, garlic bread, mozzarella sticks, and bacon wrapped shrimp. It was all delicious. The atmosphere was like an old time Italian restaurant set back in time and dark. I ordered a glass of wine and they gave me a full glass of wine. The service was very good. The waitress were prompt and friendly. I definitely will go back again. We have a saying, it's where Italian go for Italian, it's that good! read more

We went with friends last night to this restaurant. There were 5 of us. When we paid the bill they added a 20 percent tip unbeknownst to us! We weren't that large of a party. My friend said she'd leave a cash tip and handed it to the waitress, who took it without blinking. She would have made $60. (we did ask for the cash back). The service in general was less than desirable. On an upnote the food was amazing! read more

Both the food and service was great. The dining room could use an update, but it was very clean.

We moved to Lewes from NY a year ago. Have tried Italian places but nothing exceptional. Wanted to try a different Italian restaurant for our anniversary. Saw the good reviews and thought we would give it a try. Exceptional food, and service. Homemade bread and the Italian wedding soup, as well as the Eggplant Parmesan. Plentiful servings. Owner is Sicilian just like my husband's family. Vincenzo came by twice to introduce himself and check to see how our meal was. Warm homey feeling and reasonably priced. Will definitely be back and bringing family and friends. Make sure to make reservations, even in the off season. read more

La Dolce Vita - Italian Near Me - Millsboro, Delaware

First visit to this restaurant. My lady friend and I had reservations for two and the restaurant was quite busy. We both agreed it was the best Italian food we have had since moving to the Delaware Beaches area. Service was prompt and friendly, food served hot and well prepared and it was just a very enjoyable experience. The owner came to our table and we shared our joy with him of finding a true gem, his authentic Italian restaurant. read more

Can't believe I made reservations for this place. Servers seemed to be inconvenienced by our presence, had to ask for bread, refills, etc. Salad consisted of some spring mix, one cherry tomato and one slice of cucumber. Limited beer menu and no wine menu to choose from. Chicken parmigiana was dry and overcooked. Angel hair pasta was not "made-from-scratch"as described and sauce was a mix of brown gravy and marinara. Disappointed as this dinner was to celebrate my husband's 50th birthday. We left hungry and disappointed. Will not be back and still looking for a good Italian dinner. read more

I moved to Delaware from New York three years ago and this is the first restaurant I have found that serves really amazing Italian food! I guess this was something i took for granted in the largely Italian area I lived in. The owner even came out and introduced himself and told us all about the restaurant. This was an amazing personal touch and just made us feel very welcome. The atmosphere was cozy and the prices are surprisingly low for food of this quality. I will be coming back here many times. Thank you for making us feel welcome and feeding us genuine Sicilian cuisine. read more

So we went to dinner, February 28. We had reservations at 6 o'clock for five of us. Unfortunately it's only turned out to be four of us. That seems to not make the server/host this happy about that. Just letting you know first of all we've never been to this restaurant before. My niece had some questions about the menu. The server seemed a little short about answering the questions and not too happy with us it seemed, i've never been more scared of a server in my entire life. I wish I knew what her name was or I would blast it all over yelp. The only time she seemed nice to us is when she handed us the check. The only reason why I gave three stars is because of the food. read more

My wife and I went for dinner here because we heard it was good. We had to drive 40 minutes to get there, but it was worth it! It's a nice cozy place that seats about 50 people. Reservations are a must! Started with some homemade bread accompanied by a nice Aioli mix and an espresso martini. All were great! I had a cup of cream of crab bisque and it was one of the best I've ever had! She had the Chicken Piccata and I had the Chicken Parm. Both were made to perfection! The owner, Vincenzo, personally made a couple of stops by the table to introduce himself and make sure everything was okay. If you're in the area, make a reservation you won't be disappointed! read more

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Ok for "amateur" Italian food lovers. Hard cord..maybe not so Service is very good and we felt comfortable. read more

Wife and I came here recently for the first time and loved it. Very much a ma and pop shop type of place with good ole home cooking.

Great little hole in the wall. My friends took me for my birthday, and I would've never given this place a second look if I had to find it on my own. The calamari and escargot were great starters. I ordered veal Parmesan and was able to get it with fra diavolo sauce which was delicious, nice and spicy but flavorful. My friend had eggplant Parm and a seafood dish. I forget which one exactly but we all enjoyed it. We all also had leftovers because we filled up on the yummy warm salted bread. Will definitely be going back. Unless I forget, the staff was all amazing. read more

Authentic as it gets. Make reservations because you can't just walk in. This place is packed every night! Service, food quality all top notch read more

Best food ever !! Great service we love the atmosphere and will eat there again ! They make the best eggplant parm!!!!

Food was good the service was wonderful and the owner makes it a home feel. The veal was tender and the fish was fresh. Nice wine list.

Was disappointed that only angel hair pasta was offered. You either love it or not. I am the not. Took it home and my SIL loved it. It was a very nice portion as a side to my eggplant parm. The eggplant was good but very seedy. I know eggplant has seeds and I always purchase the smaller ones. The bigger the eggplant is, the more seeds it has. read more

A good dinner choice for take out but maybe next time we will do dine in. Each dish was flavorful and a good portion with great pricing especially during these Covid times. We ordered: Chicken Parmesan with angel hair pasta Penne a la vodka with chicken Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken Garlic bread Calamari Tiramisu Chocolate cannoli They all came with a side salad. Tiramisu was good and so was the cannoli. It says chocolate cannoli but what they really meant was chocolate chip. I spoke to Brad in the phone for my take out order and he was very kind and professional. read more

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My sister, I and a friend ate dinner this evening. The food was great and the service. On the way out we noticed something written on the whiteboard. We could clearly see it say 10% off bill if paying with cash. All three of us paid with cash and nothing was even said to us at the table, like hey you get 10% off your bill since you paid with cash. I think that was pretty poor on the waitress part to not tell us that. Not great customer service to neglect to tell us that since we had no idea. read more

Very cozy, home style food. More than I could eat in 1 setting, reasonably priced, excellent staff, very attentive. Definitely will be back! read more

What a little treat to have some real Italian food made from scratch. I felt like I was in someone's home having dinner. Lol. The owner who is I think he said 90, made it a point to talk to each table before during and after the meals were served. Food was out standing! It was a lot of food at a very fair price. Cheers read more

Small old school italian, like eating in a speakeasy, make reservations. Lasagna, Fettuccine Alfredo, Tortellini all family faves. Try it you'll like it. read more

You must make a reservation to get in. They were very accomodating to our change in adding people to our party. When we arrived, we were greated by the sweetest man named Vincenzo. He made sure we were pleased throughout our entire meal and make recommendations on what to order. Most of our table ordered the Chicken Parm, 1 veal parm, and a chicken piccata and also shared the calamari appetizer. The sauce was sooo tasty and the calamari was fresh and tender! Everyone LOVED their meal. I ordered their italian wedding soup instead of the salad and it was the best italian wedding soul I've EVER had!!! I would go solely for that! Of course we ordered a round of desserts too and got multiple cannolis and tiramisu. 10/10, will definitely be back to this delicious, family-run business! read more

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This is not a fine-dining experience, but rather a very nice family restaurant that seems to be well-established and very popular with the locals. The dining area is not large and seating is a bit tight, so I would definitely recommend reservations in advance. I found the atmosphere to be casual, no-frills, and the service to be very friendly. The owner regularly makes a round through the dining room to ask each diner how they are doing and how their food is, etc. I considered that to be an endearing gesture in an old-timey sort of way, and I'm sure that for the many regulars, he has become a part of the overall experience of the place. I ordered the special of the day which was Mahi-Mahi in a shrimp Francese sauce, with mashed potatoes and matchstick zucchini, on a bed of angel hair pasta; and a glass of the house Cabernet Savignion. The zucchini was the most memorable part of the meal. Don't get me wrong--the other items were all good, but none of them had a flavor or presentation that I would consider "delicious" or special in any way. My dining companion had the Rock Fish and crab, also with zucchini and mashed potatoes on angel hair; a glass of house Merlot. She really liked the crab a lot, and felt similar to me about everything else. In summary, La Dolce Vita is not a bad choice for for a decent family style, traditional Italian-American fare at a fair price. But if you are looking for subtleties such as homemade pasta, more distinctly flavored sauces and presentations, etc., you might want to make a different choice. read more

Very good food, very attentive and kind owner who makes it a point to speak with every table.

Been a while since I reviewed....7 years....hard to believe. Wife and I just got home from another meal....outstanding in every regard....taste, portion size, temperature, value and quality. Veal was super tender. Old time Italian feel to the place....welcoming and quaint with Sinatra playing in the background. The owner is the real deal....personable, engaging and authentic (from Sicily, came thru Ellis Island). Awesome meal and experience. read more

Francisco was so welcoming as he invited us to his family. He told.us that he.would cook for us like family and they didn't disappoint. Their gravy (tomatoe sauce) is fantastic and you can tell that there is a lot of love in this food. Highly recommend and we will be a regular!!! read more

Italian American comfort! Owner and staff are friendly and attentive. Expect to be serenaded by the owner if it's your birthday! read more

Crab Cakes are beyond amazing ! Huge lump crab, the best I have ever had. Vincenzo and staff are the best. read more

The food is superb run by an elderly Italian couple absolutely need reservations any day of the week they are booked great service... It's an older place so ambience could be spruced up a bit read more

We continue to enjoy this local spot. Service is wonderful and food follows suite. The lobster ravioli is AMAZING ! The pastas are all great, as are the chicken and fish dishes. We have enjoyed everything ordered over the last 6 visits. The team knows us now and our preferences are all noted. This has quickly become a go to place for consistent good food and service. read more

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Great food flavors Italian pasta seafood and steaks desert excellent at a Wonderful price read more

Dinner party of 4 Ordered 2 Chicken Parm dinners 2 Veal Parm Dinners All great, consistently the same very good portion size. Salad or soup 3 had salad one had minestrone soup All DELICIOUS, cold salad, hot soup The salad was served with a. Large packet of Ken's dressing If you can get over that and a truly family atmosphere , meaning the regulars who were there being EXCESSIVELY LOUD, did I say LOUD!!!!! The dessert choice we made was tiramisu So Delicious Home made Had to stop in to confirm my reservation after calling 3 times and no one picking up the phone If you can get past those two things.....,, Some of the best home made Italian sauce and food!!!! read more

We celebrated our 51st Wedding Anniversary on June 10th at La Dolce Vita with 32 guests exclusively for 3 Hours - it was fabulous. The food was delicious with their homemade pasta! The service was 5 star all the the way - courteous, friendly! We all enjoyed the celebration! La Dolce Vita is our favorite Italian Restaurant!! read more

Amazing homemade italian and even better people. It feels like dinner with a family.

Hands down best Italian spot in Sussex county.. food taste better than other Italian places I've been out here. They were so polite. & I honestly felt so relaxed while eating bc the lights are dim and there's soft music playing. Very good experience. read more

Awesome food and the girls/waitresses are wonderful. A hidden gem in long neck Awesome!!!! read more

The BEST Italian food around! Just a small little place in a small strip mall, but the food is outstanding!