We had a great dinner last night at La Dolce Vita. It is a small place, I didn't think to count the tables inside but there is maybe a dozen, and a few more outside. Small and busy, I would recommend getting a reservation. I checked out their menu earlier in the day and was very much looking forward to trying their Pappardelle, Funghi e Salsiccia, a sausage and mushroom pasta dish with a creamy panna sauce. I was not disappointed. In fact, I found my food absolutely delicious. I loved the mushrooms, the sausage, and the sauce really tied it all together. Service was fine, maybe just a little slow at the end getting the bill, but we were in no hurry. Very helpful, one person in our group had some dietary restrictions which were accommodated. read more

Food was terrible, owner was more interested in being a singer than actually cooking I don't know what part of Italy she is from, but it's not like any Italian food I've ever experienced in my lifetime The chicken was mushy and they use way too much salt read more

Some of the best Italian we have ever had outside of Italy. The calamari was cooked perfectly, with every bite melting in our mouths. We shared the Pappardelle with mushrooms and sausage and the Bucatini Amatriciana. They were both delicious but the pappardelle stole the show. Finished with a beautiful Italian custard and fruit dessert, and a complimentary limoncello that was perfect. Service was lovely as well. Next time we are back in Siesta Key we will definitely return! read more

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Local gem for home cooked Italian. Authentic Italian no pizza here. Dishes are balanced and fresh. The home made pasta is cooked perfectly. Service is friendly, accommodating, and attentive. The vibe is relaxed, inviting, and full of regulars out for a great meal. Our meals were beyond the ordinary with exquisite dishes. The specials each week vary, we were told. Wide wine selection. My only critique would be to add something other than broccoli or spinach as the side options. Some of us hate both. Pasta is available for a $13 up charge. Desserts are creative and also homemade. I would go back for the desserts and cappuccino or espresso. Every detail was done as if you were part of the family, from the moment we walked in and were greeted by Tina the owner. Highly recommend, bring your friends and family. This is quite a success and I now understand the reason. Like most places, privately owned, there is a fee for credit card payments. read more

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This is one of the most delicious, authentic Italian restaurants I've been to in the states. My fiancé is Sicilian and we visit there every year. It's not often that we find a restaurant that's of comprabale quality to what you eat in Sicily. All of the ingredients tasted freshly made, assembled in-house, and seasoned to perfection. We shared the Burrata with Arugula, Prosciutto, tomatoes and balsamic drizzle. The Burrata was buttery smooth and I always love the salty prosciutto and balsamic drizzle to complement the creaminess of the cheese. The bolognese sauce was to die for - hearty, balanced herbs, and flavorful! I had the Pappardelle Bolognese, my fiancé had the Lasagna Bolognese and my mom ordered the Chicken Piccata. The portions are huge and more than enough for 2 meals for me. We ordered 2 tiramisu to-go for dessert which tasted homemade as well. Totally worth checking out! You will not be disappointed!! read more

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As a party of 2 we had a very good experience. They couldn't find our reservation through OpenTable without the confirmation but they took care of us right away. It's small and parking was very tight but you could tell that the staff all cared deeply about the experience. All three women who came to our table as servers were knowledgeable about the menu and offerings. The owner Tina was particularly friendly and knowledgeable. It was a casual seating environment but the decorations were mostly nice. The hallway to the bathroom had mostly photos of 60s personalities (Sophia Loren). The bathrooms were dated but clean. The pasta was above average but not the best I've ever had. Dessert was quite good. The olives and capers in the Bucatini alla Puttanesca added a lot of flavor to the meal. Dessert was unique (to me) and refreshing. See the photo! read more

La Dolce Vita - Authentic Italian Cuisine - Entrance in strip mall - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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Returned to this Italian restaurant last night we ate there and it's first months of operation about four years ago. It's terrific people that run it came over from Italy. It's a family a mother a daughter-in-law her son her husband they run it. They make pure Italian dishes they have a coffee machine that makes wonderful coffee last night. We shared an apple walnut salad and had pasta puttanesca with black olives and all sorts of wonderful things in it and they put fresh baked bread on the table to start the meal. It's just a delightful place. My wife and I don't drink, but they have lots of wine there and I see every table has wine on it so this is an easy five star. The people are lovely. The food is wonderful and if you don't try it, you're kidding yourself. read more

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Best bucatini puttanesca I have outside of Italy. All the pasta is handmade in house. Absolutely a fantastic hidden gem in Sarasota

We've been here at least five times. Food is always great. Today was no exception but service fell short this time. I specifically asked for specials and was told there were none today. However I heard another server at a table nearby go over several specials. We also had an appetizer but used our own forks to plate it. Never got new forks for our main meal. These missteps won't keep us from coming back but we felt a little neglected read more

Beyond happy with tonight's dinner. Best experience. Best gnocchi and sauce. Cutest family environment, felt like a part of it!

So sweet intimate, and fab service and the food is to die for!! A great place that will please every age and taste.

I cannot understand the raves for this place-our food was badly prepared when we complained we were told we were mistaken. appetizer was undercook,pasta was limp etc. most patrons seemed pleased however not us. read more

Great service and the food was fresh and homemade. The limoncello was perfection at the end of the meal.

This place is straight out of Italy! It's like taking a portal into another dimension. The food, service, ambience-- UNREAL! Major family vibes as well. I got asked to take a photo while waiting for my to-go order, and literally almost the entire restaurant and staff joined! I've had some amazing food in Sarasota, but you should not leave the area without stopping by. You won't be disappointed! read more

If you want to have an amazing meal authentic Italian food with a wonderful experience, then go to La Dolce Vita I have been to many many Italian restaurants and this is by far the best Amazing homemade pasta, authentic preparation and a wonderful staff with the owners very present . please go for a casual night or a special event It is like being with family! read more

We are from New Jersey and have eaten at some really good Italian restaurants in the New York / New Jersey area. We never eat Italian food on vacation in Siesta Key because we always feel it isn't anywhere close to what we experience at home. We decided to try a local Italian place and I was scrolling through the Yelp reviews and came across La Dolce Vita. It appears there really were no negative reviews for this place at all and everybody raved about how great the homemade food was. They weren't wrong. This place is a hidden gem. It is tucked away in a strip mall with a sushi place and a schnitzel place (as well as some tanning salon). Everything we eat here was delicious. My daughter recently returned from Italy and said that many of the items we ordered reminded her of her trip. Very authentic. Every item was delicious. This was my first my son's first time trying veal and he loved it. The calamari was also perfectly cooked and not ridiculously greasy and over-fried like other restaurants. The waitstaff were amazing as these women made sure we were happy and all of our needs were being met. They weren't pushy at all. We will definitely be back here the next time we're in the area! read more

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Heaven in the mouth! Food, atmosphere are exquisite! Tina welcomed us like family! In fact, her mama was visiting from Milano! Im going to learn Italian, just so i can respond in kind! Tina even remembered i am gluten free just by my mentioning it when i made the reservation! For appetizer, mussels and (vogole?) clams swimming in a to die for broth.. And Tina gave me fabulous italian gluten free dinner rolls.. that stood up to the broth! The veal scallopini was so tender.. smothered in mushrooms. The baby spinach side cooked in garlic and oil.. delicioso! Branzino was beautifully rendered.. Tira Misu and flourless choco cake to finish off! Thank you Tina and Chef! Soo glad we found you!! read more

We had dinner there last night, I ordered lasagna, hardly any noodles, sauce was runny and very greasy.

Every experience here has been excellent. Delicious branzino, wonderful veal piccata, best bolognese lasagna in the USA and Italy.

I loved it last year, and I love it even more this year! The service is always exceptional, and we feel like family every time we visit. The homemade limoncello is absolutely outstanding, and I'm thrilled they still carry Fratelli Vogadoei Amaroni wine--it's the perfect pairing! As for the meal, we all opted for pasta, and it was delicious as always. You really can't go wrong with any dish on the menu, but when in doubt, try the lasagna. It never disappoints read more

La Dolce Vita - Authentic Italian Cuisine - Pappardelle Bolognese - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

I don't think there's enough space on this page to give an adequate review of the food and service at La Dolce Vita! We showed up unannounced for my birthday dinner and was seated quickly at a four-top near the service station. We were greeted by the owner, and our server was right there to take our orders. She explained that the pasta was made fresh on-site, which is what we were looking for. For my birthday dinner I had Pappardelle alla Bolognese Pappardelle alla Bolognese and a glass of Chianti. The pasta was perfect and the sauce had tons of flavor! And my dessert, a Millefoglie, was brought out on a plate that said Happy Birthday on it! And they switched the music over to the song, Happy Birthday to You, and the staff and all the diners in the restaurant sang along. A memorable way to celebrate #70! read more

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What a wonderful, outstanding meal my wife and I had last night. We started with the fried calamari which used a light batter and was cooked to perfection. Then I had the Fruitti de Mare and my wife had the linguine with clams. Both were off the hook. My seafood was fresh and the red sauce light and delicious. My wife also said the freshness of her clams combined with the homemade linguine was delicious. We finished with the flourless chocolate cake with gelato and again another delicious gem. Diners are very lucky to have such an authentic and delicious Italian restaurant in their town. read more

This was by far the best Italian Restaurant I have ever eaten at. Very authentic and everyone was so friendly. I really felt like a family member. I loved it! read more

We had the most delicious meal, but from the moment we walked in we knew we had chosen well. Tina and her husband are the perfect hosts with a staff that is as warm and skilled as they are. We will be back! This restaurant is special! read more

Authentic Italian with amazing food and service! It is in a strip mall, so at first glance may not seem appealing, but it is a hidden treasure! Would highly recommend! read more

Friendly atmosphere. Excellent food. Owners made appearances and spoke with each table. Small venue so reservations recommended. Highly recommend. read more

Sorry we really wanted to like this place, we did not care for either of our meals, I had lasagna and my wife had the special that was a seafood ravioli, we really enjoyed the salad and service but the food was not for us, read more

Another great dinner at La Dolce Vita. Service was amazing as always. Linguine in clam sauce and lasagna were perfect. Calamari appetizer was fresh and tender and fig dessert pie with gelato was delicious. Ambiance was friendly and family friendly. Best Italian restaurant in town. read more

La Dolce Vita - Authentic Italian Cuisine - Linguini e vongole - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

Very friendly staff. Great Italian food. Highly recommend this to someone looking for authentic Italian dishes

Everything about this place is authentic and fantastic. The staff is kind and attentive. The food was amazing. We were initially a little concerned because we had a few kids with us but they had a side option on the menu of homemade noodles and marinara - big hit. Highly recommend. read more

Fantastic home-cooked Italian food, ambience and hospitality. Definitely recommend going there, we had a great meal, Tina and her husband do a great job. read more

Amazing place, excellent service and very friendly staff. Definitely will come back and recommended to all our friends read more

La Dolce Vita - Authentic Italian Cuisine - Petto di Pollo Piccata - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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I got the Insalata Farcita and the Lasagna all Bolognese...The sald I thought was sub par...It had a ton of croutons in it which I didn't care for, and only a few small slices of pear while there was hardly any gorgonzola on it...The salad was very dry also....I had to use the oil and vinegar from the complementary bread to dress it...That bread was ok but I got two ends and they were hard as rocks and couldn't eat them...The Lasagna all Bolognese was tasty and the meat was tender...They had a lady singing songs in there and taking requests. read more

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I was driving with wife and 14 y/o son from Tampa to Miami and we had a flat tire on a Fri at around 3pm. It was a horrible, stressful day, had to get my car towed, barely made Tesla's closing time, but my car was ready by abt 6pm. We were tired and hungry but we found this gem with 5 stars and had to give it a try. We were seated greacefully without reservations (don't do this) and were surprised the place was empty. The staff told me they were fully booked and 10 minutes later they were full....just like that. The staff was friendly, although speaking Italian made them family quickly. The food was simply amazing. The pasta is freshly made, the seafood was fresh and the quality of ingredients was like being transported to Italy. I'm of Italian descent, lived in Italy, travel there often. So, trust me when I tell you: This is like going to Italy without airline tickets. Come for the culinary experience. The presentation is artistic and the service is top notch. We were not dressed for the occasion, so don't get intimidated by superficial things, although this is the kind of place to have quality time with your loved ones, so I do recommend you make it special...as if you were travelling to Italy! Kudos to the owner and staff! Auguri! Sei cinque strelle sensa dubbio! Alla prossima! read more

La Dolce Vita - Authentic Italian Cuisine - Tagliatelle alle vongole - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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What a huge disappointment. We had high expectations for this HopefulIy authentic Italian restaurant. I think they forgot what it takes to make a great restaurant happen. I would have given it another try. But all the owner wanted to do was argue about that she knew how Italian food Shoujd taste and my pallet as a customer didn't matter So we have this one off the list Many more great places in Sarasota read more

Great food! Highly authentic! Great service and quiet intimate atmosphere. I highly recommend checking this restaurant out.

Wonderful, delicious, inviting local Italian restaurant. Can't wait to go back!! The food was superb! The owner was warm and welcoming! read more

This is a hidden gem in Sarasota. Cozy and quiet environment to enjoy a meal. The owners are very friendly and makes great recommendations. The pasta is homemade and fresh. Food is delicious. Will definitely come back and bring friends to share another meal read more

La Dolce Vita - Authentic Italian Cuisine - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

Step into a little touch of Italy. Great food and service. Tina is a welcoming and kind Owner/hostess who works so hard to ensure her guests are cared for, happy and well fed! Bon Appetite! read more

From the lovely warm welcome from Tina when we walked through the door to THEM MOST DELICIOUS LIMONCELLO at the end of the meal....this place is a hidden gem. The service was impeccable and the food was scrumptious. I will happily make the hour drive back again and again. The food is fresh and made with love. read more

La Dolce Vita - Authentic Italian Cuisine - Misto Partenopeo - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida