Dolce V is the new Italian spot from the same family that previously owned the much-loved Dolce…read moreVita Italian Cucina on Fort Street in Riverview (according to the Detroit Free Press). For longtime fans, like me, that connection alone sets expectations high! Thankfully, many of the classics that I remember have made the move, including favorites like the Linguine Pescatore.
Overall, the good far outweighed the bad during our visit, but since Dolce V had only been open about two months at the time of this review, there were a few little hiccups that are worth mentioning.
The Negatives
Let's start with the challenges. The restaurant itself is very small, which means limited seating. When every table is full, as it was during our visit, the space becomes quite loud, making conversation difficult. This is definitely not the spot for an intimate or quiet dinner.
Pricing was another slight negative. Bread is not included and comes with a $6 upcharge, the starter salad is also a $6 uncharge ($4 if you order an entrée). On top of that, there is a 3% credit card fee, which we didn't notice until the bill came. So, by the end of the meal, it felt like we were being nickel and dimed, and that feeling detracted a bit from the overall experience.
Unfortunately, the bread itself didn't justify the $6 cost, it wasn't warm, and the butter was underwhelming (honestly, our butter tub at home is better). While the salads were very good, paying extra for what many restaurants include as standard can be frustrating.
The Positives
Now for the highlights, and there were many! Portion sizes are generous, to say the least. Both my husband and I took home leftovers, which is always a win.
The clear standout of the night was the appetizer Arancini, easily one of the best I've ever had. Crispy on the outside, perfectly cooked rice, cheese and meat on the inside. Full of flavor, it's a must-order!
For entrées, my husband ordered the Chicken Parmesan, and I chose the Shrimp Scampi. Both dishes were very good, and you could absolutely tell they were made fresh, not from frozen chicken or shrimp. That attention to quality matters, and it showed.
While the salads came with an upcharge, they were large for a side salad and had fancy lettuce and toppings, and I especially loved the house-made creamy Italian dressing. That dressing alone might convince me to order the salad again, even with the extra cost!
A small but appreciated touch was that the beer was ice-cold and served in a frosty glass, which always elevates the experience.
Final Thoughts
All in, our date night with beers, bread, appetizer, salads, and entrées - came in at just over $100. It's definitely on the pricey side, but not unreasonable given the portion sizes and fresh food quality. You could easily skip the add-ons and up charges to make the meal more affordable and still have a very good meal experience! This is a must try in my opinion, just go in knowing what to expect in advance! We will definitely be back very soon!