La Dolce Vita

Look, food was good, not amazing.I think its cool they got Senatra music playing BUT that's Good Only If Your Old. I say anybody over 40 will like it. 20's and prob 30's Go to AGO instead. Co Owned by De Niro, Amazing food and Great Music, Great Young Hip Fresh Spot for people in 20's and 30's. Try AGO's Pizza and Choclete Moose Cake

Posted 05/19/09

The food is mediocre and the service is horrible. I was with a group for my friend's 21st birthday. We were all dressed in cocktail dresses and heels and the boys all had on slacks, ties and jackets. She was very excited to go and then the waiters and manager stood over us the whole time and tried to charge us $10 dollars to split a plate. They acted like money was an issue for us because we were a group of young college students and we all felt very offended. We researched the restaurant we knew the prices and we didn't appreciate being judged based on our appearance.

Pros: NOTHING

Cons: EVERYTHING

Posted 03/13/09

What a treat to sit in a restaurant that was a second home to Sinatra and other Hollywood legends. While most of the historic LA restaurants have closed or reinvented themselves, kudos to the owners and staff for maintaining the quality of service and food that made La Dolce Vita famous in the first place. The fried clams and veal Milanese were absolutely wonderful and paired perfectly with the sommelier's wine recommendation. An experience I look forward to having again soon with friends. And please don't change a thing! The semi-circular burgundy booths are more comfortable than a Philippe Starck chair any day...

Posted 09/01/08

What do I love about this place? It is real! I would expect Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin to walk in any moment- and I heard they have in the past! Fantastic Italian food and cocktails in a very intimate, yet exciting place. Dark enough to hide, bright enough to be seen. Real booths, real waiters and really good food. Of course, having an real Italian owner is almost not fair!

Posted 08/24/08

I will start out by saying I do not write reviews however I felt the need to with La Dolce Vita. As soon as you walk in the atmosphere speaks for itself. It's definitely warm, welcoming, elegant and classy. As for the service I will say the same with the addition of personable. If you know the saying "You get what you pay for" well... Ruben surpasses this. He is not only talented but also gifted and this shines as soon as you walk in the door. I studied hospitality-culinary-hotel management here in the states as well as Europe. I have even catered the President. I am very familiar with fine dinning and had yet to have a true "fine dining' experience here in the states until now. Ruben and I discussed Tiramisu. Every place always states it is the real thing however I have had yet to have the "real thing" here in the states. Well.. this changed after eating at La Dolce Vita.. Ruben nailed it! I have the original receipt from Italy and make this myself. I highly recommend La Dolce Vita to anyone regardless of the occasion. Ruben is truly one of a kind!

Posted 06/24/08

I was visiting friends, and they suggested to dine here. Let me tell you that the setting reminded me of Old Hollywood. It is a very elegant and classy place. It is packed on weekends, you really have to make reservations beforehand. The wait staff is superfriendly, great customer service. The food is excellent. For my next trip to California, I will definitely stop by!

Posted 06/17/08

I just left a review for another restaurant and then I got to thinking, "Did I leave a review on that great place I was at last year?

I and others tend to give a shout-out to the bad places and neglect to give one to the good ones.

I didn't leave a review when I had a fantastic meal there at La Dolce Vita, ast year. I went back the next evening again and had just as good dining experience.

There are previous posts stating bad service and quality at LDV. You can have a bad meal anywhere from time to time.

I was in LA last month. The person I was visiting insisted on going to Mr. Chow's and it was horrible on so many levels, I'm never going back there again. I?m sticking with what I know. I?m going back to LDV the next time in L.A.

Anyway, from the bulk of the eviews of La Dolce Vita it seems like this place is still fantastic.

It's not a see and be seen kind of place and that's an added thing I like about it.

When I was there the food, service and value was extraordinary & I made a point of making a note of it in my PDA. The Maitre D' Ruben who has been there for 35 years treated me like a super somebody when I?m just a schnook from Chicago. I also noted the bartender Trisha was fabulous as I waited to be seated.

Some posters have referred to the place as a retirement home. How shallow and petty. One thing I remember that still brings a smile to my face was the couple sitting in the booth across from me when I was there last year. They had to be in their late seventies. They were dressed to the nines, hair perfectly coiffed. What I noted at the time and what was so endearing was that this was obviously their regular place; sitting in their regular booth, and they were chatting with each other with an energy and fondness for one another that I thought at the time you don't even see in young people these days. It was a great thing to experience.

Give this place a try.

Pros: Great Food; Great Service; Great Value; Great Atmosphere

Cons: I don't live close enough to go there more.

Posted 02/05/08

We visited LA for the first time and booked reservations at some of the top restaurants - Cut, Saddle Peak Lodge, and La Dolce Vita, among others. We were very disappointed with La Dolce Vita. We received a cool welcome, were seated next to the kitchen in a cramped booth and tried to talk above a table of 6, with two bratty kids. (Granted - that's not the restaurant's fault - but they did seat us there - and it only added to the disappointment of the entire meal). Appetizers were quickly served, the Caprese salad had more basil than anyone could possibly eat - and the meals were served immediately after we finished. We were only offered coffee at the end - no dessert - and given our check right away. We felt really rushed and finished and were out of there in less than 1 hour -

After dining at the incredible Cut, and the outstanding Saddle Peak Lodge - maybe it was just too much to ask to have another outstanding meal. But - we both left disappointed that we had chosen that restaurant - instead of the many other outstanding restaurants we could have picked.

Pros: Quick Service (if that is what you are looking for...)

Cons: Quick service, value, loud wait staff; tight seating

Posted 12/23/07

La Dolce Vita has some amazing Italian food. Its a great place to meet for an intimate drink, the bar is great and so is the wine list. I've tried just about every dish on the menu and was impressed by all of them. The staff and service is friendly in this classic Beverly Hills establishment.

Pros: Service, Parking, ambience

Posted 10/02/07

This is place is nice and quiet. Very old school - which I LOVED, but the food and service could have been better. The food was just average to me. I had ordered the seafood risotto, which was salty and grainy. The Linguine with calamari, was yet another average rating in my opnion. Too watery and not enought flavor! If you want to see some old school stars, you're in the right place. Other than that, food is blah and I wanted to throw a peice of bread at our waiter.

Pros: it's quiet

Cons: bad food and service

Posted 09/09/07

I have had the pleasure of dining at this restuarant on several occassions. The Maitre' D Ruben makes the dining experience an absolute pleasure and that is before even tasting what is hands down the best Italian food in all of LA. The wait staff is top notch and you will not be disappointed. Definitely put this down as one of those "must go" restaurants in LA.

Posted 08/20/07

As you drive down the many streets of Beverly Hills, there are a lot of different restaurants but the most exquisite of them all is La Dolce Vita.The most noticeable distinguishing character is the atmosphere. Walking into this restaurant makes you feel as though you were literally in Italy yourself- the decor with redbrick walls produce a smooth yet flowing look. Another distinguishing factor of the restaurant is the service. Each and every employee has a comforting smile on his or her face and always seats you promptly. However, even if there were to be a wait, the waiters make it worthwhile by having you sit at the bar where you are served calamari if you?d like to start off with an appetizer. Once seated you are asked what type of drink you will be having and your order is quickly taken and served to you at your table. Considering its not a huge restaurant, they have a good amount of waiters and busboys that constantly check on water and drink refills making sure that you are satisfied. They are attentive, quick and bring out the food as soon as possible. Lastly, what I love most about this restaurant is their food. The menu is delicious, light, unpretentious and full of adventure. I have to say, I?ve been to Italy and the food here is the closest to being authentic. It?s flavorful and ?soprendente? (Italian for amazing). From the taste of their raviolis with ricotta and spinach to their tiramisu, this is the place to dine. Forget the reviews that say this is a retirement home, you don?t go their for the other customers but the food. And for those who say you have to wait a long time?maybe you should try making a reservation. Have some patience!!!

Pros: Food, parking, staff, service, everything!

Posted 08/17/07

Took my wife here for special night out without the kids. Had been wanting to visit for some time and found it completely satisfying. Service was professional yet friendly and responsive. The Steak Sinatra was one of the most flavorful and tender steak dishes, as good as any of the now popular steakhouses, I have had anywhere and the linguine and clams was to die for. Will definitely return.

Pros: ambience, food

Posted 08/15/07

I recently dined at La Dolce Vita -- the experience was fantastic! The food, ambience and wait staff are delightful! The best dining experience that I had all year!

Pros: Romantic and enchanting

Posted 07/11/07

this is simple. la dolce vita is world class italian. old school charm, veteran waiters, incredibly cozy room, all the classics, clean food, quality from start to finish. this falls in the same category as giorgio baldi, piccolo/5dudley, la botte no question. must have italian!!!

Posted 06/26/07

This was my girlfriend's and I first time at La Dolce Vita and I must say it was excellent. I really am confused by all the bad reviews. They all say that they weren't treated like the "family." Well let me tell you I am the furthest from Italian as you can get and I've never felt as welcome anywhere. The setting is very intimate and romantic. Just the history in that building is amazing. Imaging Frank Sinatra drinking his wine and slurping his spaghetti sitting in a booth close to yours. (This was his favorite place to eat). Oh, and the retirement home thing I don't get. I'm 23 and I loved this place. Anyway, I had the Lobster Diavoli and it was great, very simple but the more I ate the more I loved this dish. This is a great date spot even though the rich clientele is very obvious and can be intimidating if you not used to the LA scene. Great value and was very pleased with the bill. I will come back very soon.

Posted 04/30/07

Just ate there tonight- food was excellent. Wait staff was perfect- not all over us, but there when we needed something. Atmosphere was nice.

Would highly recommend to others.

Posted 02/09/07

When visiting the West Coast, from Atlanta, there is only one place to go for Northern Italian. It's the legenday "La Dolce Vita", where the Italian Pack, George Raft, and all those others knew where to eat. Yes it's old Hollywood. And yes older patrons do dine here. I'm amused at some reviews who rate a restaurant, by the age of the patrons. I could care less, I'm there for the food. You will love this place at any age. We always start with my favorite Baked Clams Orgeganta. And then on to that terrific chopped salad, that's appearing again all-over. Homemade dressing is pure heaven. My favorite entree is Veal Piccata. I always request extra capers. They will prepare any dish, anyway you like. Perfect. My partner always has the Shrimp Fra Diavolo. Spiced just right. Old school service, with a smile, and confidence. Outstanding wine list. Hope they are around another forty years. Bravo And the Management personally came by our table, and thanked us for visiting from Atlanta!

Pros: Legenday Hollywood Northern Italian Cusine! Seasoned Staff!

Cons: Wish We Lived In L.A. For A Meal Like This!

Posted 02/06/07

Read here Most Romantic. They failed to mention its like a retirement home in this place. Seated promptly but had to ask 10 min after sitting for menus. Then about 25 minutes later had to ask to order. Food came out on good time, but the caesar salad WAS VERY SOGGY and too much dressing. $50 bottle of Pinot was good though. Food was just ok. Not horrible but not that great. Maggiano's is way better and half the price. The tiramisu was ok. But had strong orange liquor taste. Smallish portions. I like big portions so i can eat leftovers for two days! We were basically ignored by the senior citezen wait staff most of the night. Appparently you have to be in your 60's to get service. Even though our waiter was very friendly still had to waive him down for the bill! Keep in mind we waited patiently for 20 min before even asking for help. Cute setting is the only plus. Will not go back again!!

Posted 02/02/07

The food was just like the Zagat guide said, "good" and certainly not "great." The most disappointing aspect of the experience though, given how expensive this place is, was the service. Two parties who arrived after mine were seated before us even though we had arrived on time with reservations. Furthermore, I don't know who my waiter was as it was impossible to consistently get the attention of any of the servers. While many of the diners were treated like family, those who aren't "part of the family" are largely ignored .

This place is not worth the price with so many great substitutes.

Posted 02/01/07

This place really surprised me. My girlfriend and I had to leave for the airport and only had about an hour and a half max to be out of there. Everything was perfectly on time. We were seated right away, our waiter was very friendly and suggested some great dishes that saved us time reading the menu. The whole experience was very positive. It's hard for me to believe that someone could ever have a bad time at this restaurant. Everyone was great. I totally recommend it. As soon as I go back to LA, I will go back to try new things on the menu.

Pros: All of it!

Posted 01/31/07

Great food, great service in a lovely environment. We told the Matr'D that we needed to catch a show...The meal was perfectly timed, speedy but not rushed. The wait staff was genuinely friendly and never crossed the line into being too pushy or nosey. The food and drinks were both delicious. Thanks to the concierge at The Peninsula Hotel for recommending it.

Pros: Wonderful Service, Professional Waiters, Fun Bartender

Cons: Just wish I would have known about this place sooner

Posted 01/10/07

I recently moved to the west coast from New York City. Last week I was set up on a blind date by a good friend, and when my "date" told me he was taking me to La Dolce Vita in Beverly Hills I took a look at some of the reviews on this site. I just want to say that this place is great! I'm not sure what happened to any of the people who wrote negative reviews, but clearly they don't speak for the rest of us! I will definitely dine here again, it makes me feel like I'm still in New York City. Thanks to the wonderful bartender (Kim, I think?) for the giant Martini, It made those first few awkward moments much easier...I'm happy to say that I'll be going on my third date with the same guy this weekend, I suggested a return trip to La Dolce Vita, see you in a couple of days!

Pros: Huge Martinis, Wonderful Service

Posted 01/10/07

My boyfriend and I went to La Dolce Vita a couple of nights ago and had a fabulous time :) First of all, the food was amazing...My boyfriend is a vegetarian, so we were pleased to discover a variety of tasty options for him; Between the two of us, we tried the Caesar Salad and the Mozzarella Marinara appetizer (what a heavenly cheese). I had the Scampi, and Steve had the Stuffed Eggplant, wow! For dessert, we shared a piece of homemade (?) Tiramisu, it was very light and delicious. We also enjoyed the romantic, candle-lit ambiance, and our waiter was charming too.

Pros: Wines, Service and Romantic

Posted 01/10/07

This place is great. We stumbled upon it one night and now it's one of our favorite dinner spots. The food is great, there isn't a dish on the menu that I wouldn't recommend. The veal shank is so tender it melts in your mouth. They have a huge selection of pastas and a couple of great salads (try the ceasar salad, it is so good!). The service is always great and the Maitre'd always does his best to accomodate everyone, no matter who you are (it is a good spot for celeb sighting too). A must if you are in the Beverly Hills area!!

Pros: Atmosphere and Service

Posted 01/10/07

I took my friend here for his birthday because he loves italian food. And since La Dolce Vita won so many awards, it had to be good right? WRONG. Starting off, it took them a ridiculous amount of time to sit us at a table, even with a reservation. It was a bit annoying, but we were willing to forgive this of course. Next, the waiters were so pretentious! They treated us as if they had better things to do. They rushed us to order our food, and were not friendly at the least! We did not feel welcome, nor were we treated as customers. However, we were able to overlook this and still had hope...just as long as the food was as good as claimed. That would at least somewhat salvage the birthday dinner right? Boy were we in for another disappointment. The food was mediocre at best, if not below average. Was this really the best italian restaurant in LA? If this is true, then the voting must be rigged. I've had much better, for much less. There is no way I would ever recommend this place to my family or friends...nor would I to you the informed consumer. Poor service, poor food, high prices. If that's what you want, then go here. My advice? DO NOT eat here, you will be thoroughly disappointed. My friend and I both left still hungry and with $125 less in our pockets (we didn't even order wine!). Thanks La Dolce Vita for ruining what was supposed to be a special evening for my friend. I will never eat here again, and neither should you.

Pros: none

Cons: price, food, service

Posted 12/05/06

When we made the reservations, we were given the choice of 6:00 or 9:00. When we arrived at 9:00, the restaurant was half empty. The server rushed us to place our order. We were wondering if they wanted to close the restaurant soon. The appetizers and entrees were good, not great. The dessert, which the waiter recommended "two thumbs up," tasted as it had been in the refrigerator for two days. When the bill came, there were items on it that we did not order. They were removed, when called to the attention of the server, but the dessert was not. We will not return.

Posted 11/19/06

I went there after reading that it was voted as the best Italian in LA. I am not sure who voted, but the restaurant was mediocre at best. The vote was boring an poorly executed, the service was indifferent and prententious. In a city full of great Italian restaurants one can do much better.

Pros: ?

Cons: food, service, attitude

Posted 11/19/06

This is such a great tribute to old Hollywood. The food is always fantastic and the service prompt and friendly. Very cozy place to take friends or family- feeels like someplace you'd find in New York.

Pros: food, ambience, service

Posted 11/04/06

Made reservations for my boyfriend's birthday a couple weeks ago.. I have to say, after reading all the positive reviews, I had high expectations of the place, but was disappointed after our meal. We had the ceasar salad, which had too much dressing and wasn't even prepared tableside (they prepared it next to the bathrooms), the peppercorn steak was okay.. if you like have chunks of whole peppercorn in your mouth.. the veal saltimbocca was mediocre.. the only best part was the ricotta cheesecake, which wasn't too sweet. All in all, it was just average for me and I've had better food at this price. Also, this restaurant does really cater to a much older crowd.

Pros: ricotta cheesecake

Cons: everything else was mediocre.. not worth it

Posted 10/23/06

Amazing restaurant. They have the best pasta carbonnara I have ever had. The waiter was attentive and charming. Simply a wonderful hidden restaurant with old world charm. They made the entire experience something to remember. You will not regret a night here.

Posted 10/20/06

We loved it. We went out expecting a yummy dinner and special evening and we got it. Everyone was very friendly. the spaghetti with salmon in vodka sauce was to die for. very rich but good. It was nice to bring our own wine in. The dessert for 2 wasn't that great. But wish we would have tried something else. would recommend it for sure.

Pros: very filling

Posted 09/30/06

This is one of the hippest places in LA. Youll feel the vibe when you walk through the door. With its warm environment, rather than the uptight atmospheres that abound in LA, it is perfect when you are looking for a nice night out. Ive heard that it is a celebrity hot spot for those who dont want to be seen but would rather have great food and drinks and just chill.

Theyve got many great dishes but my favorite is their eggplant stuffed with pasta, covered with cheese and baked. Not your average eggplant parmesan. As a vegetarian it is a nice surprise to see some thought put into non-meat dishes. Though, my fiancee loves the Steak Sinatra. If you like spinach, goat cheese, and garlic-- make sure to try that appetizer. I forget the name but the spinach is perfectly paired with the cheese with just a hint of garlic, it is wonderful.

Id like to say it isn't good so that you dont go since reservations can be hard to get but I cant lie, this place is great.

Posted 09/14/06

Went here with my wife over the weekend (Aug 19), took her there because this was 'rated' as the most romantic restaurant, whoever rated this the most romantic restaurant must be on something. The food was just 'ok', nothing special, the atmosphere was very noisy, I specifically asked not to be seated next to the kitchen, but yet I was seated next to the kitchen. My wife was pretty cool about the whole thing, but I was extremely disappointed. I dont mind the high prices, but c'mon, this place is as romantic as league night at a bowling alley in downtown LA. Whats worse is the clientele, there were so many old people coming in, its like a geriatric convention looking for a blue light special. But these are the old people who live in Beverly Hills who apparently have a standing weekly reservation because their maids are out of town and they're arthritic.
The only interesting part of the whole evening was seeing Steve Martin eat alone and later joined by Diane Keaton....it's a friggin 'Father of the Bride' reunion.

Pros: Celebrity Sightings

Cons: Old People with walkers

Posted 08/21/06

We live in Miami and it is always our first stop when we get to LA, not to miss!
Robin & STeven Behar, Miami Florida

Posted 07/16/06

Great restaurants for so many reasons! Amazing food, wonderful and friendly service, great wine, and fun people watching. But I must share one story with you that will explain why I LOVE this restaurant so much. My date and I ordered an appetizer of their duck ravioli (it was a special that night.) I ordered the chopped salad and Steak Sinatra (Yes, named after Frank who I understand dined there all the time) with vegetables as my main course. When the waiter came to pick up our empty plate of ravioli, I told him how much I enjoyed it. After my amazing salad (which was prepared table-side, by the way), when the waiter brought out my steak with vegetables, he also had the chef put three more duck-raviolis on my plate! I didnt ask him to do this, he just did! (And I wasnt charged anything extra.) I thought that this was so classy. Go to La Dolce Vita. I promise that you will love it!

Posted 07/16/06

I give it thee thumbs up!
Best food & service we had in years.
I tell everybody that comes to Los Angles
that their really missing out if they don't try this place.

Pros: Great Ambience & Service

Cons: I can't eat there everyday

Posted 07/12/06

I grew up in L.A. and must have driven by La Dolce Vita (at the corner of Little Santa Monica and Wilshire) a million times, but never knew it even existed until recently. It has no sign and no windows, just a black door with an old brass knocker. We went there for the first time with another couple a few weeks ago for my birthday and I wish I could turn back the hands of time so I could have eaten there all my life. It used to be Sinatra's main hangout, and I can see why. It's like a private club, but all you need to do to become a 'member' is walk thru the door. The maitre'd, Ruben, greeted us as long lost relatives finally home and pampered us all evening, even though it was the first time we had met. The room is small, cozy, warm and filled with plush booths. The food is sublime, the wine list is very creative. We go out a lot, but I have never been to anyplace like La Dolce Vita. And, did I mention George Clooney? He sat at the booth across from us and I swear he kept giving me the eye (my husband says he wasn't, but I know he was, really, he was!) We all feel so fortunate to have discovered this wonderful place. Thanks to whoever owns it for keeping it alive in this world of mediocrity.

Pros: Best Food, Best Service, Best Atmosphere (+ George Clooney!)

Cons: Wish I'd discovered it sooner.

Posted 06/28/06

The Caesar salad is worth the trip alone and the pastas are always flavored perfectly. The atmosphere compliments the food well.

Pros: Banquette seating, Caesar salad

Posted 06/26/06

I recently ate at La Dolce Vita, in Beverly Hills, while visiting LA.
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I assure you that it has been restored to its original, George Raft/Frank Sinatra glory days. Jeanie Martin (Dean's widow) came over to my table and began conversing. I found out later who she was from Maitre d', Rubin, who thrilled me with lots of LDV/Hollywood stories. By the way, George Clooney seemed to be enjoying his drink and conversation with one of the owners at the bar. I eagerly look forward to revisiting each time I return to L.A.

Pros: Tableside Preperation - Food - Staff

Cons: closed Sundays

Posted 06/24/06

Always have lived, "La Dolce Vita" when dining there! Kitchen will prepare anything you wish. Maitre D', Ruben is absolutely mezmerizing. Tableside preperation is wonderfully romantic. No place else can even compete.

Pros: Food/Beverage, Service, Ambiance

Cons: Too far from home, Not open for lunch

Posted 04/27/06

In a town full of average places to dine, it's a pleaseure to spen an evening at La Dolce Vita in Beverly Hills. The food, service and atmosphere are second to none. Thanks for a great birthday, I can't wait to come back. Thanks again to Ruben for that "Made To Order" dish...WOW!

Posted 01/31/06

I was recently referred to try this place by a good friend who dines there often. WOW! I Definitely suggest it to anyone looking to celebrate a special evening as we did or simply enjoy a terrific Italian meal. Very stiff cocktails I cant wait to go back.

Pros: Service, Atmosphere, Cocktails

Posted 10/07/05

I would not reccommend. Great staff, nice seating but the food is too salty, not innovating. On the bright side, if you don't like what they have to offer, you can ask them to cook someting else! They give you the option upon ordering. As if they knew their menu has nothing special to offer on its own.

Posted 04/15/05