Dolce Vino Wine Bar — Restaurant in Glendale

We had a craving for Italian and Dolce Vino is just down the road located, like many restaurants now, in a strip mall. The decor inside is very neutral. Not Buca over the top or Nonna's kitchen homey, it could be any moderate restaurant except for the large piano in the corner and bar across from the entrance. There was an elderly gentleman singing standards by the piano and we were seated directly in front of him at first. Our server/bartender quickly moved us to a quieter table near the back. For a wine bar, the wine menu was a bit light, but we selected a very drinkable Tempranillo, Viña Temprana. The food menu has the basics, nothing spectacular or unique. We always try the Calamari when it's on a menu. This one was not my favorite. I like the rings and tentacles with a flour/corstarch/baking powder batter. This was more of a tempura-like batter on steaks/fingers with not much flavor, although cooked perfectly. The soups, Minestrone and Clam Chowder, that came with our entrees also had very mild flavor, but a decent amount of vegetables. The Manicotti had a very nice, bright marinara and was generously filled with cheese, although we sort of expected a meat sauce like many Italian American restaurants have. My build your own rigatoni/sausage/pesto was another miss. It first came out with red sauce, that our sever had corrected in under 3 minutes. Unfortunately that didn't help the dish. The sausage was sliced discs with no caramelization and the pesto was dull and overly oily. The highlight of the meal was the flourless chocolate cake. It was dense, with a deep fudge and dark chocolate flavor, everything I would expect. I would come back in the future for affordable, drinkable wine and dessert, but...

We arrived for dinner this evening, after visiting several other establishments - we have been using the Virtual ID app endorsed by AZ DMV - The server told us they couldn't accept a "virtual" id, and we requested to speak with a manager The "manager" ( some cranky old lady with a NASTY unpleasant attitude ) came out and asked what the issue was .. We proceeded to explain the Situation and she kept making irrelevant remarks that did not relate to the situation We received watered down marinara sauce and requested a new one . The server saw us filming and threw the bread on our table - very unpleasant and unprofessional btw Owner came and followed up over our meal , we advised him of everything that happened.. The owner was in denial himself, as we showed him the marinara and how watered down it was- the server mentioned they put Sriracha sauce in the marinara , ( what? ) The owner told us to leave since we wouldn't be happy about anything- we agreed we should leave and that there is a reason why his restaurant was empty on A FRIDAY NIGHT. I wish this business the best but I will not recommend it and this restaurant will not last open very much longer , maybe you can ask Gordon Ramsey for assistance since you are...

This is easily the best, most authentic Italian food in Phoenix. My girlfriend loved it as much as I did.

This has the nicest most elegant and quaint atmosphere with a beautiful and non imposing upper-class charm to it. The live music was a beautiful and romantic touch playing many old Sinatra songs and Lawrence Welk era hits.

A group of older ladies were drinking and chatting at the bar, making everything feel very home-like. It felt like I was at a nice family gathering. We were very comfortable.

The food was some of the best food I have had in the valley. I could not believe how good even the appetizers were..the salad even had homemade Caesar dressing. You could tell every single thing in there is probably made to perfection from scratch.

She has the shrimp scampi, and I honestly forget what I had but it was meat layered in a red sauce and it was incredible. We ate too much and still took a lot home which was nice.

The owner personally greeted us as it wasn't too busy and he took the time to lighten his waitresses load. He even made us 2 personal shotglasses with mixtures to help us with our tummys.

Overall one of the most romantic nights me and my love have had in the valley. I honestly cannot recommend...