Dolce Vita Italian Ristorante — Restaurant in Hot Springs Village

Hidden Gem

Our first visit will not be our last. If you are looking for a great experience in service, atmosphere, and food, this is a great place to try. After stumbling across some posts on Facebook, we decided to see for ourselves. They have a full bar and variety of wines available to pair with your meal. We’re not drinkers but I can appreciate that the option was available. The pricing seemed reasonable as well.

The toasted ravioli appetizer was generous and the marinara was freshly made. The garlic knots were big and fluffy. The server did a fantastic job checking in on us while being respectful of not hovering. She was very friendly and outgoing. The owner, Bruno, came by to introduce himself and was welcoming that we had come. The ambiance of the facility was properly decorated, inviting, and clean. Rhianna mentioned to us that they had recently expanded with a third dining room. Impressive to hear of a local shop’s sales growth in the current economy.

My wife and I both decided to order the Baked Sampler which had lasagna, manicotti, and fettucine alfredo along with either a salad or soup. The portions were again generous and flavorful. Unlike many places where the term “sampler” is a proper description, we were both very filled with the big plates of food. The ranch dressing must be made inhouse because it was one of the best I have tasted in a long time.

Having dessert is not normal for us but we left room for it this round. She had NY Cheesecake while I enjoyed Tiramisu. Not being much of a sweet’s person, I was satisfied with the light and airy dessert. Sometimes you just must step outside the normal and try a new place. Absolutely no complaints coming from us and looking forward to a...

We placed a Togo order because it is convenient, and we have children and would rather not take them to a restaurant where they might get on other patrons nerves. Not because we don't mind paying good money for GOOD food. My parents have been to this restaurant twice before so I was excited to try it. Most of it was a huge disappointment. I was so excited to try the baked cannelloni. It was not good. The menu describes it as having Italian sausage, veal, spinach, and cheese on the inside. The only meat was a catfood like substance that tasted horrible. No cheese or spinach and was charged 18.99 for two cannelloni rolls that the menu states are 14.99. Everything we ordered was 20- 25% higher than the menu price. I understand the raising of prices as a business owner myself but paying 25.95 for two orders of children's ravioli which contained literally 3 ravioli each is absolutely ridiculous. 25.98 for 2 children's spaghetti that wad mostly dry noodles and a small amount of decent sauce is insanity. The menu describes the appetizer of stuffed mushrooms as "large caps" and they were bite size. The only dish I enjoyed was the chicken Diane. Even though it costs 5 dollars more than it states on the site. It was good, but not worth the price increase. Also a "custom charge" of 10% which I'm pretty sure is illegal in most states, unless previously specified. We will probably not be returning to this restaurant, unfortunately. Staff was very kind and attentive, but shame on restaurant owner for taking short cuts and charging extra for subpar...

My wife and I ate there last night. They try to come off as a more upscale restaurant and they do have a nice atmosphere. And, the wait staff wears white shirts / black pants. And, the service is good. But the food is closer to fast food. It literally reminded me of Fazoli's (Fast Food Italian chain). Our first course was Calamari Fritti. It wasn't even fast food quality. It was awful. It's frozen food that they toss into a deep fryer. It was way over cooked. The issue is the outside crust burned before the inside was up to temperature. So, within a couple of minutes of them putting it on the table, we were eating cold, burnt calamari. This at a cost of $17.00. It wasn't worth $5.00. Frankly, I'm kind of mad at myself for not sending it back. The main course wasn't much better. There was nothing wrong with how it was prepared. I had the baked lasagna and my wife had the baked ziti. Both were "okay", but they were nothing to write home about, especially for the price. At the prices they charge, they really need to up their game a LOT.

Bottom line, I don't see a return visit anytime in the future. There are MUCH better Italian restaurants within a...