Gelato Dolce Vita — Restaurant in Mesa

I brought my dad here because of the excellent reviews I read online based on the quality and service at this gelato place. The quality was excellent, as you could tell that the owner and her employees put a lot of work to make good gelato, and they do. I've only had better gelato in a few places.

The reason I'm leaving a horrid 1 star review is because the service was absolutely terrible. I know what you're saying, "maybe it was an employee having a bad day," but I wish that was the case because they would have saved themselves a couple stars. I was so surprised because I got terrible service from the owner! And there's only one reason for this: she's cheap. And that's coming from me, a guy who leafs through coupon books.

They have a great variety of flavors, probably around 15 or 20, but don't expect to be able to sample them. My father and I probably sampled 6 or so in total (little scoop spoons, really nothing to feel bad about), and you could just tell the lady was getting more and more frustrated. She started being rude, calling me a copycat for wanting to sample the same as my father. She even told us to KEEP the sample spoons that we were using to eat the gelato with . I'm surprised she didn't ask us for the cups back that we ate the gelato in after we finished.

I decided to get the largest size which allows three flavors and my dad got the medium, which is two (the cups are fairly overpriced for the sizes they hand out too, I've seen much better portions almost everywhere else). The main problem I had was that she just flattened our serving barely to the top of the cup, but when somebody else came in and didn't ask to sample, she gave them a mountain of the gelato twice the size of the teensy cup. Honestly that person probably got more gelato than me and he got a small. We were offended by the owner's rude gesture, but we didn't want to cause a scene so we just thanked her and left.

Go ahead and visit this place, but if the old blonde lady serves you, don't even THINK about asking for a few samples, I'm surprised she didnt spit in our gelato at that point. Either that, or hope one of her employees serves you instead, I've honestly never gotten worse service than this, and this is from an owner, too.

In response to the owner: too bad that we got the same flavors as the people behind us. I can see your point on the spoon situation and I apologize for that criticism, yet I'm keeping my review just where it's at. Maybe I will give you a chance and change my...

3.75 stars!

First time visiting Dolce Vita Gelato, although I've tried its gelati at Peixoto (2015 review) and at Paris Rendez-Vous (2016 review). I came today hoping I could get something to eat at the Italian market connected next to it, and then get some gelato and coffee to finish the meal, but no one was tending to the cheese and deli cases, so a snack will have to do.

Was able to sample four flavors- "Stupify," DVG's Gold medal winner at Gelato Festival 2017 America; South African Dark Chocolate; Bourbon Vanilla (spied owner Walter incorporating it in a float!); and Mango; and went with Stupify and the dark chocolate in a medium cup ($4.29), plus a cup of Americano ($2.09). "Stupify" features "spiced cookie, nutmeg, and cinnamon" flavors and comes with a whole spiced cookie, but I had not noticed it in time for photo-capturing until it was too late! It had caramel ribbons on top, as well. I thoroughly enjoyed the South African Dark Chocolate! Ever-so-slightly sweetened rich chocolate, and just enough bitterness-- dark chocolate lovers who enjoy 70% or higher will appreciate this! The cup of Americano helped to keep the sweet flavors from overwhelming my tastebuds.

Will definitely return to try more flavors. Now off to burn calories- my body is buzzing from the sugar...

I have enjoyed coming to Dolce Vita for both gelato and yummy meals for several years. Recently I was there for dinner. When I ordered my meal, I asked for some extra marinara on the side. The waiter said he had to ask the kitchen. He came back and told me that he was told ‘no’, I could not have a small container of extra sauce. I was told the meal has ‘everything I needed’ with it.

I used to have a 5 star experience here, but sadly I’m not sure how much dining I will do here in the future. Shouldn’t I be able to decide what I want on my meal when I am paying for it? I really don’t understand this at all. My husband and I were both taken aback.

EDIT AFTER OWNER RESPONSE:

I am very sad to hear this. You are wrong about requiring a personal chef because I ask for one little thing. That’s is ridiculous to say. Most restaurants do it this way, not your way. Having said that, it is your restaurant so you can do what you want. But then you have to deal with losing customers. I have never been refused a small request like extra sauce. I am disappointed with your comments because my husband and I frequent your establishment quite often but apparently loyalty does not matter to you. Based on your response, I will not be back...