La Dolce Vita
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Phone: (424) 354-3400
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Wilshire Boulevard
- Best of Citysearch:
- Italian Food 2008, Comfort Food 2007, Italian Food 2007
- Hours:
- Mon-Sat 5pm-close
Message from La Dolce Vita
Old School Cool Italian Restaurant in Beverly Hills
- Unparalled Service
- Landmark Restaurant
- Private Parties
Paid advertisement by La Dolce Vita.
Editorial Review for La Dolce Vita – by Lilla Zuckerman
The Scene
Not much has changed at this refined dining destination since the Rat Pack made this their red-sauce restaurant of choice. The walls are rustic brick, deep booths boast cushy crimson leather, and old-fashioned lanterns cast a warm glow. Well-dressed clientele swoon on romantic dates or chat-up old friends, while red-coated waiters prepare dishes in copper pans tableside.
The Food
The menu consists of dozens of hearty Italian classics with traditional ingredients. The finely house chopped salad with radicchio, romaine, salami and veggies is a light starter. Gianni's gorgonzola bread consists of an entire sliced loaf with a decadent cheese sauce liberally ladled over it. Pastas, like the tangy tomato and basil nestled in thin cappelini, or fettucini in whipped-cream-light alfredo sauce, can be entree-sized, or served as a side. Lightly battered sand dabs spiked with capers is a lemony sharp entree; veal saltimbocca capped with briny prosciutto and milky mozzarella is a savory treat.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
ParkingUtilize the $5 valet to bypass the near-impossible search for street parking.
What to DrinkThe wine list is adequate but those with special bottles may consider bringing their own bottle and paying the $20 corkage fee.
Know Before You GoPicky diners, or those with a hankering for something off-menu are in luck. The kitchen is well-versed at heeding substitution requests and preparation suggestions.
User Reviews for La Dolce Vita
12/30/2008 Posted by boblerch
I made a reservation almost 2 months in advance (52 days to be exact) to secure a dinner for my girlfriend’s birthday. I scheduled her birthday plans around this reservation which was to be the grand finale of the day. We flew into LA the night before and the first voicemail I received when we landed was that our reservation was canceled. I was immediately upset as this effectively left me no time to reserve a table at a more hospitable restaurant and, as a result, clearly ruined our birthday plans. I was confused why they would wait 51 days to call to tell me that my reservation was cancelled; do they not review their books regularly? Surely, it seems that accommodating confirmed reservations would be a priority at any quality restaurant, so I called for an explanation. Kim answered, I explained the above, and again she said our confirmed reservation was canceled. She offered no explanation as to why she waited until the last minute to notify me and offered no compensation in any form for their incompetence. Instead she said it was “a tough economy;” I was stunned by such a shameful cop-out. So, I asked to speak to a manager. The next minute or so was filled with a back and forth with the basic message that he would tell me the same thing and “has worked there for 40 years” (I guess somehow implying that he is above speaking to upset guests on the phone or spending time to alleviate customer concerns). I insisted on speaking with him and it was at this point that the true character of this restaurant was exposed. In one classless statement, Ruben said “there is nothing we will do for you, don’t call me again” and then hung up. Obviously, I was offended and now feel compelled to share my story with other would-be diners since the restaurant’s management does not care and would hear none of it. A simple google search reveals plenty of alternatives in the area. There is certainly no need to trust any important dates with La Dolce Vita.
Pros: none
Cons: careless management
09/02/2008 Posted by CHWG
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...
Users Who Viewed La Dolce Vita Also Viewed
Little Dom's
2128 Hillhurst Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Hadaka Sushi
8226 W Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90046
