Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Cleveland / Akron / Canton
  4. Cleveland
  5. Little Italy
La Dolce Vita - Cleveland, Cleveland, OH

La Dolce Vita - Cleveland

4.7
4.7
1363 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian
Welcome to La Dolce Vita Bistro - “The Sweet Life,” a restaurant and bistro created to recapture the bell-époque charm of “The Italian Drug,” opened here by Dr. Anthony Caruso in 1914. In the tradition of the great European bistros, La Dolce Vita is devoted to providing a relaxed and friendly atmosphere for everything from eight course dinners to coffee and Calvino. We strive to prepare the perfect meal, or the perfect cappuccino, and let you enjoy it at your leisure. Our pasta is cooked fresh to order, our sauces and dressing are painstakingly prepared using only the finest ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, the freshest vegetables, imported whole tomatoes, fresh basil and Italian parsley... and your table is reserved for the evening.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 32 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Italian, Mediterranean

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 3:00 pm–8:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (216) 721-8155

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Terry Tarantino

  • Private party contact

    Jamaa Ajabli: (216) 721-8155

  • Neighborhood

    Little Italy

  • Parking details

    Valet parking available on Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Street Parking also available.

  • Public transit

    RTA bus stop in front of restaurant.

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 1,363 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Cleveland

    Best Value

  • Cleveland

    Italian

  1. Mary

    Cleveland

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Authentic old world, Italian. Personal service a great evening out.

    Is this helpful?

  2. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Got together with some old friends (and one new) for a great meal. Warm and friendly service, great food and atmosphere. Turned out one of my party has come here for over thirty years! I’ll be back.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Deb2dine

    Cleveland

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very busy night in Little Italy with the art walk going on. The staff went above and beyond to provide us with an excellent dining experience. Food was amazing. Manager brought over meatballs and pasta while dinner was being prepared. Chicken and eggplant parmesan were delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Sally

    Cleveland

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall1food1service2ambience4
    Waited almost two hours for meal, arrived and was horrible.

    Is this helpful?

  5. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent! Everyone there is so nice and the food is amazing

    Is this helpful?

  6. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    La Dolce Vita was a wonderful experience. We have eaten here many times. We were celebrating two birthdays. The owner stopped by our table and wished happy birthday. The food was phenomenal even though it was busy. Our food came in a timely manner. We will definitely go again.

    Is this helpful?

  7. MartyB

    Cleveland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful al fresco dining so you can enjoy all that Little Italy had to offer. Complementary appetizer and dessert from the owner who was extremely personable. Fresh, homemade food - an absolute gem.

    Is this helpful?

  8. kannibal

    Cincinnati

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always love this place, the relaxed ambiance complements the food so well.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Jody

    Louisville

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic Apps/Entrees. GET the banana peppers stuffed with sausage!! Main courses were abso delicious. Atmosphere was scintillating. Highly recommend this establishment.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Bri225

    Charlotte

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Coming in from out of town had a reservation. Had to wait a short time upon arrival which was fine. The server seemed rushed and kept apologizing for the food delays. Which was good that she was communicating. The noise level was very high. At one point my son stated we should’ve sat outside instead because of all the competing noise. The food was amazing and I would highly recommend base off of that alone.

    Is this helpful?

  11. FoodieFromConcord

    Cleveland

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    The food was very good. We had a party of 10 and the service was very slow. Some of us waited 20 minutes longer than the first person that was served. It was a bit noisy inside and we will try to get the outside patio. We will go back back because the food was so good

    Is this helpful?

  12. RobertandJean

    Cleveland

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We always have a delicious meal and this time was no different. Great job by the entire staff.

    Is this helpful?

  13. AlexK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service and food were outstanding! Highly recommended for anyone visiting Little Italy.

    Is this helpful?

  14. dinnerwith5friends

    Cleveland

    61 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    61 reviews

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall2food1service3ambience3
    I was hoping for so much more. Chicken Parm send over cooked or reheated. Pasta was not cooked properly

    Is this helpful?

  15. OpenTable Diner

    Cleveland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 25, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience5
    It was lovely and the owner, Terry is very attentive to the guests

    Is this helpful?

  16. matt

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Finally found a quality authentic Italian restaurant. The food was cooked perfect and I felt like I was back in Italy!! This is the go to from now on for our Italian fix! The Spritz drink was perfect and authentic! 5 stars plus

    Is this helpful?

  17. teresam

    Cleveland

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 22, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Loved it!! However, extremely disappointed that we were not told the Opera Performance was limited to one dining room only. If I had known, I would have requested the room where the singing was. Open Table didn't point out the limitations. Otherwise, lovely evening. Please change this reservation site to include the stipulation regarding the Opera Night seating.

    Is this helpful?

  18. LourdesB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We visited La Dolce Vita after my son's graduation. Not being familiar with the CIeveland area restaurants, I selected this restaurant based on reviews. I wanted a restaurant that would have fantastic food and a happy feeling while were celebrating. I took a chance and reserved here. Glad I did! I reserved a table for 6 and it was ready when we got there. The food was delicious! We ordered appetizers to get started and then moved on to some outstanding entrees.... Abruzze, Fettuccine Fellini, Seafood Di Mare, and Chicken Parmesan. All were fantastic!! Our waitress took our order without writing anything down and made sure we always had what we needed. Other customers were seemed to be enjoying a pleasant Sunday afternoon too!! So glad that our graduation celebration was complete by having our dinner at La Dolce Vita!

    Is this helpful?

  19. Daniel

    Chicago

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This place is a neighborhood gem! Great atmosphere, great staff and excellent food, what more could you ask for? Oh and the owner walks around with a bowl of pasta service pasta to people waiting for their orders.

    Is this helpful?

  20. RobertW

    Cleveland

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    We both enjoyed our meals. The restaurant was busy, and there were delays in taking our orders and delivering our food. The owner was going around giving servings of salad to compensate for the delay. The staff was friendly, and our server worked to get us our meals when I explained we had a concert to get to after dinner. We both had leftovers to take home and enjoy another meal.

    Is this helpful?

  21. Foodiepie

    Philadelphia

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great place to go for Italian food. You are treated like family when you come here.

    Is this helpful?

  22. Jill

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall3food5service3ambience4
    Great food and place. Unfortunately had to wait 45 minutes after our reservation time to get our table. Serving staff were very friendly though.

    Is this helpful?

  23. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    LOVE this place. Amazing service they made my moms birthday so special!

    Is this helpful?

  24. LuisC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very authentic food delusion, best place to eat I love it, Visited from Chicago 😋

    Is this helpful?

  25. Marketingpro

    Cleveland

    17 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience2
    Very busy night for the restaurant on top of ot being a beautiful night with tonsnof folks out to eat it was alsonProm Night for many local school. Thus it was very busy, noisy and an understaffed server team. It shows. Three times asking for more bread, wine and extra sauce. They wouldn't split the check by couples and the restaurant was packed. Not what we were hoping for.

    Is this helpful?

  26. LorieO

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We sat on the sidewalk and enjoyed every single minute! The food was delicious as always, the service impeccable, and the atmosphere pure Little Italy.

    Is this helpful?

  27. SusanC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went last night, Saturday, to celebrate Mother's Day early. Sat at our favorite spot at the bar. The bartender made *PERFECT* martinis, and was cheerful, attentive, energetic, and knew what he was doing. The food, as always was delicious. We had scallops with risotto and veggies, and pesto gnocchis. We had the Hungarian Hots as appetizer, peppers filled with a delicious meat mixture. Fresh hot bread with a slab of real butter, and olive oil on the side. Everything was great. It was bustling and servers were everywhere. We like a lively atmosphere. The adjacent rooms were much quieter, and we were going to take a table but preferred the lively, noisy bar area. Enjoyed the similar company of our fellow bar mates. Made friends and had a ball. We have eaten here a lot and will continue to do so. Bravo!

    Is this helpful?

  28. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We absolutely love this place, feels like you’re eating at a friend’s house! The food is spectacular, the service is on point! My go to place when in Cleveland! Plus they make a fantastic martini!! 🍸

    Is this helpful?

  29. SHOEDT1

    Detroit

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Fantastic food and great service!!! Exceeded expectations once again.

    Is this helpful?

  30. AJ2716

    Toledo

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My wife and I have wanted good Italian food for a while now. The menu was diverse enough that we both had plenty to choose from. I had the seared scallop risotto, she had the pesto pasta. Both very good. A healthy wine list will ensure you have something good to drink. The wait staff was incredible. 10/10 would recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  31. Corby

    Cleveland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best spot in Little Italy, top tier service and food. Always feel like family when dining at La Dolce Vita.

    Is this helpful?

  32. EK123

    Cleveland

    60 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    60 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Took a quick Uber over from the Art Museum. Great choice. Service was excellent, ambience is great and the food was delicious. Will definitely return.

    Is this helpful?

  33. Kathy

    Cleveland

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was excellent. We were celebrating two birthdays and the staff was extra attentive providing us with a pasta appetizer and two tiramisus with candles for the birthdays. Really nice!

    Is this helpful?

  34. ShellyV

    Cleveland

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful birthday dinner! The food was incredible!! The chef came around & gave sample dishes! The check came with a complimentary dessert!! We were given the VIP experience at no extra cost. Looking forward to our return ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Is this helpful?

  35. KarenZ

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    We were visiting our niece at the university. Took her for dinner at La Dolce Vita. The restaurant was busy and lively. The waiter was charming and attentive. We started with the Caprese salad and Wedding soup. Dinner was Fettuccine Fellini with pancetta, Cacio E Pepe with pancetta and Chicken Marsala. All the food was delicious! Will definitely go there again the next time we visit our niece.

    Is this helpful?

  36. AmyH

    Pittsburgh

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Ava was a great server! Food was delicious and everyone enjoyed their meals! Lemon sorbet and gelato finished off a wonderful dining experience

    Is this helpful?

  37. DaveH

    Cleveland

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and ambiance were fantastic! Can’t wait to go back!

    Is this helpful?

  38. DaveG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The bow tie pasta with the delicious light sauce was an amazing appetizer surprise. My friend, who is Italian, said the entrees reminded him of his mom’s cooking. Then, another delicious surprise when the fresh pineapple and grapes with whipped dip arrived for our dessert. What a wonderful dinner!

    Is this helpful?

  39. MarciaH

    Cleveland

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a lovely time and were treated like royalty. The food was perfect. I had the Eggplant it was delightful. Soup, salads, and desserts were right on. The drinks were good too. We had a party of 8 and everything went very well. The owner stopped by to say hello and bought us all a shot of Lemon Chello. Will be back soon.

    Is this helpful?

  40. AlyJobs

    Cleveland

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best restaurant in Little Italy. Atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable and there’s never the feeling you’re being rushed. Food is outstanding and authentically Italian. The owner, Terry T., always makes an appearance with a bowl of bow tie pasta and cheese to sample. It’s delicious!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

La Dolce Vita - Cleveland is rated 4.7 stars by 1363 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 32 times today
Google Map for La Dolce Vita - Cleveland

12112 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106

Additional information

  • Neighborhood

    Little Italy

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 3:00 pm–8:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Italian, Mediterranean

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Valet parking available on Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Street Parking also available.

  • Public transit

    RTA bus stop in front of restaurant.

  • Executive chef

    Terry Tarantino

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo