There are many things I miss about New York City, and one of those things is the food. Chinese in Chinatown. Polish in Greenpoint. Indian in Little India. Thai in Williamsburg. Italian in Little Italy. In Ohio, such delicacies are much more spread out. But there is a Little Italy in Cleveland...and it's pretty awesome.I stopped into La Dolce Vita Bistro with a friend on a Monday night. It sits on a corner on Mayfield Road in the heart of the Little Italy district. Surrounded by seating all along the sides of the building, the restaurant was packed with 20 and 30somethings chattering almost as loud as the glass clinking behind the bar. La Dolce Vita was built in 1915; before the 1960 Federico Fellini film, which is looped and projected on a brick wall inside.
We were greeted by our quiet but bubbly Italian waitress and an extensive wine list. Only about 15-20 of the white and red wines are available by the glass, otherwise you must order a bottle (and by the looks of the tables around us, a bottle - or three - was the way to go). The wine list is certainly impressive, though liquor and beer is available, as well.
Unlike the wine, however, the menu at La Dolce Vita is not as expansive. You have your appetizers (salads, calamari, antipasti), pastas (seafood, pesto, chicken), soups (lentil, wedding) specials (bruschetta, eggplant, chicken, steaks, seafood), pizzas (sausage, cheese, tomato, vegetable) and desserts (cakes, coffees, fruit). Sounds like quite a lot of food, but if you're a vegetarian you may have to make your own changes to the order, which the staff is more than willing to accommodate.
I ordered the 'Eggplant Special' (lightly breaded eggplant with a touch of ricotta cheese, thick tomato sauce and pasta on the side) and some Syrah - it was amazing, I tell you! My friend had the pizza, which was small (but it was actually "large") - slight complaint but delicious nonetheless. Liqueur soaked fruit comes out complimentary at the end of each meal, which was definitely a fantastic finishing touch.
As far as the prices go, I wouldn't call the restaurant expensive but it isn't cheap either. A three course meal for two could easily cost you well over $100, but nevertheless you certainly get your money's worth. Along with the simple decor (candles, white tablecloths, hardwood floors, exposed brick walls - and that's it) with the cool breeze from the open front door, the restaurant is really a lovely place to dine.
Positives:
-Location (heart of Little Italy, 12 minutes from downtown Cleveland)
-Atmosphere (charming, calm but not quiet, beautifully lit, Fellini film to distract you in case your date sucks, outdoor seating available so you can people watch)
-Food (portions are decent, taste is great and authentic)
-Service (well mannered staff, not pretentious despite appearances, personal attention)
-Fruit dessert on the house
-Amazing wine selection
-Independent restaurant
-Vegetarian friendly
Negatives:
-Parking can be tricky.
-The complimentary bread and butter appetizer is so unexciting.
-Prices can get a bit high.
Overall, quite an awesome experience!
La Dolce Vita is located at 12112 Mayfield Rd in Cleveland. For reservations or more information, call 216-721-8155.
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