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La Dolce Vita

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17546 Woodward Ave
Highland Park, MI 48203

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(313) 865-0331
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Reviews
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Best

Had never been to La Dolce Vita before and was concerned about the area after reading other posts. Found out that there was no cause for concern as they had Valet service and the...

Worst

The best chef in Detroit -- LDV hasn't been the same since he left, although, yes, the valets are yummy. With a Spoon Baby! I'll always treasure my valet memories.

Not so Good Management 2/3/2010

We went expecting a nice evening out. First problem was that our salads were served before our appetizer- someone forgot?!, then we watched as they served our dinners to another table- actually set 2 of the 4 dinners down! never apologized to us or gave any explaination. third when we ordered a desert, it came without the toppings that were promised. Singularly, none of these are a big deal, but all in all it was not worth the price. When talked to the assistant manger, he seemed very indifferent- do not think we will go back! Pros: fairly good food Cons: Management seemed indifferent to major problems more
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menu is misleading 5/26/2009

I ordered the perch sauteed in wine sauce, and was given battered and fried perch that was tasteless. I peeled off the fried batter and it tasted better, but that's a lot of money to pay for something you didn't want. When I told the waiter, he said he'd check with the chef, but never mentioned it again. I doubt if I'll go back. Kind of cheap response to a very valid complaint. The dish also came with a side of potato AND a type of small pasta. TWO starches, plus the bread. Very unimaginative, almost tacky. Pros: great looks, attentive service Cons: food not what is listed on menu more
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Fabulous Dinner 3/11/2009

Had never been to La Dolce Vita before and was concerned about the area after reading other posts. Found out that there was no cause for concern as they had Valet service and the lot was well lit. The Valet staff was very courteous and escorted us to the door with umbrella's due to the torrential downpour we were experiencing! Once inside, we were very pleased with the warm atmosphere and the pleasant staff. Our Caesar salad prepared tableside was FANTASTIC! Best I have had in a long time. Our main entrees were quite good, and substantially proportioned. We had four different entrees served at our table and everyone was quite happy with their selection. The desserts did not disappoint either! At the end of the evening, we found ourselves asking ""Why haven't we tried this restaurant before?"" We will definitely be back! Anxious to try out the patio seating when the weather is nicer - looks very inviting with all of the ivy and such. more
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Avoid - Boycott if possible. 2/5/2009

I enjoyed watching my friends perform at La Dolce Vita, nice atmosphere, etc., until I later found out that the management refused to pay them when they finished their evening show. So, we as fellow musicians and artists are encouraging others to avoid this place, do not perform there, do not patronize this venue. It's bad enough that artists are forced to work for practically nothing to begin with in order to share their artistry, but then to lay out your craft and have an unscrupulous manager decide that he's simply not going to pay you is a place where a hard line must be drawn. What a shame. more
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Great food great service 10/4/2008

Fantastic atmosphere and service. If you thought the food was good before,it just got better. The new Chef Steve is the best,he has taken the food to the highest level. more
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Sunday Brunch 7/31/2008

What a wonderful place. Bottomless mimosas, great brunch menu, live music, knowledgeable staff. Valet parking, loved my experiences at this establishment. more
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Beautiful Ambiance...Untill you walk out the gate 7/9/2008

This was an over all tramatic experience. I loved the food, ambiance, and service. It wasn't untill I walked to my car that I got mugged, and car jacked, they even took my leftovers! I wish the experience could have been better but please spare your life and don't go. Pros: Delicious food, great service, awesome atmosphere. Cons: I nearly lost my life walking to my car. more
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A treat 5/13/2008

Not your typical checkered tablecloth joint, but they put out tasty pizzas, and pastas on a regular basis. I have been extremely happy about the specials I have ordered, specifically lamb and beef, done several different ways but good each time. Their salads are good and the appetizers are very tasty - fried calamari was done well, as was the bruscetta, and so on. They will accomodate dietary preferences and their service overall is great. more
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Great food in charming atmosphere 1/5/2008

It was a little challenging finding the place. There's no sign out front. Look for two trees wrapped in white lights. Parking was valet directly behind the restaurant. Very easy and safe. Once I stepped into the restaurant I felt like I was in a little restaurant in Tuscany. We were warmly greeted by, must have been the owner. The service was great. Very prompt. If you had an issue or need, I felt like they'd be there in a split second. The food was also very good. It was hard to choose between what to order from the menu. So many things looked great. I'd suggest the shrimp soup, was a special, to start. It was great. I also heard good reviews of the basil/feta salad. For entree's the people in my party had the eggplant parmasian, perch and the rigatoni with sausage, olives, peppers. Everyone loved there food. Everyone said there food tasted very fresh and seasoned just right. We'll certainly be back here soon, can't wait to try the gnocchi. Pros: Great food, charming atmosphere, great service, easy and safe valet more
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Give it a try, it's great 9/4/2007

The courtyard is calm and peaceful, the service is excellent and the food is great. Yes, the area is not the greatest. It won;t get better in Detroit, unless we start to go there. Valet parking is a must, Pros: Food, Service, Ambience Cons: neighborhood more
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Dangerous... 8/8/2007

Maybe the place is a nice restaurant with regards to food, but it is located in a very unsafe area. I was mugged next to the restaurant's parking lot and their armed security would not do anything about it. They didn't even call 911 since ""it takes cops forever to get there""... Terrible experience that I would not want anybody else to have. more
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Excellent overall restaurant 12/20/2006

If you have not been to this restaurant, you are really missing a great experience. The bar is excellent. Jennifer was very attentive. As for the restaurant, Anis our maitre D' was top of the line. He had great recommendations for dinner and the menu itself is skilled and diverse..whether you are in the mood for pasta, fish or veal. I would highly recommend this restaurant. It was great location for our corporate meeting. Pros: Excellent customer service, food selection more
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you would never know that your in the hood 7/20/2005

Great spot! Don't let the neighborhood scare you. Your in the right spot. As soon as you turn the corner you have found your ""good life"". Fish is a must as is the table side ceasar salad. Drinks are pricey. Sunday brunch is excellent. Try getting there on the second sunday of the month for their pajama brunch. All you can drink mimosa or bloody marys. New Chef studied under Wolfgang Puck. Don't try to save money by not valet parking. In this area you must. Pros: great food, safe environment Cons: bad area, must valet park more
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It is just beautiful 7/17/2005

I love that place. This is all I say about this restaurant. If you don't go even once - you miss oone of the best spots in Detroit. I coul not believe this restaurant was there. Mc Nichols and Woodward??? Who would go there? Oh ..... when you are at the restaurant you feel like you are totally different city !!! more
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LDV - Hit or Miss 9/13/2004

LDV has definitley hit the mark on occasion, but sometimes tends to be hit or miss. On Valentine's Day our meal and service were both excellent, but I have also been there on two other occasions with larger groups where service has been fumbling and haphazzard at best. The outdoor patio more than makes up for it though. If you're not in a huge hurry, this is the place to go even though the area is questionable, to say the least. Pros: Great Bar, Excellent Menu, Outdoor Seating Cons: , Location, Unreliable Service more
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Only at The Vita! 1/28/2003

I absolutely love this place! I've been going to the Vita sparatically for the past 3 years. It's one of my favorite places for dinner and drinks. For that matter, just drinks, too. Jennifer behind the bar is possibly my favorite bartender. She definitely knows how to treat a lady! The food excellent. The atmosphere is dimly lit and very romantic. Great for a higher end first date! The filet with shrimp scampi is amazing! Everyone should try this place. Spring and summer is nice because you can sit on the christmas light lit patio. It's a little piece of heaven in the middle of Detroit. It's just lovely. Pros: Romantic, Valet Parking, Fun Employees Cons: Hidden location, Neighborhood more
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good meal - nice setting 11/21/2002

It was a good meal in a nice setting. The bar especially is pleasant to look at. The menu could have been a little more innovative, but the specials were more interesting. Another reviewer mentioned a ""diverse clientele"". I am assuming they meant a gay clientele. This was more evident in the bar than in the dining room, and I suspect is more evident on Fri/Sat than other nights of the week. I was there on a Sunday. more
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Overated 11/12/2002

The atmosphere is good and food is good, not great but good. The dessert's are bad, so is the coffee, which I have tried multiple times. I think they like to put on that this is the place to be and it's limited seating because they made me wait 15 minutes, even though I have made reservations and there were plenty of open tables. The valet is $4, but as I walk out my car is right there - it's not a great area though. more
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Ambience great; valets SUCK 9/7/2002

Had a nice meal and a drink at the bar afterwards and then a tacky money-grubbing valet ruined it hustling for big tips. Great songstress singing jazz in the bar. more
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happy hour 8/8/2002

the outdoor seating is the most romantic.it really is like your outdoors,not like sitting on a sidewalk more
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Menu for La Dolce Vita


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Editorial

  • In Short
    High ceilings and romantic twinkling lights create a chic atmosphere, perfect for a drink and appetizer at the bar or a full dining experience Old-school Italian fills the menu,...

  • 5/31/2006 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Mon. CLOSED;Tue. - Thu. 11am - 9:30pm;Fri. - Sat. 11am - 11pm;Sun. 11am - 3pm
  • Payments: Visa, Discover, Master Card, American Express
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