La Dolce Vita of Lemont

La Dolce Vita in Lemont is an absolute gem. The moment you walk in, you’re surrounded by that cozy, old-school Italian charm, and the menu follows through with an incredible selection of pastas—everything from rich, creamy dishes to perfectly balanced red-sauce classics. There’s truly something for every kind of pasta lover. The service is personal, attentive, and genuinely excellent. You feel taken care of the entire time, as if you’re a regular even on your first visit. Pair all of that with a great wine selection that elevates every dish, and it becomes a full experience rather than just a meal. A perfect spot for a date night, celebration, or any time you’re craving authentic Italian—easily a 5/5.

jose was the best server I’ve had in a long time! He was quick to check in on us and food came quickly. Everything was delicious and good portion size. Thank you Jose I’ll be returning!

La Dolce Vita in Lemont went above and beyond my expectations while hosting my daughter‘s baby shower there yesterday. The staff was so friendly and attentive to our every need. Kasia cheerfully answered the phone and from that moment on everything went smoothly. She was so accommodating! The day of the event in their beautiful upstairs private banquet room , everything was perfect. Aneta served, bartended and went over the bill all with a beautiful smile! We had almost 40 guests. The food was plentiful and delicious! I highly recommend having your next special event here!

Never been here before but have heard great things. Celebrated a birthday there yesterday & it was wonderful!! Great service from the minute we walked in. Fantastic bartender with awesome drinks, prompt seating to our table ( had reservation), superb service & unbelievably good food. We all had quite different entrees & they were all delicious. Thank You for such a wonderful celebration. Highly recommend. ❤️. Highly recommend the shrimp scampi too.

We just had a wedding rehearsal dinner in the upstairs event space with private bar, and it was amazing all the way around! Margie and her full staff were awesome! Our primary host upstairs, Aneta, was fantastic and super enjoyable. Everyone loved it especially the food! Thanks to all!

This restaurant has a very good selection of some of the best Italian dishes, seafood and steaks. They also have a very extensive wine selection. If you're a beer connoisseur your'e out of luck, their beer menu is not good at all. The building is old, but is nicely decorated and they made it wheel chair accessible by installing a ramp at the front entrance and an elevator to access the bathrooms on the 2nd floor. The staff is friendly and very knowledgeable with their menu. They also kept our water glasses full and our table clean. It's also a great place to dine in during the Lemont Sunset Soiree Summer Concert events, since they are so close to where they set up the stage.

This past Saturday 10/28 I had a surprise 80th birthday party for my father. Although I had never previously dined at La Dolce Vita, several people I know, highly recommended it for so many reasons…(delicious food, great ambiance and they had a banquet room for parties). So, I decided that based on all the recommendations I received, it was enough for me to reserve my dad’s party there. I am happy to write this review for anyone who is looking to host a party for whatever the occasion may be, as my entire experience from the day I booked the party to the day of the event was exceptional. Margie & Kasia were wonderful in assisting in my menu selection, final count was due a few days beforehand and when needing to add people last minute, there was never an issue. In addition, and worth mentioning, they allowed us to come in the night prior (as they did not have the banquet room booked for an event that Friday evening) to decorate and set everything up…alleviating the stress of having to do everything the day of the party. The food was OUTSTANDING, and everyone was raving the entire event. The servers and the bartender were so kind and delightful and so helpful during the entire party, from packing up some of the leftover food, to cutting up and serving the birthday cake, etc. They really did assist in helping make sure that the event ran smoothly. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect event and the best part…my dad was surprised and so, so happy! Thank you La Dolce Vita, I will definitely be seeing you all again! :)

Had an enjoyable dinner except that the restrooms are on an upper floor and the elevator was not working. Handicapped person in our group could not use the restroom because it required walking up 22 steps. Unacceptable.

The ambiance of La Dolce Vita was lovely! All of the decor and aesthetic matched with the Italian vibe. They had outdoor seating along with indoor and a bar. The service was great and all of our food came within a timely matter. We sat down at 6:20 and ate at 7. No matter what you will be served a salad, I got the bruschetta as an appetizer and it was amazing! However if you aren't interested in ordering appetizers you will be given the salad so it isn't a necessity. All of the waiters and servers were kind and helpful with ordering and making sure we had everything that was needed. It was a little pricy but we did have a group of seven people. Overall I had a great experience and would recommend it to all!

Saturday night date night was at this new-to-us restaurant. La Dolce Vita is an Italian restaurant in an historic 1871 building in the downtown area. The restaurant on the ground floor is small with a bar area, but they also have an outdoor patio and a banquet room on the second floor for up to 200 people. Our server was Jose and he was friendly, attentive and provided good service. We started with a bottle of Chianti to share. We skipped the appetizer because we knew we wanted dessert instead. Entrées come with a salad and is served family style. The salad is mixed greens with olives, red onions and tomatoes dressed with an Italian vinaigrette. A basket of warm bread was brought to the table along with olive oil and parmesan cheese, which was a nice touch. However, the salad was overly dressed and the vinegar was on the heavy side where it catches in your throat because it's too much. I did like that a salad was included with the meal. My husband ordered the bistecca di manzo vesuvio and I had gnocchi. The food was just okay, but they do serve large portions. The steak vesuvio was described as a strip steak, but my husband did not receive a strip steak. The steak he was served was thick and round and a strip steak is usually long and thinner. Also, Vesuvio sauce is very garlicky with lots of oregano. Their sauce lacked flavor. The steak, however, was cooked perfectly to a medium rare. My gnocchi had a rich marinara sauce that was tasty, but the gnocchi were not light pillows of air. They were on the heavier chewy side, unfortunately. Disappointing. I had a side of meatballs to go along with my pasta, and the meatballs were soft. The best part of the meal was the dessert, though. The tiramisu was light and creamy and had great flavor with espresso and cinnamon, a classic Italian dessert. There were positives dining at La Dolce Vita, but it lacked the wow factor and one too many dislikes so this is a one-and-done dining experience for me.

Our food and service was great, but the best part about our visit tonight was that one of the employees came outside looking for me when she realized I left my purse on my chair. She found me outside and helped me avoid an extra trip back when I finally realized I had forgotten it there. Thank you!

We've dined here too many times to count over the years. Our last experience left us all a little upset. My brother in law (former chef) was simply asking why the special he ordered (Chicken Milanese) had a somewhat glossy cheese sauce over it. It looked like Chicken Limone, sans lemons. Traditionally Chicken Milanese is an Italian dish made of thinly pounded, breaded, and fried chicken cutlets. The name refers to the dish's Milanese origin and style of preparation, which is also applied to veal and other meats. It is known for its crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior. It was not crispy and he was asking why it wasn't described as it was presented. I know the server was probably trying to be fair, as she was great until this point, but she was defensive as was the manager when she stepped over. The manager stated "this is how we make it". As I said, we've been here many times, we even had a family wedding reception here a few years ago. We all left feeling we were treated poorly at the end of the night, which was also a birthday celebration. It could have been handled much better. I don't think we will be back.

La Dolce Vita is located in downtown Lemont. A cozy, traditional italian restaurant with brick walls, wood features, and an intimate number of seats. It was a more humid day when we dined and the restaurant didn't seem to have good air flow. All of our glasses had condensation and a heavier meal is enjoyed less when running warm. We started by ordering martinis: the dreamsicle and french martini. Both were delicious although not very spirit forward for a martini. Our server brought out complimentary bread with butter or olive oil and parmesan to nibble on. For our mains we ordered the chicken parm and cavatelli pasta with vodka sauce. All entrees come with a starter salad with house dressing to share. All the food was good but we were disappointed in the chicken parm. The chicken sauce was greasy and thin and there wasn't nearly enough pasta to pair with it. We finished with a cannoli to share. Overall, the food was good but didn't blow us away. Our server was attentive but wasn't very personable. My experience wasn't necessarily bad at A Dolce Vita but it also wasn't memorable enough to return.

Went there today for dinner, this place had to be sold it can't be the same owners. I should have know better, Friday at dinner time and the place was almost empty. I invited friends from the city to meet us there I was embarrassed to say the least. The Italians that owned this place would never serve food as bad as they brought out to our table. The only thing passable was the salad and dessert. The calamari and baked clams were horrible, my chicken franchise was just as bad and my wife's fish dish was even worse. . I have to apologize to my friends this week, they must think I lost it as we dine out frequently together and I was so up about this place. We dined here many times over the years, this is not the same restaurant. I

Moving to lemont so I have been trying a few restaurants in the area. I thought this would be better but it was just average Italian food to me. We sat at the bar while waiting for a table as the inside is not too big. We got salad and pasta, not sure if the pasta is homemade or not. I ordered the fettuccine Alfredo with chicken which is an extra 9 bucks which I thought is pricey especially because of how much the pasta alone is.... My friend also got the rigatoni which was vegetarian. The portions I will say are on the bigger side but ehh I think I like Capri more still.

Waited over an hour for our entrees (Which we never got)The manger didn't come until we said we were leaving and wanted our bill for our appetizer and drinks. Didn't seem to be too worried that we were leaving. Didn't offer anything for us to stay. Won't be back. We were disappointed by the situation but, won't be returning because of the way it was handled.

This place has impressed me over the years. Would definitely try again. Too many favorites. The local ice cream shop is a nice afterthought.

#3/2024 La dolce Vita AKA THE SWEET LIFE Yes it was a title of a classic movie This is a small group of restaurants in the Chicago area with different locations. This the original historic one located in downtown lemont Illinois. It sits right amongst the business district near the train station easy walking distance and a whole lot more I had not been in here in years I didn't even quite remember it. It has a very old school feel of like an Italian Cafe. It's been through changes through the years different owners a few other things but for the most part it's still very enjoyable It does have an old small store kind of feel when you walk in it's three stories tall. There is a now patio area up in the front and closed right along the main Street. It pretty much is not very climate controlled so weather will be a factor if you like it hot or cold. They have a meeting group room for large parties right on the restaurant floor. Also it is known for its banquet Hall area which is on the third floor which is where the bathrooms are also. If you don't have the ability or don't want to walk the stairs there is an elevator that takes you right up. The menu is very nice their wines apparently are very good. It does pack the house they do now take reservations. I came in with the folks to eat and I had a Peroni. They brought out the complimentary bread along with the olive oil and cheese or butter if you prefer And I ordered the Vitello meat (Veal) Scallopene Alla Limon which is deal sauteed and white wine and lemon and butter And you get a choice of pasta I just opted for the angel hair pasta right underneath sort of like a bed. It's a little surprised though it's sort of like an Olive garden feel they bring you a bowl of tossed salad but it's got a bunch of stuff I don't like so I asked for a Caesar salad was charged extra I was told but still I was kind of surprised but it is what it is. All in all it was a nice experience perhaps a few more visits it may work its way up to five stars.

Delicious food. Excellent friendly service. Fantastic atmosphere. Feel right at home. You wish you could eat there every night and try every dish just knowing it will delight all of your senses. That's pure heaven.

The food was ok, but small portions and expensive. 2 drinks, 2 pasta dishes dishes over 100, for pasta?, and crowded they keep pushing people to sit at the bar. where peopole walk by constantly. Would not recommend.

Always excellent!!! I state bar this time, and Ken was apppeasing and conscience. The beef tenderloin special-to die for! Tender beef, savory gravy and portobellos and soft as butter ricotta gnocchi! Finished off with my daughter' s favorite tiramisu and an espresso martini! So luckily to have this gem in our hometown!

Worth a try for date night. Tried this place on a lark. The inviting covered patio catches attention in the quaint downtown. It was a bit hot to sit outside despite the cover and late afternoon so opted for inside. You are met with a very warm and inviting quintessential American-Italian atmosphere that I imagine is even more comfy in colder comfort food months and decided to sit inside since it was cooler. Service was prompt and attentive, maybe almost too much so with a check in about every 3 minutes or so after saying we need to look at the beverage menu, order, chat, then order dinner, just like very recently in Catania. The place was not anywhere near full this early evening so not sure what the rush was--let your guests chill for a minute and let them have an experience versus an appointment. Aside from this the food was very competently prepared though the Minestrone, although hearty, was a on the salty side which is no substitute for flavor (started from a premade broth or stock?). The chicken with Portobello and ravioli was excellent with a rich, complex gravy (yes, gravy, in this case not sauce). Paired with a Sangiovese, this was a satisfying dish. However, prices tend toward the higher side with specials, which I ordered, and not shown in the on-line menu, approach and exceed $30 per plate which I really have to wonder about--and by that I mean that price point is at the outer edge for the quality and quantity you get. The wine menu though decent with some regional Italian offerings also tends to the very high side at $10 or more per glass and about a 6 oz. pour. Overall though, this place is worth a stop if you are in the area but not something to make a destination trip--though, owners take note (though they won't, sticking their head in the sand, as the business is "Unclaimed" on Yelp)--it could be.

Time for an update. We went on a Saturday night knowing we would have to wait ~ an hour and 15 minutes if we wanted to eat indoors. They have enclosed the outdoor seating area and have a couple of heaters. Be prepared to eat wearing your coat. There has to be a cutoff date or temperature limit for using that space. Aside from that ~ our server (Gina) was totally delightful and efficient. There are still nightly specials and the food is tasty, We learned that they now take reservations. Not sure how far in advance you have to make those reservations to not be eating at 8:30 at night because it is a very popular spot.

Went on a Saturday at 5:30pm with 2 girlfriends to celebrate a milestone bday. Small place but not filled yet. They gave us a table directly on the aisle where all the servers and bussers are coming and going (happens a lot when you don't have a man with you). We asked for another table right next to us that was off the aisle and the host said no because she was 'spreading out tables among servers'. Oh how we wish we would have insisted. That table we asked for was served, ate and left before OUR server even took our entree order! She was either very inexperienced or just not good at her job. When we asked what was good or what she recommended she said she 'didn't know'. We sat for so long after our apps that we eventually caught the hostess and asked her to get out server, who had run by several times doing God knows what and completely ignoring us. So service gets 1 star. Apps were not great (Calamari Fritti was undercooked...Burrata was just okay), salad (served Olive Garden style) was decent but very overdressed. Mains (pastas) were okay. They don't make the pasta in house. So many other great Italian restaurants in the area (Capri, Frankie's, Rocco's, Palermos) and other great restaurants in DT Lemont (eg. Wooden Paddle) that I wouldn't go back.

Solid, reliable quality Italian! My go to when craving pasta or the like. Atmosphere is rustic old Lemont with covered outdoor seating too. Great service at the bar, an overall good value.

Stopped in on a Thurs evening with a couple of people. Surprisingly more crowded around 8 pm than. I imagined it would be. First time in, and saw 2 specials on the chalkboard: shrimp scampi and an Atlantic cod fillet sauteed. Ordered a bottle of Pinot grigio and some items to share, while enjoying the beautiful weather on the patio. Their portions are big, so come in with an appetite (even their apps are bigger than you'd imagine). I ended up sharing the stuffed peppers with risotto and the Atlantic cod special with my boyfriend. Perfect amount for the 2 of us. His mom ordered the polenta from the appetizer menu, and it was sufficient for a meal. I would definitely return when I'm visiting Lemont!

The food was good. The ambience was good, but the service was not. The waiter just ignored us and seemed like he only wanted to go to bigger tables rather than a table of 4

Outstanding restaurant with impeccable customer service. The ambiance and quality of food makes you feel as if you're in Italy. Food quality is fresh and amazingly delicious.

Everything was great. service was really good. Food was excellent as allways. Had one of my favorite specials the pounded out pork chop so so good.

Pizzeta appetizer was very good. Best part of the dinner. Out 2 entrees were Rigatoni Alla Anthony (no onions) and Petto Di Pollo Alla Francese. Rigatoni was just OK. The chicken in my Petto was bland, the angel hair was 2-3 minutes over cooked a bit soft for me but the sauce made it all come together. Auska was our server, she was awesome and is the reason for the fourth star on this review. Nothing was horrible or just straight up bad so I will give it another shot.

Service is absolutely trash. We walked in for our reservation and there was maybe 4 people in the entire restaurant. We weren't seated for at least 8 min. When we were seated the host said "we don't have outside seating" then slams our menus on the table and walks away. The food was just ok. Very small portions and very over priced. I watched the water boy there get disrespectful with a customer because he took their food away without asking (the kid does look 14) Maggiano's is actually better than this place.

Staff very good, friendly and fast. Atmosphere is that old world style dark, woody, and crowded. The food was just OK. Started with a salad like they serve at Olive Garden, a big bowl with good salad but over saturated with dressing. Lips will be greasy after eating this. Wife had the meat ravioli and grandson had the cheese ravioli. Both said their food was very good. I had the veal Parmesan and this is where I would say it wasn't that great. Meat was a little tough, and the breading was mushy. Taste was ok but that's all. Also there was a faint smell of "old" in the building. Not sure what it was as we were sated by the kitchen and it just started the last 5 minutes we were there. Overall I would say you won't be disappointed but you won't say wow.

Can't believe I haven't yelped about this place already. A date night fave! Juiletta is our favorite server, but we haven't had a bad one either. The calamari is amazing and for an Italian restaurant my hubby says this place has the best filet. Ordered it on a whim once, quickly became his go to. Cocktails are great, the have Moretti beer which is another fave- and always love the option of bringing in a nice bottle and pay the $25 corking fee. Did that last night and will for sure again. Highly recommend this place! Super cute martini bar next door for a drink before or after. We always look forward to going back. Ask for Juiletta! She's a gem!

I went here for the first time last night. One word to describe this place - Excellent! The bartender Julie was very personable and she provided great service. The ambience was cozy but nice. There is also outdoor seating available. The pomegranate martini was on point. The bread was delicious and the salad that accompanied the dinner was light and tasty. The chicken was extremely moist and delicious and the mushrooms ravioli that accompanied with the Marsala type sauce was very good too. The tiramisu was fantastic made with fresh mascarpone cream. This is a great restaurant tucked in a small town. While there are many other establishments nearby I will definitely be back to this location! I give this place 4.5 stars.

Overall a good experience. Food was very good and our server did a nice job. VERY busy the night we visited and were seated well after our reservation time (45mins-1hour). Thankfully, we weren't in a hurry and managed a spot at the bar in the meantime.

A really great place. Fine food, fair prices, and very nice people. Very good place to celebrate that special occasion.

This place is truly amazing! It's one of a kind and it's always a good time. The baked clams are a MUST

Food is excellent, prices are great, a little dark inside, we always get a table or a seat at the bar without a reservation, bathrooms are Clean!

Started with arrival at front desk to check in only to be told can't find reservation. Another greeter found it as our reservation had been struck out in the book showing we had arrived. Ordered the Chicken Parmigiana and the breading was wet and mushy to where it fell off the chicken breast. My food came out as lukewarm which quickly turned cold. Side of meatballs also lukewarm warm and turned cold. Waitress stopped at table to see how food was but didn't stick around to find out the issues. To her defense it was loud and noisy. She was made aware of issue but it moot point as she seemed not to care. Also I feel the wait staff should know the products being served. There was an item on Specials that was inquired about. It turned out to be a seafood. When asked again about what kind of seafood she replied it is some kind of whitefish. When asked more questions she said it was a flaky whitefish. Ever get that feeling you are getting she really has no clue and you are being BS'd with answers she really doesn't know.

We sat at the bar and ordered dinner and received 5 star service however, had we realized the $48 dollar steak we ordered was going to be broiled we never would of wasted any money ordering it. We were so disappointed!! Bland with no taste and grey. Please Invest in a grill for goodnesss sakes.. Quality steaks have a better flavor grilled. I could of stayed home and tossed a steak in the oven.

Old school place with great waitresses that know how to take care of you. Food is 8 out of 10. Service is 9 out of 10. Ambience is 0 out of 10

Kristen, was amazing at her job! Took our order, bread an butter an oil fast! This bread was warm an delicious an the restaurant looks updated an clean!

This place should be called "La Salt Capital Salt Topia" because most of our pastas were salt bombs. The linguine with clams was a disaster- very salty. The angel hair pasta was even more saltier. The only good thing was either the gnocchi or the chicken parm. Highly recommend the chicken. The service was bad. Very slow. Waited almost 30 min for pasta. Salad was good, bread was warm and crispy. The ambiance is like Venice in a restaurant.

La Dolce Vita of Lemont - the best italian food Well priced and great portions. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for good food.

Haven't been here in probably 7 years. I loved their homemade ravioli back in the day. I remember it being kinda pricey but wow, it's just over priced decent Italian food now. Bread was hard and cold. They dont leave the oil on the table (I get it) but they leave the large bowl of parmesan on the table?? Calamari had zero flavor and they serve with cocktail sauce? I requested marinara; cocktail sauce was not a compliment to the dish at all. He got a stuffed pepper appetizer and loved it. Tiramisu was great. Drinks weren't so great, tiny glass, watered down and super expensive. He got fettuccini alfredo with chicken and broccoli. An extra $9 for chicken and broccoli. I got noodles with vodka sauce. It was ok. I'm trying to be sensitive considering most places have taken a hit with the current times -- I didnt have to choose this expensive restaurant. But I did. The details above won't be forgotten.

That restaurant in downtown Lemont looks great and delicious! The food was really good. The service is awesome and amazing!

Quite the forgettable experience. Nothing exceptional, but nothing horrible either. Their salad had a few brown leaves, so I definitely put those off to the side. They wouldn't substitute potatoes for the pasta side with my orange roughy (which was swimming in sauce), so I had to order the potatoes as an extra side. The chocolate cake was just ok - however not something I'd be willing to splurge calories for.

Listen up, I'm still sitting in the restaurant as a write this, significant other went to the bathroom. Don't eat here, I was disappointed with everything I ate with the exception of the tiramisu, which was probably bought frozen. The broccoli salad was not good, cold soggy broccoli drowned in oil. So much oil that the lettuce was soggy. The scallop pasta I got had so much sauce with it, I was fishing for my pasta. This far, I had two soups given to me and I hadn't order one.... The cappuccino that I got was not a cappuccino, no froth, it was more similar to a bad latte. Service and atmosphere were good, but the food was a disappointment.

Awesome food, good service. Highly recommend. They have a very nice back room for a group of 6 or more. One of my favorite places to eat in Lemont.

First time here pretty decent crowd for a Wednesday night. Most assuredly not the last! Had an amazing dinner hats off to the chef and staff!!! Food was flavorful, portions were perfect.....leftovers.....nah!!!! Service by everyone was awesome mostly our waiter Zack. Friendly from all points from the host at the front, bartender to the folks who bussed the tables. Can't wait to come back!!

What a truly great Italian restaurant in the downtown area of a really cute town ... La Dolce Vida has always pleased... The calamari is tender, crisp & light breading, and never oily. The seafood portions are generous is every dish. Great house salad with every meal If you are looking to host a banquet, this is the place. Banquet meals can be very disappointing, not the case here. No one leaves hungry, the chicken doesn't come out dry, the beef is perfectly cooked. You owe it to yourself to dine here. Martinis are fantastic too Mangia! #AlfieEats

Small but very quaint 1st floor restaurant area with a nice bar. We had a party of six so we were seated in the second floor banquet room where there was a birthday party at two round tables. Three other round tables had customers including ours plus two small tables for four. It was so loud you literally had to talk d loudly to have a conversation. The lighting is horrible. Lights in the fans and ceiling were out and the rest set at dim making it very difficult to read the menu. One server for seven tables with a bus boy and the server also made the drinks at the bar. I actually felt sorry for her. Two of the hosts continually ran upstairs to help serve food from the kitchen. The appetizers were good but the entrees were just nasty looking and extremely salty. Only finished half and it wasn't worthy bringing home leftovers. Won't be back...ever.

We just had our daughters baby shower at La Dolce Vita last weekend. We could not have been happier. We looked into many different places. So happy we chose La Dolce. No room fees or minimum spends. The service, costs, communication and flexibility were beyond our expectations. Margie was amazing to work with as well as the staff the day of the party. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a Banquet room for any type of party.

We love coming to La Dolce Vita for some authentic Italian cuisine! The take out option has been super convenient for us when we want a nice meal at home!

Great little Italian restaurant in Lemont. It is small but they do a good job turning the tables or you can eat at the bar. Service is friendly and attentive but not overbearing. Food is good. I like pastas, but they have steaks and other meats on the menu. Private party room upstairs, eat outside when weather permits.

Awesome drinks and food an absolute gem of a place! Highly recommend the calamari!!!! Everything here was perfect

Very great food here. Love the cavatelli à la betolla. The espresso martini was a great 'dessert' option.