Pepp & Dolores

I’m speechless, my honey took me out for birthday dinner at a place that’s been on our list for quite sometime. I went to thank Mark our kind generous server for being so knowledgeable and making my birthday amazing. To drink I ordered the Giardino Spritz and my honey got the Limoncello service. Mark gave us a taste of the prosecco, the drinks were wonderful. For appetizers we decided to try the Crostini funghi (Amazing!!), the house made ricotta and marinated cucumbers. I decided to get the Sunday Sauce which has Nonna's red sauce, veal & pork meatballs and braised pork shoulder. My honey went with the Lobster which was a squid ink pasta with saffron cream, caramelized and fennel. Joe also decided to take the Limone to go. Oh and I got a cappuccino and I'm a bit of a coffee snob but it was smooth and delicious and so was the armaretto cookies. We were sitting by an out door and the restaurant was quite busy and bit of a whirlwind shock when Mark when the bill came. We both are super appreciative and shocked. We will definitely be back. Thanks for making my birthday memorable!

We had a great experience here! The food was delicious. It was setup such that you order all of your courses at the beginning, and then the team staggers the arrival of the food at a pace such that you're not waiting long between courses, but also not rushed. It was hard to narrow down exactly what we wanted because the menu looked so good. The house made ricotta bread was some of the best bread I've ever had. They don't have a dessert menu, so go in knowing that. They leave you with like an Italian cookie when they bring the bill. It was good! Overall, would highly recommend! The service and waiting staff was friendly and professional too.

The wife and I's first visit here was a delicious night out! Prices are reasonable and the quantities good. We had the ricotta, salads, pasta, meatballs and drinks; all wonderful and made with care in their small kitchen. Service was friendly and just as these first-timers wanted, with info on which pastas were most popular. Presentation of drinks and food items was professional. The pace of the meal was on the slow side, which we did not have issue with. Atmosphere was lively but conversation still easy. One surprise was that no desserts are available to order. Overall we loved it and want to come back to try other pastas.

We had an exceptional dining experience at Pepp & Dolores- one of many I may add. We celebrated my son‘s birthday in one of the private rooms. Clare welcomed us and told us that she would make sure to spoil us with attention. She certainly delivered! After a round of welcoming beverages the most popular being the espresso martini we dove into the scrumptious appetizers, including meatballs. charcuterie platters. ricotta bread and our favorite, the artichokes. Superb ! Clare made sure to keep our wine glasses, full of Chianti, which added to the assortment of flavors. We had our choice of salads followed by mouthwatering pasta entries- including lobster sauce, crab, Sunday sauce and pesto. Everyone thought theirs was the best. Aaron the manager kindly stop by to make sure that everything was perfect. It certainly was! Clare gave us plenty of time to pick on the birthday boy and enjoy our delectable cuisine. The almond cookies for dessert with coffee topped off a perfect evening. This was our second birthday celebration at Pepp & Delores and many more to come for sure. They have an amazing knack for making you feel like part of the family.

Loved the atmosphere during my first trip to Cincinnati. I love food and it's one of the two main things I look forward to experiencing and exploring in a new environment and city. The food and aesthetic was impeccable! I would DEFINITELY reserve a table though... it does get packed and busy.

We were recommended this place by a friend and I was blown away! The restaurant itself is beautiful. It had outdoor seating but the basement bar was so cozy. Our server Vinny was fantastic and made great recommendations. I loved the limone pasta I ordered and my lover got the lobster pasta. All the pasta was homemade and incredibly delicious. Get the homemade ricotta to start! You won’t regret it. Definitely a must visit when in Cincy.

Amazing lunch. Great atmosphere. Friendly service. Love this place and their house made pastas. On pretty days the windows and doors are open for a festive out door feel. There is also outdoor seating available. Great wine selection and tasty cocktails.

Excellent experience. High-end, warm, lively, authentic Italian atmosphere. Our server, Mike, was very personable and well-versed in the menu. The food was amazing. The ricotta (house made) bread appetizer was some of the best cheese I’ve ever had. The pasta was amazing and the meatballs were excellent and tasted very authentic and house made. I appreciated that you order the pasta you want and the meat you want and can share the meat easily. The pasta portion wasn’t huge, but you are intended to order appetizers and salads and such and have a bit of everything. Overall stellar experience and would highly recommend; I’m excited to return soon.

We've eaten at Pepp & Dolores twice and they've earned my five-star review. Our first meal was with a group of seven during the summer. For a group this large, Pepp & Dolores didn't have any tables inside available, but explained there would be room outside. They were correct and eating outside was delightful. Our waiter, who used to work in the kitchen, was great and had fantastic recommendations. He highly recommended Agnello Pasta, which was red wine rigatoni, braised lamb ragu and pecorino romano. It was outstanding! We enjoyed our meal so much, we decided to head back for a pre-show meal. Agnello Pasta was no longer on the menu. I was disappointed and excited all at the same time; it was an opportunity to try something new. Since it was just me and Mark, we tried some appetizers. I knew I had to have the Carpaccio Pismonteses, which was absolutely amazing. We also had the Crostini Funghi, which was extraordinary! Mark had the Gricia. He thought it was very good, but a bit dry. I had the Funghi, which I found absolutely delightful. They don't offer dessert, but they give patrons a wrapped cookie, which is delicious. I think it's fair to say we'll be back.

This was our first visit to Pepp & Dolores.. and we've already made reservations to go back with friends! The restaurant reminds me of a a few restaurants we went to in Florence. The food is so authentic- we just smiled the entire time. The service was wonderful and the restaurant has a cozy elegance. If that doesn't make sense-it will once you visit. The two of us ordered two appetizers- both we now consider must haves: a rich and creamy house made ricotta, served with sour dough & the artichokes Guida- tender and flavorful in a lemon vinaigrette. We also ordered three entrees - the Pasta Limone, the pesto pasta and Gricia. The pasta limone was perfectly al dente- slightly tart and so satisfying. The herb Campanelle pasta in the pesto sauce was very flavorful. My husbands favorite was the Gricia- the homemade torchietti pasta & jowl bacon. Simply delicious. We also ordered two drinks- the Bensonhurst and the limoncello and tonic- perfect accompaniments to our meal. They gave us two amaretti cookies with a candle to top off the birthday dinner - a slightly sweet and satisfying end. We will be back in a few weeks- thanks for a wonderful evening!

Mark greeted us upstairs, love the friendliness and hospitality knew we were in for a great meal. Titus was our man, utmost best service and terrific guy all around. We ordered 6 of the pastas all al dente and nice chewiness perfect. Apps and bread on the money. House red devine for the value. Will definitely be back!

My favorite Italian restaurant ever, the food is fresh and tasty! I have been coming to Pepp and Dolores since they opened. I no longer live in Cincinnati but every time I visit I go to Pepp and Dolores. This restaurant is beautiful and the service is phenomenal. There are many great servers at Pepp and Dolores and they all do a great job. I always get the limone but I love it all!

We scored an 11 am reservation on a Sunday after trying unsuccessfully to get one any other time and it was the perfect Sunday lunch. Our waiter Titus was wonderful. He was careful to guide us thru the menu for the gluten free options and there are a lot! We started with the marinated cucumbers, artichokes alla giudia and the braised pork. They were all amazing. I'm still thinking about the artichokes. For the pastas we had the Limone, Spicy Vodka (not kidding with this name) and the funghi. All were so well done. Stunning restaurant with amazing food. Can't wait to return.

Went to Pepp & Delores to celebrate a birthday. We went in a Sunday night and it was very crowded. We were sat in a surprisingly quiet room with only a few tables which was nice. We each ordered a different dish so that we could sample a few of them. Everything was amazing.

After a recent visit, it seemed time to confirm that Pepp and Delores is still a five star restaurant in my book. We came a few weeks before Christmas with my book club. The six of us were seated at a cozy table in the basement. Our waiter asked if we wanted a rundown of the menu and make sure to bring us drinks promptly. We decided to split the ricotta, appetizer and meatballs among the table. These are a great addition to our meal. I had the lobster pasta as my entrée. The squid ink in the pasta makes for a truly unique experience. The after dinner cookies are the perfect way to top off the meal!

What a great dining experience. We were in the area on a Saturday afternoon and stop in to see if we could grab a seat. From the moment we entered to the time we left the staff were amazing at efficiency and friendliness. The Nocino old fashioned were great. The food was super and the pricing very fair. Love the interior also, which is calming and updated.

Food, ambiance, and service Would recommend it to anyone in Cincy. Pro tip: Make a reservation or go early to try to snag a spot at the bar

After a week of camping in the woods and a long drive, this was our date night experience! We didn't have a reservation for this place but the restaurant was courdal and very accomodating - after a short wait of about 30 minutes, we were seated at the bar. Very lively place. The staff are very friendly, inviting, and considerate. I was really in the mood for a whiskey sour but didn't see it on the menu. I asked the bartender if he would be able to make it, even if it wasn't on the menu. He said "yes I can, but how about i recommend a special we recently had that is also very good, a Sicilian Sour" (i believe that is what he called it...pictured below). What a GREAT drink! Great presentation as well! The food was all delicious! Very fairly priced for handmade pasta! The portions were not big, but they weren't small either - it was the perfect amount to be able to enjoy and sample a few different things. We had the spicy vodka pasta and the lemon based one - both AMAZING. I highly encourage anyone in the area to drop by for a drink and some pasta - you won't be disappointed!

We were stopping by Cincinnati for a day and wanted to eat out for dinner! We decided on Pepp & Dolores because of the good reviews on Yelp. We got the bread and eggplant as sides/appetizers. I'm not sure if the bread was worth what it cost, but the eggplants were delicious and a good way to add some veggies to our meal. For entrees, we got the limone and agnello. The limone was delicious with the perfect lemon tang to cut the creaminess. The agnello was also delicious and definitely something you would love if you like lamb. We also got the house limoncello, which was delicious. They surprisingly didn't serve dessert, but we did get two free amaretto cookies at the end!

Wanted to check back in and update my review 2 years later. Pepp & Dolores stays being consistent and delicious, their bread, cocktails, and pasta are always so good. The vibes are great inside, great for a great dinner for 2 or a small group of friends. Love it here.

Enter into a cool bar area, we sat in the back room which I didn't know existed; restaurant is way bigger than it looks. Greeted by friendly staff and our server was solid. Marinated cucumbers were surprisingly delicious. I had the lobster pasta which was pretty good but my wife's spicy vodka pasta was hands down the best dish. Perfect al dente noodles and a classic vodka sauce, she also added peas which was a great touch!

TRY THE RICOTTA!!! Walked in on a Sunday night and had to wait about 45 minutes to get sat at the bar. The bartender was attentive. When food was being served at the bar, there was confusion and most people got different orders or part of the order. We got half of ours and the other half got served to others 15 minutes later. We tried the Housemade Ricotta, Meatballs, Veal Cutlets, Limone and Butternut & Mascrapone. I would come back for only to things, the Housemade Ricotta and Veal Cutlets. The ricotta was delicious and the olive oil used was great. The veal was tasty in the lemon sauce. The pasta was disappointing. They cook it aldente but it was cooked well under that. Overall, if the bar service was better and pasta was at least cooked aldente, it would've gotten another star.

It really does live up to the hype. My favorite was the lemon pasta, but everything I had was delicious. Top tier service, and a beautiful atmosphere here.

Pepp Dolores in Cincinnati is a perfect spot for an early appetizer and cocktail business meeting. The restaurant portion was buzzing but the bar was pretty quiet. When we arrived shortly after opening, we were the only people at the bar for about an hour, making it an ideal setting for a biz meeting. The charcuterie board was solid and had an array of meats and cheeses, but the standout for me were the cucumbers, which were sweet and refreshingly crispy. The ambiance is cozy with light wood accents and a stunning bar. The bar tender was attentive and very friendly. I'll have to go back for dinner.

Pepp & Delores is always consistent and very appreciated. We love their food!! Their marinated cucumbers are so good! You cannot go wrong, ordering any of their pastas, however, the spicy vodka has got to be an all-time favorite. We also had the Pomodoro, which was so delicious. Always a wonderful meal with great prices and excellent service!

Went with my husband and 2 other couples. Service was great. We were seated in the basement. I got the famous limone pasta. It was pretty good! We also got some bread and dips. I would love to go back to try more of the menu!

My husband and I were visiting downtown Cincinnati and looking for somewhere new to dine. That's when we discovered Pepp & Dolores on Yelp. They were crazy busy, and it's easy to understand why. First, it's located on Vine Street, near several fun and unique shops. I also loved that they offered both indoor and outdoor seating. And the staff was really friendly. For starters, we shared the Housemade Ricotta, then each ordered a salad. My husband ordered the Wedge, and I ordered the Gem. Both were so good!! For our entrees, I ordered the Pesto pasta, and my husband ordered The Sunday Sauce. The pasta itself is handmade, as well as the sauces on each dish. The dish sizes were perfect, not too small and not crazy large. Both pastas were excellent and quite flavorful. At the end of the meal, we received a couple of biscotti cookies, which was a nice surprise. Our service was quick and delivered with a smile. My only minor complaint is that the carafe of water they bring to the table was warm. It would have been nice if the water had ice in it. I highly recommend that you give Pepp & Dolores a try the next time you're downtown. It's also a good idea to go onto their website first and make a reservation.

I really need to go back and give another try. My friend chose here for her birthday dinner treat. The food was ok, but I wasn't very impressed. After hearing all of the people that love it, I'm wondering if I went on an off night? The food was beautiful and the service was great.

Long story short: great food, great service, great atmosphere We've been to Pepp & Dolores many times & have never been disappointed. We started with some wine- I especially enjoyed their sweet Moscato- & their house-made ricotta. Despite the dish's simplicity, it is one of my favorite things on their menu. Next, we got the antipasto salad & eggplant involtini. The antipasto was heavily dressed & topped with everything you could ever want- olives & cheese & artichokes. It was delightfully tangy & surprising filling. The eggplant, on the other hand, was rather bland in my opinion. We will definitely get the antipasto again but we will not be re-ordering the eggplant. The pasta! Pepp never misses when it comes to pasta! The pesto is incredibly flavorful & herbaceous & the limone is packed full of citrus & garlic & cheese. They were both incredible & I can't wait to get them again! We sat in the lower level & the ambiance is incredible; the dim lighting & nostalgic pictures on the wall create an intimate feel in a large restaurant. The servers are knowledgeable & friendly & provide exceptional service.

Every dish from appetizers to salad to protein and pasta ordered at our table was excellent.

Had dinner here on a recent very cold Monday evening. My family of four was excited on our first trip to Pepp & Delores. We had a 6:15 reservation and were promptly seated in the lower level. The restaurant had a nice ambiance. Our service provided by Shelley was very good. As it was our first time she did a nice job explaining the menu. She was appropriately attentive. We tried a lot of different things. We enjoyed the Dunk bread service. We had the artichokes which were delicious. My daughter enjoyed the Antipasto salad. We split multiple pastas and added the Pork Shoulder, Meatballs, Eggplant and Broccolini. Each was good, but the pork shoulder was delicious! We tried the Pesto, Pomodoro, Spicy Vodka, and Butternut Squash pastas. They were all very good. We enjoyed our trip to Pepp & Dolores and will definitely come back. I was surprised that they did not offer dessert. This is the second downtown restaurant we have been to recently that did not offer any type of dessert. Not sure what is the deal, but it would have been nice to have a dessert option to celebrate my wife's birthday.

I have to admit, I'm a little conflicted over my first experience at this establishment. Everything was great: the server, the ambiance, the variety of dishes on the menu...except for the alcoholic beverage "misunderstanding." There's a $6 limoncello service that is priced by the bottle...unless two people (or more) at your table order the service, then it's less alcohol for everyone. There's a small-pour bottle of housemade limoncello that would normally serve one person...so each person at my table ordered the service. Rather than bring out three bottles (since we paid for 3 services) we were brought 2 bottles and made to share because well, I still don't really understand. We were all so confused that we even asked the manager to come explain why three people couldn't get three separate mini-bottles if they were priced at $6 per person. He gave an ultimately nonsensical answer that left us a bottle short (pun intended). It still doesn't make sense to me. If it's a $6 POUR, then call it that. Listing it as a service based on a $6 mini-bottle, then expecting two patrons paying $6 each to split what you'd give one person for $6 makes no sense. Outside of that unfortunate start, the meal ended beautifully. My lobster squid ink pasta is easily the best meal on the menu. Al dente, homemade noodles in that delightfully creamy sauce? Perfect umami, perfect portion size, perfect amount of lobster (I hate when restaurants skimp!). I would be remiss in my food review duties if I didn't mention the appetizers. Wow-we! The fried artichokes were a sight to behold, and a delight to consume. That sauce they make to accompany the artichoke is clearly made of crack, so be careful. Get "The Dunk" for the table...hell, get two. I'm definitely coming back to this spot for what is now my new favorite pasta dish, but I'll likely just stick to a G&T from the bar. If I pay for one of those I don't have to share, no matter how many other people at my table order one. ‍

Couldn't recommend this place enough! The pasta is seriously to die for. We love the range of appetizers, I still think about the fried artichokes! Kyle our server was so knowledgeable, kind and accommodating. He went above and beyond the entire experience. Prices are so reasonable for such delicious foods.

A Delightful Italian Experience at Pep & Dolores Pep & Dolores delivers a truly exceptional Italian dining experience, blending a warm, inviting atmosphere with outstanding food that feels like a comforting hug. From the moment you step inside, the charming decor and energetic buzz set the tone for an unforgettable meal. The menu strikes the perfect balance between traditional and inventive. Their handmade pasta is undoubtedly the star of the show - Cacio e Pepe is a standout, creamy, peppery, and perfectly cooked, while the Spaghetti Pomodoro bursts with fresh, simple flavors. If you're feeling indulgent, the Mezzi Rigatoni alla Vodka is an absolute must - rich, savory, and impossible to put down. Beyond the pasta, their appetizers and sides shine just as brightly. The Whipped Ricotta is smooth and luscious, paired perfectly with crispy bread, while the Arancini offer a delightful crunch with a gooey, cheesy center. Pair it all with a well-curated wine list or one of their signature cocktails for a meal that feels both elevated and approachable. Service at Pep & Dolores is top-notch - attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely welcoming. Whether you're stopping in for a date night, a family dinner, or a casual meal with friends, this spot hits the mark every time. If you're looking for fresh, delicious Italian food served in a beautiful, lively setting, Pep & Dolores is a must-visit. It's the kind of place you'll want to return to again and again - a modern Italian classic.

My first time here. We had a Christmas get together with a party of 8. We were seated downstairs and I really liked the decor. Very nice ambiance. Our waiter was first class. The food was very tasty and we all enjoyed it. My reason for 4 stars is because my dish of pasta was mildly warm and some others in the party also mentioned it. In their defense they were very busy. I would go back.

Holy handmade pasta! The hype is legit. R and I finally made it to Pepp and Dolores (after having resies several times and needing to cancel.) I started with the antipasto salad which was olive and artichoke based (not salami and cheese like you might think.) It was so springy and zesty, I wanted more. I would have been happy with that as my dinner, honestly. R got the wedge, which is their version of Cesar. For the main course I had the agnello. The rigatoni color was a bit concerning, but lemme tell you...this lamb dish was the deal. Make resies and ask for Tia. She's fantastic.

We have been a few times!! Food is some of the best in town. Service is always great and quick!! Cool vibe to this place. Definitely make reservations weeks in advance but well worth it!

The food was absolutely delicious! The sourdough and ricotta dip was our absolute favorite item we got. The server was friendly and gave good recommendations. The ambiance was relaxing, fancy, and inviting. It is our goal to stop here the next time we are in town.

Best Italian food I've had in a long time. We make the drive from Louisville to Cincinnati and it's definitely worth it. Service is outstanding!

Pepp & Dolores has become a Cincinnati staple for us, like so many others. They never miss. Incredible service, food, and ambience from start to finish. Every single time. Right when you walk in, you can feel the energy in the restaurant. The decor is elegant and classy. Feels appropriate to dress up if you want a fancy night out. They have plenty of seating front of house, and more around the corner in the back. Two large bar tops, one at the main entrance and one downstairs. We didn't have a reservation, but they were incredibly accommodating and got us a seat at the downstairs bar. Our bartender was amazing. Got us situated with menus and drink recommendations, including mocktails. We opted for the grapefruit ginger Paloma (mocktail) and the Five Families (Manhattan). Both were delicious and refreshing. Food came out hot and fresh. We got the side of meatballs, spicy vodka, and the gricia. Perfectly Al dente and the sauces pair so well with the pasta. The spicy vodka is creamy with a subtle spice. The gricia is perfect for a cold day, rich and hearty. Limone is always a banger. You can't go wrong with most of their menu offerings. We love coming here and find every reason to come back time and time again. Definitely worth all the hype. Until next time, cheers!

I have a really high bar for Italian food, given my family is Italian and I grew up eating delicious food. I would say everything I tried was really good, but also overpriced. However given that Sotto, is the go to place in the area they set the price point high for Italian food. This is a higher end restaurant and I felt like you can dress cute casual to super fancy. It's perfect for a date night or eating a nice meal out. For the food I remember loving the ricotta dip for the bread. I also ordered two pasta dishes. One had a neat sauce with sausage and the other was squid ink with lobster. The pasta was extremely well made, but I felt like the flavors of the sauce were okay and nothing to rave about. For the area and especially Ohio, I'd say they are serving great Italian food. However for the price and having access to my family's italian recipes. I dont feel the need to go back to this restaurant However I would say it's worth checking out for the area! Lastly I appreciated our kind server and thought the service was great. She was able to explain the menu well and make recommendations based on my questions.

Pepp and Dolores is one of the most well-liked Italian restaurants in the Cincinnati area and rightfully so. The vibe in the lower level was very classy and cozy and the service was attentive and friendly. The ricotta appetizer was recommended to me multiple times and while it was good, it was definitely overrated. While very rich and creamy, it lacked another complementary flavor to elevate it, such as honey or garlic and herbs. The shrimp was great: juicy and very flavorful. The butternut marscapone pasta and the pesto pasta were also very good. The pasta was fresh and perfectly cooked, the sauces were creamy, and the overall dishes were well balanced and well seasoned.

Stopped by for appetizers. Sat at the bar, service was great. These are my faveeee apps. Always 10/10. Will be back soon for dinner.

Pasta was so yummy and flavorful. Just wish they served complimentary bread bc after all it is an Italian restaurant.

Convenient location and friendly staff in a beautiful setting had me hopeful of an outstanding lunch. I ordered the limone spaghetti with a side of meatballs. The pasta seemed extremely toothsome to me -- and I enjoy my pasta al dente! The sauce was quite good, but I couldn't get past the spaghetti. The meatballs were a blend of veal and pork that was soft in a sweet tomato sauce. I was hoping for something a bit more firm when biting into the meat. All in all, I will say that this was not an experience that I would personally repeat, but other diners present seemed to be very happy with their food.

Fantastic Italian restaurant with house-made pastas. The vibe is cute and cozy and they don't have a ton of tables. Definitely make a reservation here since seating is limited. The service was excellent. Our waitress walked us through the menu and made some great suggestions. The service was prompt but did not feel rushed. We started with the ricotta appetizer which was absolutely delicious! I got the lobster dish with the squid ink pasta as my main and my party got 2 other pasta dishes, I'm blanking on which ones currently. Since their pastas are homemade, they are all served on the Al-dente side. All of the dishes were fantastic. Highly, highly recommend checking this place out if you are looking for some yummy house made Italian food!

Wow! The pasta is amazing, but you MUST have the homemade ricotta and grilled sourdough! The prices are very reasonable. Great service. I suggest asking for a table at the downstairs bar.

Pepp & Dolores NEVER misses. A+ Food, A+ Service, A+ Ambiance! We all tried something different and enjoyed it. My favorite part of my meal was the short rib meatball... wow. So good!

A Taste of Italy at Pepp & Dolores! Pepp & Dolores, an Italian gem in overs the Rhine , provided a dining experience that was a delightful blend of flavors and ambiance. Food: 4/5 - Spicy Vodka Pasta was delicious, the spicy kick of the sauce was amazing. However, there is some space to improve for Lobster Pasta. I wish the pasta is thin and the sauce is more thick. The lobster sauce is delicious, but i can not see the blend between pasta and sauce. The inked pasta doesn't match with lobster and it doesn't look appealing as well. We were looking for dessert after the meal. Even the restaurant didn't offer any dessert options, but they served with almond cookies at the end of the dinner. Service: 5/5 - The service was impeccable,the wait or recommended multiple of his favourite dish. The staff at Pepp & Dolores were attentive, friendly, and ensured a seamless dining experience. Ambiance: 5/5 - The ambiance at Pepp & Dolores was a highlight. The cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere created the perfect backdrop for an enjoyable meal. Price: 4/5 - The prices reflected the quality of the dining experience. The price of the meal is somewhat fair. Pepp & Dolores is a must-visit for those seeking an authentic Italian dining experience. With a superb ambiance and attentive service, it's a delightful spot for a special meal, though a bit on the higher end in terms of pricing.

Just the name of this place attracts me if I'm being completely honest. I ADORE pasta and I had a good feeling that this place could deliver something memorable. I was looking for reservations about 10 days in advance and the only things available was 4:30 and 9. After some hum and hawing and looking into other shit, GF and I eventually decided to pull the trigger on this reservation. We arrived a lil early, as we tend to do, and we could tell from a mile away that our table would likely not be ready. This was communicated to us in short order by the host but, and I can tell this is probably a common occurrence, they had plan B rehearsed. They seamlessly provided us their menu and suggested we stand by one of the high top shelves in the bar area to order a drink while we wait. Don't mind if I do. The host also mentioned the return of their holiday cocktails, one of which is the panettone and again, they sold me on the name alone. With vodka, sherry, spiced cranberry, amaretto it was the hard version of the classic holiday bread. My toddler pallet would have preferred some more sweetness but GF says she "thought it was good". 5 min or so after our reservation we were brought to our table, drinks in hand. Our server was excellent, knowledgeable, and prompt. He made suggestions for ordering due to the unique nature of their menu. We mostly followed his recommendations and ordered a bread, starter, 2 pastas, and a side. I was intrigued by the ricotta but ended up ordering (we think) "the dunk" with an oil, vinegar, herb accompaniment. The bread was DELICIOUS and a very unusual shape (a literal sculpture in bread form) but was a pretty small quantity of actual bread considering we paid almost $10 for it. I like the artistry but I'd rather just get run of the mill bread if I can have more of it. The dip was enjoyable but nothing to write home about. It was a touch too vinegary for my personal taste. We also ordered the cucumber starter, about probably 1/4 of a cucumber of less sliced into half moons and covered in a heavenly sauce and their homemade ricotta. This was fantastic. I wish there was more of it but due to how wonderful it was, I won't complain. The ricotta was also so good that it made me regret our bread choice. We wanted the beans and greens side (talk about a laxative..) but they had run out for the evening. UGH. We ordered the broccolini instead which was cooked to allow for some remaining bite. It was covered in tasty breadcrumbs. This was a great side. For my main, I went with our server's suggestion and ordered the spicy vodka sauce which is certainly something you don't see every day. It was excellent. It was ORGASMIC. The sauce was spicy but not prohibitively so. The pasta was also flawlessly al dente. I would love to recreate that at home, such a nice bite. I could've eaten a vat of that stuff. GF ordered the lobster with squid ink pasta (in the shape that looks like the pasta has a Mohawk lmao). She, "liked it, it was creamy". Server admitted they don't have desert which was disappointing but a relief at the same time. They do provide complementary cookies with the check which is a nice touch. Something else that is worth noting: the food took a very long time to come out, specifically the mains. We had been there for probably almost an hour before receiving them. The server apologized, mentioning that they had a 40 person party in the other room and the kitchen was "getting behind" which is understandable but it was a struggle due to our anticipation.

Good food that is very filling and reasonably priced. Great service & vibes as well . I recommend

I visited Pepp & Dolores with a friend on a Friday night without a reservation. We chose to wait 20-30 minutes for a spot on the outdoor patio. Our waiter was very friendly, offering dish recommendations and suggesting nearby bars. I enjoyed the Sunday Sauce and the Lambrusco Spritz. We also tried the Eggplant Involtini appetizer, which was our favorite part of the meal. While the restaurant comes highly recommended, I found the experience to be just okay and would prefer to explore other options before considering a return visit.

The food, service and atmosphere are all second to none. We started out with the Carpaccio Piemontese which is shiitake crusted beef carpaccio, truffle vinaigrette, arugula, walnut. For the main course I had the Lobster, squid ink creste di gallo pasta, saffron cream, caramelized fenne. It was so good I wanted to order another. I would highly recomend getting a reservation if going in the evening. Try it you won't be sorry!

Service was impeccable and we even have someone who was in training. Pasta was good too but we weren't wowed. Very solid handmade pastas though. The charcuterie board could've had a better selection but the fried dough that came with it in lieu of bread more than made up for it. Patio seating is nice. Make reservations even for lunch especially if you wish to dine indoors!

Definitely get a reservation since it can be crowded on weekends! Don't be afraid to call the restaurant if you have any questions, the ladies up front and the serving staff are all very friendly and helpful. With that being said, everything was absolutely delicious. If you have a party larger than 5, I'd definitely recommend getting two appetizers for the table. The pasta was delicious. Absolutely delicious and worth the money (although I'd say it was more than reasonably priced). The Limone pasta is not spicy despite the red pepper flakes and is nice and creamy. The pesto pasta is nice and light and not covered heavily in the pesto. My only qualm is that the music was pretty loud so that nearly every table was having to raise their voices and the playlist they were using was all over the place. I still had a wonderful time nonetheless :)

Charming Italian spot with DELICIOUS pasta and even better drinks. Great service, elevated ambience, and a fantastic location in OTR.

Amazing lunch at Pepp & Dolores! Tried a variety from the menu and highly recommend the Limone pasta. Great flavor in each dish and reasonably priced. The staff was very friendly and service was quick to get orders in and food out. Nice spot for a date, birthday celebration, or catching up with friends.