La Dolce Vita

The first time we went to La Dolce Vita, I had already made up my mind that I wasn't going to like it. After trying different Italian restaurants from Boulder to Grand Junction, they were always missing "something". Either the sauce wasn't right, the service was too stuffy, the place had no ambiance, the bread tasted like cardboard . . . and on and on. My search ended when we visited La Dolce Vita. I've tasted better Italian in my life, but not in Colorado, and not often. They had pasta e fagoli and bracoli, linguine with clam sauce that had real clams, and no pasty, heavy cream sauce to hide them. The owner actually came to our table and thanked us for being there! Servers actually seemed to be enjoying themselves. There was music and laughter and nobody rushing you to leave. I felt so at home I wanted to pitch a tent in the parking lot. Thanks, Ignazio...because of you, your restaurant and your staff, this New Yorker has finally (after 15 years) found that missing "something." more

When you live in a fairly small place like Castle Rock, it is easy to forget that size alone does not make up culture and sophistication. Because Douglas County is so new and affluent, people from all over America (and the world) have moved here. It is pretty amazing what you can find here in a restaurant. You can even go to the Big Apple. Just travel to La Dolce Vita in Castle Pines North. (Exit 186 of I-25) It is an authentic Italian New York-style restaurant like the great eateries found in the New York metro area. Damon Runyon became famous writing stories about this New York world with Guys and Dolls and other great tales. To pull off making a Runyonesque place, you need great service, great food and it helps to have a gorgeous doll belting out "My kind of Town" as she serenades the whole joint. That's La Dolce Vita. Vita's owner, Sicilian born Ignazio Mulei, has had a number of restaurants over the years, both here and in the Big Apple. He has simply nailed it this time with La Dolce Vita. Chef Ken Benton studied at the Universita di Scienze Gastronomiche in Pollenzo, Piedmont Dist., Italy before coming aboard at La Dolce Vita. He made us Veal Marsala and Piatto di Mare when we visited. For a streaming video of Chef Benton making his signature Veal Marsala and Piatto di Mare, go to www.signaturedishesofcolorado.com. His formal training, including graduating from the Cook Street School of Fine Cooking, definitely has paid off for him and for La Dolce Vita as well. If you want to go to Frank Sinatra's New York and still be in our community, you should go to La Dolce Vita. You don't need a subway token, just your car. more

Don’t let the strip mall location deter you from this charming little Italian restaurant. The staff are super friendly, the ambiance is romantic, and the menu covers all bases for Italian fare. A great place to celebrate a special occasion, a romantic date, or just when you are in the mood for Italian. Feature regular strolling entertainment to add romance to your night. more