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| - One star for the location in Little Italy and one for the owner/manager. Nothing else seems to be working for this place.
We decided to get some grub in Little Italy (kind of last minute). Our go to Mia Bella had a one hour wait so we thought of giving La Dolce Vita (LDV) a try. Ok, we enter in and there is no host/hostess. Waited 10 minutes and finally had to go ask someone if we could be seated. Bartenders have eyes, they can call someone or help us (at least greet us).. but no, not in this establishment. They all seemed extremely busy talking to each other (and trust me there is no shortage of servers/bartenders/staff).
Ok finally the owner comes up and seats us next to a big table and from then our experience went downhill. Our server, a guy with glasses and a weird beard shows up after another 10 minutes of us being seated to ask us for our drink order. There wasn't a slight hint of politeness in his tone. Maybe he was too focused on the big table (big tip).
We order our food but we forget to order a sauce for our ravioli (and our server could care less). We sat there while other tables got better service (big table and other tables with different servers). Finally the owner comes over and gives us a sample of some pasta which he prepares for each table, and engages in some light conversation while scolding our server for not bringing any bread.
Cut to the chase, our food comes. It's ok.. I ordered the fettuccine and it was clunky. While flavorful, I was already turned off by the service. Had to made an effort to ask for some more bread and some salt and pepper to decorate our food. Portion sizes are good and the food is ok.
I would never return to LDV even if this was the last restaurant standing in Little Italy. The owner is great and I wish him the best of luck but service is a major part of the restaurant industry. This is one instance where I would leave no tip, but I did with a big note (see attached picture).
For all those visiting LDV in the future, if you get the same server (glasses and beard), find another table, restaurant or make sure you demand better service!
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