Eating in Boston's North End is always a pleasure. To those who are not familiar with this city, the North End is the traditionally Italian section of Boston, similar to New York's Little Italy. The streets are narrow and winding, like much of the city, but the character is unique to this neighborhood. Restaurants and bakeries line Hanover Street, and I have yet to find a bad one.
But Dolce Vita stands out even among these. On Saturday evening, a group of 12 of us had an early reservation. We were seated almost immediately, and offered drinks and bread choices, though our party was not complete. The waiter addressed the table as a whole, giving the feeling of a performance rather that just a recitation of our options. He asked if we would prefer a bruschetta, foccacchia, or just crusty Italian bread. When there was no immediate response, the waiter suggested that he bring a mix of the three. All were fresh and delicious.
After our party was complete, the owner, Franco Graceffa, came to our table and gave a performance of his own, telling us about favored menu items, and that the kitchen would prepare anything requested. Rather than ordering individual appetizers, he suggested we get a couple of family style platters of antipasti. We ordered a large Antipasti Misto, with Italian cold cuts and salad specialties, and my favorite, freshly made mozzarella . As a second platter, they chef did up a vegan-friendly hot and cold platter. Everything was wonderful, and there was more than enough for everyone.
The choice of entrees was difficult as there are so many wonderful-sounding items. I ordered Vitello Grand Marnier ($22.95), veal sautéed in orange liqueur, and my husband had Gamberi Scampi ($19.95), jumbo shrimp sautéed in olive oil, garlic with white wine and lemon. Both were delicious. Others at our table ordered a variety if items, including one vegan and 3 vegetarian plates. The menu is extensive, including pasta, of course, and beef, chicken, veal, and seafood. The vegetarian dishes were inventive and enjoyable. No one was displeased with what they got.
Portions are not enormous like in some Italian restaurants, but this actually pleased me. The portions were reasonable and with the antipasto and bread, more than sufficient. We ordered only 2 desserts, a cheesecake with fresh berries and a classic tiramisu. Both were excellent, but the tiramisu was the star of the show. Light as a cloud, with just the right amount of rum, and not heavy on the chocolate, it was flawless.
There is a wine list, but we left the choices to the waiter, who brought Shiraz and Pinot Grigio, both of which were excellent.
The décor is typical North End Italian, with lively oil paintings and bright colors. The exposed ceiling does nothing to dim the noise, but that seems to be part of the overall atmosphere.
This is such a fun restaurant, and I look forward to going back again. I also intend to get a recipe for the veal with Grand Marnier; it was that good. Dolce Vita was delightful, though noisy - at one point, Mr. Graceffa started singing "Volare", as customers joined in! We felt welcomed by the staff, thrilled with the food, and had an all around wonderful time.
