Over the years, La Dolce Vita has become an institution in the leafy inner south suburb of Kingston. Dining here for the first time, one may sense a familial warmth in this rustic eatery. Many patrons will know the menu off by heart – and the waiting staff by name. Many will have frequented a number of restaurants, over the past twenty years or so, operated by charismatic owner and chef Salvatore Passari. Certainly, La Dolce Vita has not escaped the attention of neighbourhood regulars, or high ranking pollies when parliament is sitting. Plate-sized pizzas are always good with ingredients such as prosciutto or ham off the bone, fresh mushrooms or artichokes. Pastas range from standards like Spaghetti Marinara, an ample serve with fresh seafood done in tomato or cream, or specials of the house such as the Penne Mosco Vita, a great tasting combination of vodka, smoked salmon and cream. The standout, however, is the ricotta filled ravioli. Made fresh daily by Salvatore’s mother Anna, a forty-year veteran of the restaurant game, it is served with a simple sauce of tomato and basil and should not be missed. Mains include a number of traditional dishes such as Saltimbocca – a stack of pan-fried veal and bacon with a bay leaf sauce.
