There's no room for sour moods or nagging worries once inside Dolce Vita. The petite Italian trattoria vibrates with warmth, whimsy and true Italian hospitality. Prime-time evenings force shoulder-to-shoulder seating but the rush of cheer is worth it. If there's a wait, slip into a seat at the bar, order a glass of wine and pick out an appetizer. Starters include outstanding Clams Casino and calamari and mussels steamed in white wine. Add a house salad or spoon up on cabbage, kale and potato-loaded minestrone.

Give the wood-burning brick oven at least a glance. Order one of the fifteen wood-oven pizzas (from tomato sauce and mozzarella to Via Mare with seafood) and you can watch it emerge from the fiery maw of the wall-molded "mouth of truth." Spaghetti, linguine and fettuccine-lovers face a tougher choice. Sauces vary from taste-bud-teasing sausage, zucchini, peppers and marinara to vegetables sauteed in garlic and extra virgin olive oil. Midday is another marvel. Lunchtime loyalists thrive on under $10 specials including pasta entrees, pizza and deli delights.

Categories: Restaurants

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