La Dolce Vita

Step into La Dolce Vita and you’re instantly transported to a bygone era of Hollywood glamour. This Beverly Hills institution, originally opened in 1966 with Frank Sinatra as an investor, has been beautifully restored while retaining every ounce of its legendary atmosphere. The dimly lit room features cheetah print carpet, plush leather booths, and an energy that feels like a sophisticated Oscars afterparty. Expect to see well-dressed regulars nursing impeccable martinis at the bar while famous faces settle into booths that have hosted generations of celebrities.

The menu is a greatest hits collection of Italian American cuisine executed with precision and care. The bone-in veal parm is the showstopper—a massive, crispy cutlet with perfectly browned cheese and impossibly juicy meat that easily feeds a small group. The shrimp fra diavola delivers plump prawns swimming in a garlicky, spicy tomato sauce, while the tableside caesar is prepared with theatrical flair and features those essential crunchy homemade croutons. Save room for the bucatini al limoni, whose bright citrus notes provide welcome contrast to the richer dishes.

What truly elevates La Dolce Vita is the service. The staff here operates with a singular focus on making guests feel like royalty. Every detail matters, from the complimentary amari shot and pillowy focaccia at the start of your meal to the precise tableside preparations. The LDV Gibson, made with gin, house brine, and finished with drops of black garlic oil, might just be the finest martini in Los Angeles.

Securing a table during prime hours requires persistence—regulars often book their next visit on their way out. If you’re feeling spontaneous, the bar welcomes walk-ins and offers nearly the full experience. Yes, it’s expensive, and yes, the history adds to the allure, but La Dolce Vita earns its reputation through what happens on your plate and in your glass tonight.