Enjoy classic dishes like pasta, risotto, and seafood in a cozy, family-owned setting.
Try our rotating menu featuring seasonal ingredients and chef-inspired creations.
Host family dinners, celebrations, or corporate events in our inviting atmosphere.
Pair your meal with fine wines, cocktails, and spirits for a complete dining experience.
Indulge in homemade tiramisu and other Italian sweets to finish your meal perfectly.
This is a tough one but I'm going to be honest about the experience, good and bad. It was about 20 degrees outside and maybe 50 degrees inside. They said someone had accidentally turned off the thermostat. We considered leaving but decided just to wear our coats and roll with it. My friends pork was dry in his meal. Pork medallions cook fast and these were overcooked. I picked the Linguine Clams and Shrimp Pasta from the weekly menu and it was good but significantly overpriced. There was no bread and no salad as part of the $35 price and the cheapest thing in the dish (the pasta) was barely present. I didn't miss bread but a side salad (vegetables of any kind) should be served with a pasta dish. The sauce was good and the shrimp was cooked perfectly but the mussels and clams were a little overcooked. For being game and staying through the cold we should have been given a complementary appetizer or discount on our meals. The young men that served us were very sweet and took care of our needs but they should start at an Applebee's or something to learn about service before serving at a restaurant where the dishes are so expensive. When people pay $35 for an entree they expect more experienced and professional service. The tables are too wide to allow private conversations. If I stretched my arms in front of me I still wouldn't reach the other side of the table. Each individual issue was ok by itself (except the temperature of the restaurant) but putting the issues together, we paid a premium price for average food and the level of service expected at any sit down restaurant. There was nothing above average except the prices. I hope they find the skills they're lacking and succeed but I wouldn't consider going back. There are too many better options at Southlands.
My wife and decided to stop at this new family own Italian restaurant. Our server Nico went above & beyond to take cares of us. The service was on point and the food was like being in Italy. The flavor remembered us of when we visited Italy. All the plates were authentic and the sauce was out of this world. If you are looking for real Italian food close to Southlands please visit this restaurant. You will not regret it 🙏 😋 I will recommend to put Salt & Pepper on each table, and to start with a complementary bread & oil would be great 👍
We came on Christmas Eve as a family & were blown away by the food, the service & the atmosphere. Nico was our sever & guided us to THE BEST options. We got the spaghetti & meatballs, the pesto salmon & risotto, & the seafood ravioli. We also loved our drink pairings — an Amaretto Sour, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chianti). We also got the best tiramisu we’ve ever had! The atmosphere is cozy & perfect for small or big gatherings. Being in the heart of the Southlands shopping center made for a beautiful walk post-dinner with the Christmas lights. Denver has had some hit or miss Italian restaurants. This is how authentic Italian SHOULD be. 10/10 recommend!
Had a great lunch here today! Restaurant was clean and had an upscale feel. Yadi was an excellent server. I had an entrée on the specials menu, a salmon pesto and creamy risotto plate and it tasted great. Compliments to the chef. I’ll invite my other friends out here too. I guess it hasn’t been open very long but they have their liquor license now and are adding to the menu. It’s conveniently located in the middle of Southlands Mall and deserves to be busier than it is!
Food here is amazing. We got the Burrata, Fettuccine Carbonara, and their weekly special Lemon Pesto Salmon Risotto. All of them were amazing, especially the Risotto. The tiramisu here is exceptional. The server Nico was attentive and very kind. I definitely would recommend this place and come back again!

Authentic Italian flavors in a cozy, family-owned setting. Experience la dolce vita!
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Dolce Vita Italian Bistro & Restaurant brings the taste of Italy to Aurora with authentic, family-owned charm. Specializing in classic Italian dishes like homemade pasta, seafood ravioli, and tiramisu, we offer a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for family dinners, romantic dates, or special gatherings. Our menu features fresh ingredients, traditional recipes, and weekly specials, all crafted with passion. Located in the heart of Southlands, we pride ourselves on attentive service and a cozy ambiance that makes every visit memorable. Join us for an unforgettable dining experience where every bite feels like Italy.
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