Fodor's Expert Review La Dolce Vita

In a slightly Fellini-esque, upstairs setting the often-underrated La Dolce Vita brings authentic antipasti, bruschetta, and pasta dishes to Placencia. With opera music playing softly in the background, it's like being in a small, family-run restaurant in Italy. The spaghetti carbonara, with the owner's own home-smoked bacon, is amazing. Try the signature penne dolce vita, with a shrimp and zucchini sauce or the linguini with calamari, octopus, squid, and shrimp. Most dishes are in large portions. The owner imports Italian pastas, olive oils, and wines to make sure everything is top quality. (The wine is always a generous pour.)