I've eaten at Dolce four or five times in last couple of years. Funny, the last time I was there (about a month or so ago), I thought the prices were pretty reasonable (I never really quite felt that way). So, it's kind of odd that after I got home I realized that I was way overcharged or I simply overpaid. Not sure which. I don't think I was deliberately cheated and since I couldn't locate the itemized receipt, I will chalk it up to being overly generous! The flat breads, shrimp with pesto and brussel sprouts with lardon are tasty small plates ranging from $9-$12. Paul Hobbs Chardonnay at $40.00/bottle. Very nice. Dining options in Fairbanks Ranch are very limited - Dolce fills a need. read more

My girl's night out with a friend was more like being left out in the cold by the hostess. This was our first time eating here at the restaurant and we were so excited about the place. Upon arrival, the two hostesses did not welcome us at all. We were given the cold shoulder and told that all there are no available tables, despite not being asked, we shared that we actually made reservations for the outdoor area. The hostess then lead us to a table. But given the cold weather and seeing that it's completely empty, we asked if we could get a table that's closer to the fireplace. At point blank, she said no because those were reserved and that, in fact, all of the outside tables were reserved as well. The kicker is that after dining there for 2 hours and being told there are no availability as well as being denied warmer seating--more than half the outdoor tables were empty (btw food was Chef Boyardee with garnishes for $$$). I guess these 5 tables must have cancelled their reservation or they had invisible patrons. Bitter taste for a place that has dolce in its namesake--shame on a rigid hostess on a frigid day making us feel invisible too. read more

Nice atmosphere. If you are an attractive female pray that your bartender/wait person is NOT KC. OMG what a rude person! I'll never come back when she is behind the bar or on deck waiting tables. Disappointing experience today. read more

Dolce - Italian Near Me - Rancho Santa Fe, California

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I ordered food to go tonight, and got the ciopinno. I came in and had a glass of wine while waiting, and the ambience is so nice with great music, fun atmosphere and super friendly staff. I got home and the food isn't great it's AMAZING. I think the owner was in at the bar and even thanked me when walking out. It's a classy high end bar with great service which is almost impossible to find. The prices are a little high but it's because of the quality of food. Well worth it! read more

YUM----eeeee! This is my new favorite place to eat. We came here with another couple on a Friday night. The place was small and busy but we loved the ambience. Great selection of wine which blows Wine Steals and 3rd Corner away but I guess that doesn't say much. The food is to die for! Everything we ate was delicious. My husband had a sausage flat bread and I had the Hamachi Salad. I can't wait to come back for the tasty Beef Carpaccio Salad again. I'm still craving for more. The only reason it did not get five stars is because the service was incredibly slow which can be enjoyable if you're wanting to take your time.....really take your time. Also, our waiter who was very kind, mistakenly over billed us and forgot to bring our friend her coffee at the end of dinner, during dessert. They were too slow but at least the entire staff was nice. read more

Terrible service. Waitress was extremely rude. Don't waste your time eating at this place. Food was expensive and gross. No wonder the staff was unhappy. read more

Made a legitimate reservation through Open Table. Arrived on time and was taken to the worst table outside. Manager was unapologetic and rude. Food was mediocre. Service was fair. Gelato tasted very old. We will not go back. read more

I had the chicken jidori and it was disgusting. The chicken was over cooked. The service was descent. read more

Dolce - The chicken was like cutting into beef jerky. - Italian Near Me - Rancho Santa Fe, California

I read the stellar reviews here on Yelp and was looking forward to my visit to Dolce. I ordered a BLT panini. It was $13 with soup. The soup was great - smoky tomato, very good. The "panini" was a toasted white bread sandwich. The bread was the kind that you get from Safeway for $1 for a really long loaf. From Wikipedia: "Panini are sandwiches, Italian in origin, but now international. In Italy, a panino (Italian pronunciation: [panino]) is customarily made from a small roll or loaf of bread, typically a ciabatta or a rosetta. " It was okay as a toasted white bread sandwich, but I do not think it was a panini. And I'm not sure I would have minded if it were some other kind of bread (I hesitate to say the word "artisan", since that too means different things to different people), it's the holding out of plain ol' white bread as panini material that is objectionable. read more

Dolce is a rare find. What a fantastic neighborhood restaurant! Friendly service, delicious food, great wine all in a beautiful setting. The scallops are among the best we've ever eaten and the cioppino was excellent. And now that they have live music on Saturday evenings, Dolce has become one of our favorite dinner spots. read more

We went here the other night. The staff were on it upon entry. We made reservations to be safe, but not necessary for a sunday night, since the races are done. We ordered the standard bruscetta, meat & cheese platter to share. Both were fantastic. They were out of 2 of our chosen bottles of wine, but that's not a big deal. We tried the NY steak & short ribs; margherita flat bread and finally the roasted chicken. No complaints. All the ingredients were very fresh & the portion sizes are reasonable, not overwhelming. All were cooked to perfection. I believe the only negative we had was towards the prices. They are quite pricey for the dinners & their portions. I understand they are in Rancho Santa Fe/Fairbanks Ranch & likely have high rent...but the prices are a bit high. Are bill nearly caused a couple heart attacks. read more

Had a my dinner here with family (large party) and the had an amazing experience. This place is very nicely designed and has a very chic but cozy feel to it. The food was amazing from soup to salads, appetizers, flat breads and the main course options. Also we had the pleasure of having Damian (hope I'm spelling it right) attending to us which made our experience even more amazing. Everyone in our party loves her and raved about her. Will definitely be back. read more

Really cool place. Love the salumi "flatbread" and the BLTA. Don't get chicken on the BLTA like I did the first time. It cranks up the price of the sandwich to a $19 BLTAC and the chicken doesn't work with the combo. They give you a very gracious amount of bacon in the first place. I don't drink, but it's apparent that there is a very nice wine collection here. Recently there has been this disturbing leg of some animal in the back that I tend to stare at for a few minutes each time I go back even though I know it's cured and totally normal. I guess that's why I'm not a chef. I'm also tempted to try the super duper ultimate water filter machine they have, but I don't want to pay for it. Curious as to why it costs money. They are guilty, just like almost every restaurant in the Ranch, of switching their menus around at certain times in the day (I believe 2pm). P.S. Do yourself a favor and get the butterscotch dessert thing. read more

We had a team luncheon here yesterday. Cons: Unfriendly Service. We were hardly checked on. SUPER slow service. It took us over 2 hours for lunch. Not a full menu. No pastas. Only salads, paninis and a few entrees. Pros: Good short rib flat bread. Lunch for 6 people was $300. I'm not sure I would come back, since there are so many other places to eat. However, the potato corn chowder and short rib flat bread was pretty good, so I may or may not come back for those. read more

Sat outside during the sunset, it was a little cold but they have an outdoor fireplace - 5 stars for ambience. The service excellent. We ordered appetizers, food, dessert. This would be a five star place except for the food - I had the half chicken and it was a mediocre dish. Talk to your server about the dish you're ordering, they can be helpful. We did that for the dessert and I wish I'd done it for the main dish. read more

Good atmosphere and service but food is average and slow in getting to you Atmosphere was ok Noise level was on read more

I love this place. The food and service is excellent. I love KC the bartender. She is sweet and funny as well as beautiful. The wine selection is great and the ambiance is relaxing and posh. read more

Had a completely satisfying experience at lunch. The corn chowder was delicious, and the chicken pannini done just the way I like - with more ingredients than bread and expertly grilled with the component textures and tastes preserved. Can't wait to go back and try the more complex offerings at dinner time. read more

This is a classy gem. (Thank God---they are not caught up in copying all of the latest trends, so you won't get stuck sitting on a lousy cold metal chair, surrounded by a quasi garage/barn/graffiti-laden warehouse) Excellent food and a very inviting relaxing atmosphere. We have come for lunch several times. Very consistent quality. Great wine selections by the glass. Prices are within reason for the high quality of food and preparation. Everything on the menu is delicious, and I especially like the Angry Chicken and the Cedar Salmon. read more

We go here quite often and it is a lovely spot. Few of my personal favorite: pizzas (all of them) and the gnocchi with Boar meat sauce, which is awesome Steven is an excellent host, the staff is very friendly. I recommend to sit on the patio read more

I have to admit, Dolce Pane E Vino Restaurant is overrated...but in the absolute best way possible. It is difficult to find a good bottle of something to sip on for under $100, but the price does come with the guarantee that it will be amazing. Appetizers are the way to go. I love coming here with a small group of friends and ordering a few to nibble on while we enjoy our wine. The cheese plate and any of the flat bread pizzas will be sure to please everyone in the group. The communal tables are fun if you're with a date. For extra first impression points? Order the salted caramel dessert. read more

Finally, a new spot to eat in the Ranch!! Pros: Location - If you live/work in the area, then you know how desperately we need new restaurants! Wine - If you like wine, then this is a spot for you. Lots of choices at all price ranges. Soup - The cauliflower soup is the stuff dreams are made of...so delicious with veggies from Chino Farms. Cons: Price/Portions - The food is expensive considering these are "tasting" plates. The paninis come with a side soup or salad, so that is by far the best deal. The pane rusticos (flatbread pizzas) are tasty, but tiny. Beverages - If you don't drink wine, then your beverage selection is limited. They only offer bottled iced tea (and if you've read my other reviews, then you know that this is a big pet peeve of mine...it's fresh brewed or nothing!). It just recently opened, so I'm hoping that they revise the menu to be more satisfying for the price. But overall a great addition to the Ranch. read more

We have been here several times- always have had a good time and great food Attentive waitress and fast service Recommend read more

Beautiful decor, excellent service and food. Top notch wine and spirits list as well. I will be back for sure. Bravo to management and the staff! read more

Many of our friends love this place! We had to try it...so one afternoon after lunch and before dinner, we went there to give it a try. We ordered: 1. Spinach salad 2. Arugula salad It was simply a snack in between meals so we didn't go too crazy. Ambiance: elegant and cozy at the same time. Presentation is beautiful, and the wine racks by the front door is stacked beautifully and high. The outdoor patio is also a relaxing and plush setting, perfect for a get-together among friends and/or family. The bar looked well stocked, we shall be back for happy hour again! read more

I've written several positive reviews for this restaurant. Actually, I think that this is the only restaurant I've written more than one review for. But the service surpassed expectations last evening, with a group of 13 celebrating a birthday right smack in the middle of the restaurant. This has become my favorite go to restaurant, and I was eager to share with my guests, who loved the food, thought the service was terrific (really....6 bottles of wine to uncork? Cake that needed to be cut and served?....all done with a smile). Dolce made the event even more special with the warmth and service of a neighborhood restaurant that knows your tastes well. New York Times, Frank Bruni just wrote an article today on What we want in restaurants...and it sounded like it described this restaurant completely. "The chef Jonathan Waxman, 68, who owns the Manhattan restaurants Barbuto and Jams, said that we older diners are true in our tastes to the etymology of the word "restaurant," which promises to "restore one's spirit." read more

Me and my husband spend a lovely evening at the restaurant. Everything - the hostess, our waiter Phillip, the food and the wine were excellent! We really recommend this place. read more

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This restaurant is a pleasant surprise in Fairbanks Ranch area. We had a large party with many kids and they were happy to accommodate. We requested outside seating and we were seated in almost a private area, which was nice. The food was pretty good. We had different types of pizzas-meat lovers was the tastiest, as was the margherita. Salads were great. Soup was bland. Service was very attentive. Great place, all in all!! read more

The food was amazing. It is a pricey place but as other reviewers have said it is in a high rent district. We will definitely be back! read more

Every time I come here, I wonder why I don't come more often. The flatbread pizza is unique and delicious. The wine selection is fantastic. The food is fresh. I love the pretty patio, and as the racetrack property across the street is improved, the view will only get better. The dinner menu is also great, and the service has always been outstanding. Be prepared... This is not your casual neighborhood pizza place. This is a pretty pricey meal. However, the quality of the seasonal menu makes this a great spot for a nice meal out. read more

Yum yum Dolce: good wine and delicious bites. We did the $20 per person wine tasting last night (from 4-6pm) and loved every moment of it. The tastings are done on the back patio which is so lovely, but I do suggest coming early to snag a shady spot. Passed apps were included with the tasting and of the ones that we tried, the 4 cheese flatbread was definitely my favorite. And once the wine buzz kicked in, we also ordered a cheese plate (super yum) and a fungi flat bread pizza (not my fave, but still good). All in all I would say if you are a wine lover, Dolce is a must try. read more

Delicious food and friendly, happy service:) Love that they're open late. We'll definitely be back. read more

Dolce - Italian Near Me - Rancho Santa Fe, California

Loved the ambiance of this place- cozy & warm. But not entirely in love with the menu- it lacked options. We ended up sharing a salad and a fish dish. We had good food and service but nothing spectacular. read more

There are few times that I ever want to write a review on yelp, but I left dolce with much less than a dolce taste in my mouth. Let me start with the service. My server was texting the entire time my boyfriend and I were having dinner. She was over in the bar area talking to some long-white-haired man and his family shmoozing it up and failed to refill our water or ask me for another much needed glass of wine for way too long. We sat without anything to drink as we were eating our overcooked spicy chicken. We had to flag down a busser by getting up and walking to the hostess stand. She then came over and acted like nothing was wrong and flipped her blond hair as she walked away. So rude! Amateur service staff! To top off our already ruined date night, the owner was at the bar drunk as a skunk, being really loud and obnoxious, cussing and telling people "f*** you, take a bottle of wine home! I personally know the vintner". I'm not sure why they have gone so far downhill lately, but I'm going to guess that customer service is not their specialty. I have come in at least 10 times before this last visit in May, (with coworkers and clients) and I doubt I'll be returning. It seems to be the local hangout for the local alcoholics...including the owner. read more

I love coming here. The food is always fresh and the services have great. I would love to come here everyday for lunch and dinner. read more

If you like to have best food and service just come to dolce see Reid and miles you can't go wrong

A classy, local hangout, part wine-bar, part eatery, and a cool social scene. Consistantly good food, great wine selection and knowledgable staff. Can get busy at times, which may account for some service related issues seen here, but hey, relax and enjoy the European way of not having to be in and out of somewhere in 60 minutes! Great atmosphere and energy. Good for groups or on your own, you can usually find good conversation at the bar. Tucked away a bit, but well worth the effort in seeking out. Lack of 5th star is related to some pricing issues for certain menu items (as others mentioned), but it is in a high rent district. Enjoy!! read more

Cute place, great food, delicious wine but I couldn't give it 5 stars because the service is not 5 stars. Service isn't horrible but for the prices, it could be stepped up a bit. Everything that was ordered in our party was awesome. The fresh local organic veggies were amazing and top notch. I don't think that I have ever been so excited to eat arugula! To top off dinner we ordered this caramel/butterscotch creme thing for dessert and it was AWESOME! Best dessert I have had in a long time. read more

Had a blind date last night. Ian was our waiter and he handled it beautifully. We split the Monday special,a ribeye burger. Super fantastic! read more

Besides providing primo treatment to their customers, serving outstanding food, and having a wide variety of wines (especially old world; my personal fave!), the main seduction that keeps me coming back for more, is the positive energy exuded as you walk through their door. See for yourself! Bon appetito! read more

Dolce - Just feel the LOVE at this warm and cozy restaurant with the awesomeness of Jan and Juliet at your service! - Italian Near Me - Rancho Santa Fe, California

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