Intimately dark and inviting, homespun and cosmopolitan, La Dolce Vita has long been the favorite destination of the renowned and famous, from presidents and celebrities to the Rat Pack and the rest of us who are looking for some of the finest Northern Italian cuisine in Southern California. La Dolce Vita is a clubhouse for all – a safe haven from the paparazzi where every meal is made from scratch, and any dish requested will be made to order.

Regulars argue about the best part of La Dolce Vita: is it the wonderful menu selection, or the unique atmosphere of the place? After a guest places an order, preparation begins in the kitchen and is ultimately completed tableside by one of the captains.

Maitre d’ Ruben Castro and his staff are warm and attentive to all guests, be they regulars or new friends discovering La Dolce Vita for the very first time. “We want them to feel at home,” Ruben says, “and when someone comes in without a reservation, I want to be sure they are comfortable and feel completely welcome while they wait for a table.” At that point, he usually will introduce them to the bartender and order a refreshing glass of wine to enjoy during their wait. Once Ruben seats a party in one of the plush leather booths, they may never want to leave. You have arrived!

Ruben has been at La Dolce Vita since 1974, long enough to remember original owners George Smith, Jimmy Ullo and actor George Raft, who opened the restaurant to rave reviews in 1966. Today, Ruben can show you the plaques that commemorate Raft’s favorite table, as well as the one which hangs over the favorite spot of former actor, Governor and President Ronald Reagan.

The restaurant is now owned by Alessandro Uzielli, who purchased La Dolce Vita with a desire to add new luster to one of the few places in L.A. that remained tried-and-true during the city’s dramatic evolution over the past four decades. “I want to restore the appeal that our guests have loved about La Dolce Vita for over 40 years,” Alessandro says. “And we want to our new friends who come here to have an experience they will never forget!”