On a Saturday in late October 2022, Neighbor Roy and I dined at Dolce Vita Italian Bistro on East Fort Lowell in Tucson. We arrived at noon and the place was not crowded. In fact, we were the only diners until a lady arrived halfway through our meal.

A pleasant waitress arrived at our table and poured water for us and took our initial order for appetizer: fried calamari with marinara sauce ($12.00), which is Roy’s and my favorite where ever we go. At the same time, I ordered a glass of wine: pinot grigio. Our appetizer came out quickly and we enjoyed it immensely. Thoughtful as I am, I took a small portion home to Ms. Karen.

The interior of Dolce Vita is small, but attractive, with a full bar and large portraits on the wall above our table. The owner, an Italian-looking, grandmotherly lady sitting at one of the tables had greeted us. A nice touch.

Finishing our appetizer, our lunch entrees arrived with Roy’s soup and my salad. Boy did they look good. They were, in fact, very good indeed. Roy had ordered spaghetti with meat sauce ($11.00). I ordered spaghetti pasta with Italian Sausage ($12.00).

I’ll let Roy tell you about his experience.

“Today, we dined in a small neighborhood-type Italian restaurant in North Central Tucson. I must admit I never have dined here, despite living in Tucson for over 50 years. The restaurant is rather small with 10 tables inside and another 6 outside. We were promptly greeted, and shown to our table and menus were provided. The waitress was efficient and promptly provided water, while taking our drink order. I chose my usual hot tea, she returned with a box of tea flavors–I chose a mint tea. We ordered an appetizer, calamari for 2. As my main entreé, I chose the meat sauce spaghetti.

Our appetizer arrived promptly, more than enough for 2. They were crisp on the outside and appropriately well done inside–I really do encourage anyone to order this dish. My main meal of spaghetti was generous, so I took 1/2 of it home for the next day. As we left I noticed the Mexican restaurant next door was also empty as was the Baggins restaurant two doors away. Must be some activity around the U. Apparently it was Homecoming Week. Anyway, do try it. I rate Dolce Vita with four Saguaros.”

My pinot grigio wine was very nice. My Spaghetti with Italian Sausage was excellent. And the calamari was outstanding. But so much that I took some home to Ms. Karen. Like Neighbor Roy, I give Dolce Vita four Saguaros, Very good indeed.

Dolce Vita Italian Bistro
1800 East Fort Lowell Road, Tucson, Arizona 85719
520-298-3700