KEY POINTS:
Herald rating: * *
1194 Great North Rd, Pt Chevalier
We came here because it's close to home. If there's a good cafe within 10 minutes' walk, we want to know.
Parking was just outside.
We walked in and immediately thought the decor didn't really match the Italian name. Red leather benchseats, tinsel-wrapped lights and a wall lined with Vodafone Warriors calendars. What should we expect from the food?
The most unusual thing on the menu was battered banana with cream and icecream ($8.50).
We ordered an omelette filled with cream cheese, salmon and capers ($12.50) and eggs benedict on toasted muffins with extra hash browns ($11.50 plus $1 for the hash browns). The omelette was rich but delicious - gooey in the middle with generous helpings of salmon and cream cheese. The eggs benedict was average and came with the kind of toasted english muffin you buy in a six-pack at the supermarket.
The service was pleasant.
The coffee was good, if a bit milky.
We recommend if you come here you leave your inner design critic at home. Dolce Vita is part cafe, part cafeteria and caters for those who want a sandwich and coffee for morning tea as much as those looking for a cafe brunch. That said, where else can you get eggs benedict for less than $12 this close to the city?
Overall, we thought it offered decent, well-priced food that obviously keeps the regulars happy.
