La Dolce Vita - Aix-en-Provence

We apparently had a very different experience than other reviewers. We ate on the earlier side (US, rather than European time). We had passed by several places (all quite pricey in this area) and noticed that La Dolce Vita had an excellent sounded deal: any pizza and a salad for 10 euro. My son and I ordered the special and my wife and daughter split a large vegetarian salad. The pizzas were huge and quite good. They were very thin and I would recommend ordering no more than 2-3 toppings as the pizza couldn't handle more. The salads were all quite good: fresh greens, tomatoes, etc. Chairs were very comfortable, service was pleasant, nice street views. Inside was a bit dark, but nice, although strangely their art was not hung well: 2 different triptychs were not aligned at all... no big deal. Ultimately, if you want a simple, inexpensive, but filling meal, this is an excellent choice

We chose this restaurant as we were passing by and it looked busy. We were therefore shocked at our terrible meal. First impressions were not favourable, a broken glass on the table and a sad looking Canary in a cage. We ordered, and a few things were not available, fair enough. We ordered a Penne pasta dish, and they did not have any Penne pasta, so we had to order Spaghetti instead. A little odd for an Italian restaurant. The meals turned up, all except the Spaghetti. It was then explained they did not have any Spaghetti, but not to worry we wouldn't be charged for it. That was nice of them! Linguine was offered instead, meanwhile the rest of us had our meals in front of us. The food was all barely passable. The edges of the pizzas were burnt. My excuse for a Chicken Caesar salad was miserable. The chef was spotted popping out for provisions. We ordered desert, and a citron tarte was delivered that had a strong and distinct smell of fish! The waitress took it away with an apology. Coffee ordered didn't arrive. The only positive point was the waitress (the only waitress) who was friendly, although totally overworked.

The food was fine, and a pretty good value. As we were ready to leave, the server (who did a fine job) informed us that we would have to wait for the owner to present our bill. We stared at him as he sat outside talking on his cell phone for at least ten minutes. Finally, we stood up and gave him the writing in the air sign. He continued his conversation while he stood at the register for another five minutes or so. What a jerk. There are other good choices in Aix, at the same price range for the same quality of food, where they treat customers with respect. We would give the server a four, but the owner wrecked the overall service rating.

Got to the restaurant by accident as it started to rain and lunchtime was approaching. When we entered only one table was occupied. We ordered quickly, from the lunch menu with 2 options for a starter, 3 for a main. And then we waited. And waited. Had an ok starter. And waited a bit more. The entrecote was not bad, chicken maybe a little bit raw but no way we send it back for more waiting. Asked for salt, had finished the plate when we got it. Good dessert. And almost 2 hours after entering we were out. Complete lack of attention and service mentality makes this place a disgrace. The food was actually not bad, but everything that happens around it was just too much.

Average food at relatively inexpensive prices but let down by very slow service at every turn, not helped by evident disinterest when the service was commented on at the end. Despite looking less touristy than nearby restaurants, appearances can deceive. We won't be returning and wish we'd read the other reviews beforehand.