Dolce Restaurant   

Charming, cozy and just a stone's throw from the Pacific Ocean, is Dolce, a neighborhood restaurant where you can observe couples, families and country clubbers (Balboa Bay Club is across the street) enjoying Northern Italian fare. Upon entering you are greeted with a most hearty "Buongiorno!" Along with outdoor and indoor fireplaces, the pebble stoned floors lead to comfortable and intimate seating. Start with the ultra-thin carpaccio and some freshly baked foccacia bread. The homemade ravioli's are popular and stuffed with a variety of ingredients such as filet mignon, mushrooms or lobster. Some say the lasagna here is the best in California and other specialties include risotto Don Juan de Marco and Salmone Balsamico with rosemary leaves. Some evenings feature live music so you may want to linger in the bar or grab some dessert (ricotta cheesecake and souffls made with chocolate and Grand Marnier). Cigar smoking is permitted on the patio and Dolce boasts humidors and a selection of cigars. -- Victoria Namkung