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Categories: Bakeries, Coffee & Tea [Edit]
Neighborhood: Central DistrictBella Dolce is as simple as its name (if you speak Italian). They have a great array of enticing sweets, a few delicious savory items, and a couple tables for a quick, intimate bite. If I had a magic wand I would make it more affordable and cut cake by the slice.
The food here is quite simply fantastic.
Bella Dolce Bakery reminds me of little lunch cafes in Italy. It is a charming cafe that can become quite crowded at lunchtime. But often I'm surprised they aren't more packed. The food is far better than any other local lunch eateries.
They are mostly known for their baked goods...the apricot ginger scone is great, but I LOVE their lunch options. While most bakeries load up their lunch menus with bread, bread and more bread, Bella Dolce has an amazing selection of non-bakery-like options. Some of my favorites are the Salmon Cakes, Marinated Broccoli Salad or the Mixed Greens Salad with Flank Steak.
Definitely my favorite Madison (Park or Valley) Cafe and well worth a visit.
We made a trip to Bella Dolce after reading the top reviews. I was looking forward to taste the coconut cake, unfortunately, they do not sell it by the slice. I would say a limited choice of the desserts...we ended up choosing the bread pudding and the nectarine pecan loaf. I would say 3 out of 5 for the desserts, there wasn't a "wow" factor for us. We might have a better luck with the cupcakes but after we saw some flies flying around it, we changed our mind. Maybe they can store it in a closed space. Otherwise, a very homey and personal atmosphere...and they should sell the cake by slice, they were really tempting!!
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Bella Dolce is a real gem of a cafe/bakery located in Madison Valley. The owner Joanne is very friendly and will often come out and chat with you in the cozy eating area. There are just a few small round tables and chairs. That adds to the European charm. It brings me back to Italy - and everything there is delicious. The salmon cakes, brioche, and steak sandwiches are my favorites. I ordered the coconut cake for my daughter's 1st birthday - it was the perfect size. A pastry chef was there today and she claimed that Joanne's coconut cake is THE BEST - and she makes a coconut tart that rivals the coconut cream pie at Dahia Lounge. Now I've been going there just for their coconut cream pie for years, so now I'll have to do a taste test just to see whose is best. :) One more thing - this bakery is located in MADISON VALLEY - a totally different neighborhood from the Central District and not Madison Park. We are bordered by 23rd Ave, E. Howell, L. Washington Blvd, and E. Helen. I'm a proud Madison Valley resident, and it's time we start calling ourselves by our proper name!
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My Mum-in-law brought a red-chocolate Bella Dolce cake for my daughter's 1st birthday party. Now, I am not a cake eater, but this cake was wonderful: moist, flavorful, and the icing - ohmygod - it was exactly the real butter-cream icing recipe from the old country that my great gram used to make for our birthdays. (It was also beautifully decorated, though it didn't last long enough to really admire the finishing touches).
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A great tiny cafe/bakery for lunch and treats. I was headed to the Essential Bakery on Madison and happened upon Bella Dolce. So glad I did. Try their Mediterranean Tuna Sandwich and ANY dessert!!
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Buttery, flavorful, sweet, REAL cupcake + well-pulled espresso - a match made in heaven.
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