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36 reviews for Dolce Isola - The Ivy Bakery
Review Highlights
"Best Chocolate Chip Cookies (REALLY."
(in 5 reviews)
"I recommend the ivy chopped salad and the swordfish tacos."
(in 4 reviews)
"Everything is made on-site, including the gelato."
(in 7 reviews)
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36 reviews in English
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Review from Sadie L.
Los Angeles, CA
1/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
The cat is out of the bag, this place is GOOD!
Staff is exceptionally friendly and will get you whatever you need/want. Refills are plentiful and food is abundant!
Price is well worth the meal as it is always fresh, flavorful, and just plain yummy!
Pastries sold are incredibly cheap, and are far better than many Westside bakeries. My absolute favorite is the Apple Croissant. Think caramelized whole apple chunks, nestled into a fresh, flaky, buttery croissant - the combo literally melts in your mouth. For you coffee drinkers, their coffee is great too!
I haven't deviated much from the Huevos Rancheros or the Caprese Omelet for breakfast because yes, they are THAT good. Huevos rancheros is served as follows: 3 fresh corn tortillas, each topped with a beautifully cooked egg. Atop the egg lies a dollop of fresh (there's that word again) made salsas - red, green, and pico de gallo. They are amazing. You also get a a side of beans and guacamole!
The caprese omelet is so delicious. Fresh mozzarella, basil and WARM homemade stewed tomatoes are enveloped inside a fluffy, light egg. Clean flavors that work really well together.
I haven't been for lunch yet but hear it is stellar. I am often awoken by the Santa Monica Seafood truck pulling into the alley to make its delivery to Dolce around 4:30am! Then, around 11am the smell of fresh seafood permeates the air!
More Particulars...
~Hours are Mon-Sat, 8am to 3pm. Closed Sundays (boo hoo)
~Plenty of street parking on Robertson or on Cattaraugus
~Saturday's are busy so wait times for meals/service can be lengthy, so prepare to stay and enjoy the decor/ambiance awhile! -
Review from Jessica N.
Los Angeles, CA
9/12/2011
One of my favorite places. Ever.
My bestie & I used to have weekly breakfast at this place before we moved out of the city. It's super quaint & charming. Colorful with a homey feel, if a little small at least.
The food never disappointed. It always tasted fresh & pure. They didn't have to overload with spices & seasonings... it was like you could taste every ingredient as well as its quality & they just married so wonderfully together =)
From the caprese omelette to the huevos rancheros & their vanilla bean french toast... amazing, amazing. Baked goods to-go (scones, cupcakes) & gelato. This place had something for whatever mood you were in.
But the BEST thing in my opinion is their homemade raspberry jam. Oh my god... I'd stop by when I'm in town just to bring back jars to the OC lol
Oh & everyone on the staff is a sweetheart. Especially Papa d'Isola & Orlando =) Miss you guys! -
Review from david z.
San Francisco, CA
2/3/2012
More a little bit of rodeo drive than a little bit of europe.
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Review from winnie r.
Brentwood, CA
12/16/2011
Went here for the first time today and what a pleasant surprise!! Sitting practically next door to Hamilton High School, is this absolute gem. Dolce Isola is tiny; just a few tables but the food is GREAT! Think Ivy at a fraction of the price. Breads are stellar, I had 2 beautiful crab cakes and my friend had a salad with freshly poached tuna, potato salad and chicken. I don't think anything was over $10.00. I brought home some gumbo soup and meatballs. The service was terrific and so friendly. Orlando was our server and was as nice as can be. . Just wish it were closer to home. The fine hand of Lynn Von Kersting is evident in the decor. Lynn is the genius designer from Indigo Seas (next door to The Ivy).
Can't wait to return. Forgot to mention that the gelato is incredible. I had a "taste" of the chocolate brownie. Maybe it is a good thing that Dolce Isola isn't too close to home.:) -
Review from Jennifer H.
Los Angeles, CA
6/16/2011
OMG, and I never say that!
I pride myself on being hard to be surprised, but this little gem on SoRo is just too much.
From the clean yet inviting decor to the attentive service to the delightful food, I am so grateful I get to take a lunch.
We had the swordfish tacos, nicoise salad and the cheesecake. Next time, I'll share an entree to try more of the desserts.
Glad to find a place to take out-of-towners for breakfast and lunch!! -
Review from Eric B.
Los Angeles, CA
11/19/2011
Best chocolate cookies ever. They have a perfect texture. Not too hard or too soft. I've been getting cookies here since I was a kid. They are really good for holiday gifts.
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Review from Stella D.
Los Angeles, CA
5/26/2011
Absolutely LOVE, ENJOY, ENVY this place!!!
Best red velvet cupcakes I have had in my life!!!!!!!
The sword fish tacos are to die for!!
The older man that works here, bring a smile to my face.
It's right down the block from my work place and the office orders to pick up all the time!
CHEAP THINGS AREN'T GOOD, AND GOOD THINGS AREN'T CHEAP!!! -
Review from Candy Q.
Venice, CA
10/28/2010 1 photo
While waiting for my oil change to be completed, I strolled down Robertson desperate for lunch (so desperate I considered Taco Bell...gross!) and among the seemingly abandoned businesses I found this jewel!
The outside doesn't look like much at all, but boy was I surprised at what I saw through the window -- a charming Italian bakery with bright yellow walls, marble counters and gorgeous chandeliers! Better yet was the food! Gelato, sandwiches, salads, pastries, coffees, fresh juices...I'm hungry again just thinking about it!
I had the Buffet Salad -- 3 salads in one! They gave me a side of freshly baked bread and real butter. Everything was delish! The presentation was amazing as well. Even my napkin was tied with an ombre ribbon...sooo cute!
Anyhooo, check it out! It is truly a refreshing escape. Like going to a little bakery in Italy on your lunch hour! :D -
Review from Marlene G.
Los Angeles, CA
8/23/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Everything is delicious here. Cookies, brownies, tacos, GUACAMOLE, coffee, tea, huevos rancheros. wow, my mouth is watering just thinking about it. This place is a must-go. Drop everything and go now.
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Review from Kimberly F.
Manhattan, NY
12/17/2010
I would have never found this hole-in-the-wall place if my girlfriend hadn't taken me here. Located on Roberson almost by the 10 freeway, you would miss Dolce Isola if you blinked when driving by. Super small, with only a few tables inside. Very old school, with bright walls, antique mismatching patio furniture and marble counter tops. The cases are decked out with cupcakes, breads, muffins, pastries...and lunch here is amazing. Always friendly service.
The corn chowder is the best you will ever have. The Ivy salad features 3 different salads that they serve at The Ivy restaurant up the street...for a fraction of the cost. The bread is phenomenal, and the butter is homemade.
The cookies here make the perfect gift, and are the ones sold at The Ivy. -
Review from Natasha M.
CA
10/12/2010
A-mazing! And so delightfully cute! We had the hand-made tortilla's and guacamole which was so indulgent. I had the swordfish tacos and my daughter had the crab sandwich. Both were mouth-watering! I had a lemonade which was just perfectly sweet enough. Daughter had fresh squeezed pineapple juice. To top it off, I had a red velvet cupcake and she had a lemon bar. I'm back in SF now, but would love to have that same meal tomorrow!!!
Such a delight! A must-see spot in LA. Lucky for those who live there! -
Review from Krishna N.
Los Angeles, CA
4/27/2008
This place is heaven on earth. I am so glad that a place opened up in my neighborhood.
When you walk inside, you'll instantly feel like you're in some quaint European cafe. The food, service, and atmosphere are excellent. They can make anything to order, but I would recommend their pastries, sandwiches, and desserts.
This place is a commissary for "the Ivy" in West Hollywood. -
Review from Patrick B.
Los Angeles, CA
5/21/2011
All I have to say is wow...I've worked in the area since November and my lunch choices were quite grim, thankfully a friend told me about this place and it saved my life. This place is insane, Ive had half the things on the menu and the only word I can say to describe the food is delicious. I recommend the ivy chopped salad and the swordfish tacos. A great hidden gem
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Review from jeanie k.
Los Angeles, CA
10/12/2011
choc. chip cookie - different, interesting, good!
scones - just like they serve at the ivy...mmm....
lemon bar - the best i've ever had! most lemon bars are sooo greasy on the bottom and overly sweet. not here! it almost has a cakelike consistency :)
will go back tomorrow to try the food! -
Review from Lisa R.
Los Angeles, CA
5/3/2011
I go in to Dolce about 3 or more times a week. They have the best latte's in the city. Not kidding. The service is always with a smile. The cookies are to die for, the croissants are amazing, the bread is perfect! I feel lucky it is in my neighborhood as it is nice to stop in somewhere where you are known and welcomed. The east coaster in me! The owner, who is the owner of The Ivy, is the nicest man. He has donated many baked goods to charity events I have worked on. This alone makes me stand even stronger on supporting independent business! Oh, the cupcakes are pretty great too!!!
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Review from Melissa T.
Seattle, WA
11/28/2009
This is a super tasty and super cute bakery within biking distance from my place. Hell yeah!
You can get cupcakes and scones for $1.50. Does that happen anywhere anymore? A buck fifty. For reals.
Espresso for $1.75! Croissant for $2.50!
Patisserie quality for diner prices. I'm in. -
Review from Diane C.
New York, NY
7/21/2008
My friend and I spotted this place across from our ceramics studio. It was closed then, and closed again one Sunday morning when I drove by. I made it my mission to try the pastries there. After all- the bakery was written up by Daily Candy and DC is pretty reliable for the most part.
Breakfast here consisted of a egg/pepper/onion-baguette sandwich, cinnamon sugar toast, coconut cupcake, and chocolate chip cookies. Everything was alright, nothing spectacular or nothing that would warrant paparazzi fanfare...The toast was boring and unnecessary, something that can be easily prepared at home and the cupcake (while the perfect balance of crumbly and moist) was not schmeared with the right kind of frosting. The frosting was "Vons-like". The cookie was just ok.
Everything was just ok. I plan on going back to try the regular sandwiches.
Service was AWESOME. -
Review from Jen L.
3/4/2011
3.5 starts Quaint with delicious dessert. I had the marjolaine dessert cake. Nutty with smooth creamy layers per the recommendation of the server. We also had the chicken fajitas (2 on a plate) and swordfish tacos. I loved the hand made tortillas and the avocados were fresh. Both came with rice and beans (which are mediocre). The case was half empty so there weren't cupcakes. My friend said that the gelato is great. Service was friendly,
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Review from Grant P.
Los Angeles, CA
5/12/2011
REVIEW FOR THE GELATO ONLY!!
COCONUT: One of the most delicious gelatos I've ever had-really!! THis one's definitely the winner out of them all. Texture-perfect, very dense and rich, and very creamy. Flavor-intense, complex, and delicious, toasted coconut yumminess.
BUTTER PECAN: Don't like it as much as coconut, but also really good. Flavor's not quite as intense, texture's not quite as dense, but still very creamy and delicious.
PEPPERMINT: Fantastically refreshing, very delicious, very dense, creamy texture. Really, really minty. Really tasty.
It's $2 for a "small" cup, but it's definitely more than enough gelato for $2. It's reasonably priced. -
Review from Soleil D.
12/3/2008
I haven't had their actual baked goods but their food is so-so. It's overpriced for what i've gotten. I've had a burger-dry and a turkey sandwich, also dry. Until now, I give it 2/5 stars.
If you'd like to fill up on good food, go down the street to Campos. You'll spend less and eat more. -
Review from David M.
12/30/2010 5 Check-ins Here
We were surprised to see so few breakfast options displayed, yet the menu seemed to offer more. In the end we got a couple of coffees and blueberry scones which were surprisingly good; almost like muffin tops. Ask for them to be warmed and a bit of butter to spread on them and you'll be set. I'll definitely go back to try their other options.
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Review from Zochi F.
11/17/2010 9 Check-ins Here
They brought us cookies from here and they were fantastic! I can't wait to try out their other pastries!
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Review from Brian M.
Los Angeles, CA
11/27/2010
The tarte tatin is one of the best desserts you have ever eaten. Think apple pie on steroids. I also had the chocolate torte for a family gathering. It was really dense and rich like eating a truffle.
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Review from Wind T.
Venice, CA
11/16/2009 1 photo
Adorable little pastry cafe that is reminiscent of a European cafe. Had the crab cake sandwich and potato salad. Both were delicious and 5 star-worthy. The crab cake was not too oily and the bun was freshly baked and good. The potato salad was especially good as it was not mayonnaisey at all but rather had a light vinaigrette-type dressing. In addition to potatoes is had sweet cherry tomatoes, haricot verts, and basil. A fancy potato salad which is good because I like fancy food that is simple at the same time. My bf got a turkey club on baguette and was not please with his choice. He said there was very little bacon, and the sandwich was on the small side (about 6" and it was $10). Also, the baguette piece he had was the end of the loaf and it was very crunchy and hard.
The lemonade was DEELISH. Not too sweet and just right in tartness. I think it might be a lemon-lime mix. It was really good.
So why the 3 stars? Well this is a bakery, and the baked goods were very meh. We got an assortment of goods: pecan squares, cupcakes (chocolate, coconut, and red velvet), chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal cookies, and mini chocolate cookies. I'm a HUGE cookie fan, a chocolate chip cookie can do no wrong in my book unless it comes from Nabisco or some other cheapo crap company. All the cookies were very hard/crunchy, which I don't necessarily mind, but these just were lacking. They were $0.75 and on the very small side. The cupcakes: the cake itself was not very moist, but not super dry, just very average. The frosting was good, but there wasn't a lot of it (it's my favorite part) so if you're one of those types that doesn't love the frosting this might be a good choice for you. Also, they were very cheap ($1.50 a piece). I didn't try the pecan square but the review of that was "it's ok." So the baked goods only get 2 stars as a whole.
Service was awesome but a little pushy in terms of trying to sell extra pastries. I would stop by again for a sandwich, and maybe give the brownies a try. They also had this apple cake type thing that looked delicious but was $32. I'm guessing that's their specialty, and I think they have it by the slice. -
Review from Eric T.
New York, NY
12/21/2009
I've only tried the pecan and pumpkin pies from this spot, and the pecan pie was the best I've had in LA. The pumpkin was not memorable, but good enough for me to devour an entire pie on my own. Next time I want a slice of pecan pie, it's good to know that there is a great place located on South Robertson where I can get my fix.
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Review from Jamie K.
West Hollywood, CA
12/27/2008
I can't get on the 10 fwy without stopping at my new favorite bakery on Robertson for a cappuccino and croissant. The pastries are amazing, and my current obsession is with the homemade mango chutney, blackberry jam, butterscotch, and chocolate fudge available to take home in mason jars. I had the crabcake sandwich for lunch once which was OK. Maybe since I had it to go it wasn't as good as it might have been fresh, plus for a sandwich and soup it was $25. Ouch! I'm going to order the lemon white chocolate cake for my birthday cake - can't wait!!!
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Review from sara l.
10/25/2009 1 photo
Although the food should really only get 3 stars (it's good but overpriced), Dolce Isola Bakery made literally THE most unbelievable tart tatine I have ever had in life. So good that when it got too rich to finish, I just kept sticking my folk into it and licking the fork so I could get the flavor over and over. Ys, it was that good. The brown butter, the crust, the consistency of the apples...all perfect. I feel like I died and went to baked good heaven. And fromsuch an unassuming place!
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Review from April T.
West Hollywood, CA
5/17/2008
Another gem of a dining establishment! An outrageous array of lovely & delicious deserts, sandwiches & salads, many different kinds of fresh-baked breads and gelato. Just a glass of iced tea is an extraordinary experience here. The decor alone will brighten your day as will the expertly trained, friendly staff. As I understand the HUGE kitchen is brimming with state-of-the-art equipment from Europe. Everything is made on-site, including the gelato. The owner, Richard, spared no expense & it shows in every detail...even in the packaging of your to-go goodies.
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Review from Anne R.
Los Angeles, CA
3/13/2011
This is a wonderful little cafe with friendly service. They make a great cappuccino. The cupcakes are really good (they only have red velvet and coconut) and reasonably priced. The brownies are also great. The tarte tatin is sublime. They make apple crossaints with the same apples used in the tarte tatin -- heavenly! The chocolate chip cookies and scones are not great, but they do enough else so wonderfully that it doesn't matter.
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Review from Floyd F.
Los Angeles, CA
1/6/2011
Best Chocolate Chip Cookies (REALLY!). I love the Spaghetti with Meatballs and my wife loves the Baguette Sandwiches (and Baguettes alone). And it's in our neighborhood. Oh, and, the gelato is like being in Italy (honestly. We've been there). Enjoy! -Fouqette Commercial @ 8737 Venice Blvd.
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Review from Hazel F.
Los Angeles, CA
10/16/2009
I'm so happy to have this place down the street from me. The red and white pinstripe shades and Italian music drew me in, and the great desserts and the men dressed in crisp white uniforms have brought me back. I was happy to see the marjolaine cake in the display case. Layers of butter cream and hazel nut meringue-- called sans rival in the Philippines. When I eight, spending the summer in the Philippines, my sister thought it would be funny to get me a this meringue cake for my birthday. Cake did not look like that for a little girl who grew up with icing covered sponge cake with icing in between. I did not have a single bite of it when I saw how it wasn't a cake. I still remember the way it was hard when I tried slicing it, and I was so sad. My mother got mad at my older sister for getting me this cake, as I watched other people enjoying it. I'm older now, and like my sister who thought that meringue cakes were the best thing in the world, I too, like meringues. And now because of her, meringues hold a special place in my heart. You know I used to always promise myself I'd stop by that Filipino silvannas (mini meringue cakes) place in Carson, but I never got too, and I think they are closed down now. But now I found this quaint little bakery that has it, and I order it just to remember that specific childhood memory. I hope they always serve it for the sake of me being able to reminisce on me 8th birthday. I also love their pistachio ice cream. It taste fresh and it's not too sweet. They have a great tiramisu and good cupcakes too. The only thing I've had on their lunch menu was their bread, mozzarella, and prosciutto. It was hard to eat, but the ingredients were of good quality. I've never been to The Ivy, but I'm glad that I can enjoy some of their food, without the paparazzi watching my every move.
Listed in: My Neighborhood-The Palms, Sweet stuffs
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Review from Rita S.
Washington, DC
5/17/2008
i love it. the ambiance, the staff, the food, the drinks... everything and i really mean everything is a treat here.
my favorites: chocolate chip cookies, freshly brewed ice tea, pasta salad, croissants.
i've been torn and haven't wanted to yelp this one because i wanted to keep it my little secret.
its that good! enjoy! -
Review from Jeffrey C.
Gilbert, AZ
8/5/2008
This little gem on Robertson just a few blocks north of the 10 is fantastic if you want freshly made gelato. The peach gelato was amazing. The summer ripeness seemed to permeate through and it was amazingly light and fresh tasting. As close to eating the fruit as you can get. The fig gelato seems to have a nice smoky flavor of the fig. The vanilla gelato is just chalk full of vanilla seeds.
The service is attentive and superb. It seemed like the countermen would have bent over backwards for requests. Breakfast had offmenu items like omellettes and toast. I had something that looked like a napoleon which I cant remember the name of but it was so much more complex in the flavor and textures.
The brioche and chocolate was acceptable. I am told by others that the cookies are fine but not exceptional. Paninis and other sandwiches are available but as of now untried by me. I will definitely go back for more gelato and try other things. The Mango gelato is with creme/milk not a sorbetto. I think I prefer the mango sorbetto at Al Gelato.
The ambiance is old world and the staff is dressed spiffily. It seems like theres a lot to discover here but be prepared to pay for the service and the quality. -
Review from c r.
Los Angeles, CA
4/13/2010
They have a great Red Velvet cake. Cake and frosting are not heavy. Cake is light and fluffy; Frosting is to die for creamy yummynes!!
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Review from douglas d.
Venice, CA
1/28/2010
Great little place in a neighborhood that has few great places. The staff is very friendly and super professional (i think many of them are Ivy waiters actually). Cupcakes are great, really nice fresh breads, the salads are great and the scones rock. Don't come here for super fancy, they serve everything on paper plates for some reason, but everything else it perfect.
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Review from thomas B.
Los Angeles, CA
10/3/2008
The food is great! I ate lunch there today and it was very nice. The service was top-notch for the little place. I had he potato gnocchi it came with two meatballs, that and the sauce was DEEE-licious. Portion was about two bites to small. Only downside, plastic utensils and paper plates...kind of cheap for a place where you have a waiter...a dishwasher is also a little more environmentally friendly. I still give it 4 out of 5 stars because the food was so good. A little spendy, but still really good. Too bad they are not near Pico and LaCienega - is anything good in that hood?
