One of Ainsdale’s best-loved restaurants is celebrating an incredible 40 years at the heart of the village.
Dolce Vita first opened on Station Road in 1986 and has since welcomed generations of diners, becoming firmly woven into the fabric of Ainsdale and establishing itself as a true jewel in the crown of the village.
The current owners took over in April 2023, becoming custodians of an already much-loved name. Since then, they have respected its heritage while evolving the restaurant for a new generation.
Today, Dolce Vita is thriving. Weekends are often fully booked, its following stretches across Ainsdale, Southport and beyond, and it has become a favourite meeting place for the who’s who of the area, including local footballers, celebrities and familiar faces from across the region.
At its heart is authentic Italian food, with chefs combining traditional recipes with fresh, seasonal produce.
The à la carte menu spans antipasti, wood-fired pizzas, pasta, risotto, meat and seafood. Current favourites include Smoked Salmon Bucatini, Linguine Frutti di Mare and Lasagne al Forno, while pizzas range from the classic Margherita to Nduja & Goat’s Cheese and the signature Dolce Vita with dolce latte blue cheese, mozzarella and Parma ham.
Offering a little taste of Italy in Ainsdale, Dolce Vita retains the warmth and relaxed atmosphere of a neighbourhood favourite – equally suited to dinner for two, drinks with friends or a family celebration.
Its popularity is reflected in hundreds of positive reviews, including a 4.6 out of 5 Tripadvisor rating and a Travellers’ Choice accolade.
There are plenty of other reasons to visit. Thursday Steak Night offers two premium 8oz rump steaks with a bottle of house wine to share for £45, while Sundays have developed a following all of their own.
Served from 12pm to 6pm, Dolce Vita’s traditional Sunday Lunch features a choice of roast meats with all the familiar favourites and the generous plates expected from a proper Sunday lunch. Seasonal dishes and weekly specials keep the menu fresh, while regulars regard it as one of the best Sunday roasts in Ainsdale and beyond. Sunday Lunch – one course £22, two courses £26 or three courses £30.
The restaurant has also continued to evolve, with the addition of an outside terrace complete with its own stand-alone bar, all-weather umbrellas and heaters, creating an inviting space throughout the seasons.
A dedicated function room and heated conservatory cater for private celebrations, while larger parties can be accommodated in the main restaurant.
Just a two-minute walk from Ainsdale train station, with on-street parking nearby, Dolce Vita is easily accessible from across the area.
Margaret Murphy said:
“Dolce Vita has been part of Ainsdale for 40 years and we are incredibly proud to have been custodians of such a well-known and much-loved name for the past six.
“When we took over, we inherited a restaurant with a real history in the village. We wanted to respect that heritage while continuing to move it forward.
“Some customers have known Dolce Vita for decades, while others are discovering us for the first time, and that’s what makes it so special.
“Reaching 40 years is an incredible milestone. We’re enormously grateful for the support we receive and very excited about the next chapter.”
Four decades after the name first appeared on Station Road, Dolce Vita remains a thriving part of Ainsdale life – authentic Italian food, familiar faces, warm hospitality and a restaurant that generations of customers have made their own.
Forty years on, Dolce Vita remains a jewel in Ainsdale’s crown – and its story is still being written.
Dolce Vita Ainsdale
90 Station Road
Ainsdale
Southport
PR8 3HW
Tel: 01704 575 535
Email: [email protected]
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