Snapshot: Dolce Restaurant & Wine Bar

13 North Cass Avenue
Downtown Westmont
DolceWestmont.com

Carrie Fleck had a longtime desire to open a small wine bar offering an intimate atmosphere with good food and wine. In 2018, she and her husband, Stephen, were presented with an opportunity to co-own an existing spot focused on rustic, refined food and an exquisite wine selection. Dolce Restaurant & Wine Bar, conveniently located in their hometown of Westmont, was the chance to make these dreams a reality.

A few years later, the Flecks became the sole owners of Dolce. Visitors will often see them on-site talking to guests, ensuring they’re having an enjoyable dining experience, which – at Dolce – is guaranteed.

The Dolce menu favors Italian cuisine, but they don’t limit themselves to any region or flavor palettes. They actually consider themselves to be more Italian-American fusion by putting a spin on traditional Italian dishes. Three popular favorites from the menu are the short rib pappardelle, the mushroom toast, and the blackberry and camembert pizza.

They also have an extensive wine list, which is always changing to offer a unique variety. In addition, their craft cocktails have become a popular attraction to customers. Many guests love the craft cocktails created for local businesses. It’s a fun way to collaborate with the community and get creative with marketing. Their newest drink is the “Get Lit Spritz” for BRLighting & Design located at 40 S. Cass Ave, Westmont.

The restaurant space itself is very unique to the area. It offers a formal-looking front dining area (great for date night or intimate ambiance), which includes a baby grand piano with live performances every Friday and Saturday night. They also have a casual bar with seating and hightops, as well as their popular year-round outdoor patio, which is covered and temperature controlled.

Dolce aims to offer an elevated food experience in a non-formal space. It’s a place where many locals run into each other and end up staying to share a drink. It’s a place where new customers become friends. It’s a place focused on community and quality, and it should be on any local’s shortlist for their next date night or get-together. ■