While on a recent visit to the island of Eleuthera, my husband Perry and I were fortunate enough to dine at a wonderful restaurant on Eleuthera called Dolcevita -- Italian for “Sweet Life.”
The road to Dolcevita is off of Queen's Highway one mile south of the main intersection in South Palmetto Point -- just look for their sign on the west side of the road that says “DolceVita.” Getting to Dolcevita from the main highway is a bit of a challenge as you must travel on a typical Eleuthera side road which, to put it mildly, is rather bumpy. You eventually work your way back to an area that has future plans of being a large marina complex called Runaway Bay. 
The atmosphere at Dolcevita is very intimate and the décor offers a nice mix of European touches and island flare. There are tables set up on the outside back porch where you may have a beverage or two and, prior to dinner, enjoy a spectacular view of the sun setting over Exuma Sound. The inside of the restaurant offers a lovely view of the ocean. The restaurant may be a bit small and may get a little loud inside, but after a glass of wine, you won't notice.
The service is very personal, but you can't be in a hurry. Hey! You're on vacation! Establishments like Dolcevita should be looked at as a dining experience; not a place to grab a quick bite.
I realize neighboring Harbour Island is famous for its wide variety of wonderful restaurants, and while I would agree Harbour Island has a great reputation for dining, I guarantee Dolcevita on Eleuthera gives any restaurant on Harbour Island a real run for its money. Dolcevita's menu is upscale and extensive. One glance tells you this place is a cut above the rest. It may not be cheap, but you truly get what you pay for here.
On our first visit, I ordered Conch Spring Rolls which were simply fantastic. The order came with two perfect appetizer size spring rolls and generous portions of conch in each one. Perry ordered Focaccia Crostino, broiled mozzarella, anchovies and basil sauce. I was lucky enough to get a taste, and I'm glad I did as they were quite wonderful. He liked them so much he ordered them again on our second visit.
For my main course, I could not decide between their Pan Seared Tuna Filet with black sesame seeds and chef sauce, 
or their Coco Lime Prawns with spicy sauce and jasmine rice. I assumed we would be coming back, so I ordered the prawns and planned on having the tuna on our return visit. The sauce on the prawns was packed with flavor and had a pretty big kick. Perry enjoyed his Pasta All'Aragosta -- lobster, fresh tomato, garlic, basil, virgin olive oil, and large chunks of lobster throughout the pasta. Our meal ended with Perry's Chocolate Torte with French Vanilla Gelato and my French Vanilla Gelato with fresh cherry sauce which was simply amazing. We also enjoyed a small refreshing glass of Limón cello, which they make on their premises.
We spent a little time after dinner talking to owners Flipper and Paolo. They are two very lovely people and truly enjoy what they do. I told Chef Paolo the meal I had at Dolcevita was one of the best meals I have ever had. I don't mean just in the Bahamas; I don't mean just on Eleuthera; I mean ever anywhere!
On our second visit, we brought our friend Ralph with us. On my recommendation, he ordered the Coco Lime Prawns but didn't think they had that much of a spicy kick. 
I didn't taste his, so I don't know if they really didn't or if he just has a higher tolerance for spice than I do. This time, I had Eggplant Parmagiana as an appetizer. It was four or five slices of eggplant stacked on top of each other with a tasty mixture of tomato sauce, basil and cheese throughout the layers. My Pan Seared Tuna Filet was as good as I had anticipated; perfectly seared on the outside, rare on the inside, just as a good tuna filet should be. Perry's Broiled Lobster Tail with Flipperbutter Sauce was awesome; however, he wasn't very generous with the sample bite he gave me -- obviously wanting to keep it all for himself.
When visiting the South Palmetto area on Eleuthera, please do yourself a favor and make it a point to dine at Dolcevita. I promise Chef Paolo, Flipper and Joanie will take good care of you. How sweet it is!
