Dolce Vita, one of Ainsdale's oldest restaurants, is celebrating 40 years in business after first opening on Station Road in 1986. Since then, it has become a much-loved village landmark, welcoming generations of diners from Ainsdale, Southport and beyond.
A 'mad' idea that paid off
The restaurant was originally opened by the Cardillo family at a time when Ainsdale had relatively few businesses and little passing trade. Stefano Cardillo previously recalled how people thought his father was "mad" to open a restaurant in the area, which has since grown into a bustling village.
Margaret Murphy, 68, a grandmother of eight and one of the current owners, described the anniversary as a hugely significant milestone. She said the team was proud to look after such a well-known name and wanted to respect its heritage while continuing to move the business forward.
New owners, same reputation
The current owners took over Dolce Vita in April 2023 and have worked to preserve its established identity while developing its future. Margaret said the restaurant was thriving, with weekends often fully booked and customers including local footballers, celebrities and familiar faces from across the region.
The menu offers a wide selection of Italian favourites, including antipasti, wood-fired pizzas, pasta, risotto, meat and seafood dishes. Popular choices include Smoked Salmon Bucatini, Linguine Frutti di Mare and Lasagne al Forno, alongside pizzas such as Margherita and Nduja and Goat's Cheese.
Community and future plans
The restaurant's signature Dolce Vita pizza features dolce latte blue cheese, mozzarella and Parma ham. Its proximity to the train station also attracts visitors from further afield, with Margaret highlighting the popularity of its Sunday roast among weekend diners.
Margaret said running a restaurant with such a significant place in the community brought a responsibility to maintain its reputation for future generations. She added that regular weekly customers and the warm welcome offered by the team remained central to the restaurant's enduring appeal.
Looking ahead, the owners intend to build on Dolce Vita's established reputation by continuing to prioritise quality food, excellent service and traditional hospitality. Margaret said the team felt privileged to be custodians of a venue so deeply loved by the village and hoped to welcome customers for many years to come.
