Dolce Vita Gondola

Leah and Gyorgy's gondola ride was a dream right out of Old Europe: the water, lit up by the colors of the night lights; the soothing lapping of the lake; the spirited gondalier rowing us along. I learned so much about historical Oakland from our host, while my friend and I thoroughly enjoyed the vivid beauty of the surroundings, and our delightful company. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to experience the night scene of Oakland from a new, marvelous perspective that will be sure to stay in my memory.

So....Lake Merritt is beautiful, but when I've thought the actual water, it's always been to wonder how many bicycles and scooters are lining the bottom, or to distantly admire the sporty crewing types. But a magical gondola ride at sunset? No, it would never have occurred to me. During lockdown we became very fond of the lake - walking around it, having food and drinks outdoors at the Lake Chalet. Last time we were there for an early evening dinner we noticed a group of elegantly dressed people having cocktails on the pier to the other side of the restaurant - they were taking turns going out on what appeared to be a genuine Venetian gondola, piloted (if that's the right word) by what appeared to be a genuine Venetian gondolier in a striped shirt. It was like watching a period film set, right from our table. I was determined to try this myself at some point, and I was lucky enough to get the chance last weekend. Totally worth it! Dolce Vita is run by a charming husband and wife who really know how to create a mood. The indoor space is beautiful and decorated with antiques - it would be a great place to have an event even if you didn't want to go for a gondola ride. We started out on the pier with some glasses of rose, and when we got into the boat, it was suddenly like a little vacation. I'd been to Venice once but never rode in a gondola - I felt like someone out of a Henry James novel. Prosecco ensued. We got up close and personal to pelicans, and learned a bit about the Venetian republic ...the gondolier even sang. We were out for under an hour, but I felt incredibly refreshed by the experience.

Talk about an amazing experience! From someone who has been to the VENICE in Italy several times, THIS Venetian gondola ride totally competes - perhaps even BETTER! What a JOY it was to be barcarolle'd around Lake Merritt. This was a major highlight of my year! Thank you, beautiful people! Xoxoxo. And thank you for coming to hear me in JACQUELINE across the street at the Masonic Theatre. LOVE and BEST WISHES to you all - always.... - MB

My wife and I came for a romantic experience after our wedding ceremony nearby. It was the perfect way to spend time as newly weds, enjoying the charm of a gondola tour on the lake. It was a beautiful and relaxing tour. I highly recommend booking this tour for a romantic occasion with your partner, or any type of social gathering for a unique experience!

Very romantic. A hidden gem in Oakland. Tucked in behind the Lake Chalet Seafood Bar and Grill. Our hosts Gyorgy and Leah were excellent. We stepped into their quaint venue. Gondolier hats and paddles hung from the ceiling and walls. Prosecco, fresh fruit, and samosas started off the evening. The feel of Italy and European culture surrounded us. We then stepped aboard the Gondola. Completely refurbished, the black lacquer shimmered in the evening light. Accompanied by Italian music we sipped our Prosecco and relaxed as we toured around the lake. We cuddled under blankets as time slipped away. Before we knew it we slowly approached the dock just as a chill descended on the evening. We stepped back upstairs into the restaurant to warm up and cap the evening wit a wonderful meal. A night to remember.

My husband and I came here to enjoy the gondola on Valentine's Day, and it did not disappoint. I came into the experience with some trepidation in anticipation of how cold it was supposed to be that day; however, I was very pleasantly surprised that I was kept warm while out on the water. The owners were so friendly and accommodating, providing multiple blankets to keep us nice and toasty. Our gondolier was very nice, singing beautiful Italian melodies at our request throughout the ride. We came here during the daytime, but promised that we would come back another time at night to enjoy the beautiful lights on Lake Merritt. A very unique experience that I would absolutely recommend.

Dolce Vita Gondola is a perfect romantic escape. The owners greeted us warmly and even offered us their own wine for the tour. The gondolier was a fantastic guide with romantic and non intrusive serenades during our trip. I would recommend Dolce Vita Gondola for anyone in the Bay Area that wants to experience authentic Venetian gondola rides without having to go to Italy or Vegas.

A romantic getaway right in the heart of busy Oakland. Leah Vass has taken over the gondola tours on Lake Merritt with a focus on service and romance. Forty-five minutes of bliss, complete with serenades and chocolates. Highly recommended.

Why fly all the way to Venice when you can experience the magic and serenity of a gondola ride right here in downtown Oakland? We enjoyed a spectacular full-moon float with György and Leah. They have created one of the finest romantic experiences in the East Bay. Even the entrance to the dock feels like an enchanted Venetian grotto, under an arch, through an alcove of vintage treasures and artifacts. It is in the same building as the Lake Chalet restaurant; if you dine there, plan for an aperitif on the water before the meal, or cordials afterward.