Food & Drink Spotlight: Dolche Vita

A view of Dolche Vita from the outside

Located in Keynes College on the Canterbury campus, Dolche Vita is a popular spot for students and staff alike. With plenty of indoor seating and a picturesque outdoor area by Keynes duck pond, it’s an ideal place to enjoy coffee or lunch in the sunshine.

Open from 08.00 to 16.00, Monday to Friday, Dolche Vita serves a range of drinks, cakes, pastries, and grab-and-go options throughout the day. The lunch menu is available from 11.30 to 15.30, and features popular dishes like Katsu Curry, Red Thai Curry, Butter Chicken, jacket potatoes, and loaded fries. The Katsu Curry, with either panko-breaded chicken or tofu, is a favourite that has been on the menu for over 10 years.

A group of staff and students sit together at Dolche Vita to enjoy lunch

If you prefer something lighter, Dolche Vita’s grab-and-go range includes a £3.50 (ex VAT) sandwich meal deal, perfect for those needing a quick lunch. Other options include pasta pots, fruit pots, overnight oats, and warm pasties, including Caribbean-style patties from Three Little Birds.

One of the highlights at Dolche Vita is their barista-made coffee featuring the “Ambition” blend from local roastery Garage Coffee. This exclusive blend, made with beans from Brazil and Colombia, offers rich notes of dark chocolate, pecans, and vanilla. Customers can also take advantage of some great coffee perks, like…

  • 10% off when using a reusable cup
  • A free hot drink after purchasing nine with the hot drink loyalty card

For a seasonal treat, there’s also the limited-edition pumpkin spiced latte, perfect for autumn.

A latte made with the "Ambition" coffee blend from Garage Coffee

Customers can place their lunch orders at the till or via the ‘Order Up!’ app, with takeaway options also available. Off-peak hours provide a relaxed atmosphere, making Dolche Vita a great spot for meetings or study sessions. With plenty of natural light, the space feels bright and welcoming.

Follow Dolche Vita on Instagram @dolchevitakent and don’t forget to share your feedback via the Food for Thought survey or email it to catering@kent.ac.uk.

Contact Dolche Vita: +44 (0)1227 824900

A staff member at Dolche Vita chats to a customer

Dolche Vita's Katsu Curry made with panko breaded tofu.

A group of students sit outside Dolche Vita to enjoy a coffee.