Al Dente

Name: Al Dente
Address: 4207 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA, United States, 92103-2512
Telephone: (619) 546-9288
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.4

4.4

100 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Top Tags:

Al Dente...as your pasta should always be! You can trust Italians on that!

We are dedicated to bringing new flavors to the table with a mix of traditional Italian dishes and reimagined ones.
Chef Antonio will delight you with his cuisine! At our restaurant we offer homemade pasta, locally sourced meat and seafood and authentic Italian recipes. We can’t wait to see you in person at our cozy trattoria and welcome you with our biggest smile!

We also specialize in large group dinners and will create a customized event and menu that fits any budget. Our restaurant can accomodate large parties with full and partial buyouts. We also offer off-site catering. Our “Secret Garden” back patio is the perfect spot to enjoy an aperitivo, a dinner or to invite up to 100 friends to celebrate your most important milestones. Contact our event coordinator Rebecca for more information (858) 740-4507.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Nov 29, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 7 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Seafood, Wine Bar
Hours of operation
Mon–Fri, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
Phone number
(619) 546-9288
Website
http://www.aldentesd.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Owned/operated by
Women
Executive chef
Antonio
Private party facilities
Daytime and Nigh time availability for large groups.Capacity: Main Room - 50 guests max. Patio - 120 guests max.AV Equipment Available | Minimum spend required.

Location
4207 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92103-2512
Neighborhood
University Heights
Cross street
Park Blvd & Howard Ave
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Park Blvd & Howard Av<br />Stop ID: 13552
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Offers

Happiest Hours
Multiple dates available
Sun - Sat - 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
We offer a full happy hour menu featured discounted drinks and appetizers.

Popular dishes

Bison Tartare$18.95
Capers, onions, lemon zest, olive oil, quail egg
Trio di Arancini$15.95
Arborio rice (ham, bechamel) (truffle & porcini) (shortrib & mascarpone)
Involtini di Melanzane$14.95
Stuffed eggplant, with bread crumb, cheese, fresh herbs and marinara sauce
Charcuterie Board$23.95
Chef's selection of cured meat and cheese
Frittura di Calamari e Gamberi$17.95
Fried calamari, shrimp, served with marinara sauce and fresh lemon
Burrata Vegetariana$16.95
Burrata, grilled zucchine and eggplant, heirloom tomato, pesto sauce
Dueling Jars$9.95
Artichoke spread & Caponata Vegana with artisan bread

Insalate & Zuppe

Caesar Salad$9.95
Romaine lettuce, shaved parmesan cheese, croutons
Insalata Siciliana$12.95
Green beans, heriloom tomato, olives, onions, basil, EVOO
Zuppa Contadina$12.95
Cannellini, garbanzo, lentils
Insalata di Spinaci$12.95
Baby spinach, onions, cheery tomato, caramelized walnuts, heart of palm, goat cheese, raspberry vinaigrette

Dal Pastaio

Gluten Free Pasta +$3

Cavatelli al Cinghiale$22.95
Wild boar sausage, garlic, shiitake mushroom, cherry tomatoes and white wine sauce
Duck Pappardelle$23.95
Braised duck in light red wine sauce, parmesan cheese
Fettuccine Pistacchio e Burrata$19.95
Creamy pistacchio basil sauce, topped with burrata cheese and parmesan
Linguine Vongole$24.95
Clams, Garlic, white wine and parsley
Carbonara al Dente$21.95
Creamy egg yolk, parmesan cheese, pancetta
Paccheri Norma$19.95
Fresh marinara sauce, eggplant, pecorino cheese
Ravioli alle Melanzane$19.95
Eggplant ravioli light tomato creamy mascarpone cheese
Oxtail Ravioli$24.95
oxtail ravioli, wild mushroom sauce
Ravioli all Aragosta$28.95
Lobster ravioli, roasted cherry tomato sauce
Risotto del Giorno
Chef's daily risotto
- MP
Truffle Gnocchi$21.95
Homemade gnocchi filled with ricotta cheese in creamy parmigiano, black pepper and truffle butter sauce

Carne

Filetto alla Griglia$38.95
8oz Filet mignon, potato puree, spinach, cabernet wine reduction
Pollo ai Funghi$24.95
Roasted duck breast, seasonal vegetable, honey port reduction
Brasato di Manzo$29.95
Slowly braised boneless Short Ribs served with parmigiano risotto

Pesce

Zuppa di Pesce$32.95
Sauteed mix seafood, clams and shrimp, marinara sauce served with toasted bread
Salmone$27.95
Pan seared salmon, spinach, white wine cherry tomato sauce

Sides

Sauteed Mushrooms$10.00
Potato Puree$8.00
Sauteed Spinach$9.00
Eggplant Caponata$9.00

What 100 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4.4Service
4.4Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

100 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Being raised in an Italian home this place defiantly rises to my picky taste buds. Recommend 10x’s over!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
3 reviews
vip
1.0
3 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall1food1service1ambience1
The worst service ever! Not very clean ! And the food is far from an italian restaurant . Stay far away
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Houston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
James waited on us and was fabulous. The food is delicious.
Is this helpful?
DL
DebbyL
San Diego
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was delicious and well prepared. Our server, James was charming, helpful, attentive and lots of fun! We’ll be back soon and have recommended Al Dente to out of town family as a “Not To Miss” Italian restaurant in San Diego. Parking is simple and close by.
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MP
MichelleP
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We are so glad we found this restaurant! The food was delicious and the service was wonderful. Everyone at our table really enjoyed each dish from appetizers, the main course, to the desserts.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 12, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience3
When we first entered the restaurant, they asked if we had a reservation and I said yes. They seated us immediately but unfortunately the table they were escorting us to was still dirty and the waitress wiped it down but there was still food on the seats so we kinda had to dust it off before we actually sat. Seemed weird to give us a dirty table instead of the other tables that were perfectly ready to use. Our waiter was friendly and let you choose between still or sparking water (still was $6 a bottle which wasn’t stated). Ordered our drinks and food. While waiting for everything our waiter came over & said he was leaving and his co-worker would take over. Our drinks finally came and I enjoyed a sip of it and our calamari came out which was good. Unfortunately, a gnat flew into my lemon martini so I had to tell the waitress that and she took it away and asked if I wanted another and I said no since the food was already coming out. The food we got was okay, didn’t really taste anything special from their dishes. Maybe it was that it was later at night and they were over cooking. Really only ate half and took the rest home. The waiter came over to let us pay our check and didn’t get to really see our receipt and she said it’s be $106 and took my card and tapped it. Let me choose tip and I got my receipt texted to me. Unfortunately after leaving, I saw that she still charged me for my lemon martini even though there was 3/4 of it left when she took it because of the fly. I would naturally assume you would take it out of the check if I didn’t even have it so that was very upsetting to see. Honestly the whole dinner was okay and don’t really think I’ll be coming back unfortunately.
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GR
motogpGRC
Hawaii
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on October 27, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Came here for dinner as part of a group of 5 around 7:30 on a Thursday. It was not busy at all and was seated right away. There is seating inside and on the patio, but we took a table inside. We were provided water right away and given time to look over the drink and food menu. Our server also provided recommendations and some insight on the chefs and their food. The pasta is said to be freshly made. We ordered appetizers for the entire table to share. The Artichoke alla Romana, Frittura di Calamari, and Zucchini Blossoms where delicious. I ordered the Linguine Vongole, which had good flavor. My wife ordered the Tonnarelli Carbonara which she had parmesan cheese added, and it was delicious. My friend ordered the Pecorino wheel for the Pasta of the Day, which was finished at table-side. Having it finished table-side cooled it off some, so it wasn't as hot as the rest of the food. To drink most of us ordered one of their sangria, which I got a white sangria. The sangrias were a little on the weak side. To finish the meal, we got a Tiramasu fir the table to share. It was soft and great taste. The friendly service and atmosphere was great. There isn't a parking lot onsite, only street parking around the area. I would come back if I'm in the area wanting Italian.
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J
Jenfoodluv
Las Vegas
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Welcoming atmosphere. Delicious food. Amazing service. Highly recommend. Will definitely return!
Is this helpful?
SF
SallyF
Central Coast
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Consistently delicious! Staff is always so warm and attentive without being overbearing.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had an early dinner there before our show at the civic theater and the experience was great. Everyone loved their dinner selections and the service was great. The lasagna was the best I have ever eaten. I highly recommend this restaurant.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta Metro
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I hardly ever leave reviews but this restaurant was amazing. The food was delicious, I had trouble deciding between sitting inside and outside because both were so cute, and our server James was the absolute best. Super attentive but not overbearing, even brought us complimentary glasses of Prosecco while my friend and I were chit chatting after we’d already paid the bill. The duck pappardelle was delicious as was the fig and prosciutto bruschetta. 10 out of 10 stars would 100% recommend!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta Metro
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
3 rd time here and 3 rd five star review for them!
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D
Destiny
Los Angeles
8 reviews
2.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 2, 2023
overall2food4service1ambience2
Went for restaurant week on a Sunday at 7:15, made reservations and chose to sit outside. Restaurant week was a good deal with good options, but we were served a lot slower than people who came after us. The bruschetta was really good, the calamari was very dry and overcooked. The lobster ravioli was good, and the pistachio fettucine was good but pretty bland. Service was not good, the entrees took a long time to come out, the waitress gave us a glass each of prosecco for free because of the wait, but it took over an hour just to get our entree, it seemed that it wasn't that busy either. We were complaining less than a table next to us and they got served much faster for some reason. Reservation was at 7:15 and we left at 8:45. Disappointed
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B
malloryB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fresh pasta was delicious! Portion sizes were perfect and our server made great wine recommendations
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MG
MegG
San Diego
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on September 28, 2023
overall5food5service3ambience5
We discovered Al Dente last year during Restaurant Week and put it on our list of "must return" places. It is authentic Italian. There is absolutely no comparison between Arrevederchi's thick sloppy tomato sauces and the refined perfect taste and texture of Al Dente's tomato sauces. The wine list is more than adequate and features Italian wines. ( There are only 3 California wines, a Napa Valley and a Paso Robles, on the list.) It is a very small and intimate interior space. I recommend the patio although the food gets colder faster out there. Service seems slow and the night we were there seemed to be under-staffed; however it is worth the wait. Whatever you eat, make sure to get a taste of authentic burrata cheese. It's usually in an appetizer or one of the entrees. There are no hard liquor drinks but the wines are all superb. A sweet dessert wine should be added to their wine list. Maybe a California Moscato?
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 28, 2023
overall4food3service3ambience4
a friend and I dying to hear for restaurant week one of us had the restaurant week special of calamari, duck and pasta and a piece of lemon cello cake, while one of us had the lasagna. The lasagna was fabulous but otherwise the meal was just average and the service too.
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SH
SHahn
San Diego
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent homemade pasta and Lemoncello cake dessert! James, our server was super polite, cheerful and welcoming. Chef knows what he is doing!
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CA
CAdams
Seattle
25 reviews
vip
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This restaurant has amazing food for a very fair price. Truly, the food was fantastic. The gnocchi special was so delicious, but everyone in our party of 11 loved their meals and the charcuterie board was the best I’ve had in any restaurant. It is just really fresh food, especially good recipes and great food presentation. It’s very loud inside, so we moved outside so our large party could all hear each other. The back patio music and lighting was perfect. And the wait staff were SO nice to kindly move us outside at our request, after we had already been seated indoors. It was a 30 year class reunion for our group, so we were so grateful to be able to all talk and hear each other. Thank you Al Dente staff and chefs!! Also David was a wonderful server!
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JK
JK66
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Just great - service was fast and very attentive. Will definitely return
Is this helpful?
S
Starz
San Diego
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
The fresh pasta dishes were exceptional! The service and attention was lovely. Very enjoyable… looking forward to our next time already!
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l
love2lunch
Los Angeles
39 reviews
vip
5.0
39 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a great find ! The Cesar salad was great but the fettuccini with pistachios and burrata was to die for! The service was impeccable and although we live in LA we come to San Diego on a regular basis and will be rushing back for more!
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MB
MB01
Los Angeles
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Their back patio is sublime—shaded and intimate. Perfect for Sunday dinner with friends.
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NR
NateR
San Diego
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall2food2service2ambience2
food was mid, service was mid, ambience was mid (acoustic sweet caroline cover was an interesting song choice)
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience3
Had a large group and reserved for outdoor, but got seated indoors unfortunately. Service was crazy slow. Probably understaffed, which has been a problem everywhere. But waited 30min for drinks (wine) , and food was slow as well. Service was friendly though! We got the family appetizer board which was AMAZING. Definitely recommend if you have a big party. All the mains were just ok. Every pasta dish we had was too salty (we shared 5 of them), and the other guests had fish and meat entrees but weren’t impressed. Took almost 3 hours to finish our dinner (took awhile to even get the check). I can’t recommend it, but hopefully it was an off night for them. If the food was better, I would try again but don’t think I’ll be back.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic food and great, friendly service. Definitely visiting again next time in town!
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JL
JLSII
San Diego
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and service, every bit as good as Cori Pastificio. Highly recommended!
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N
Natalia
San Diego
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on August 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent!! The authentic Italian ( Sicilian) flavor !! Love this place!!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I went there for a date night and got seated in the patio. The ambience, music and the whole vibe was immaculate. Highly recommended for a date night. James and Davide are the best!!! They’ll give you the best recommendation on food and drinks.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
wonderful experience, staff was so kind and attentive and every single dish we had was amazing! will be coming back!
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SL
SteakLovers
San Diego
29 reviews
vip
5.0
29 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The handmade pasta is exceptional. Service is outstanding with a Sicilian flare. Arancini. Is a slight twist from my Nona’s, but flavorful and delicious. We enjoyed a Caesar salad and a spinach salad, which were both ample portions, and an excellent start to the meal. Fettuccine was cooked perfectly and more than any person could eat in one sitting. Finest part of our meal was the handmade gnocchi — best in San Diego. We had a wonderful dining experience at Al Dente, and will return soon.
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HS
HerminiaS
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 23, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience4
The food was great, just a little pricey. Very cute environment
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MH
MarkH
San Diego
18 reviews
vip
3.0
18 reviews
Dined on July 23, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience4
The pasta carbonera could have been better. It was swimming in butter and cream if you like that. The flavor was just OK and was prepared much better when the first opened.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
This place had amazing food and friendly service staff that went above and beyond our expectations. 10/10 would dine here again
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OP
OliviaP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service, amazing food! Highly Recommend for special occasions or date night!
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B
Billy
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server made the experience even better, one of the best servers I have ever had and also the food was amazing. I would definitely go back.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Most amazing carbonara pasta I have found in San Diego
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best Italian in the area. James was an amazing server. Food is fresh and meat is so yummy!! We are bringing our family and friends. I can’t recommend enough. All food was good. Everyone at the table was sharing everything they ordered. And the tiramisu…you have to try it!
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AR
AdamR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This newer restaurant is a hidden gem! I love that the food is homemade authentic Italian chefs. The staff was lovely and the ambiance is wonderful in the back! Will definitely go back more times in the future!
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RO
RebeccaO
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wow! What a gem!!! As a party of 4 we tried several things on the menu and everything was superb. The wine list was good and they had a selection of nonalcoholic wine which was nice. The chef is from Sicily and brought family recipes. It shows in the care of each dish. The server was helpful, happy, and attentive and the garden area was lovely, especially with the addition of the resident parrots living in the tree. You can’t go wrong here. Be sure to save room for dessert!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing gnocchi!! Great service
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Al Dente using the Order Online button. Al Dente also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 546-9288.

Al Dente is rated 4.4 stars by 100 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Nov 29, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 7 times today

Order delivery or takeout

4207 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92103-2512

Additional information

Cross street
Park Blvd & Howard Ave
Neighborhood
University Heights
Hours of operation
Mon–Fri, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Sat 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Seafood, Wine Bar
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Park Blvd & Howard AvStop ID: 13552
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Owned/operated by
Women
Executive chef
Antonio
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.aldentesd.com/
Phone number
(619) 546-9288
Private party facilities
Daytime and Nigh time availability for large groups.Capacity: Main Room - 50 guests max. Patio - 120 guests max.AV Equipment Available | Minimum spend required.

Al Dente

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Happiest Hours

Duck Pappardelle

Caesar Salad

Oxtail Ravioli

Antipasti

Bison Tartare$18.95

Trio di Arancini$15.95

Involtini di Melanzane$14.95

Charcuterie Board$23.95

Frittura di Calamari e Gamberi$17.95

Burrata Vegetariana$16.95

Dueling Jars$9.95

Insalate & Zuppe

Caesar Salad$9.95

Insalata Siciliana$12.95

Zuppa Contadina$12.95

Insalata di Spinaci$12.95

Dal Pastaio

Cavatelli al Cinghiale$22.95

Duck Pappardelle$23.95

Fettuccine Pistacchio e Burrata$19.95

Linguine Vongole$24.95

Carbonara al Dente$21.95

Paccheri Norma$19.95

Ravioli alle Melanzane$19.95

Oxtail Ravioli$24.95

Ravioli all Aragosta$28.95

Risotto del Giorno

Truffle Gnocchi$21.95

Carne

Filetto alla Griglia$38.95

Pollo ai Funghi$24.95

Brasato di Manzo$29.95

Pesce

Zuppa di Pesce$32.95

Salmone$27.95

Sides

Sauteed Mushrooms$10.00

Potato Puree$8.00

Sauteed Spinach$9.00

Eggplant Caponata$9.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

FAQs

Does Al Dente offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Al Dente restaurant rated?

Is Al Dente currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information