Al Dente – Italian
Stepping into Al Dente feels like entering a spirited Italian kitchen where the air is thick with the intoxicating aroma of simmering pomodoro and toasted garlic. Hand-rolled pastas take center stage, offering that signature firm bite alongside vibrant, seasonal sauces that celebrate the rustic elegance of Mediterranean tradition. It is a warm, flour-dusted sanctuary where the clink of Chianti glasses and the hum of conversation create an atmosphere of timeless, soulful hospitality.
Al Dente, 5th Avenue, Park Slope, Brooklyn, Kings County +92 345 2656331 https://aldentefreshpasta.com/Rating: 4.8/5 (95 reviews)
Cuisine: Italian
Price range: $$
Dietary options: high-protein, dairy-free, nut-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, keto, low-carb, vegan, mediterranean, pescatarian, sugar-free, diabetic, heart-healthy, plant-based, low-fat, paleo, anti-inflammatory, atkins, clean-eating, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, low-fodmap, tlc, detox, alkaline, raw-food, volumetrics, lectin-free, mayo-clinic
Currently closed
Hours
- Monday - Thursday
- 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Friday - Saturday
- 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
- Sunday
- 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
What diners are saying
Celebrated for its authentic Italian cuisine and intimate atmosphere, Al Dente consistently impresses diners with perfectly cooked pasta and warm, attentive service. Guests rave about standout dishes like the rich Tonnarelli alla Carbonara, fresh Spaghetti Marinera, and juicy meatballs, while the "best ever" Tiramisu is a frequent favorite for dessert. Reviewers highlight the cozy, discreet ambiance—perfect for catching up with friends or a romantic dinner—and appreciate the seamless service and decent prices that make the experience feel like a trip to Tuscany.
Menu
Antipasti
Starters and appetizers to begin your meal
- Le Polpette della Nonna - $18: Meatballs & Focaccia Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Seasonal Salad - $14: Fresh greens salad, season fruit, nuts and feta cheese Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Raw-Food, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic
- Bufala Mozzarella Figs and Prosciutto - $23: Creamy Bufala mozzarella served with fresh figs and prosciutto Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Atkins, Clean-Eating
- Garlic Butter Shrimps - $20: Onion bread on side Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
- Pan Seared Scallops - $32: Served with spinach, mushroom and crispy guanciale Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Paleo, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating
- Bruschetta - $12: Pomodoro & Fresh Bread Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic
Cheese & Meat Board
Selection of fine Italian cheeses and cured meats
- Fontina Cheese & Culatello Di Zibello Pdo - $28: Cow’s milk semi soft cheese from Italy served with Culatello, made by curing only the rear muscle of the haunch of pigs born, raised and butchered in Parma, Italy. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, Clean-Eating, Low-Fodmap, Lectin-Free
- Goat Cheese and Capocollo - $25: Semi-firm cheese served with neck pork dry-cured, from Piacenza Northern Italy Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, Clean-Eating, Low-Fodmap, Lectin-Free
- Manchego Cheese and Prosciutto di Parma - $25: Aged 12 months cheese served with prosciutto aged 18 months Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, Clean-Eating, Low-Fodmap, Lectin-Free
Pasta
Freshly prepared pasta dishes
- Venetian Pappardelle Duck Ragú - $27: Tender, shredded duck leg simmered in wine with a touch of cinnamon, tossed with pappardelle pasta Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Tonnarelli allá Carbonara - $27: Authentic Italian guanciale, egg yolk organic & pecorino romano Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Tonnarelli Cacio E Pepe - $24: Best selection of pecorino’s cheese & roasted black pepper Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Rigatoni allá Luciana - $27: Combining the flavors of cherry tomatoes, black olives, capers and octopus Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
- Gnocchi alla Bava - $24: Traditional Piedmontese potato gnocchi served with a rich, creamy sauce made from fontina, parmesan, mozzarella, and gorgonzola cheese Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Tomato Mozzarella Stuffed Gnocchi - $30: Served with home-made sauce and basil Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Tagliatelle Elk Ragú - $26: Grass fed Elk raised without subtherapeutic antibiotics Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Rigatoni al Pesto - $22: Pesto sauce made with pine nuts and fresh basil Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Mediterranean, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory
- Spaghetti Marinara - $20: Home-made marinara sauce, basil and optional mozzarella cheese Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Low-Cholesterol
- Shrimp Scampi Tagliolini - $25: Shrimp sautéed in a garlic-infused white wine and butter sauce, tossed with delicate tagliolini Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
Kids Pasta
Portions for children
- Kids Rigatoni - $12: Choice of: Organic Elk Ragu, Basil Pesto, Homemade marinara sauce & parmigiano, or Burro (Butter and parmesan cheese) Dietary tags: Sugar-Free
Secondi
Main courses
- Grilled Octopus - $30: Mediterranean octopus served with crispy roasted potatoes, salad and our chef's signature puree Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, TLC, Detox, Mayo-Clinic
- New York Strip Steak - $38: Angus beef served with seasonal vegetables, porcini foam and your choice of crispy potatoes or mashed potatoes Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Pan Roasted Halibut - $40: Fresh hand cut fish, mashed potatoes, organic poached egg & lemon herb beurre blanc sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory
Dolci
Desserts
- Tiramisu - $12: Classic Italian coffee-flavored dessert
- Panna cotta - $12: Creamy Italian custard Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Crème Brûlée - $12: Rich custard base topped with a layer of hardened caramelized sugar
Frequently Asked Questions about Al Dente
- What is the overall customer sentiment about this restaurant?
- With a 4.8/5 rating, guests celebrate the authentic Italian cuisine, attentive service, and standout dishes like Tonnarelli alla Carbonara and Tiramisu.
- What type of diner would most enjoy this restaurant?
- Diners seeking authentic Italian cuisine in an intimate, cozy atmosphere for romantic dinners or catching up with friends would enjoy Al Dente.
- What are the main concerns mentioned in customer reviews?
- Reviews mention no concerns, instead highlighting the authentic Italian cuisine, attentive service, cozy ambiance, and standout dishes like Tiramisu.
- What is the restaurant's atmosphere and style?
- Al Dente features a warm, intimate, and cozy atmosphere described as a spirited Italian kitchen perfect for romantic dinners.
- What type of cuisine does this restaurant specialize in?
- Al Dente specializes in authentic Italian cuisine featuring hand-rolled pastas, Mediterranean traditions, and signature dishes like Tonnarelli alla Carbonara.
- What makes this restaurant unique or special?
- Al Dente is unique for its hand-rolled pasta, intimate atmosphere, and an extensive menu offering 30 different dietary options.
- Does this restaurant have a website or online ordering?
- Al Dente has a website at https://aldentefreshpasta.com/, but the provided information does not confirm if online ordering is available.
- How extensive is this restaurant's menu selection?
- The menu features 16 highlighted dishes and accommodates 30 dietary preferences, including keto, vegan, gluten-free, and high-protein options.
- How can I contact this restaurant?
- You can contact Al Dente by visiting their official website at https://aldentefreshpasta.com/ for further information and inquiries.
- What are the standout dishes based on the menu?
- Standout dishes include Tonnarelli alla Carbonara, Spaghetti Marinera, Le Polpette della Nonna meatballs, and the "best ever" Tiramisu.
Restaurants near Al Dente
- Numero 28 Pizza — Italian
- Brooklyn D.O.P. Pizza — Italian
- Café Mars — Italian
- al di la Trattoria — Italian
- Table 87 Coal Oven Pizza — Italian
- Macario — Italian
- Gnocchi on 9th — Italian
- al di la Trattoria — Italian
- Numero 28 Pizza — Italian
- Be Pasta — Italian
- Norm's Pizza — Italian
- Emmy Squared Pizza — Italian