Al Dente

3.5

150 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

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.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Order delivery or takeout

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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
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

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 150 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

3.5

3.5 based on recent ratings

3.3Food
4.2Service
3.6Ambience
3.4Value

Noise • Energetic

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Al Dente shines with "phenomenal" food and "wonderful service." Guests rave about the penne vodka and garlic bread, praising its rich flavors. The "cheese wheel pasta" is a must-try. With attentive staff like Savannah and Isa, it's perfect for a delightful dining experience. You'll love the cozy atmosphere and house wine.

150 Reviews

A
Adam
Omaha
4 reviews
1.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 30, 2024
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
It was closed when we got there. No signs or anything about being closed
Is this helpful?
S
Shari
San Diego
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 18, 2024
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
Worst restaurant dining experience ever. They were out of so many things on the menu. Server did not adequately explain what they were out of and one of our meals never arrived. One pasta arrived with not all of the ingredients. Server accused one person in our party of calling her a derogatory term but none of us ever heard it said. Savannah tried her best to remedy the situation, and she was not even our server. We have patronized the restaurant several times in the past but we will not return.
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k
kat
San Diego
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 4, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was excellent! Service was awesome!!! We will definitely be back!
Is this helpful?
R
Razorback
San Diego
5 reviews
vip
2.0
5 reviews
Dined on July 13, 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
GREAT SERVICE! Great atmosphere. Great Wine. Very disappointed with the Italian Sausage and noodles :( Literally, I had pick at the the plate to find the 7-9 small pieces of sausage. Why would the Chef send out a plate like that? The server made it up with a great piece of lemon cake OMG sooo good. I will go back only because of the service. Next time I will be sure to call attention to the disgraceful protein portions.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 13, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Phenomenal family owned business. Was served by our great waitress Isa who made our experience great. If you’re looking for a nice easy dinner, highly recommend. Don’t miss out on the cheese wheel pasta, to die for!
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c
chris
Denver
48 reviews
vip
5.0
48 reviews
Dined on July 7, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We shared the garlic bread and the penne vodka + meatballs. They were spectacular. One of the best vodka sauces I’ve had. The sauce was thicker, richer, yet light enough and pink. The meatballs were super delicious. We also each had their house white wine, which was a good choice. The garlic bread was unique and fabulous. It was made with focaccia bread with some cheese on top. It was a good choice to dip into our sauce. Isa was the server and she was super sweet and attentive. While we sat inside, there were outdoor options. At first it was pretty quiet and empty when we arrived, but several additional tables plus a large party arrived almost as we were leaving. We’ll be back again soon.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 22, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful service and amazing food. The penne vodka pasta was delicious.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on June 16, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 2
The food was very bland. Our waitress was attentive and nice.
Is this helpful?
LN
LisaN
San Diego
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 1, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The service was impeccable! They were down a server but she worked hard enough to make up for it and more. Will absolutely return again.
Is this helpful?
GR
GaryR
San Diego
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on May 25, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Cant negatively critique one thing. Savannah, our waitress, is amazing. Food is phenomenal.
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FAQs

Al Dente offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 546-9288.

Al Dente is rated 3.5 stars by 150 OpenTable diners.

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

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

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
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

Permanently Closed

Order delivery or takeout

There’s more to explore

Additional information

Truffle Gnocchi

Linguine Vongole

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

Review summary

FAQs

Does Al Dente offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Al Dente restaurant rated?

Is Al Dente currently accepting reservations?

Permanently Closed

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information