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
Area
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, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

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

Insalate & Zuppe

Caesar SaladUSD 9.95
Romaine lettuce, shaved parmesan cheese, croutons
Insalata SicilianaUSD 12.95
Green beans, heriloom tomato, olives, onions, basil, EVOO
Zuppa ContadinaUSD 12.95
Cannellini, garbanzo, lentils
Insalata di SpinaciUSD 12.95
Baby spinach, onions, cheery tomato, caramelized walnuts, heart of palm, goat cheese, raspberry vinaigrette

Dal Pastaio

Gluten Free Pasta +$3

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

Carne

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

Pesce

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

Sides

Sauteed MushroomsUSD 10.00
Potato PureeUSD 8.00
Sauteed SpinachUSD 9.00
Eggplant CaponataUSD 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 30 August 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
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S
Shari
San Diego
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on 18 August 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 4 August 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 13 July 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 13 July 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 7 July 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 22 June 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 16 June 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 1 June 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 25 May 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
Area
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, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, 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 TartareUSD 18.95

Trio di AranciniUSD 15.95

Involtini di MelanzaneUSD 14.95

Charcuterie BoardUSD 23.95

Frittura di Calamari e GamberiUSD 17.95

Burrata VegetarianaUSD 16.95

Dueling JarsUSD 9.95

Insalate & Zuppe

Caesar SaladUSD 9.95

Insalata SicilianaUSD 12.95

Zuppa ContadinaUSD 12.95

Insalata di SpinaciUSD 12.95

Dal Pastaio

Cavatelli al CinghialeUSD 22.95

Duck PappardelleUSD 23.95

Fettuccine Pistacchio e BurrataUSD 19.95

Linguine VongoleUSD 24.95

Carbonara al DenteUSD 21.95

Paccheri NormaUSD 19.95

Ravioli alle MelanzaneUSD 19.95

Oxtail RavioliUSD 24.95

Ravioli all AragostaUSD 28.95

Risotto del Giorno

Truffle GnocchiUSD 21.95

Carne

Filetto alla GrigliaUSD 38.95

Pollo ai FunghiUSD 24.95

Brasato di ManzoUSD 29.95

Pesce

Zuppa di PesceUSD 32.95

SalmoneUSD 27.95

Sides

Sauteed MushroomsUSD 10.00

Potato PureeUSD 8.00

Sauteed SpinachUSD 9.00

Eggplant CaponataUSD 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 bookings?

Permanently Closed

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information