Good Italian restaurant with a dog friendly patio. We were here on a Monday night and for the most part we were the only people there. The patio has glass around it which made it feel pretty well enclosed, which was nice since it was pretty overcast. Of course the service was great, it would have been surprising if it wasn't since we were the only ones there.They do cheese wheel pasta here! My wife and I both got it, and we could have honestly shared a single serving because it was so rich! Our waitress also gave us chicken and bacon for our dogs, which was sweet of her to do. The pasta tasted like it was freshly made, which is always a plus. I appreciated that the cheese wheel was done table side, some places it's a centerpiece you have to leave your table to see, so I was glad we got to experience it with no effort.I will say the one thing against this place is it was pretty expensive. It doesn't have the trappings of a high end place, so when we saw the prices on the menu our eyebrows raised a bit. However, it's definitely the type of prices that are justified with the quality of the food. The food is definitely worth it, don't get me wrong.Overall I could definitely see coming here again. It's a few doors down from our dog groomer, so the timing worked out that we picked up our dogs right when parking switches to free. Of the places we've tried with cheese wheel pasta, this has been my favorite so far.Parking: The spaces around here are metered, but free after 6pm.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dani K
Very generous portions, and we didn't have a single empty plate when we were done! Our waitress was a gem. We left a few decisions in her hands and she perfectly paired a wine with one of her favorite menu items for our friend who couldn't make up her mind what to order--"just surprise me".The restaurant does the cheese wheel tableside and it was both impressive and delicious. All the pasta dishes were cooked perfectly, and desserts were heavenly. Reviews appropriately rave about the tiramisu, but you have to try the limoncello cake.Prices are mid range, considering the quality and style of food. AND THE PRICE ON THE MENU IS YOUR PRICE. THERE ARE NO ADDED SURCHARGES! The cheese wheel selection changes daily and is priced at market price. Ours had pasta, sausage, spinach, mushrooms in a cream sauce, and was $32. It could have easily been split between two of us, or made a meal for the next day.Parking might be the only downside. There is no parking lot and limited parking on Park Blvd. We parked a few blocks away and were happy to have a nice walk after the meal.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bre Lang
Me and my boyfriend went here yesterday evening. We made a reservation on open table for 2 at 7:30 after I got off work. I was lucky I called before visiting, because on open table reservations they were allowing you to book a 4 course couples dinner, which I called to see if they had anything for this later in the evening, and the girl who answered the phone just said "we aren't doing that anymore" and when I mentioned the website allowed reservations for this, she said "that's good to know." I told her I would make a reservation for 2 on there for the restaurant week menu, and she said "okay", and so I made one online. (I wish she told me to avoid this because they did not check or honor the reservations made when we got there.)Upon arriving at 7:25 (you have to hunt for street parking here in advance.) we saw a massive line outside, with multiple people saying they also had a reservation, and had been waiting 30+ minutes to get a table. There was no one to talk too regarding reservations & wait times. One waiter was walking out and calling for party numbers to fill the tables that just left. We were lucky to be the only group of two at the time, and were surprisingly able to walk past other groups still waiting around the time of our reservation.However, when we got in, we waited forever for everything. The food was cold, no waiters were checking to see how the meal was, long wait times. Really bad service.I also was so excited for the dessert portion, and requested we have this before leaving, but we actually spent the whole way back to our home coughing because of the heavy amount of coca powder on the tiramisu. Do not get this dessert.Also, when they brought the check, they gave us a 10% off for the next time we visit. Which we left on the table because we are not coming back.This was my first restaurant week experience. What a night.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1
Pooja Mazumdar
Went here for the restaurant week. Was very disappointed by the food and service was horrible. We ordered salmon, they gave us swordfish without even asking us first (they were out of salmon). Gnocchi was bland. We wanted to order 2 tiramisus, they said they had only one left so we had to get a cannoli instead. And later I saw the waitress serving tiramisus to other tables. If you have a prix fix menu, the least you can do is ensure you have enough of those limited menu items. And above all, don't lie to your customers!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
This place was terrible! We went for restaurant week, made reservations only to stand in a long line to wait to be seated without asking if we even had reservations..so basically they just sat everyone who showed up regardless. The food took forever to come out. Our appetizers were cold and the main course was bland. Our server didn't once come to our table to check in with us (we wanted salt to help with the flavor). Then again we sat and waited for dessert. The table next to us got tired of waiting and got up to get their check and didn't wait for their dessert. I get with restaurant week that places are busy. But isn't it also for people to try different places to go back to? This experience felt like they just wanted to make $ and didn't care if anyone would come back. We definitely will not.
DaveC
First they seated us outside (fine) but table and chairs had been rained on, cloth seats were still damp (actually dripping) we complained and they brought a bunch of cloth napkins to cover them. Improved but no solved. There were two heaters, one did not work. The wait staff seemed really confused most of the time. Food came out in batches, mostly but not all together. Drink service was laughable. Really seemed disorganized and poorly managed. Food was fine, but not special. Overall decent value. I would not go back, way too many good Italian restaurants in San Diego to waste time and money on this one.
Maybe because it was restaurant week, but the food was underwhelming except for the dessert. We had Tiramisu and it was great! However, the gnocchi was very undercooked and my pasta was soupy. Would not recommend the meatballs.
Made a last minute reservation here. Its a cute small restaurant, it felt like i was in a house. Wish i remembered our server's name but she was amazing, very attentive and gave out good recommendations. Will definitely be back
ChandraJ
The penne pasta & king salmon was delicious. The drinks were not so good. Ordered margarita that taste like lemonade & red sangria taste like red wine but overall service & food was outstanding.
Jennifer
We went for restaurant week. Even with a limited menu, they were out of dishes. When it came time for dessert, they were out of BOTH of the two options listed on the menu and gave us a cake that was not on the menu, with no apology. Also charged a 20% auto gratuity for a party of 7, verses the standard 18%. Will not be returning.
The food at Al Dente was soooo delicious I loved everything we tried! The artichoke was buttery and soft. The salad had blue cheese and bacon and the best dressing. I got the filet mignon and it was perfect one of the best steaks of my life. It had amazing sauce over it and the mashed potatoes were really creamy. The tiramisu was really flavorful and everything you could imagine. We had the nicest waitress. She was very attentive and brought out each course at the right time. The restaurant has a gorgeous patio out back, it's huge with a bar and plenty of seating. I recommend this restaurant to everyone you will love it!
Denise M
Love this little place ❣️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tiramisu Cake Slice
Tigger
The menu was limited and the day I went they were out of bolognese sauce and some wines. Savannah was our server and she was absolutely amazing. Very friendly and helpful- great service. They are so lucky to have her. Garlic bread tasted like toast with cheese - a bit disappointing ! Pastas were average. Meatballs tasted like too much veal. Their desserts were fabulous! Perfect cannolis & the best limoncello cake ever.
Alessandra P.
We came to SD for a bachelorette weekend and we had the pleasure of having Davide as our server. 10/10 food, service, all of it!! Highly recommend and ask for Davide. Mans deserves a spot on the table. 5 6 stars if I could!!!
czwirn
This was out first time at Al Dente and it wont be the last. EVERYTHING was delicious. We could not stop trying everyone's choice to see which one was better. Great wine selection too.
Good Italian restaurant with a dog friendly patio. We were here on a Monday night and for the most part we were the only people there. The patio has glass around it which made it feel pretty well enclosed, which was nice since it was pretty overcast. Of course the service was great, it would have been surprising if it wasn't since we were the only ones there.They do cheese wheel pasta here! My wife and I both got it, and we could have honestly shared a single serving because it was so rich! Our waitress also gave us chicken and bacon for our dogs, which was sweet of her to do. The pasta tasted like it was freshly made, which is always a plus. I appreciated that the cheese wheel was done table side, some places it's a centerpiece you have to leave your table to see, so I was glad we got to experience it with no effort.I will say the one thing against this place is it was pretty expensive. It doesn't have the trappings of a high end place, so when we saw the prices on the menu our eyebrows raised a bit. However, it's definitely the type of prices that are justified with the quality of the food. The food is definitely worth it, don't get me wrong.Overall I could definitely see coming here again. It's a few doors down from our dog groomer, so the timing worked out that we picked up our dogs right when parking switches to free. Of the places we've tried with cheese wheel pasta, this has been my favorite so far.Parking: The spaces around here are metered, but free after 6pm.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very generous portions, and we didn't have a single empty plate when we were done! Our waitress was a gem. We left a few decisions in her hands and she perfectly paired a wine with one of her favorite menu items for our friend who couldn't make up her mind what to order--"just surprise me".The restaurant does the cheese wheel tableside and it was both impressive and delicious. All the pasta dishes were cooked perfectly, and desserts were heavenly. Reviews appropriately rave about the tiramisu, but you have to try the limoncello cake.Prices are mid range, considering the quality and style of food. AND THE PRICE ON THE MENU IS YOUR PRICE. THERE ARE NO ADDED SURCHARGES! The cheese wheel selection changes daily and is priced at market price. Ours had pasta, sausage, spinach, mushrooms in a cream sauce, and was $32. It could have easily been split between two of us, or made a meal for the next day.Parking might be the only downside. There is no parking lot and limited parking on Park Blvd. We parked a few blocks away and were happy to have a nice walk after the meal.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Me and my boyfriend went here yesterday evening. We made a reservation on open table for 2 at 7:30 after I got off work. I was lucky I called before visiting, because on open table reservations they were allowing you to book a 4 course couples dinner, which I called to see if they had anything for this later in the evening, and the girl who answered the phone just said "we aren't doing that anymore" and when I mentioned the website allowed reservations for this, she said "that's good to know." I told her I would make a reservation for 2 on there for the restaurant week menu, and she said "okay", and so I made one online. (I wish she told me to avoid this because they did not check or honor the reservations made when we got there.)Upon arriving at 7:25 (you have to hunt for street parking here in advance.) we saw a massive line outside, with multiple people saying they also had a reservation, and had been waiting 30+ minutes to get a table. There was no one to talk too regarding reservations & wait times. One waiter was walking out and calling for party numbers to fill the tables that just left. We were lucky to be the only group of two at the time, and were surprisingly able to walk past other groups still waiting around the time of our reservation.However, when we got in, we waited forever for everything. The food was cold, no waiters were checking to see how the meal was, long wait times. Really bad service.I also was so excited for the dessert portion, and requested we have this before leaving, but we actually spent the whole way back to our home coughing because of the heavy amount of coca powder on the tiramisu. Do not get this dessert.Also, when they brought the check, they gave us a 10% off for the next time we visit. Which we left on the table because we are not coming back.This was my first restaurant week experience. What a night.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1
Went here for the restaurant week. Was very disappointed by the food and service was horrible. We ordered salmon, they gave us swordfish without even asking us first (they were out of salmon). Gnocchi was bland. We wanted to order 2 tiramisus, they said they had only one left so we had to get a cannoli instead. And later I saw the waitress serving tiramisus to other tables. If you have a prix fix menu, the least you can do is ensure you have enough of those limited menu items. And above all, don't lie to your customers!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
This place was terrible! We went for restaurant week, made reservations only to stand in a long line to wait to be seated without asking if we even had reservations..so basically they just sat everyone who showed up regardless. The food took forever to come out. Our appetizers were cold and the main course was bland. Our server didn't once come to our table to check in with us (we wanted salt to help with the flavor). Then again we sat and waited for dessert. The table next to us got tired of waiting and got up to get their check and didn't wait for their dessert. I get with restaurant week that places are busy. But isn't it also for people to try different places to go back to? This experience felt like they just wanted to make $ and didn't care if anyone would come back. We definitely will not.
First they seated us outside (fine) but table and chairs had been rained on, cloth seats were still damp (actually dripping) we complained and they brought a bunch of cloth napkins to cover them. Improved but no solved. There were two heaters, one did not work. The wait staff seemed really confused most of the time. Food came out in batches, mostly but not all together. Drink service was laughable. Really seemed disorganized and poorly managed. Food was fine, but not special. Overall decent value. I would not go back, way too many good Italian restaurants in San Diego to waste time and money on this one.
Maybe because it was restaurant week, but the food was underwhelming except for the dessert. We had Tiramisu and it was great! However, the gnocchi was very undercooked and my pasta was soupy. Would not recommend the meatballs.
Made a last minute reservation here. Its a cute small restaurant, it felt like i was in a house. Wish i remembered our server's name but she was amazing, very attentive and gave out good recommendations. Will definitely be back
The penne pasta & king salmon was delicious. The drinks were not so good. Ordered margarita that taste like lemonade & red sangria taste like red wine but overall service & food was outstanding.
We went for restaurant week. Even with a limited menu, they were out of dishes. When it came time for dessert, they were out of BOTH of the two options listed on the menu and gave us a cake that was not on the menu, with no apology. Also charged a 20% auto gratuity for a party of 7, verses the standard 18%. Will not be returning.
Restaurantji Recommends
The food at Al Dente was soooo delicious I loved everything we tried! The artichoke was buttery and soft. The salad had blue cheese and bacon and the best dressing. I got the filet mignon and it was perfect one of the best steaks of my life. It had amazing sauce over it and the mashed potatoes were really creamy. The tiramisu was really flavorful and everything you could imagine. We had the nicest waitress. She was very attentive and brought out each course at the right time. The restaurant has a gorgeous patio out back, it's huge with a bar and plenty of seating. I recommend this restaurant to everyone you will love it!
Love this little place ❣️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tiramisu Cake Slice
The menu was limited and the day I went they were out of bolognese sauce and some wines. Savannah was our server and she was absolutely amazing. Very friendly and helpful- great service. They are so lucky to have her. Garlic bread tasted like toast with cheese - a bit disappointing ! Pastas were average. Meatballs tasted like too much veal. Their desserts were fabulous! Perfect cannolis & the best limoncello cake ever.
We came to SD for a bachelorette weekend and we had the pleasure of having Davide as our server. 10/10 food, service, all of it!! Highly recommend and ask for Davide. Mans deserves a spot on the table. 5 6 stars if I could!!!
This was out first time at Al Dente and it wont be the last. EVERYTHING was delicious. We could not stop trying everyone's choice to see which one was better. Great wine selection too.