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

There’s more to explore

Discover countless more restaurants like this one with our app.

Scan the QR code to discover countless more restaurants like this one with our app.

Open app

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Seafood, Wine Bar
Hours of Operation
Mon–Fri, Sun 16:00–21:00 Sat 16:00–22:00 Happy Hour Mon–Sat 16:00–18:00
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, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

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

Insalate & Zuppe

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

Dal Pastaio

Gluten Free Pasta +$3

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

Carne

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

Pesce

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

Sides

Sauteed MushroomsUS$10.00
Potato PureeUS$8.00
Sauteed SpinachUS$9.00
Eggplant CaponataUS$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
Is this helpful?
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.
Is this helpful?
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!
Is this helpful?
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.
Is this helpful?

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 16:00–21:00 Sat 16:00–22:00 Happy Hour Mon–Sat 16:00–18:00
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, 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 TartareUS$18.95

Trio di AranciniUS$15.95

Involtini di MelanzaneUS$14.95

Charcuterie BoardUS$23.95

Frittura di Calamari e GamberiUS$17.95

Burrata VegetarianaUS$16.95

Dueling JarsUS$9.95

Insalate & Zuppe

Caesar SaladUS$9.95

Insalata SicilianaUS$12.95

Zuppa ContadinaUS$12.95

Insalata di SpinaciUS$12.95

Dal Pastaio

Cavatelli al CinghialeUS$22.95

Duck PappardelleUS$23.95

Fettuccine Pistacchio e BurrataUS$19.95

Linguine VongoleUS$24.95

Carbonara al DenteUS$21.95

Paccheri NormaUS$19.95

Ravioli alle MelanzaneUS$19.95

Oxtail RavioliUS$24.95

Ravioli all AragostaUS$28.95

Risotto del Giorno

Truffle GnocchiUS$21.95

Carne

Filetto alla GrigliaUS$38.95

Pollo ai FunghiUS$24.95

Brasato di ManzoUS$29.95

Pesce

Zuppa di PesceUS$32.95

SalmoneUS$27.95

Sides

Sauteed MushroomsUS$10.00

Potato PureeUS$8.00

Sauteed SpinachUS$9.00

Eggplant CaponataUS$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