Hello dear
Welcome To Al Dente
At Al Dente, tucked away near American University in Washington, DC, Italian culinary tradition comes alive. The restaurant’s warm ambiance, perfect for both casual lunches and romantic dinners, invites diners to indulge in a delightful array of pizzas and other Italian fare. Guests rave about the generous happy hour specials, showcasing perfectly cooked pizzas and unique appetizers like Baked Eggplant Parmesan. Its outdoor seating, adorned with cheerful orange umbrellas, enhances the dining experience. Al Dente’s commitment to fresh ingredients and exceptional service results in memorable meals, making it a cherished neighborhood gem for food lovers of all ages.
About
Al Dente
Welcome to Al Dente: a hidden gem nestled in the vibrant heart of Washington, DC. Located at 3201 New Mexico Ave NW Ste E, Al Dente is an Italian haven that brings together the rich traditions of Italian cuisine with a modern twist. Whether you're dining with family, catching up with friends, or enjoying a romantic evening, Al Dente's sophisticated yet casual atmosphere makes it the perfect choice.
What To Expect: Al Dente boasts an extensive menu that highlights timeless Italian favorites, with pizza being a particular star. Each pie is crafted from high-quality ingredients and offers generous portions, making it a satisfying choice for any appetite. Signature pizzas like the Margherita D.O.C and Formaggi are must-tries, celebrated for their fresh, vibrant flavors and expert preparation. During happy hour, patrons can enjoy 50% off pizzas, making it a fantastic option for both casual dining and special occasions.
The Ambiance: The restaurant features a lovely patio with cheerful orange umbrellas—a perfect spot for basking in daylight while enjoying your meal. Inside, the ambiance strikes a harmonious balance between classy and casual, ideal for groups or a cozy dinner for two. The moderate noise level allows for enjoyable conversation, while the attentive wait staff ensures a seamless dining experience.
Customer Favorites: Versatile menu offerings cater to a range of palates. Favorites among diners include the Baked Eggplant Parmesan, which is gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly, and the Fried Zucchini Flowers, filled with a rich blend of ricotta and mint, adding a delightful twist to the standard fare. And who could forget the decadent Tiramisu? This traditional Italian dessert is an excellent way to conclude any meal.
- Reservations: Available
- Delivery & Takeout: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Good for Kids: Definitely
- Catering Services: Offered
- Parking: Garage and street options available.
In Summary: Al Dente offers a delightful culinary journey through Italy, making it a beloved find in the DMV area. With its impeccable service, memorable dishes, and vibrant atmosphere, it's a spot that beckons repeat visits. So, whether you're a local or just passing through, be sure to stop by for a meal that captures the essence of Italy in every bite. Your taste buds will thank you!
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“ Al Dente is my new neighborhood restaurant! The service is friendly and professional. Happy hour is the best deal in town! Pizzas are 6 large pieces and every choice is delicious! Drinks during happy hour are great. We've also enjoyed regular - non happy hour - meals...the menu is excellent. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do! ”
“ Today, my family and I had lunch at Al Dente, an Italian restaurant near American University. It was such a nice day to sit on the patio. I liked how each table had an orange-colored umbrella. For drinks, my mom and I enjoyed Arnold Palmer's, which was made with a lavender tea. We shared two appetizers (e.g., Baked Eggplant Parmesan and Fried Zucchini Flowers), two salads (e.g., Roasted Beets and Spinach), and a Formaggi pizza (without Oregano). Between the two appetizers, I enjoyed the Baked Eggplant Parmesan more. I liked how it was gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly. Unlike most Baked Eggplant Parmesan I've had, it resembled a gratin, which was a plus! The Fried Zucchini Flowers consisted of three fried zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta and mint and fried zucchini sticks served with lemon. It tasted like a flower and there was too much cheese in it. I enjoyed dipping them into leftover marinara sauce. I liked how the Roasted Beets Salad and Spinach Salad contained a combination of fresh ingredients and dressed evenly. The Formaggi Pizza had great herb and garlic flavor as well as a nice blend of cheeses (including mozzarella, provolone, parmigiano reggiano, and smoked mozzarella. ”
“ I went here for restaurant week. It's tucked away on this cool patio are near AU's campus. Overall, I'd highly recommend! It was $25 for a three course meal. We started with some bread for the table (included) and some olive oil to dip it in. For the appetizer, I got smoked salmon with capers and arugula. For the entree, I got the mezzi rigatoni (GET THIS FRFR ITS THE SHIT). For dessert, I rounded out third and finished with a scoop of vanilla gelato. Overall a great experience. The water was flowing, the food was great, and it was a great deal with RW! ”
“ Al dente was a great experience from start to finish! The ambience in there is lovely! Nice and romantic so great for a date night! I was able to park with ease. Food- I cannot complain! I got the lasagna and cauliflower, and my friend got one of the pasta and I believe fried zucchini. I forget the cocktails we got both both were fantastic! I would definitely go back again! Server was kind as well and they were always clearing off the dirty dishes. I also love a place that comes with bread :) ”
“ We went for the happy hour, which is honestly one of the BEST deals out there in the DMV area!!! Pizza is 50% off, and they boast quite a few delicious other menu items and drinks on the happy hour menu! The calamari as an appetizer was AMAZING, such a lightly coated breading and tons of squid, jalapeños. The marinara sauce wasn't as flavorful as I would've wanted for the calamari! The veal was delicious and had a thick red wine reduction sauce. It also came with portobello mushrooms! We tried two pizzas, both had a great dough and chewy crust - cheese amount was perfection. The star of the dinner was the Farro Tagliatelle Pasta!!! What a lovely homemade sauce, and you could tell the pasta was made fresh! Lots of seafood as well. For parking, there is a garage right next door and street parking. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available! There's also seating around the bar! Service was exceptional, and it wasn't crowded either! ”
