Get a taste of authentic Italy with Al Dente – an uncomplicated pasta restaurant serving delicious yet affordable dishes…
In London when you find a restaurant that is so good, it’s almost hard to share. That by somehow introducing it to the masses it might spoil some of the magic. But if we were to deprive you of this certain eatery, it would just be selfish. So if you only eat out one place this week, make it Al Dente…
Al Dente is a small authentic Italian tucked in a small street in Fitzrovia. It’s just ten minutes walk from the mass of chain eateries that dominate Oxford Street yet couldn’t be any more different. It’s a small yet beautiful restaurant that revels in its simplicity, similar to the country it represents. In summer the glass front is thrown open to coax in a breeze and bar-style seating puts you in the perfect spot for people-watching. The decor is simple yet mesmerising, with striped walls, polished wooden floors and industrial style bar stools and tables. It seats under forty people at a time, so you know your food will be created with care. The vibe is relaxed and the air smells of fresh garlic and cracked herbs. Pasta is made fresh here and you can taste it in each bite. The menu is relatively simple, shunning over-complicated and pretentious dishes for really delicious hearty options – just as you would find tucked away in a bustling side street in Italy. You can almost feel the cobbled streets underfoot.
We recommend you order a few different pasta dishes to share between you – to choose just one would mean you miss out big time. And with the pasta’s priced from £5.50 you won’t be breaking the bank to do so. We recommend the Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe, a delicious blend of Pecorino cheese, parmesan cheese and black pepper, the Pacceri al Qagu – Minced beef, tomato sauve and mixed veg and the Spaghettoni alla Carbonara. Each dish is cooked to perfection, packed with flavours and portion sizes large enough you’ll probably have enough left to pack and take home for lunch tomorrow.
Al Dente are also a wine shop, so be sure to choose a wine pairing for your meal. Speak to your waiter and they will be able to advise on what would accompany your choices or your tastes best. Sip it languidly while you savour each mouthful of your pasta and take in the atmosphere. They create food here that is to be enjoyed and cherished. In a society where we so often fall victim to grab and go meals, or stingy portion sizes, we’ve become accustomed to eating quickly. Here you don’t want to do that. It’s somewhere to take your time, to enjoy with friends and to return to time and time again. Trust us – you won’t be able to stay away.
Al Dente is a true slice of Italy in the centre of the city. It pares dining back to what it should be about, throwing away overly-pretentious flair and focusing on the ingredients, the flavours and the authenticity. It’s affordable and it’s utterly delicious – two things that are hard to find as a pairing in London. Don’t wait, head down this week and see what the fuss is about for yourself. You can thank us later.
My name is Natasha and I am the Editor and Founder of Seen in the City. I have always loved to express myself creatively, most particularly through my writing, and after working for a number of other companies including Vogue and My Chic City I decided to head out on my own and Seen in the City was born. You can contact me on natasha@seeninthecity.co.uk
