Established in 2018 by Filippo Giulio Gallenzi and Ivo Poklepovic, Al Dente – the House of Fresh Pasta – is deeply influenced by Roman heritage and dedicated to sharing authentic Italian cuisine globally, particularly focusing on fresh pasta. The restaurant chain provides high-quality yet approachable dining experiences throughout London, honouring Italy’s diverse culinary traditions and catering to a range of preferences, from takeout options to leisurely dining. With prime locations in Goodge Street, Monument, South Kensington, and a ghost kitchen in Hackney, Al Dente is continuously growing and adapting, all while upholding its dedication to excellence.

After my initial visit and review of their Goodge Street establishment in 2019, a couple of weeks ago, I was invited for the second time to have lunch at their flagship restaurant based in South Kensington. Launched in 2022, this location offers a premium dining experience, showcasing pasta-making artistry in an upscale setting.

What to expect?

The menu offers a wide variety of authentic Italian dishes:

• The antipasti selection includes items such as homemade olive focaccia, bruschetta, arancini, and burrata with Parma ham.
• The pasta section features classic dishes like spaghetti with datterini tomatoes, penne all’arrabbiata, tonnarelli cacio e pepe, and gnocchi alla sorrentina.

• From the oven, they offer Roman pinsa, parmigiana, and cannelloni di carne.

The signature dishes
Penne all’arrabbiata, tonnarelli cacio e pepe, gnocchi alla sorrentina, Roman pinsa, parmigiana, and cannelloni di carne.

If you prefer a light bite:
The menu also includes salads and soups

Desserts
Delectable dessert selection featuring cannolo siciliano, gelato tartufo, mixed berries cheesecake, tiramisù, and chocolate mousse.

Wine List
The restaurant also offers an extensive selection of wines, including Prosecco, Gavi, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Nero, Costasera Amarone Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, and Tignanello, to name a few. The diverse range of wines spans across various regions of Italy, offering a rich and varied experience for wine enthusiasts.

What we ordered

• Antipasti (Starter): We both had the Piadina Romagnola (Prosciutto di Parma 24 months, mozzarella, rocket).
  This is a type of traditional Italian flatbread that originates from the Romagna region of Italy. It is a thin, unleavened bread, similar to a tortilla, and is typically garnished with lard and a bit of olive oil. The dough was rolled out into a thin, flat shape and was soft and crispy at the same time. A real delight.
  In hindsight, we could have easily ordered one to share as the portions were beyond generous.

• Pasta (Main): We both had the Linguine Seafood.
  Classic Italian pasta dish featuring linguine pasta which was served with a flavourful seafood medley. Tossed in a light, savoury sauce seasoned with garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs, the seafood included a combination of prawns, squid, mussels, cherry tomatoes, garlic and chilli. As per the restaurant name, the pasta was really ‘al dente’ (I tend to prefer my pasta well cooked), nevertheless, the seafood and pasta ratio worked and the portion, once again, was beyond generous. So much so, we worried we might not have any space for dessert.

• Dessert: My friend had the Cannolo Siciliano and I opted for the chocolate mousse.
  • The cannolo is a traditional Sicilian pastry that consists of tube-shaped fried pastry dough filled with a sweet, creamy filling. The filling is typically made with ricotta cheese, sugar, and sometimes flavourings such as vanilla, cinnamon, or like in this case, chocolate. The pastry shell was crispy and crunchy, providing a delightful contrast to the smooth, creamy filling.

• The chocolate mousse was a surprise to me as it was presented as a chocolate cake with a vanilla base and accompanied by a small cup of custard, I was not expecting such density, however, the mousse had a luscious and creamy texture made with high-quality dark chocolate and possibly a hint of espresso (don’t quote me on this) for an added depth of flavour.

Verdict

Rating 7/10

Very friendly and attentive staff and the food was awesome and very filling.  As we had lunch on a weekday, it was relatively quiet, however, be prepared for a more crowded and lively place at the weekend as this is one of the hottest spots in South Kensington for a good pre-night out or simply dinner with friends. Definitely the place to be if you want authentic Italian food with locally sourced and in-season ingredients.

For more info and to book a table, click here.

Address:
65 Old Brompton Rd,
South Kensington,
London SW7 3JS

Opening Hours
Sunday to Thursday: 12:00 am – 11:00 pm
Friday and Saturday: 12:00 am – 11:30 pm