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Al Dente
Category: Restaurants American (New) American (New)
3939 W Irving Park Rd(between Pulaski Rd & Harding Ave)
Chicago, IL 60618
Neighborhood: Irving Park
(773) 942-7771
- Nearest Transit:
-
Irving Park-blue (Blue Line)
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 11 am - 2:30 pm
Tue-Sat 5 pm - 10 pm
Sun 5 pm - 9 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
67 reviews for Al Dente
Review Highlights
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"We got the Honey Peanut Tart." In 6 reviews -
"Who'd have thought mac and cheese could be so heavenly." In 11 reviews -
"...Truffle Mac & Cheese that Chef Javier has brought from his..." In 3 reviews
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67 reviews in English
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Review from Michael M.
Chicago, IL
5/22/2012
Al Dente is one of the BEST Italian Restaurants in the Entire City !
It has a flair of French & Spanish with deep Italian Tradition...
We called to make a Sunday Night reservation at about 10 AM and left a message on their answering machine - my wife received a call back from Chef / Owner Javier Perez about an hour later Confirming our reservation for 4 - and he reminded us that it was a BYOB restaurant (very nominal corkage fee) : Maria - Chef Perez's lovely wife - waited on us - Service was Excellent ! - As was the presentation and taste of the food - We had the Salmon, the vegetarian platter, the Lobster Ravioli and the Rainbow Trout - which were beyond belief.... For an appetizer we had their mussels - Superb !
For a side the Grilled corn - which had a nice Mexican seasoning.
Prices are moderate - especially for the quality - and BYOB - 2 bottle corkage only $5
Chef Perez is a Master - Do yourself a favor - GO !!!! -
Review from Lawrence C.
Chicago, IL
5/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
I was excited to go here based on the reviews that I have seen but I have to say I wasn't impressed. Te ambiance was just okay and the server was kind of deadpan which you wouldn't expect from a place that has been getting such good reviews. When we got there at 7:30 in the evening we were the only people in the joint until another couple showed up. I had the stuffed calamari appetizer which was extremely chewy with a seafood stuffing that really didn't have a lot of taste. My wife had a cream of cauliflower soup which was pretty good. For our main course she had the salmon which was just okay and I had the lamb chops which I order medium "pink" and came out blood red so I had to send them back to finish cooking. They were okay but I have had much better. So all of this with no drinks for a whopping total of $90.
Bottom line is I likely won't go back again as there is another restaurant right across the street called Bread and Wine which has excellent ambiance, very friendly service and great food. It as well is very pricey but at least worth it not to mention a pretty robust wine list. -
Review from Scott C.
Chicago, IL
5/9/2012
Irving Park loves Al Dente!
Al Dente is a restaurant as unique as the neighborhood it was established in.
I am always up for some grilled Calamari and at Al Dente it was done with a delicious tenderness that I have seldom experienced elsewhere.
I usually choose red meat over fish but here the Salmon, Whitefish, and Rainbow trout give you the same satisfaction.
BTW. The potato cheese gnocchi with wild boar ragout, truffle sauce and sarvecchio cheese is amazing!
I would agree with some that the pricing for our neighborhood is a bit high on some of the entrees but no one should complain about a $2.50 corkage fee, unless it was counted on each beer in a six pack!
The service here was top notch and having the Chef come out to describe the food was a nice treat too! -
Review from jay h.
Chicago, IL
5/7/2012
What a find. The most exceptional part of this place is the creativity of the menu, and the wonderful skill of execution. My entree was salmon, paired with chorizo, black mole sauce, and veggies. Lots of food. Salmon was cooked perfectly, pink on the inside and a slight crisp on the exterior. But who thought of pairing with homemade chorizo, which was terrific and very unique. And the pork chop entree was equally inventive and delicious -- a perfectly cooked, huge bone-in chop with mushroom, peppers, and sauce melted in. The calamari on the menu was the best calamari I have ever had -- tender, flavorful, and joined with some potatoes and greens. It is a pleasure to dine in a restaurant where the chef has such obvious passion and talent.
The special calamari app, the dessert (bread pudding), and the coffee did not reach the level of amazing, like the other dishes, but were solid.
Our waiter was extremely helpful in describing the menu and making recommendations.
I would skip the tasting menu, as it seemed less interesting than ordering off the menu.
If this place was located on Randolph Street, it would be packed every night and twice the price. For God's sake, GO TONIGHT! -
Review from Helene C.
Glenview, IL
5/20/2012
Worth a ride in from the suburbs. This is a quaint restaurant serving bold flavors in both upscale and comfort foods. We began with the arugula and fresh mozzarella cheese salad and the roasted beet and goat cheese salad. Top rated produce and cheese.
This is a fusion of Oaxaca and Italian mirrored in the spice rubbed pork chops,(my 2 and 1/2 year old grandson ate most of his fathers) . The adobo spiced salmon was wonderful. My lobster stuffed ravioli came with big chunks of lobster in a corn chowder reduction. Full alread? well not too full that we couldn't eat the dessert. The churros with hot cocoa and fresh strawberry ice cream along with the bannana bread pudding capped off a wonderful meal. You bet I will be coming back! -
Review from T N.
Chicago, IL
4/23/2012
I really want to support places like Al Dente because I love a good dining option off of the beaten path. Unfortunately, I left with the nagging feeling that the price of our meal was a bit too high for the overall experience.
My husband and I made a last-minute decision to eat here on Friday, and we were seated propmtly sans reservation around 6:30. We snagged a good table had a friendly and attentive server. We knew before hand that it was BYOB, so we were came with alcohol; the $2.50 corking fee was quite fair.
My main complaint was that the average entree price (mid $20's) seemed too high for the so-so ambiance, lack of bar, and quality of food. The atmosphere seemed a little hotel-y and it got really noisy when the place got crowded. Don't get me wrong-- the food was good but neither of us were blown away by our dishes. Again, tasty, but not quite worth the price tag. Were the plates in the $15-20 range, I would've felt that I got what I paid for and been more inclined to return. -
Review from Karrie T.
Chicago, IL
4/29/2012
Love love LOVE this restaurant - it's just what Irving Park needs! My husband and I live down the street from Al Dente, we're in our late 20's and have been waiting for some good/trendy restaurants to start popping up around here. We were hopeful when we saw Al Dente open up, but once we tried the food, we really fell in love.
Everything we've tried has been absolutely fantastic, from the main entrees, to the starters, to the sides, to the now homemade dessert. Everything is extremely fresh, we've even seen the chef shopping at the local Farmer's Market for ingredients. Some of fave dishes: gnocchi, pasta, grilled calamari, butternut squash soup, summer salad, sweet potato bread pudding, and the polenta and mashed potato sides are also unbelievable. We make a point to go back every time they change the menu around.
Now the staff has started recognizing us and go out of their way to go above and beyond. But even from our first visit, the staff has been excellent - extremely sweet, friendly, and professional. My husband and his family are quite the bunch of food snobs, and they are all extremely impressed with Al Dente. This restaurant can compete with the best downtown Chicago restaurants - I recommend this place to everyone, and will continue to do so! -
Review from Catherine H.
Chicago, IL
1/26/2012
All the positive reviews of Al Dente are true!
I've eaten there twice for dinner and just booked a third dinner for tomorrow night. I've told friends about this place and they have come back telling me how great it was.
I've tried the salmon, fillet, mac and cheese (app) and the chicken. All delish!
The front of the house staff is professional and very willing to make your dining experience a great one!
I highly recommend Al Dente! -
Review from Lady D.
Chicago, IL
1/12/2012
I've been here twice and had an outstanding experience each time. The food is exceptional and a great value. Others have already highlighted my favorite menu items (grilled calamari, mac & cheese, beet salad, pasta, etc.) and I'm very eager to try the queso fundido. The service is friendly and attentive, and I really love that it's BYOB (stop in at Golden Leaf Liquors to pick up a six pack of your fav craft beer on your way there).
My understanding is Chef Perez sources some of the menu items from the Independence Park Farmers' Market during the summer, which is wonderful. Hopefully, those associations continue. I think it would be great if he also teamed up with a local coffee roaster for the benefit of us coffee snobs. I do adore a delicious cup of coffee with my dessert. -
Review from Chirag P.
5/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
BYOB... automatic 5 stars and then from there we see where we go. I remember hearing about this place when it first opened, but since I had moved to the suburbs from Uptown, it was not a quick go to option. My wife an I finally got a night out, so went there for dinner and were not disappointed. We got the mac & cheese with wisconsin aged white cheddar and truffle oil, we also ordered the arugula salad. The mac & cheese didn't feel as heavy as I thought it would, but then again maybe I was just that hungry... the salad had a truffle vinaigrette on there which was surprisingly good (I'm not usually a truffle fan). For our entrees I got the Lamb Two Ways (lamb chops and a lamb flautas). I'll admit the flautas i could've done without, but the lamb chops were soooo good, perfectly seasoned and grilled perfectly. My wife ordered the three cheese ravioli, she doesn't normally like ravioli, but took a chance and she was very happy with her order... it was a fresh chunky tomato sauce with a basil pesto that I think made her day. We also ordered a side of their hand cut fries, mainly because we both love fries and it came with a habanero aioli... it had a kick which was perfect for those seasoned fries. I highly recommend checking this place out. Next time I will order dessert, I blame my wife for convincing me that I was full. Damn her, but go to Al Dente and remember to bring some drinks with you.
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Review from A P.
Chicago, IL
3/19/2012
4 stars for the food because it really is amazing. We went for dinner the other evening (our second visit) and walked away knowing we would be back but also knowing it was ONLY because the food is so amazing. Both times we have visited I have found the following lacking:
Atmosphere - the lighting is off - it was too bright - felt more like an office than a fine dining experience - I also found the foil St Patrick's Day decorations out of place - the space doesn't need to feel snooty, but rather more cohesive. The food deserves better.
Service - both visits our service was slightly off- very nice and I appreciated the appropriate timing between courses, but at both visits we were left waiting for long stretches of time to order. When I go back again I will try a weeknight and see if that makes a difference.
The food is really the heart of the place and it is extremely good. I'll be back and I'm so glad to see a great place in our general vicinity. -
Review from Melinda K.
Chicago, IL
12/30/2011
Wow, I saw all the amazing reviews, and Al Dente definitely lived up to my expectations.
I went here with my boyfriend with a http://restaurant.com coupon. I got 3 appetizers for my meal: The mac&cheese, butternut squash soup, and sauteed spinach with chickpeas.
The soup was ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!!! Definitely my favorite of the three. All the appetizers come in very small servings, so I thought three would fill me up just fine. The soup filled me up completely. It was so rich, with just the right texture and taste. It makes me want to go out and buy a food processor and attempt to re-create it myself. Though I highly doubt it would be anywhere near as fantastic. I'm a girl that can eat quite a bit, and the soup alone was enough to fill me up.
The mac & cheese was rich and delicious as well. One of the best I've ever had. (I had a couple bites before bagging the rest to take home).
The spinach was also very tasty, not too oily and not too salty. Just right. (Again, took only a few bites after the filling soup and took the rest home as well).
My boyfriend had the Pork Chop with the portabello mushroom and fried egg. He absolutely loved it. He's always very picky with his food. He said it was the best pork he's ever had. I tried a bite as well and I agree with him.
The waitstaff was very friendly and informative. When I asked him if the food would stay good enough to eat as leftovers, he gave me a few tips on ingredients to add before I heat it up to make it taste almost as good as fresh.
This place is definitely a 5-star restaurant. My boyfriend and I will definitely be returning here next year, maybe even for out anniversary.
Even without the http://restaurant.com coupon, this place is worth it! Fine dining for a fraction of the price of what you'd pay down town. And better tasting too.
If you haven't been here, you are surely missing out!!! -
Review from Kimberly B.
Chicago, IL
4/8/2012
Not only is their food amazing, but they are wonderful people as well. Today-Easter- they took our reservation for dinner. Little did we know that we were their ONLY reservation of the entire day. They opened the restaurant today for us, so we could eat Easter dinner together as a family!!
I love this place and will come back again and again!! -
Review from Alice W.
Chicago, IL
4/12/2012
Interesting menu options. Friendly service. Food done right.
I will definitely be back for more. -
Review from Gigi N.
Chicago, IL
5/4/2012
Good food, but WAY overpriced for what it is, especially when they play Rhianna and Beyonce as the music selection when dining with $29 pasta. We were the only couple in there at 6 pm Friday night. The ambiance is drab. There is also an annoying corkage charge even though it is a BYOB. We got this waived, but just so you know the charge is there.
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Review from Brian C.
12/6/2011
One day you might see this chef competing on the food network. You should go to Al Dente soon, so when that day arrives, you can be the annoyingly boastful guy who says, "oh yeah, I ate at his place way back, before he was bigtime."
Dinner here is in the same league as the much-touted celebrity establishments in Rivernorth, but Al Dente isn't pretentious about it. We sat at the table positioned right across from the kitchen window, where we got to hang out with the lead cook who was directing the waitstaff traffic. He was incredibly nice, watching for our reactions to his food, explaining why he makes each plate as he does, and happily listening to our comments.
I had the mac'n cheese and the lamb, which were filling, flavor packed and delicious. Usually, at the finer eating restaurants, I'm pleased with the food, but I could use larger portions. Al Dente met my needs on both fronts: tasty and filling. They're byob too, which is a nice touch...although there aren't many places nearby to pick up beverages, so make sure to take care of that task on your way to the neighborhood. -
Review from Jessica G.
Chicago, IL
4/22/2012
This is a great place to go on a date! After reading the good reviews here on Yelp, I decided that this should be where my husband and I would go for our 5-year wedding anniversary. Everyone who worked there was very polite and friendly, the service was excellent and the food was delicious. There are also quite a few vegetarian options on the menu. We'll have to come back for our next anniversary (but next time I'll be sure to make a reservation in advance; we went on a Saturday night and it was packed!).
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Review from Rob B.
10/9/2011
Wow, this is too good to be true! The lack of guests makes me confused, sad and worried.
If we had this meal in the loop, we would have spent an hour on the L and another hundred dollars. Please go here our neighborhood need places like this here!
The grilled calamari was total surprise, a squid steak! I thought I was in San Diego! Our steak with hedgehog mushrooms awesome and the pork chop while perfectly cooked was overshadowed by the portobello loco moco.
Maybe it"s too beyond the hood, Smoque was running a line when we walked home. We love Smoque too, but Al Dente also deserves a line out the door!
P.S. Service Awesome, Thanks! -
Review from George H.
Chicago, IL
9/24/2011
Just dined here with my wife and three friends.
Just had a great meal at Al Dente... what a gem!!!! The five of us ordered a fair number of dishes off the menu...
I had the polenta and mushrooms, which was exactly how it ought to be. Followed it up with a perfectly cooked steak, while my wife had a pork entree that she couldn't stop raving about.
I am not much of one for sharing, failed Kindergarten I guess, but the others at the table passed some appetizers around... the calamari was very popular!
One friend had whitefish for her entree... she enjoyed it greatly, as did her boyfriend who kept trying to steal bits of it from her.
The front of house team was great, very knowledgeable about the menu and the food came out to our table without a hitch. I would highly recommend this spot! -
Review from Anisha A.
Chicago, IL
9/1/2011
Upon entering the stale Al Dente, you feel like you'd rather eat in the funeral home across the street. Because those are your only two dining options in life. But it's challenging to pull off the bandit move with dignity when you're the first ones there and are greeted with an affability that makes you put up with the blah-ness. So you embrace the fact that it's BYO, stick it out and are handsomely rewarded.
Al Dente re-imagines calamari with a Beyoncé zeal that hijacks your attention, while the mussels and mushrooms please with an understated tone. Both the salmon and escolar compile a laundry list of potentially disastrous ingredients into a striking symphony with exotic crescendos.
Yes, the food has flair, making you do an Irish jig in your head for opting not to eat amidst the caskets. -
Review from Matt R.
Chicago, IL
3/5/2012
Had dinner at Al Dente a few weeks back with some friends. Excellent food.
Chef Javier took the time to greet us and tell us his story.
Food/friendly staff coupled with BYOB make this a neighborhood gem. -
Review from Jaime G.
8/8/2011 11 photos
Check out the Irving Park neighborhood getting some more fine dining options. Like this place, Al Dente. A mix of mexican and italian (yes, the mix sounds odd but it works) cusine that will satisfy most palets i think. Started of with a fine Amuse-bouche deviled egg. I went with a big group so i was able to sample a wide variety of their entrees. Tried the chicken, salmon, escolar (flat fish very much like a halibut) and pork. Chicken was probably the best followed by the fish. Also tried Mac & cheese with truffle oil (this is so good), summer salad with jicama and avocado.
Very accommodating for kids (chef made a grilled chicken and fries dish just for my son. Not on the menu). Plus, Byob for now.
Help support a new local gem and head to Irvin Park for Al Dente. -
Review from Meredith T.
Chicago, IL
1/10/2012 6 photos
My husband and I went with some friends on a Thursday night. I think we sampled the whole menu and then some. Chef Javier couldn't have made our small group happier. The Mushroom starters were OUT OF THIS WORLD and we also loved the different take on the Queso Fundido served with shrimp. As we moved on to dinner our group swooned over the light and delicate taste of the White Fish. We also loved the wild boar ragout Gnocchi and the Lamb served two ways. At the end of the evening we found just enough room to enjoy the Peanut Butter Tart (to die for). I can't wait to bring more people back to this special, neighborhood place. What a gem! The staff treated us like royalty. THANK YOU AL DENTE FOR THE WONDERFUL EVENING!
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Review from Simone K.
Chicago, IL
1/27/2012
Great atmosphere, delicous food. It is byob but they have a bar so i am guessing they are just waiting on a license. I thought they were italian but they are really contemporary american. Service is nice, and they have a kids menu.
Go and enjoy! -
Review from Andrea V.
Chicago, IL
1/27/2012
This is a wonderful, unique addition to the neighborhood. There are a few really good options around here (Smoque, Shokran, Sabatino's) but none in this vein. For my limited budget, it'll have to be a special occasions place. It's not cheap, but not overpriced for what it is.
There were a few things I've had changed slightly, such as cherry tomatoes in the fennel salad (out of place - fennel salad with Asian pears and walnuts are fall flavors, and tomatoes are a summer one. Omit the tomatoes and it would have been perfect). Gnocci were flavorful and light, Brussels sprouts were perfectly done with a fantastic cream sauce, and the short rib was perfectly tender (though the poblano sauce was a bit overwhelming and the rapini was far too bitter). The raw, shaved mushrooms on top were kind of puzzling, too. Added no flavor.
I really hope more people start going here, because it would be a huge shame to lose it. -
Review from Allen J.
Chicago, IL
11/6/2011
Please go.
Please?
This place is a great new gem in a neighborhood that is traditionally not thought of as a fine-dining destination. The chef has created inventive dishes that are still well-rooted in contemporary American traditions.
We had selections off the fall menu, including the squash soup, the risotto, the salmon, and honey peanut tart. Not a missed note.
We'll definitely be back! -
Review from Hans A.
Chicago, IL
If I did not know better I would have never found this bastion of culinary delights if I did not know the Chef from a previous restaurants. Chef Javier Perez has struck a wonderful balance of good food, good service and clean plating that reflects his time with Chef Michael Kornick.
The food is simple American Italian with a bit of Latin blended into the dishes. I really love the Truffle Mac & Cheese that Chef Javier has brought from his last Gig State & Lake. He has a wonderful sense of play with his food. I can only see bright things to come from this restaurant.
When all the Knicks are ironed out I expect to see the caliber of food only improve and service get even better. Like all new restaurants that open they need a few more weeks to get it just right. You can see the potential of the food and the service.
Also a good point in the area with practically not a one good sit down restaurant, this is an oasis in the culinary dessert of the West side of Irving Park.
If you are in the Area a want a nice quite sit down dinner Check this place out. -
Review from Marni P.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 9/20/2011
* 4 Check-ins here.
That's what it would say on top if I was in the smart-phone club.
Went back last Friday and was so excited to see this place was packed! Well deserved.
We decided to play it like a tapas restaurant and ordered 5 apps for 2 people. Stuck to our below faves (Calamari, Mac & Cheese, Summer Salad) and added two more: Mushroom Polenta and Butternut Squash Soup, which was a special.
I would definitely order the polenta again.... but that soup!! The soup was amazing.
Chef Javier personally delivered our calamari and talked to us for a bit. I noticed he made an effort to deliver at least one item to each table. How often do you see that?? He is adorable, by the way.
Also... check out the brunch and definitely order the French Toast!
Service is consistently top notch and friendly. Water, sodas, coffee... never less than half full at any point.
Go.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/17/2011
4.5 really.
And I'm certain it will be 5 in a few months. They just opened last Sunday.
I'm… Read more »
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Review from Valerie C.
Chicago, IL
3/3/2012
Run don't walk to this excellent Irving Park restaurant. Chef Javier's bio is pure pedigree and his talent and training shines in each and every dish. Don't be turned off by the store front location just wait until you see, smell and taste the exceptional cuisine Chef has in store for you. Fish is always fresh, lamb is not to be missed, pasta's cooked to perfection. Mac and Cheese and hand cut fries are the best on the planet. If you are lucky enough to be there on a night when Chef prepared cilantro soup you're in for a treat! Check daily specials, too. Service is spot on! Each dish with its little nuiances is artfull detailed by the server. Flavors, presentation, service and BYOB, too. A delightful dining experience in a casual storefront locale.
Blue line (Irving & Pulaski) a block away. Street parking available. Now open for lunch, too. Highly recommend. -
Review from Jake N.
Evanston, IL
2/21/2012
GREAT food, fun atmosphere, friendly service, and BYOB.
Went here with friends for my wife's birthday celebration. We had a great time, the food is exceptional and a great value. Definitely will be back.
(p.s. have someone in your group bring in a 6-pack or botttle of wine for the staff when you come.) -
Review from Yazid E.
Chicago, IL
3/20/2012
My wife and I live in Al Dente's neighborhood. We walked in on a recent Friday night with no reservation. Despite being fairly busy, they sat us right away. The server was very courteous but stretched a bit this. It took him a while to get back to us for our initial order. Also, the lighting is way too bright. I am not a fan of extremely dark restaurants. However, they really need to dim the lights a bit. My wife and I enjoyed a very leisurely and quite delicious meal. Despite the initial service issues, the food redeemed the entire evening. We stared off with soup. I had the black bean soup and she had the gaspacho. They were good, but not out of this world. We shared the appetizer of grilled calamari. This was extremely fleshy and completely unlike fried calamari. The taste reminded me of scallops. It was very tasty. We shared the entree of broiled whitefish topped with pork belly. The server presented it to us in two separate plates, which was a really nice touch. Each bite of whitefish, pork belly and Brussels sprouts was heavenly. I was feeling full before the entree arrived, but I kept eating until there was nothing left on my plate. We had no room for dessert. We will definitely be back.
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Review from Natalie A.
Chicago, IL
2/13/2012
I really really want to like this place, but maybe its just not for my palet.
The service is wonderfu and the atmosphere was great.
My parents LOVE the place and go there frequently, so that should say something but I just couldn't get in to it . . . . :( -
Review from Moe f.
Chicago, IL
1/15/2012
Doesn't look like much from the outside but is real nice inside. Mushroom and queso fundido app are great. Lamb chops w/lamb empanadas a winner as was short ribs. Decent prices and BYO.
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Review from S P.
Chicago, IL
3/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
The best fries I've had in long time! Perfectly salted. I wasn't wowed by the Mac and cheese..I didn't care for the dried breadcrumbs on top. Overall good meal!
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Review from Dan K.
Chicago, IL
7/14/2011
What a delightful surprise and a wonderful addition to the eating establishments in the Irving Park area. My wife and I planned to eat at another restaurant Wednesday night, but it turned out they were closed and converting their menu to sushi anyway. We drove around Irving Park and spotted Al Dente, noting the "NOW OPEN" signs in the windows and the description of the fare as "contemporary American." Just what we were looking for! We parked and walked in. At first, upon entering, we worried we were underdressed, but the hostess waved off any concerns and immediately seated us.
Our waiter (I think his name was Eric) was extremely friendly and professional. It was opening night, and he offered us a complimentary glass of wine and a phenomenal chicken brioche appetizer. My wife ordered the garden salad, which was delicious, and, in her words "refreshing." I had the mac and cheese, prepared with truffle oil and garlic chips. Wow! It knocked my socks off clear across the room. Who'd have thought mac and cheese could be so heavenly? For the entrees we had, and shared, the chicken and pork. Delicious, and flavored unlike anything I've eaten before (I put aside the cilantro topping the pork, but that's just a personal preference; its presence didn't make the meat any less savory or delicious).
The staff was fantastic. Everyone from the hostess to the waiters to the chef (who stopped by our table to ask about our meal and chat a bit about the restaurant), was helpful, making suggestions about how to best enjoy the dishes. Heed them! They know whereof they speak!
We decided it's the perfect restaurant for future date nights. We're definitely coming back. -
Review from Rachelle D.
Chicago, IL
8/20/2011
A group of four of us went here a few weeks back. We loved everything. We started with the mussels, grilled calamari and mac and cheese. They were all great. The mac and cheese is a must! I had the white fish as my entree. It was cooked perfect! Skin was perfectly crispy and the fish was flavorful. My friends also loved their meals, I believe they had the chicken, pasta and lamb.
The owner is very friendly. He is a great guy, who wants to serve good food. I will definitely go back to this place! I love that it is only walking distance from me. -
Review from Ken V.
Chicago, IL
9/21/2011
I would definitely recommend this restaurant to a friend. It may not be in downtown chicago, but the menu seems like you're eating at a place like Spiaggia.
We tried the Mac and Cheese, Sweet potato risotto, calamari, and pan seared white fish. All were extremely delicious except the white fish. Nice to see chorizo and salmon on the the same plate on the menu. Will return to try that. We saved room for dessert and both were perfectly done. We tried tiramisu and peanut butter cream tart. tasttttyyy.
Thumbs up for the byob. easy street parking. 7 minute drive on highway from the loop without traffic.
spent 100 for 2 people. -
Review from Victoria W.
Chicago, IL
12/24/2011
Mr. W. and I headed to Al Dente on a whim last night for dinner, and we will definitely be back. Super friendly service, a well run kitchen and delicious food are the combination I look for in a restaurant. They also aren't stingy with the higher end ingredients like the lobster in the pasta and the mushrooms on the polenta. We were stuffed after our entrees, but when we heard churros were the special dessert, we couldn't say no. I would go back just for the churros!
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Review from Tricia B.
Chicago, IL
2/4/2012
We actually drove past this place on our way to Bread and Wine right down the street. Which I will tell u don't even waste your time there. As for Al Dente - the service was wonderful and the food delicious! We will definitely be back and next time with friends!
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Review from Mike P.
Schaumburg, IL
1/14/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Must go to this restaurant, awesome food. I go here late on weeknights, so I do not know if it's busy on the weekends. Support it by going, you will not be disappointed.
