Al Dente
- Food served: Mon 5.45–10pm; Tue–Thu noon–-2pm, 5.45–10pm; Fri/Sat noon–-2pm, 5.45–10.30pm. Closed Sun.
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 2
- Also offers: Children's portions, Children's high chairs
- Music on stereo: Big band hits
- Capacity: 22
- Largest group: 14
- Open since: 2008
- Average price:
£11 (set lunch)
£20 (evening meal) - House wine: £13.50 per bottle
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The 2011/12 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).
This review is taken from the current (2011) edition.
Al Dente’s low ceilings, tiled floors and wooden tables give the feel of a traditional trattoria. The small space is enlivened by numerous photos, including some of owner Graziano Spano’s home of Bari in southern Italy. Quality ingredients and wonderful flavours are present in the dishes of chef Antonello D’Antonio. Oven-baked figs wrapped in parma ham and stuffed with gorgonzola are assembled into charming flower shapes, a pleasing blend of salty and sweet. The house speciality, pacchino al branzino, consists of short pasta tubes stuffed with a seabass purée, and shelled mussels and king prawns strewn on top. For dessert, a peach tart combines sweet, yielding fruit and a flaky crust. Each month Al Dente holds regional theme nights where a glass of Prosecco, canapés and a five-course menu can be had for around £52. With its intriguing food, excellent service and homespun atmosphere, Al Dente deserves its outstanding reputation.
- High point: Intriguing, high quality dishes
- Low point: The temptation to lick the plate
Reviews of Al Dente (139 Easter Road, Edinburgh)
- 2. susanmaciver, Al Dente Easter Road – 18 May 2009, 11:02pm
Al DenteReport -
On a warm May evening my husband, a friend and myself stepped into Tuscany via the magic portals of Al Dente, the Easter Road restaurant owned by the very welcoming and charming Graziono Spano. This was the second of Graziano’s themed evenings designed to introduce diners to authentic regional Italian cuisine accompanied by carefully chosen wines. The small restaurant has been enlivened by a plethora of photographs, including Graziano’s native Bari in the South of Italy and by fresh roses on the tables.
After canapés and prosecco we had caciucco alla Livornese, a traditional dish of shell fish and fish in tomato sauce – absolutely delicious, as was the white Galestro wine Graziano served as an accompaniment. This was followed by a prima patti of homemade pasta and duck ragout (pappardella al ragu di anatra). The rose wine (rosa di ninfa) which accompanied the pasta dish was my absolute favourite. It really had the aroma and taste of strawberries!
The arista di maiale con rosmarino (pork loin with rosemary, served with artichokes and roast potatoes) which followed melted in the mouth. The potatoes were particularly tasty and I’d love the recipe. This was served with a full bodied Chianti. How did I cope with all this food, you may ask? I simple ate a little of every course, while many of the diners cleared their plates with relish.
The zuccotto sweet of light sponge cake with white chocolate and nuts was the perfect desert and the Il santo wine complemented it perfectly. It was an exquisite conclusion to the Tuscan banquet – Graziano’s answer to “Babette’s Feast”.
Graziano was the perfect host, telling us about the wines, keen to hear what we thought of the food created by chef Antonello. After coffee I floated up Easter Road full of the light, warmth and sheer joy of Italy – as well as all that wonderful food.
The menu, including wines and coffee cost £38 per person. The next theme night features the Lazio region and will be on 29th May. See you there!
- 1. gp, Edinburgh – 4 May 2009, 7:42pmAl DenteReport
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I had dinner here in April and it was a rather nice experience. The menu is not like the other more commercial restaurants, it is very honest and very Italian.
The place itself is not stylish but it has an intimate feel to it, I quite liked it.
The owner is very friendly and was happy to help us with the menu, her really made us feel welcome. He really takes running the restaurant seriously.
They only use fresh, quality ingredients and the menu is very good and changes often.
Being located on Easter Road it will be mostly visited by locals but if you want to taste real honest Italian food I think it is worth a try, you will not be disappointed.
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