We have been dining at Al Dente since it was Giovanni's for many many years and have always had great meals. Very affordable for the quality of the food. Steve is a great chef and Marlene is a wonderful hostess. Tonight we ordered a piece of Marlene's homemade cheesecake. It truly was homemade and not a Restaurant Depot product. Not to be missed!!! The staff is super friendly and very professional. A must try and see for sure!
Nicholas S.
Great food. Great service. Friendly and accommodating. Go to restaurant for Italian food. We've had Cozy dinners for two and parties for 70. J
Bonnie L.
We've eaten here several times since the beginning of November. We are always greeted warmly by the owner, the waitstaff, and the enticing aroma of the food. My husband and I have thoroughly enjoyed every item we have ordered. I love the spiciness of the marinara sauce. Last night, I just remembered my leftover Rigato I men Penne. Thank goodness, I remembered before I got in the car. It was that goodness, I remembered my dinner for tonight! I experimented, which I rarely did, and shared the huge appetizer of stuffed artichoke with my husband, a healthy and perfectly seasoned choice. I told the owner I wish they had a less filling dessert selection, baking cookies! which most Italian restaurants do not. She said she planned to start cookies and add them to the menu. My husband has tried several of their homemade desserts and never leaves a crumb. We were not surprised to learn Al Dente has many regulars! The portions are large, and the pasta is boiled as long as it should be. We have brought friends there, and they felt the same way. We especially like that are never rushed. Finally, it is BYOB. -Bonnie Lieberman- Fair Lawn
Diane B.
We've been dining at Al Dente (formerly Giovann's) for many years and always had a WONDERFUL meal at an incredibly reasonable price. Delicious specials and a great takeout menu add to making this an excellent dining option. Additionally, the owners have a gift in hiring the most attentive and personable staff. We've recommended this restaurant to friends and will continue to patronize and suggest to others forever!
Renee D.
Delicious food with great service, lacking some ambiance - it's in a strip mall. Have some good dinner specials
Lisa B.
This review is all about the fact that this restaurant is dishonest. We bought a Groupon for $25 off. We went in and sat down and the waitress told us we don't honor that. We can't since the Pandemic. I said well we just got it. She said yes we know but we are telling people they can't use it. You have to call Groupon and get a refund. And she adds there is a sign outside on the door. So I ask her why if they know this is happening and they aren't offering the deal why don't THEY call Groupon and tell them, and she said we do but it's still there. Hmm. Not usually the case imho. And so I go look and there is no sign on the door or window. So I tell her and she says, oh there isn't? There should be. I thought there was. I told her you realize that is bait and switch right? Lure us in and charge us a different price and don't honor the advertisement. She just shrugged her shoulders. We left. No way we were going to allow them to profit from this ruse. So the kicker, when I check in on Yelp, THIS deal I show in the picture pops up -- 15% off. I didn't feel like asking her if they were going to honor this! Funny part is it would be more than the $25 coupon. We will another time. And I will post again. In the meantime I will be reporting them to the BBB for bait and switch and am thinking of suing them for violation of the NJ Consumer Fraud Act. They are worse than shady. Do not patronize them. Oh and they charge a 4% credit card surcharge too. I believe that violates their agreement with the credit card companies by charging more than they pay to the service. I will be checking that too. Such a shame they are taking advantage of people. So many fair and good local restaurants around. Patronize them instead.
Tom R.
Very unassuming exterior in a little mall but don't fooled, the food is delicious. The spicy calamari is exceptional and the salmon is great. Portions are also plentiful. If you are interested in a great meal at a reasonable price-this is it.
Eloy Y.
Situated in a strip mall off of Market Street in Elmwood Park, my partner and I came to this cozy Italian restaurant formerly Giovanni's after making a quick impromptu reservation for dinner. Upon arrival at Al Dente, one of the staff greeted us but waited a few minutes for our table. Since this is a BYOB place, there's a liquor store conveniently next door. We opted for water but tasted "funny". A staff brought over complimentary bread with butter while looking over the menu. As an appetizer special, we started off with their Artichoke to share consisting whole artichoke baked with bread crumbs, fresh herbs, & garlic. It was deliciously prepared and seasoned well. As an entree, we ordered from their special the Homemade rigatoni stuffed with ricotta tossed with veal & beef meatballs in a vodka pink sauce and the Chicken Mama Mia - lightly breaded with eggplant & mozzarella cheese over gnocchi in a vodka sauce accompanied by complimentary side salad. The food was served hot with a homemade taste. The staff would come by occasionally to check if everything was okay. The prices were reasonable and the portions just right. Unfortunately didn't have desserts but the list looked good. At the end of our meal, I have informed one of the staff, Darlene of the Yelp check-in discount of 15%. She told me that at this time no discount is available and notice posted at the entrance. She's been trying to get that remove from the app. If you are in the area, give this place a try.
Carrie H.
Lovely little Italian restaurant in a strip mall. Not overly crowded and tables spaced out nicely We had Spiedini as an appetizer it was cooked Nicely and tasted good. I had pasta with vodka sauce which was delicious. The servers were friendly and paid attention to timing. We also received a house salad with our meal. It's a nice little BYOB and they have special deals for takeout posted in the window. Just note that they are no longer excepting yelp discount that is offered. They didn't seem to know anything about it but there is a sign on the door that they are no longer excepting discount coupons so ignore the Yelp offer. Sorry no photos
Rick B.
It's been years since we visited this restaurant and made reservations but was hardly necessary as most tables were empty. Was seated quickly and serviced well. Started with the fried calamari which was unbelievably mouth melting fresh and cooked to perfection. I don't remember ever having calamari this good, was pleasantly surprised. Wife have the Panco crusted Salmon with deijon mustard sauce which she completely finished. I had the Lamb Chips with double cooked onions and was so good. Finished off with carrot cake and coffee and under $100. Definitely one of our best meals and not sure why this place was so empty. Service was impeccable all around. Owner thanked us for coming. 5 stars all around. Highly recommend!
I have to say I was very pleasantly surprised as I am extremely picky and have not had a good Italian food delivery in probably too many years, I had actually given up. It was my first time trying Al Dante and ordered Chicken parmesan with penne and vodka sauce over both (no red sauce) . I am in the industry so I can tell quality. They took every extra step for freshness, Including wrapping each container with film to keep the freshness in and the chicken perfectly moist. The simplest things can make your day, and this place has restored my faith in take out! I am so happy to have finally found "My Place" for good Italian Food
MarilynMacDonald
A superb restaurant serving mainly Italian food. A slightly different menu. The food as cooked well and very enjoyable. The staff were very friendly
Mark R.
Quietly tucked away in a strip mall in Elmwood Park Al Dente serves up delicious classic Italian dishes. Nice appetizers like Spedini Alla Romana, Veal & chicken dishes and pasta galore. Attentive wait staff make the experience even better.
Karen J.
Ordered dinner and dessert for the first time a few nights ago. The food was delicious and the desserts were also amazing. This place is a keeper!
M L.
When we arrived, delicious aromas greeted us, even with a mask on! We had 6:00 reservations for 5 people on a Saturday night, and were seated immediately. Wine glasses were brought, our wine was opened, and water was brought to those that requested it. We ordered Clams Casino (good) and mussels (I am told the mussels/sauce they were served in were very good). We also ordered an appetizer on their Specials menu, Spiedini (fried mozzarella with anchovy sauce and capers) that was very good! After a house salad, I had Chicken della Nonna, (artichoke, tomato, and asparagus in white wine sauce). My husband had Veal Toscano (topped with prosciutto, asparagus, and fontina cheese and served with a lovely brown sauce). Both were delicious, and portions were generous. Our tablemates enjoyed their meals as well. We finished our meal with coffee/tea, but we had no room for dessert (a tablemate did indulge). Table service was excellent; this was my second time at Al Dente but certainly not my last! Be sure to make reservations on the weekends!
We have been dining at Al Dente since it was Giovanni's for many many years and have always had great meals. Very affordable for the quality of the food. Steve is a great chef and Marlene is a wonderful hostess. Tonight we ordered a piece of Marlene's homemade cheesecake. It truly was homemade and not a Restaurant Depot product. Not to be missed!!! The staff is super friendly and very professional. A must try and see for sure!
Great food. Great service. Friendly and accommodating. Go to restaurant for Italian food. We've had Cozy dinners for two and parties for 70. J
We've eaten here several times since the beginning of November. We are always greeted warmly by the owner, the waitstaff, and the enticing aroma of the food. My husband and I have thoroughly enjoyed every item we have ordered. I love the spiciness of the marinara sauce. Last night, I just remembered my leftover Rigato I men Penne. Thank goodness, I remembered before I got in the car. It was that goodness, I remembered my dinner for tonight! I experimented, which I rarely did, and shared the huge appetizer of stuffed artichoke with my husband, a healthy and perfectly seasoned choice. I told the owner I wish they had a less filling dessert selection, baking cookies! which most Italian restaurants do not. She said she planned to start cookies and add them to the menu. My husband has tried several of their homemade desserts and never leaves a crumb. We were not surprised to learn Al Dente has many regulars! The portions are large, and the pasta is boiled as long as it should be. We have brought friends there, and they felt the same way. We especially like that are never rushed. Finally, it is BYOB. -Bonnie Lieberman- Fair Lawn
We've been dining at Al Dente (formerly Giovann's) for many years and always had a WONDERFUL meal at an incredibly reasonable price. Delicious specials and a great takeout menu add to making this an excellent dining option. Additionally, the owners have a gift in hiring the most attentive and personable staff. We've recommended this restaurant to friends and will continue to patronize and suggest to others forever!
Delicious food with great service, lacking some ambiance - it's in a strip mall. Have some good dinner specials
This review is all about the fact that this restaurant is dishonest. We bought a Groupon for $25 off. We went in and sat down and the waitress told us we don't honor that. We can't since the Pandemic. I said well we just got it. She said yes we know but we are telling people they can't use it. You have to call Groupon and get a refund. And she adds there is a sign outside on the door. So I ask her why if they know this is happening and they aren't offering the deal why don't THEY call Groupon and tell them, and she said we do but it's still there. Hmm. Not usually the case imho. And so I go look and there is no sign on the door or window. So I tell her and she says, oh there isn't? There should be. I thought there was. I told her you realize that is bait and switch right? Lure us in and charge us a different price and don't honor the advertisement. She just shrugged her shoulders. We left. No way we were going to allow them to profit from this ruse. So the kicker, when I check in on Yelp, THIS deal I show in the picture pops up -- 15% off. I didn't feel like asking her if they were going to honor this! Funny part is it would be more than the $25 coupon. We will another time. And I will post again. In the meantime I will be reporting them to the BBB for bait and switch and am thinking of suing them for violation of the NJ Consumer Fraud Act. They are worse than shady. Do not patronize them. Oh and they charge a 4% credit card surcharge too. I believe that violates their agreement with the credit card companies by charging more than they pay to the service. I will be checking that too. Such a shame they are taking advantage of people. So many fair and good local restaurants around. Patronize them instead.
Very unassuming exterior in a little mall but don't fooled, the food is delicious. The spicy calamari is exceptional and the salmon is great. Portions are also plentiful. If you are interested in a great meal at a reasonable price-this is it.
Situated in a strip mall off of Market Street in Elmwood Park, my partner and I came to this cozy Italian restaurant formerly Giovanni's after making a quick impromptu reservation for dinner. Upon arrival at Al Dente, one of the staff greeted us but waited a few minutes for our table. Since this is a BYOB place, there's a liquor store conveniently next door. We opted for water but tasted "funny". A staff brought over complimentary bread with butter while looking over the menu. As an appetizer special, we started off with their Artichoke to share consisting whole artichoke baked with bread crumbs, fresh herbs, & garlic. It was deliciously prepared and seasoned well. As an entree, we ordered from their special the Homemade rigatoni stuffed with ricotta tossed with veal & beef meatballs in a vodka pink sauce and the Chicken Mama Mia - lightly breaded with eggplant & mozzarella cheese over gnocchi in a vodka sauce accompanied by complimentary side salad. The food was served hot with a homemade taste. The staff would come by occasionally to check if everything was okay. The prices were reasonable and the portions just right. Unfortunately didn't have desserts but the list looked good. At the end of our meal, I have informed one of the staff, Darlene of the Yelp check-in discount of 15%. She told me that at this time no discount is available and notice posted at the entrance. She's been trying to get that remove from the app. If you are in the area, give this place a try.
Lovely little Italian restaurant in a strip mall. Not overly crowded and tables spaced out nicely We had Spiedini as an appetizer it was cooked Nicely and tasted good. I had pasta with vodka sauce which was delicious. The servers were friendly and paid attention to timing. We also received a house salad with our meal. It's a nice little BYOB and they have special deals for takeout posted in the window. Just note that they are no longer excepting yelp discount that is offered. They didn't seem to know anything about it but there is a sign on the door that they are no longer excepting discount coupons so ignore the Yelp offer. Sorry no photos
It's been years since we visited this restaurant and made reservations but was hardly necessary as most tables were empty. Was seated quickly and serviced well. Started with the fried calamari which was unbelievably mouth melting fresh and cooked to perfection. I don't remember ever having calamari this good, was pleasantly surprised. Wife have the Panco crusted Salmon with deijon mustard sauce which she completely finished. I had the Lamb Chips with double cooked onions and was so good. Finished off with carrot cake and coffee and under $100. Definitely one of our best meals and not sure why this place was so empty. Service was impeccable all around. Owner thanked us for coming. 5 stars all around. Highly recommend!
Restaurantji Recommends
I have to say I was very pleasantly surprised as I am extremely picky and have not had a good Italian food delivery in probably too many years, I had actually given up. It was my first time trying Al Dante and ordered Chicken parmesan with penne and vodka sauce over both (no red sauce) . I am in the industry so I can tell quality. They took every extra step for freshness, Including wrapping each container with film to keep the freshness in and the chicken perfectly moist. The simplest things can make your day, and this place has restored my faith in take out! I am so happy to have finally found "My Place" for good Italian Food
A superb restaurant serving mainly Italian food. A slightly different menu. The food as cooked well and very enjoyable. The staff were very friendly
Quietly tucked away in a strip mall in Elmwood Park Al Dente serves up delicious classic Italian dishes. Nice appetizers like Spedini Alla Romana, Veal & chicken dishes and pasta galore. Attentive wait staff make the experience even better.
Ordered dinner and dessert for the first time a few nights ago. The food was delicious and the desserts were also amazing. This place is a keeper!
When we arrived, delicious aromas greeted us, even with a mask on! We had 6:00 reservations for 5 people on a Saturday night, and were seated immediately. Wine glasses were brought, our wine was opened, and water was brought to those that requested it. We ordered Clams Casino (good) and mussels (I am told the mussels/sauce they were served in were very good). We also ordered an appetizer on their Specials menu, Spiedini (fried mozzarella with anchovy sauce and capers) that was very good! After a house salad, I had Chicken della Nonna, (artichoke, tomato, and asparagus in white wine sauce). My husband had Veal Toscano (topped with prosciutto, asparagus, and fontina cheese and served with a lovely brown sauce). Both were delicious, and portions were generous. Our tablemates enjoyed their meals as well. We finished our meal with coffee/tea, but we had no room for dessert (a tablemate did indulge). Table service was excellent; this was my second time at Al Dente but certainly not my last! Be sure to make reservations on the weekends!