If you’ve been there, I’m sure you would have noticed an open concept restaurant on the 2nd level. Its quite “al fresco” like, such that there’s no roof on top and its out in the open. Well that’s how Al Dente Trattoria caught my attention since day one.

Basically, Al Dente serves authentic Italian food (not very, but pretty decent). Their specialty includes the usual Pastas, Pizzas, and Italian desserts like Gelato, and Tiramisu. They have outlets around the island as well, at the Esplanade, Holland Village and Boat Quay.

What’s interesting about this outlet, is that the kitchen is actually not visible. The dining area only consists of table, and a counter where drinks are prepared. Apparently, they have their kitchen inside the furniture store (V.Hive)  just opposite the restaurant.

Crab Bisque

For appetizers, we ordered a Crab Bisque Soup, and Portabello Mushroom with rocket salad. You could taste the alcohol in the soup, and it had a pretty strong crab taste, which was pretty good. Better than Jack’s Place version. Probably that the soup base was made with crab and crab shells. However I was expecting a little more from Al Dente. The crab meat was quite scarce and the texture of the soup was quite watery. (I was hoping for a slightly creamier version, but maybe that’s a personal preference)

Portabello Mushroom with rocket salad

The Portabello Mushroom with rocket salad was quite good. The mushroom was slightly grilled I think, nice and chewy. The salad went well so the mushroom taste wouldn’t be too overwhelming.

Linguine Marinara

My friend had the Linguine Marinara. Now this one I thought wasn’t so good. Though there were a lot of fresh ingredients, prawns, clams, squid, etc, but the spaghetti was a little over-cooked. (ironically not Al Dente style) The sauce was very “tomato-ey” with very little herbs, or at least I couldn’t taste much. In terms of quality and price, I think Ambush would be a much better choice for pasta.

Proscuitto Parma Ham Pizza

At one look, I’m sure the Proscuitto Parma Ham Pizza would turn most guys off. Simply because of the “generous” overlaying of vegetables on the pizza. The first thought in my head was: “where got people put raw vegetables on pizza one?” Turns out, luckily they did.

The word Proscuitto usually refers to dry-cured ham that is thinly sliced and served uncooked (also known as prosciutto crudo (raw ham) in Italian).

I have to be honest. This was my first time trying it out. My friend had it back in Italy before, so I got a mini-lesson when it came. At first taste, I thought it was very salty. After its cured ham, what do you expect. But when you leave it in your mouth for a little while, it starts to “melt”, and there’s a nice after taste, making you want to go for more.

The veges on top makes it less salty. Definitely not your usual pizza with tomato based sauce. Its worth a try if you’re at Al Dente’s.

I went back again and managed to try out the desserts. No photos for that occasion, but the Gelato and Tiramisu were alright. The Gelato’s texture was quite smooth and creamy, while there was abundant alcohol and espresso fused within the lady fingers in the Tiramisu.

Al Dente (Great World City)

In general, if you’re at Al Dente, don’t go for the usual items you can find anywhere else. Go for the more traditional items like the Proscuitto Parma Pizza, Portabello Mushrooms, etc. Though I’ve never been to Italy before (hopefully soon), but they’re pretty decent in my opinion.

Pricing wise be prepared to spend about $35 per person if you’re ordering sides / appetizers ontop of main courses. Otherwise, main course would be in the region of $20 per dish.

Al Dente Trattoria
1 Kim Seng Promenade,
#02 – K2 Great World City
Tel: 6734 7334
www.aldente.com.sg

“Al Dente” literally means “to the tooth” in Italian, but usually refers to the desired texture of cooked pasta in Italian cooking. When the pasta is cooked Al Dente, there should be a slight resistance in the center when the pasta is chewed.

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