AL DENTE · Pasta Shop — Restaurant in Los Angeles

So glad to have this new neighborhood cafe/take out location just around the corner! This is authentic and flavorful Italian cuisine. Went for first time this Sunday and loved all four dishes that 3 of us shared (2 pasta and 2 soups). Portions are generous and filling. The flavor of each dish was unique and outstanding. The gnocchi was outstanding, as were the other dishes. It's cozy and inviting space -- only 4-5 tables inside. We were there at about 1:3pm on Sunday, and it was busy. Everyone was saying what a great addition this is to our neighborhood. The folks who work there are cheerful and friendly.

To be clear -- this is high quality food in super informal setting. Order at the counter, food is served in take-out style containers.

Probably intended more for take out/pick up, but we really liked the vibe of the space and enjoyed eating there. Hopefully, they'll be able to expand sometime down the road.

Highly...

What we ordered:

Pappardelle Lamb $16.85 This was soooo savory and if you love lamb this is the perfect pasta for you! This was my first time having lamb meat in pasta and so I just had to try it. It’s slow braised lamb neck with toasted pistachio and percorino romano. Honestly the portions looked small to me when I first got it but I actually only ate half and was so full. Love the taste of all the herbs in the lamb. The lamb was so tender and loved the fatty parts of it. I’d give it a 5/5.

Bucatini Carbonara $16.95 My fiancé ordered this one, he seemed to enjoy it and was able to finish the whole bowl. It’s made with egg yolk, guanciale and pecorino romano.

Wagyu meatballs $12 This came with 4 meatballs, I thought it was ok. I was craving meatballs at the time and it helped satisfy the craving. I’d give it a 3/5.

I’d definitely come back if I’m ever in the area! I’d love to try their other...

Officially open! This place is going to explode in popularity, so come by now before there's a line out the door. This is primarily a take-out spot, with just a few tables inside.

What to get: Roman-style Pizza - a variety of pizzas available by the slice at the counter. There's pesto, fresh tomatoes, veggie, prosciutto. Omg, you can't go wrong. The pizzas are soo good.

Pasta - Fresh pasta dishes. Check out the menu. I've tried the pesto pasta, tagliatelle bolognese, maccheroncini (grilled eggplant pomodoro), and truffle orzo. My husband said the truffle orzo is his favorite thing ever. Very rich and creamy. You can't go wrong with any of the choices.

Fresh Pasta and Sauce - Take some pasta and pasta sauce home with you to prepare at home. There's spaghetti, linguini, rotini, penne, and more. Keep the pasta refrigerated so it stays fresh.

I can't say enough good things about Al Dente....