04/11/09

Bad...on so many levels

by VancouverFoodie

I consider myself a “foodie” and I love a quaint little place to have a good meal…Café Al Dente is not the place. I can get over the scotch tape posters on the glass, the Christmas wreath hanging in April; I can get over the green carpet, the tacky art on the walls, I can get over the fishbowl where you drop in your business cards or even the 70’s style lounge music…what I can’t get over is the food. On the internet I thought this place was going to be our hidden gem…what I got was gummy gnocchi. My goodness the gnocchi was horrible…homemade sure…bland light tomato sauce yes, gummy and at times raw dough…yes. Add on to that…a boring wine selection and warm wine to boot (red wine should have a slight coolness to it…it frustrates me when wine is served above room temperature) In addition, the lobster risotto was boring (I thought the lemon wedge on top would have added so much…guess I was wrong!) The sauce was watery and the risotto was inconsistent (some grains were hard while others were mushy). La Bottegga down the street on Main Street is wonderful or Tommy O’s! I think Downtown Vancouver has a ways to go…but I’m confident it’ll get there.

I’m sorry if this review is harsh (I’m just one person…try it yourself) but I really couldn't finish my food. On the up side…the waitress was wonderful. I couldn’t ask for better service! I’m a stickler for detail…but you need to start off with good food…then work on the rest!

• Pros: Service
• Cons: Food and decor

12/08/08

a bad night perhaps? or just a day for left overs...?

by golden123

my husband and i recently tried cafe al dente for dinner...i had been for lunch and enjoyed the food a few monthes back. the best part of the meal was the tomato soup and the dessert(which is brought in from what i have been told) my lasagna was old and cold, my hubands chicken, dry and chewy...its a sad experience when you know you can do better at home for considerably less money. i would think this place might be safe if youre eating a freshly prepared special- as i had eaten on my visit there for lunch. clearly they know how to make a lovely tomato soup...i know we wont be eating there again any time soon, i am sorry to say...

• Pros: desserts, wines
• Cons: menu items on a week night...icky, old and cold

07/02/08

Beyond Exceptional, Absolutely Amazing

by ckh1969

Cafe al Dente is the perfect little Italian experience, from the homemade pasta and sauces to the wonderful wines. I can?t say enough. I?ve tasted the Chicken Fettuccine, Chicken Marcela a variety of homemade soups including Cream of Asparagus and Tomato Bisque everything is very authentic and extremely enchanting. Your taste buds will never forget and will always want more. The atmosphere is pleasant; Sherri the working owner makes you feel as if you?ve walked right into their kitchen. Remember to take your appetite Cafe al Dente has huge portions. Seriously I had to think twice about writing this review. I kind of wanted to keep it Vancouver?s little secret. But it wouldn?t be fair. Go and enjoy!!!!

• Pros: Pricing, Homemade, Wine List and Service
• Cons: Can't think of one!!! Seriously