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Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta) Reviews List
Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Al Dente is serving Italian Cuisine by Chef Roberto Donna near American University.
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212 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Rating Breakdown 212 reviews
5 stars
(50)
4 stars
(102)
3 stars
(31)
2 stars
(21)
1 star
(8)
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(126)
- fit for foodies(106)
- notable wine list(44)
- kid-friendly(34)
- good for groups(33)
- great for lunch(33)
Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta) Reviews List
Review 1 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Mother's Day Dinner!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had a fabulous prix fixe family-style meal at this, our go-to favorite, place. Even though there were some dishes not all of us could eat (pescatarians), the meal was fabulous. Every dish was delicious and beautifully presented. The most delicious asparagus and poached egg starter (it should have a place on the regular menu!); a wonderfully fresh arugula, tomato & mozzarella salad; 3 varied, delicious and perfectly cooked pasta dishes; 3 main courses (especially liked the perfectly-cooked salmon); & great desserts -- the panna cotta with basil was particularly amazing. As usual, service was professional and attentive -- but also human and relatable, with good wine advice. Roses for the moms and limoncello for all at the end. A lovely meal."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 2 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Neighborhood Gem
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"What a wonderful find without having to go downtown! I've only been here twice having taken friends there each time and each time we have remarked on how good the food was and that we need to come back! The pappardelle listed under the chef's specialties was excellent. The gnocchi also got rave reviews. Definitely a place to return to on a regular basis!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our waiter was excellent. Our only problem, and this is the problem we had at Donna's Alexandria restaurant, was the slowness of the service. We have not attributed that to our waiter who was quite remarkable. We think (and it's not necessarily an educated guess), that the problem is in the kitchen.
The food and wine were quite lovely. The Duck Ravioli was exceptionable. The Montepulicano d'Abruzzo was very fine."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 4 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"excellent outdoor seating area especially on a spring day
but the interior decor is also highly attractive
have been here three times and the food has been quite good
it's not Galileo, of course, but it's a more casual but satisfying Italian"
but the interior decor is also highly attractive
have been here three times and the food has been quite good
it's not Galileo, of course, but it's a more casual but satisfying Italian"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, kid-friendly
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Review 5 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Uneven but will go again
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We decided to sit outside. Good choice! Much quieter than inside and pleasant, although there was some noise from kids playing on the terrace now and then. The meal started with a basket of very good bread and a fantastic mixed green salad. My husband's fish was excellent. I made the mistake of ordering Cornish hen instead of the quail from the special menu. It was coated in lemon pepper, so much that I couldn't eat the skin, and it overwhelmed the taste of the hen. There many items on the menu I've enjoyed at restaurants where Roberto Donna was the chef. I wanted to try something new. Sometimes it's a good idea...sometimes not. I'm still willing to experiment there, but I'll stick with the special menu when I do."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Worth the trip
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"What a gem. Perfect from all aspects when you want a special dinner."
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 7 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
The brunch was a big disappointment
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The brunch was a big disappointment. Nothing special. The minestrone soup was greasy. The salads were out of the bag and the eggs were poorly done. For a spring Sunday, the place was not busy at all."
Dined on 04/28/2013
2007
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Review 8 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent. Delicious as always.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent. Delicious as always. Creative."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch
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Review 9 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We brought a friend from New
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
"We brought a friend from New York, who knows her restaurants. She was very impressed by the salami and cheese selection, a meal in itself, if desired."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 10 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The bartender Alex was awesome!!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The bartender Alex was awesome!! Excellent Sangria, very helpful with DC area tips as we were visiting. Also really enjoyed the bread. Taxi service wouldnt come pick us up in the rain so we had to wait for 2 hours and spend $50 on a towncar, but what can ya do!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 11 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
High expectations for the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"High expectations for the food, which delivered. Unlike the service staff. Just weird. Each staff looked at each other like - "whose table is that" Does it matter? You all work at the same place."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2008
Special Features: notable wine list
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Review 12 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great food but the coffee
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great food but the coffee was so bad we had to send it back and ask for fresh cups."
Dined on 04/22/2013
2005
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Review 13 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
My cousin and I enjoyed a
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My cousin and I enjoyed a lovely dinner on their patio."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 14 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was better than expected.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was better than expected. Generous portions. Only problem was that it took a very long time to bes erved both the appetizers and then the entrees -- maybe 15 or 20 minutes betyween courses, which seemed very long. Staff was friendly though the people who delivered the food to the table were obviously "on training" and had some trouble getting the right food to the right people"
Dined on 04/17/2013
2004
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 15 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Thankful
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great to have this great Italian restaurant close by in AU park. The Donna family is present and in full force just as in the past, husband captaining the kitchen and the Mrs running the dining room. It is noisy but that is the ambiance at this latest Roberto Donna restaurant."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2003
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 16 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The service was slow, and
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The service was slow, and unfriendly
Interestingly enough- it wasn't just our waiter and our table. There were several tables with in ear shot that were disappointed and unhappy"
Interestingly enough- it wasn't just our waiter and our table. There were several tables with in ear shot that were disappointed and unhappy"
Dined on 04/10/2013
2005
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 17 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
My wife and I went with another
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My wife and I went with another couple on a Saturday night, and the place was jumping. We had an early reservation (6:15), and actually parked on the street directly in front. A few hours later, when we left, there was standing room being used around the bar, and all the inside tables were full. We had a very leisurely meal, with wine by the glass to accommodate the three different wines desired, and had salads, entrees, desert and coffee. All were excellent. The salads are enormous, and the deserts are just right for four people to share with coffee. Our only complaint would be the noise, but I think that would be doable during the week when there wouldn't be all those people around the bar."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
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Review 18 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
PERFECT Italian food, the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"PERFECT Italian food, the BEST in DC!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 19 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
It was great dinner. Best
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It was great dinner. Best red sauce in the world!"
Dined on 04/05/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 20 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Really shouldn't shout disparaging
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
"Really shouldn't shout disparaging things at employees, especially in front of customers! Employees were embarrassed & the manager-type woman lost any credibility in my eyes."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2006
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 21 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Would try again but not bowled over
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I wanted to LOVE Al Dente since it is supposed to be a neighborhood gem. It was the Monday after Easter & the restaurant was nearly empty so maybe that affected my opinion but the service was AWFUL. We had to flag people down like hailing a cab to get water refills all night, bread, salt & pepper, olive oil, you name it - we had to ask. Our bartender waited on us & was distracted so we had to snag another waitress to finally order food. He made solid food recommendations but when it came to wines kept pushing $90 bottle options on us. Gnocchi with sausage was EXCELLENT, Papardelle with wild boar just okay, bread basket needs work. Menu is very strangely organized and confusing to read."
Dined on 04/01/2013
2009
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Review 22 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Enjoyed the Easter Sunday special!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had the Easter Sunday special dinner...what a feast. Dish after dish after dish...all well presented and delicious. Come with a good appetite! Good advice on wine, too."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 23 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The Easter Menu was phenomenal. Gr
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The Easter Menu was phenomenal.
Great food and excellent service at a very reasonable price. The portions were very generous as well.
A little neighborhood gem in Wesley Heights!
Love Al Dente!!!"
Great food and excellent service at a very reasonable price. The portions were very generous as well.
A little neighborhood gem in Wesley Heights!
Love Al Dente!!!"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 24 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
This is not the Robert Donna
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is not the Robert Donna I remembered from Galileo!!!"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2008
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Review 25 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Disappointed.
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"IT was a disappointment. The side-dish was way over cooked and stuffed in a metal pan. The main dish..cornish hen..was slightly black from the oven or grill and had very little taste. The waitress kept pushing us even though the restaurant was only half full."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2010
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Review 26 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Long Wait Richly Rewarded
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Although there was a lengthy delay in our table being ready, the hostess was marvelous and had an appetizer delivered to us at the bar and then offered us desserts on the house. The food was delicious and the service very good. The hostess was truly amazing. We will absolutely return."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 27 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Tutto bene
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"With Roberto Donna overseeing and active in the kitchen and one of our favorite Galileo waiters (Alberto) back on the scene, it was a very pleasant and delicious evening. We started with a cheese and salumi sampler and then everyone went their separate ways. I had a very unique pasta made from farro (a whole grain) with fresh tomatoes and basil that was not only a healthy choice but very tasty. Alberto knew my wife's favorite wine and, although it was not on the house list,produced a bottle of it! Va bene!
Supreme Court Justice Scalia was a few tables away and his evening was private and subtly handled."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly
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Review 28 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We always have an enjoyable
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We always have an enjoyable dinner there, service is excellent and the food is excellent and the prices are very reasonable"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2009
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Review 29 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Special Features: notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 30 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Dinner at Al Dente was noisy
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Dinner at Al Dente was noisy but delicious. Would highly recommend the fried calimari with three sauces--the most tender calamari I have ever had and the sauces were wonderful. Would also highly recommend the chocolate ricotta dessert. Our server was knowlegeable and charming without being intrusive."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 31 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Too much noise!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I tried to get to Al Dente early enough to avoid the unpleasant noise level but even starting dinner at 7 p.m. Was too late. Next time I will have to try coming at 6 p.m. Too bad because the food was really quite wonderful and fairly priced for the quality but the noise was really a deal breaker."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 32 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We arrived at our scheduled
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We arrived at our scheduled time only to find that we had a wait of 20 minutes so we were steered to the bar. The 20 minutes stretched into 40, however, a white pizza was passed around and then a free glass of wine came with it. We were grateful that we hadn't been forgotten and eventually we were seated for a very delicious dinner. Everything from the grilled rockfish to the gnocchi with sausage to the meatballs was absolutely delicious. So, the wait was made tolerable and turned out to be well worth it!!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 33 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Disorganized
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was nice, but the service was very disorganized. Food arrived at separate times, and the dessert took an inordinate amount of time. The restaurant may succeed because of it's location to American University, but the operation could be more efficient."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2007
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Review 34 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Terrific pizza - best we have
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Terrific pizza - best we have found locally! Definitely a great find in an otherwise sleepy neighborhood."
Dined on 03/17/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 35 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Sunday evening dinning- great
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Sunday evening dinning- great spot to meet up with old friends, share news, enjoy good food, and explore wines!!!"
Dined on 03/17/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 36 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Absolutely spectacular lunch
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Absolutely spectacular lunch that was leisurely and fun. Food as always is stellar, from pizza to pasta and the salad (romaine, grana, anchovies) is served at the perfect temperature and never feels as if it was pre-pared and stored in the 'fridge. Calamari with peppers was zesty and perfectly fried while the bomboli was a complete delight if a few calories over the line. Hostess/manager Karen always engaging and waiter Cliff full of great suggestions! Mille Grazie - GCF"
Dined on 03/15/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 37 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Loud
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We found this as one of the best romantic restaurants in Washingtonian Magazine. Food was good, but the place is very loud. On top of that, the fire alarm went off before we got food and restaurant management couldn't stop it the whole evening. Terrible experience. Should have just left..."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2010
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Review 38 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Think Twice Before Going
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"How did Al Dente end up on the Washingtonian's top 100? There was mass pandemonium at the host station while 3 women tried to figure out seating. Not one bothered to address the customers waiting in line to check into the restaurant. A bad first impression. Once we were seated, we had inattentive waitstaff and food that did not live up to our expectations from Roberto Donna: (1) a bread basket that looked like it had leftovers from another table with no offering of olive oil or butter--there was a menu option to purhase an appetizer to go with the bread; (2)shriveled up lamb chops with hardly any meat...a recommendation by our waiter. The salads and pasta were ok."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Review 39 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A very good neighborhood restaurant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Al Dente is a very good neighborhood restaurant. They have a great charcuterie selection for starters. The list of wines by the glass is much better than most small restaurants. The menu is interesting and the cooking is solid. Despite a good range of seasonings, almost everything is then also over-salted. (Salt is easy to add and impossible to remove. Is the taster a smoker?)"
Dined on 03/13/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 40 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
My second visit to the restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My second visit to the restaurant and the food was terrific! It was a reunion dinner with a childhood friend who was visiting (and who lived in NYC and has lots of wonderful food experience) and he loved it, too! Will definitely continue to patronize this place."
Dined on 03/11/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 41 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was excellent - everyone
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
"The food was excellent - everyone loved what we got.
It's possible that our waiter didn't understand what we were asking - twice his answers to our questions were disconnected from what we were asking."
It's possible that our waiter didn't understand what we were asking - twice his answers to our questions were disconnected from what we were asking."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 42 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food but the decor/ambiance
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food but the decor/ambiance leaves something to be desired. Also, very loud and we were a bit surprised that we had to wait 45 minutes for our reserved table. No way to really excuse that."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 43 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
We have eaten here several
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We have eaten here several times before and the food is always good. But there seems to be a flaw in the system, and we've run into this problem before: the welcome is gracious, the taking of orders and food advice is excellent, and then you can get lost in the crowd...your waiter moves on to other customers, yet another server actually brings the food, then, as happened in our most recent visit, no one comes back to the table to see if you want anything more. No one ever offered us dessert, or checked to see if we wanted coffee! Finally we asked the hostess, then a server from another table, to see if our waiter could be located so we could get a bill. Some time later we finally got the bill. That's bad! Food's always good though!"
Dined on 03/06/2013
2004
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Review 44 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Al Dente was wonderful
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Made the reservation on a "whim" because we had passed this "little gem" going into another restaurant and we had wonderful food! Three of our 20something sons joined us and they were equally impressed with the food! Waiter was wonderful!"
Dined on 03/05/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 45 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Very attentive service and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Very attentive service and the food was amazing. From the charcuterie, to the pasta, to the simple salad, everything tasted delicious and authentic."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 46 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food is excellent! We
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food is excellent! We live in Glover Park and it is a wonderful addition to the neighborhood."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 47 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had a great time, the food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had a great time, the food was delicious, the service outstanding (thanks Alberto!) and the wine selection superb. It was Saturday night I added two late guests to my already booked reservation and they had no problem accommodating us with some minor wait at the bar. We definitely recommend this neighborhood gem to all."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 48 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Kid and Mom friendly and delicious.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Another fantastic meal at Al Dente! My 11 year old's favorite restaurant. She loves the pizza and the homemade pasta. I love the variety of making a meal of the small dishes and appetizers. The scallops were amazing. The beet salad is always terrific. The eggplant parmesan is the best ever. The wine list is great, with a wonderful affordable selection. I love all of the Italian wines. We make it a regular dining spot. It is a terrific addition to the neighborhood."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 49 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The space is attractive and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The space is attractive and the food was good. We had the special lunch which comes on a plate with scooped out sections for different foods - appetizers, main course, salad and dessert. Clever."
Dined on 02/26/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch
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Review 50 for Al Dente (FKA La Forchetta)
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The food was fresh, and of
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was fresh, and of good quality. The service was passable, no way exceptional. The main problem is the lack of ambience and feeling of a sandwich shop not a cozy neighborhood restaurant. The flimsy tables, the absence of tableclothes, and the uncomfortable plastic chairs create an atmosphere that does not foster an enjoyable dining experience, more eat and run."
Dined on 02/24/2013
2004
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