Al Dente
The good thing about writing food reviews in and around Leith is that there are always new restaurants springing up, so we’re never short of places to visit.
Al Dente is one such restaurant which opened just back in July. Situated on Easter Road just opposite the Hibs ground, this little restaurant with its newly painted frontage, used to be Tinneli’s until it recently closed its doors after nearly 25 years. Graziano Spano and chef Stefano Di Caterina are the new owners.
Although the decor is much the same as before, quite plain and understated, you can’t help but feel when you walk through the door that there is a different energy about the place. Contemporary Italian music plays from the kitchen making it feel very upbeat and modern. It suggests that the new owners are steering away from the more traditional Italian restaurant. And, if you are in any doubt - Graziano will happily share their plans for the business with you if you ask. It was quiet the day we arrived for lunch, so we had a good old blether.
A genuinely friendly chap, you can’t help but get caught up in their enthusiasm.
But I’ve got excited before, and then discovered the menu didn’t quite live up to what was trying to be delivered. So, Norman and I reserved our judgement for later, and hungrily looked through the menu. There is a lunch time menu also available during the week, where for £8.00 you can enjoy a two course meal, but on this occasion we chose from the a la carte.
Very much based on fresh, quality produce, Al Dente offers traditional Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist. Both originally from the south of Italy, they have also been keen to feature quite a few delicacies from their own region.
al dente
139 Easter Road. leith
T: 0131 652 1932
Open daily for lunch
and dinner
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