Al Dente Introduce
Al Dente Italian Restaurant has established itself as a true neighborhood favorite in Bergen County, offering an authentic Italian dining experience in the heart of Elmwood Park, NJ. Known for its dedication to traditional, homemade flavors, this establishment brings the essence of classic Italian cooking to the local community. The restaurant's name itself, "Al Dente," meaning "to the tooth" in Italian—a culinary term describing perfectly cooked pasta—is a promise of quality and expertise that extends throughout their extensive menu. Al Dente is celebrated by New Jersey locals for its generous portions, commitment to using fresh ingredients, and the warm, inviting atmosphere that makes every meal feel like a special occasion or a cozy family dinner. The restaurant has become a go-to spot for those seeking high-quality Italian fare without the high-end price tag, particularly appealing to diners who value an exceptional meal paired with the flexibility of a BYOB policy. From hearty pasta dishes and flavorful chicken entrees to fresh seafood and classic veal preparations, Al Dente serves a diverse menu rooted in culinary tradition, making it a beloved fixture in the North Jersey dining scene.
The core of Al Dente’s appeal is its focus on genuine, fresh cuisine. Customers frequently highlight the exceptional taste and substantial size of the dishes, a testament to the kitchen's authentic approach. The ambience is often described as casual and cozy, making it suitable for a range of gatherings, from a quiet dinner for two to celebrations with larger groups. As a proudly local business, Al Dente embodies the community spirit, providing friendly and attentive service that enhances the overall dining pleasure. For anyone in the New Jersey area looking for a reliable, delicious, and authentic Italian meal, Al Dente in Elmwood Park stands out as a destination where quality, value, and tradition meet.
Al Dente is conveniently situated in the Elmwood Park area of New Jersey, easily accessible for residents and visitors throughout Bergen County and beyond. The exact location is 430 Market St, Elmwood Park, NJ 07407, USA. This placement in a local Marketplace strip mall off Market Street ensures straightforward access and simplifies parking for patrons.
The restaurant prioritizes accessibility for all guests. It offers a free parking lot, which is a significant convenience in a busy area, alongside free street parking options. Furthermore, the establishment is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking lot, seating areas, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable experience for every visitor. Its location off a main thoroughfare makes driving to the venue uncomplicated, and its neighborhood setting contributes to its reputation as a local, easy-to-reach dining spot. For New Jersey locals, its position in Elmwood Park makes it a quick and familiar trip for an authentic Italian dinner.
Al Dente Italian Restaurant offers a comprehensive array of services designed to accommodate various dining preferences, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience for the local New Jersey community.
Dine-in Seating and Table Service: The primary service is providing a relaxed and casual setting for seated dining with full table service.
Reservations Accepted: Guests are encouraged to call ahead to reserve a table, especially for groups or during peak dining hours, to ensure prompt seating.
Takeout Services: The full menu is available for customers who prefer to enjoy their authentic Italian meal at home.
Delivery Services: Al Dente partners with various services to offer delivery options, providing no-contact delivery for added convenience.
Catering: Comprehensive catering services are available for special occasions, parties, and events, including customizable party menus and large family-style dinner options.
Family Dinners/Meals: The restaurant offers special family-sized dinners, like the Family Meal for 4-6 people, which typically includes a choice of chicken entree and a half tray of pasta and sides, perfect for a New Jersey family gathering.
Kid-Friendly Options: A dedicated Children's Menu is available, featuring items like Kid’s Chicken Parmigiana with Penne and Kid’s Chicken Fingers with French Fries, and the restaurant provides high chairs.
BYOB Policy: The restaurant maintains a Bring Your Own Bottle (BYOB) policy, allowing guests to pair their meal with their personal selection of wine or other beverages. There is a wine store conveniently located next door.
Payment Options: Multiple payment methods are accepted, including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments.
Al Dente in Elmwood Park, NJ, is distinguished by several key features and menu highlights that draw in locals seeking a memorable and authentic Italian meal.
Authentic Italian Cuisine and Homemade Pasta: The restaurant specializes in genuine Italian food, with a focus on house-made elements like fresh pasta and classic sauces. Customer reviews frequently praise the quality and freshness of the ingredients.
BYOB Advantage: The Bring Your Own Bottle policy provides exceptional value, allowing diners to enjoy high-quality Italian food while saving on beverage costs.
Signature Pasta Dishes: Popular and highly recommended pasta selections include the rich Rigatoni Vodka, the creamy Fettuccini Affredo, the classic Homemade Cheese Ravioli Marinara, and the unique Paglia Fieno (homemade spinach and egg linguine).
Classic Entree Highlights: The menu features a strong selection of traditional Italian entrees. Favorites include the satisfying Chicken Parmigiana, the bright and savory Chicken Francese, and a robust offering of veal dishes such as Veal Picata, Veal Saltimbocco, and Veal Parmigiana.
Appetizer Favorites: For starters, the Eggplant Rollentine (eggplant filled with ricotta and Romano cheese), Fried Calamari, and Mozzarella En Corrozza are frequently ordered and well-regarded.
Fresh Seafood Options: The menu includes a variety of crustacean and fish dishes like Frutti Di Mare (seafood medley), Shrimp Scampi, and preparations of Salmon Tagame and Fillet Of Sole.
Great Desserts: Known for having "Great dessert," Al Dente offers a tempting selection, with highlights such as Tiramasu, Carrot Cake, and Cholcolate Covered Mini Cannoli.
Cozy and Casual Atmosphere: The setting is described as cozy and casual, providing a comfortable and family-friendly environment for dinner, appealing to groups and locals alike.
Fast and Attentive Service: The staff is often complimented for providing fast service, demonstrating attentiveness, and working in tandem to enhance the dining experience.
For reservations, inquiries about catering, or to place a takeout order, you can contact Al Dente Italian Restaurant directly.
Address: 430 Market St, Elmwood Park, NJ 07407, USA
Primary Phone: (201) 791-3000
Mobile Phone (Alternate): +1 201-791-3000
We recommend calling ahead, especially on weekends, to confirm availability and make reservations.
For residents of New Jersey, Al Dente Italian Restaurant in Elmwood Park presents a compelling choice for authentic Italian dining for several distinct reasons, blending classic culinary excellence with practical, community-focused features.
The commitment to quality, traditional Italian recipes is the primary draw. Diners can expect the full spectrum of beloved Italian-American dishes, crafted with a dedication to flavor and fresh ingredients. The pasta menu, from Rigatoni Bolognese to the decadent Homemade Cheese Ravioli Vodka Sauce, showcases the kitchen's capability to deliver rich, satisfying meals. The prominence of substantial entrees, including a wide selection of veal and chicken preparations like Chicken Marsala and Veal Francese, ensures that every appetite is catered to with a genuine, homemade feel.
A key factor making Al Dente worth choosing is the added value provided by its BYOB policy. This feature allows patrons to bring their favorite wine, perfectly complementing their meal and significantly reducing the overall cost of dining out. For families and groups, the ability to select their own beverages enhances the experience without compromise. The convenient location, with a dedicated free parking lot and the simple accessibility features, makes a spontaneous or planned trip hassle-free.
Finally, Al Dente excels in offering a complete, comfortable dining package. The atmosphere is cozy and casual—ideal for everything from a date night to a family birthday. The available services, including reservations, a kids' menu, and versatile catering options, speak to its local, family-friendly focus. When you choose Al Dente, you are choosing a cherished local spot in North Jersey that consistently delivers on the promise of fresh, authentic Italian cuisine, generous portions, and a welcoming, value-driven dining experience that’s hard to beat in Bergen County.
Al Dente Vibe
Vegetail
- Broccoli Rabe $7.95
Seasonal.
- Sautéed Broccoli $11.95
- Sautéed Escarole $5.50
- Sautéed Mushrooms $11.95
- Sautéed Spinach $11.95
Vitello
- Veal Picata $31.95
Milk-fed veal sautéed with capers, lemon in white wine sauce.
- Veal Milanese Luciano $19.50
Lightly breaded and topped with arugula, tomato, red onion and balsamic.
- Veal Francese $31.95
Milk fed veal in a light egg batter with white wine and lemon.
- Veal Don Giovanni $31.95
Milk fed veal sautéed in extra virgin olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs and marinara sauce, topped with buffalo mozzarella.
- Veal Toscano $31.95
Milk-fed veal topped with prosciutto, asparagus and Fontina cheese in a sherry wine demi glaze.
- Veal Saltimbocco $31.95
Milk fed with spinach, prosciutto and Mozzarella cheese in a Madeira wine sauce.
- Veal Parmigiana $31.95
Milk fed veal lightly breaded and topped with marinara sauce and fresh Mozzarella cheese.
- Veal Desperado $31.95
Milk-fed veal sautéed with pepperoncini peppers, white wine, and plum tomatoes.
Pasta
- Capellini Granchi $19.95
Capellini with fresh lump crab meat in tomato basil sauce.
- Fusilli Filetto Di Pomodoro $19.95
Fusilli saute with prosciutto, onion, fresh basil and plum tomato. Includes a house salad.
- Paglia Fieno $22.95
Homemade spinach and egg linguine with diced grilled chicken, tomato and shiitake mushrooms in a gorgonzola sauce drizzled with white truffle oil. Includes a house salad.
- Shrimp Scampi $26.95
shrimp sauteed in a sherry garlic sauce served over linguine. Includes a house salad.
- Fettuccini Affredo $21.95
Pasta in a light cream sauce with imported cheese. Includes a house salad.
- Chicken Parm Vodka Over Penne $26.95
Chicken Parmigiana served in a vodka sauce over penne pasta. Includes a house salad.
- Linguine Vespucci $27.50
Linguine with shrimp, arugula, lemon and a touch of tomato.
- Linguine In A Red Clam Sauce $16.95
- Cavatelli With Broccoli $21.95
Red or white sauce. Includes a house salad.
- Tortellini Alla Panna $21.95
Meat tortellini in a light cream sauce. Includes a house salad.
- Homemade Cheese Ravioli Vodka Sauce $20.95
- Penne Arrabbiata $21.95
Penne sauteed with garlic and cherry peppers, in a plum tomato sauce with a touch of cream. Includes a house salad
- Homemade Cheese Ravioli Marinara $19.95
- Shrimp Oreganato $27.95
Shrimp sauteed in a light garlic sauce topped with fresh herbs, bread crumbs, diced tomato & black olives served over linguine or cappelini. Includes a house salad.
- Fettuccine With Mussels $18.95
Home made fettuccine with prince edward mussels in a garlic wine sauce
- Penne Rigate $21.95
Penned tossed with eggplant, basil and marinara sauce and topped with shredded Fontina cheese. Includes a house salad.
- Capellini San Marco $27.95
Capellini with sautéed shrimp, brandy and shallots in a pink sauce. Includes a house salad.
- Frutta Di Mar $24.95
Shrimp, calamari, mussels, & sole over linguini marinara
- Linguine In A White Clam Sauce $16.95
- Shrimp Marinara $27.95
Shrimp marinara served over linguini. Includes a house salad.
- Rigatoni Bolognese $23.95
Simmered meat sauce with fresh herbs and garlic.
- Shrimp FraDiavolo $27.95
Served over linguini or capellini. Includes a house salad.
- Gnocchi Chicken Cacciatore $25.95
Homemade potato dumpling with chunks breast peppers, onions and mushrooms in a red sauce. Includes a house salad.
- Fusilli Zingara $21.95
Fusilli with sautéed mushrooms, olives, capers and hot or sweet peppers in a plum tomato sauce. Includes a house salad.
- Rigatoni Vodka $21.95
Plum tomato, heavy cream, vodka, fresh herb. Includes a house salad.
Dessert
- Chocolate Cake $9.95
- New York Cream Cheese Cake $9.50
Homemade cream cheese cake! made in a peanut/treenut free kitchen
- Cholcolate Covered Mini Cannoli $8.50
3 to an order
- New York Style Cheesecake $10.00
- Carrot Cake $9.95
- Mimi Cannoli's $9.95
3 to an order
- Tiramasu $9.95
Stephen's delicious home made tiramasu
- Death By Chocolate Cheesecake $9.00
Homemade chocolate cheesecake with an oreo cookie crust. Made in a peanut free kitchen
Family style meals
- Family Meal 4-6 Chicken Parm With 1/2 Tray Of Rigatoni Marinara $61.00
Chicken parmesian with 1/2 tray of rigatoni marinara, potato, mixed vegetable, tossed salad with housemade dressing, bread, butter, & cheese
- Family Meal 4-6 People Chicken Parm With Rigatoni Marinara $55.00
Chicken parm with 1/2 tray of rigatoni marinara, potato, mixed vegetales, tossed salad with housemade dressing, bread, butter, cheese
- Family Meal 4-6 People Chicken Parm With Penne Vodka $61.00
Chicken parmesian with 1/2 tray of penne vodka, potato, mixed vegetables, house salad with house made dressing, bread, butter, parmesian cheese
- Family Meal 4-6 People Chicken Francese With Penne Vodka $61.00
Chicken francese with 1/2 tray of penne vodka, potato, mixed vegetale, tossed salad, house made dressing, bread, butter, cheese feeds 4-6
- Family Meal 4-6 People Chicken Marsala With Penne Vodka $61.00
Chicken marsala with 1/2 tray of penne vodka, potato, mixed vegetables, house salad, house made dressing, bread, butter, parmesian cheese
Insalata
- Spinach Salad $7.95
Fresh spinach with bacon bits, mushrooms, hard boiled egg, and Blue cheese tossed with lemon vinaigrette.
- Arugula Salad $7.95
With endive, artichoke hearts, red onion, and shaved Provolone cheese in a sun-dried tomato dressing.
- Ceasar Salad $13.95
Romaine with croutons & shaved Parmesan with a caesar dressing
- Al Dente Salad $13.95
Baby greens, roasted peppers, red onion, black olives, & fresh mozzarella in a lemon garlic dressing
- House Salad $11.95
greens with tomato, red onion, black olives, & house dressing
- Mesclun Salad $7.95
With golden raisins, Goat cheese, mushrooms and walnuts tossed with our house vinaigrette.
Pollo
- Breaded Breast Of Chicken $26.95
Lightly breaded and pan fried.
- Chicken Luciano $27.50
Grilled or breaded topped with arugula, tomatoes, red onion and balsamic.
- Chicken Marsala $26.95
Breast of chicken sautéed with mushrooms and marsala wine.
- Chicken Murphy $30.95
Tender pieces tossed with onions, mushrooms and cherry peppers.
- Chicken Parmigiana $26.95
Lightly breaded breast of chicken topped with marinara sauce and fresh Mozzarella cheese.
- Chicken Sorrentino $29.95
Breast of chicken egg battered & topped with sliced tomato, eggplant, & mozzarella cheese in a sherry wine sauce
- Chicken Parm Vodka $29.95
Chicken parm served in a vodka sauce
- Chicken Nonna $29.95
Breast of chicken sautéed with artichokes, diced tomatoes, and asparagus in a white wine sauce.
- Grilled Breast Of Chicken $26.95
- Chicken Mamma Mia $26.95
Lightly breaded and topped with eggplant, Mozzarella cheese, and vodka sauce. Served over gnocchi. Does not include a side, but the app makes you select one. Please specify if you would like a side instead of the gnocchi.
- Chicken Francese $26.95
Breast of chicken in a light egg batter with white wine and lemon.
Antipasti
- Fried Calamari $18.95
Served with our homemade marinara sauce.
- Mussels Marinara $16.95
- Clams Oreganato $12.95
Littleneck clams topped with seasoned bread crumbs and herbs.
- Mozzarella En Corrozza $11.95
Fried mozzarella sandwiches with marinara sauce.
- Clams Posillipo $10.95
Clams in a light tomato sauce.
- Cold Antipasto For 2 $13.95
Roasted peppers, artichokes, fresh mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes prosciutto, salami and shrimp.
- Eggplant Rollentine $12.95
Eggplant filled with ricotta and Romano cheese.
- Shrimp Arrabbiata $17.95
Rock shrimp sautéed with garlic, white wine, herbs, lemon and hot pepper flakes with a touch of butter (upon availability).
- Seafood Salad $23.95
Assortment of calamari, mussels, & shrimp over greens.
- Portobella Mushroom With Shrimp $19.95
Portobella topped with shrimp, bread crumbs, fresh herbs garlic wine sauce
- Zuppa Di Mussels Marinara $11.95
- Grilled Portobella Mushroom $17.95
topped with tomato and melted mozzarella cheese in a garlic wine sauce
- Risotto With Baby Shrimp & Asparagus $12.95
Risooto with baby shrimp & asparagus in a garlic wine sauce
- Spedini $12.95
layered bread and mozzarella cheese in an anchovie sauce
- Calamari Salad $10.95
Chilled calamari over greens.
- Whole Artichoke $13.95
Whole Artichoke stuffed with breadcrumbs, fresh herbs, garlic wine sauce
- Clams Casino $12.95
Bacon, onion and red pepper.
- Whole Artichoke $11.95
Whole Artichoke stuffed with bread crumbs and romano cheese
- Risotto $13.95
Risotto with baby shrimp & asparagus in a garlic sauce
- Escargot Fra Diavalo $11.95
- Fresh Mozzarela & Roasted Peppers $12.95
Over greens finished in a lemon garlic dressing.
- Hot Antipasto For Two $15.95
Clams casino and oreganato, fried calamari, mussels marinara shrimp scampi and roasted pepper.
- Shrimp Cocktail $12.50
Four jumbo shrimp with cocktail sauce.
Crustace E Pesce
- Shrimp Fra Diavolo $18.50
Served over linguine or capellini.
- Shrimp & Scallops Marinara $19.50
Served over linguine or capellini.
- Salmon Tagame $33.95
Salmon served with sautéed black olives, tomatoes, garlic, marsala wine balsamic vinegar.
- Frutti Di Mare $22.95
Shrimp, scallops, calamari, clams, and mussels prepared with marinara sauce or fra diavolo.
- Shrimp Marinara $18.50
Served over linguine or capellini.
- Salmon Baked In A Garlic Pesto Crust $18.95
- Salmon Oreganato $33.95
Broiled salmon with light bread crumbs, fresh herbs, & garlic
- Shrimp Oreganato $18.50
Shrimp sautéed in a light garlic sauce topped with fresh herbs, bread crumbs, diced tomato, and black olives. Served over linguine or capellini.
- Shrimp & Scallops Fra Diavolo $19.50
Served over linguine or capellini.
- Fillet Of Sole $31.95
Broiled or francese.
- Shrimp Scampi $18.50
Shrimp sautéed in a sherry garlic sauce served over linguine or capellini.
- Tilapia Livornese $19.50
Baked white meat fish onions, capers and black olives in a plum tomato and basil sauce.
Children's Menu
- Kid's Chicken Parmigiana With Penne $13.95
- Kid's Penne Vodka $12.95
- Kid's Chicken Fingers With French Fries $12.95
- Kid's Ravioli Marinara $13.95
Zuppe
- Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup $6.00
- Straciatelli Soup $9.00
- Escarole Fagiola $9.00
- Tortellini En Brodo $9.00
- Pasta Fagiola $9.00
Al Dente Details
Service options
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great dessert
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Wine
Dining options
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Locals
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Parking
Al Dente Photos










Al Dente Location
Al Dente Reviews
pricesBYOBfood and servicepartybirdvealeggplant rollatinistrip mallstuffed artichokeclams casino
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I’ve been wanting to try this place for some time now, finally got the chance recently to get inside.The tablecloths were sheets of paper. That may be acceptable at a hotdog stand, But not an Italian restaurant.The waiter was never anywhere to be seen.I get excited when I see stuffed artichoke on a menu. It holds a special place in my heart, and it shows you know how to do it right. Aldente proved me wrong. The sauce at the bottom of the dish was actually very good. But the stuffing was nothing more than dry bread crumbs. It was like eating sand. At least I had the sauce to wet it a bit, but wow what a disappointment.The clams casino were only slightly better. The only word I can use to describe the dish is “sad”.My dinner was stuffed ravioli, Tasted like it was bought from ShopRite and made by children. No hate on ShopRite ravioli, They do great. Just not what I expect from an Italian restaurant in Jersey.After one disappointment after another, I refused to leave so unhappy. I was full, but so unsatisfied I felt the need to step in. I instructed them to make me fried calamari. Use the sauce from the artichoke and add cherry peppers.It was fantastic. If you do decide to go here, ask for this.It’s byob, but there is a wine store next door.I doubt I’ll ever be back, and recommend you spend your money elsewhere. Plenty of amazing options in north Jersey.
March 23 · Nicholas CataniaTranslated from the Italian literally “to the tooth," it describes pasta that is cooked to be firm to the bite. Located at the Marketplace of Elmwood Park strip mall off of Market Street, my partner and I made a return trip after two years to Al Dente for an early dinner tonight. Reservations were easily made by calling the establishment at the spur of the moment. Greeted by the staff upon entering, the patrons seemed to be enjoying their dinners and were seated promptly by the window. The menu featured typical Italian cuisine with appetizers, salads, pastas, chicken, fish, and veal dishes, as well as a special menu. We decided on their specials and got their homemade spinach and ricotta ravioli with blackened julienne chicken in Alfredo sauce and homemade fettuccine with chopped shrimp and sweet Italian sausage in a vodka pink sauce with shaved provolone. Our meal came with a side salad. Complimentary warm bread accompanied by butter started our meal. Food was always made with fresh ingredients, just the right amount of spice, and unbelievably delicious. Portions were just right. They offer a dessert, but we had no room to even try to have any. The service was excellent and accommodating, and the whole wait staff worked in tandem with each other. The price is comparable to the area, and BYOB adds to the value of the dinner. We continue to recommend it to anyone who either loves genuine Italian food or actually knows what genuine Italian food is supposed to be.
May 03 · Eloy YipWe brought our high school orchestra here for dinner before going into the city to see an opera. They were able to accommodate 64 of us. The food was great and the pacing of the different courses was perfect for our group. Communication before and during our event was excellent. I can’t thank them enough for the food and service.
March 28 · Heather SeligThey are so accommodating with delicious appetizers, entries, and Darlenes cheesecake and Stephen's osso Bucco.I always can't believe that such a local place is so good.I have hosted 30 people. They know how to do it!!
June 27 · Steven GoldenbergHad my sons bday party here. We had chicken, tilapia and eggplant rollantini,the food was good, the atmosphere was nice and the staff was friendly and accommodating. I will definitely return again.
December 15 · C.
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