Al Dente's Italiano - SAINT JOHNS

I was looking for an Italian restaurant that was not located in the traffic downtown. I ran across the restaurant’s webpage. I read that the restaurant was started by a fellow who worked in the North End of Boston in the Italian restaurants there. We had just returned from the North End so we were familiar with the taste an quality of the offerings from there. We booked dinner reservations online. There are two seating sections, the lounge and the dining room. We chose the dining room. On arriving we were quickly seated. Warm bread and oil was provided. After looking through the many selections my wife and I each chose the saltimbocca as we consider this the standard to judge the talent of Italian offerings. We also order the angle hair pasta. The presentation of the food was excellent. The quantity of the food was large. We had to take some home. For dessert we had the cannoli. It was a crispy shell with a light filling. It was delicious. As to the saltimbocca, it did not disappoint. I believe we have found a place that will remind us of the North End every time we eat there. And yes, we plan to be back soon.

Long wait. Loud!!! Need to put up acoustic sound panels on the wall...or something. Ambiance is cold. Food was lukewarm.

Very bad experience. The server was so rude. We were a large group had our reservation. But she never cared to attend us even after taking the order she never served. She literally ignored we people exist on the table. When tried to reach her politely if she can cancel the order so that I can step out. She started using threatening words. Her manager has to step into solve. Manager was good though and quickly resolved. But not at all a good experience. I felt so much of discrimination. I don’t recommend this restaurant.

A friend and I went for lunch. We both tried the chicken Provençal. It was very good. I thought they could have added additional tomatoes. They should have let the food sit for a minute before serving to us, as the meal temperature was very hot. It was a good meal and the left overs were great. We had limoncello cake for dessert. It was light and creamy. The service was 10+. A very personable server, who was not over the top. The music and decor is lovely. I really liked the vibe. I would return again.

The food was decent, but the portion sizes are WAY too big. My pasta ended up being 3 full meals, and by the 3rd I wasn’t the biggest fan anymore. I’d rather pay a little less and receive a smaller portion. Service: Dine in Meal type: Dinner Price per person: $20–30 Food: 3 Service: 4 Atmosphere: 3