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Al Dente
★ 4.0(1 review)Restaurant
moderncozyauthentic
About the Vibe
Tucked away on Goodge Street, Al Dente is the kind of place where you can escape to Italy without leaving Fitzrovia. The sleek black-and-white interior sets a modern yet unpretentious stage, while the aromas of fresh pasta and the soft jazz in the background do the rest of the work. Skip the tourist traps and come here for their house-made arancini and the Paccheri alla Boscaiola, which is packed with truffle, mushrooms, and sausage.
Known For
- •fresh house-made pasta
- •arancini in three flavors
- •Paccheri alla Boscaiola
- •in-house tiramisu
Best For
casual dinnerspasta loversdate nights
1 review
City InsidersEditorialApril 8, 2026
Fresh Pasta and Modern Vibes in Fitzrovia
Al Dente is a solid choice for anyone craving authentic Italian food in central London without the tourist mark-up. The atmosphere is sleek and modern, with minimalist black and white decor that feels contemporary but not cold. The real star here is the pasta—everything is made fresh on-site and cooked to a perfect al dente. The Paccheri alla Boscaiola is a standout, loaded with truffle, mushrooms, and sausage, while the arancini make for a great shared starter. Service is friendly and efficient, and the portions are generous enough to share or go home with leftovers.
It’s not a fancy fine-dining spot, but that’s part of its charm. You’ll find locals and office workers from nearby Soho popping in for a reliable mid-week meal or a weekend treat. The tiramisu is creamy and assembled fresh every morning—definitely save room for it. If you’re looking for a place that feels like a proper Italian trattoria but in the heart of Fitzrovia, this is it.