Al Dente
Sit In & Takeaway
172 Prestwick Rd, Ayr KA8 8NP
Established in March 2022, Al Dente, based in Ayr, is bringing contemporary Italian cuisine with a fast-food focus to the town. Having recently won a Best Scottish Italian Award for its creamy carbonara, it’s easy to see why it’s fast becoming a top pick for pasta, pizza and so much more. Although the restaurant itself is relatively small (you’re advised to book) you can expect a big welcome with friendly service and a warm atmosphere. Alternatively, you can enjoy the many delicious dishes on the menu at home with take-away and delivery services also available.
Although serving up traditional, well-loved dishes, it’s worth noting that where possible, key ingredients are locally sourced to bring a Scottish twist to Italian cuisine. Take the Linguine Scoglio, for example (a national dish of Italy and a best seller in Al Dente), which uses local seafood cooked in a traditional tomato and white wine sauce, lovingly blending local and international flavours. Another of the most popular dishes on the menu is the locally sourced lamb chops, marinaded in an authentic Italian fresh herb blend with garlic and served with salad and sauteed potatoes. The mix of Scottish and Italian can be seen across the menu and it’s a fusion of foods and flavours that the chefs are proud to promote.
An extensive pizza menu offers all the traditional toppings you could want with the white pizzas (for those who don’t like a tomato base) offering some creative, more unusual toppings including, for example, cheese, apple, salsiccia and zola. Calzones, salads, risottos and pastas galore are available in addition to mains which focus on quality meats and fish such as the grilled chicken al salsa verde or the swordfish al Siciliana. For vegetarians, there’s a delicious Aubergine Parmigianna on offer; aubergine baked with tomato and bechamel sauce and served with rosemary wedges. The menu is big and so are the flavours and there’s always something for everyone.
No self-respecting Italian restaurant is complete without some traditional home-made desserts and Al Dente doesn’t disappoint. The in-house tiramisu is the best seller – as you would imagine – followed closely by their ‘Famous Cheesecake.’ Panna cotta, Italian meringues and cannoli Sicilano (delightfully crisp shells filled with ricotta, pistachios and chocolate) are also on the menu providing a choice of sweet treats which, when served with a specialty Italian coffee, offer the perfect end to a deliciously satisfying meal.
aldenteayr.com
