Restaurant
Al Dente Enoteca Restaurant
161 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia
Find Al Dente Enoteca Restaurant
161 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Al Dente Enoteca Restaurant
Duck behind the curtain on Nicholson Street and hand the evening over to the room. Carlton’s Al Dente brings the pace of a modern wine bar with serious pasta craft—co-owners working the floor while the kitchen rolls dough in-house. The smart play is skipping the decisions entirely for the Chef’s Selection. Tables note unexpected turns like kangaroo or duck, but the tortelloni cacio e pepe remains the anchor—rich parcels made for doing scarpetta with warm bread. Bottle pours track each plate without stuffiness. Just save room at the finish for the sabbiosa cake with caramel cream.
- Chef’s Selection & Pairings: Multi-course tasting progression guided course-by-course with tailored cellar pairings and proteins like kangaroo and duck.
- Handmade Stuffed Pasta: Fresh pasta rolled in-house daily, headlined by rich Cacio e Pepe tortelloni and house-churned butter with warm bread.
- Owner-Led Hospitality: Co-owners guide the dining room directly, steering wine selections and making solo diners and celebrations feel at home.
- Standout Dolci: Traditional sweets anchored by the signature sabbiosa cake alongside latte e miele and classic tiramisu.
What's On at Al Dente Enoteca Restaurant
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Diners Choose Al Dente Enoteca
Hand over the reins for handmade pasta, masterclass pairings, and heartfelt Carlton hospitality—reserve your table now.
Effortless Chef’s Selection Dining
Entrusting dinner to the kitchen delivers an elevated multi-course journey that expertly handles unexpected proteins like kangaroo and duck.
The Chef’s Selection was phenomenal. Even dishes I wouldn’t normally choose, like kangaroo and duck, completely won me over.
Iris Moktan Precision Table-Side Wine Pairings
Knowledgeable floor staff and owners take full control of beverage pairings, aligning each pour seamlessly to elevate every plate.
Each course, from the starters through to dessert, was perfectly curated and paired with exceptional wines.
Jacqui Ryder Artisanal Hand-Rolled Stuffed Pastas
Crafted in-house daily, the signature stuffed pastas yield an unctuous, rich filling wrapped in tender handmade dough.
their signature cacio e pepe tortelloni is a must - pillowy soft clouds of luscious, rich cheese encased in the most perfect and fresh pasta
elisa m Uncompromising In-House Texture
The dedicated pasta program delivers a discernible textural difference with an unmistakable al dente bite in every shape.
The pasta is handmade in-house and you can really tell. The texture is completely different from regular pasta, with that perfect bite.
bhrmul Heartfelt Milestone Celebrations
Milestones and birthdays receive warm, high-touch hospitality, marked by thoughtful personal recognition that makes guests feel celebrated.
They sang me happy birthday in Italian, and made me feel very special.
F J Owner-Led Warmth and Connection
Direct floor engagement from co-owners Andrea and Michelle creates an inviting enoteca environment grounded in genuine personal connection.
we even shared some wonderful conversations with Andrea and Michelle, the owners. They’re such an inspiring young couple – hardworking, passionate, and a true example of what genuine hospitality is all about.
Jade H
Most popular items
Explore signature handmade pastas, curated multi-course journeys, and guided wine pairings—reserve your table to experience it firsthand.
Tortelloni Cacio e Pepe
the stand out was the Tortellini cacio e pepe, we actually had to order it twice it was that good!
Robert B Wine Pairing
taking the time to explain each course and the wine pairing that accompanied it.
Andrea Khan Duck
the food was some of the most delicious I’ve ever had (I recommend the duck)
eliza bennett Chef's Selection
The Chef’s Selection was phenomenal.
Iris Moktan
Other favorites
From standout desserts to handcrafted cocktails and house-baked bread, these supporting touches complete the dining experience.
Torte Sabbiosa
unique yet delicious, melt-in-the-mouth Torte Sabbiosa, which paired perfectly with the lemon curd base.
elisa m Tiramisu
Their tiramisu is a must. Creamy, not overly sweet, and a perfect way to finish the meal.
bhrmul Amaretto Sour
My amaretto sour was one of the best I’ve had — smooth, balanced, and perfectly made.
Xavier Cabai Homemade Bread and Salted Butter
the standout was the homemade bread and butter. Such a simple touch, yet utterly exquisite; the salted butter on warm bread could have been a dish in itself.
Xavier Cabai
Beyond the menu
Thoughtful hospitality details and tableside flourishes that elevate dining in Carlton—reserve your table to experience them firsthand.
Personalized Celebration Touches
Milestone diners are treated to thoughtful personalized touches, from custom celebratory greetings scripted in chocolate on dessert plates to the dining room staff singing happy birthday in Italian.
Arrival Care and Bag Stools
Guests are welcomed with considerate arrival hospitality right at the door, including taking coats upon entry and providing dedicated small stools for handbags at the table.
Tableside Dessert Shaving
Dessert service features interactive tableside presentation, including chocolate truffle freshly shaved over confections directly in front of diners.
Hands-On Owner Course Delivery
Co-owners Michelle and head chef Andrea actively work the dining room, personally greeting diners, sharing culinary craft details, and hand-delivering courses straight from the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I book a table in advance?
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for busy evenings and weekends, though staff accommodate walk-ins at tables or the bar when space permits.
What dishes are not to be missed?
The handmade stuffed pasta is widely celebrated, particularly the signature Tortelloni Cacio e Pepe, alongside savoury mains like duck breast. For dessert, both the classic tiramisu and the Torte Sabbiosa are standout favourites.
Can dietary requirements and allergies be accommodated?
Yes, the kitchen can accommodate dietary requirements, including gluten-free friendly options, though those with specific food allergies may find menu choices more limited and should advise staff ahead of time.
Is outdoor seating available?
Yes, the venue offers outside dining tables to enjoy meals outdoors in warm weather.
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