Welcome to Cafe Al Dente of New York
Cafe Al Dente of New York, located in Hilton Head Island, SC, is a culinary gem that brings authentic Italian flavors to life. With a thoughtfully curated menu, diners can indulge in exquisite dishes like Lobster Gnocchi, Ricotta Gnocchi, and the classic Eggplant Parmigiana. The warm ambiance complements the attentive service, making each meal feel special. Customers rave about the freshness of the ingredients and the delicious desserts, particularly the dulce de leche cheesecake. Whether you're enjoying a cozy dinner indoors or dining al fresco, Cafe Al Dente promises an exceptional gastronomic experience that elevates the soul of Italian dining.
- 1 N Forest Beach Dr Unit A-5, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, United States1 N Forest Beach Dr Unit A-5, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, United States Hotline: +1 843-802-0125
Welcome to Cafe Al Dente of New York, a hidden gem nestled in the vibrant scenery of Hilton Head Island. Located at 1 N Forest Beach Dr, this Italian eatery seamlessly blends traditional flavors with a modern twist, making it a must-visit for both locals and vacationers alike.
As you step into Cafe Al Dente, you're greeted with a warm ambiance and friendly staff. The decor reflects a charming Italian vibe, creating the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience. Expect to be welcomed like family, a sentiment echoed in numerous customer reviews highlighting the attentive service provided by genuine hosts like Amanda and Mallory.
The real star of the show, however, is the menu, which boasts an impressive selection of pasta, salads, and appetizers that are all crafted with care. For pasta lovers, dishes such as the Seafood Fra Diavolo featuring shrimp, local fish, calamari, and blue crab, or the rich Cavatelli Bolognese deliver bold, authentic flavors that transport you straight to Italy. The Rigatoni A la Vodka, adorned with creamy burrata, has become a favorite among patrons, while the Mac & Peas, a vegan option, showcases the restaurant's versatility without compromising on taste.
Salads at Cafe Al Dente are equally inviting, with options like the Al Dente Salad, loaded with fresh greens and crumbled Gorgonzola, making it a delightful start to your meal. The warmth of the Warm Salad—sautéed mushrooms and artichokes over arugula—also leaves diners coming back for more. And who could resist the inviting Garlic Bread, a perfect accompaniment to any dish, crafted with a special Parmesan blend and served with a delectable vodka sauce?
Of course, no visit is complete without indulging in their decadent desserts. Many patrons have raved about the dulce de leche cheesecake, praising its creamy texture and delightful sweetness that keeps diners dreaming about it long after the meal is finished.
Cafe Al Dente of New York isn't just about excellent food; it's about exceptional experiences. Whether you're here on vacation or live nearby, it invites you to savor delightful dishes in a warm, welcoming setting. Do yourself a favor—come for the food, stay for the atmosphere and return for the memories. Highly recommended, you won't leave disappointed!

Cafe Al Dente provided an excellent dining experience! The staff was friendly, the atmosphere warm, and the food absolutely delectable. Our table sampled the lobster gnocchi, vodka rigatoni, bolognese, and lasagna rolls. We also started with the meatballs as an appetizer and ended with the dulce de leche cheesecake for dessert. We loved the dessert so much that we ended up ordering more! I can't recommend this place enough!

Great place in Hilton Head! The food and service is excellent! Amanda was a wonderful host and accommodated our requests. The warm and Caesar salad, the eggplant parmigiana, and rigatoni alla vodka were all amazing. Finish with the limoncello cake and dulce de leche cheesecake!

My family and I just enjoyed a delicious meal at Cafe Al Dente of New York on Hilton Head Island, located in Coligny Plaza. We are here on vacation and we are delighted to have stumbled upon this restaurant. The menu has a variety of fabulous dishes to choose from and has something to suit everyone. Everyone in our party said that their food was exceptional and there wasn’t anything left on anyone’s plate. The Cafe Al Dente salad, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Shrimp Scampi and Eggplant Parmigiana were amazing! We will definitely be making another reservation before we leave the area. Service was great and the waiting staff were very friendly and polite. The interior has gorgeous decor and there is also a great outdoor seating area to choose from! Highly recommended and we will definitely be back before we leave!

We were planning on returning to large Italian restaurant with 970 reviews and a 4.7 star rating, but we noticed that Cafe al Dente has 190 reviews and a 4.7 star rating. We decided to try it. It was hard to find in Coligny Plaza Shopping Center, we had a hard time finding parking, and it was about the size of our living room. My wife, son, and I ordered wine, garlic bread, salad and a very unusual looking lasagna and everything was delicious. Mallory took very good care of us and it was almost as if we and about a dozen others were eating in her home.

Being from NY (yes it's the best & I have high expectations) this place was above and beyond what I was expecting to get in the South when it came to Italian food. When we first arrived there was only one couple dining so I thought maybe that was a sign of what was to come. It was just too early as it started to pack out as I was eating dinner. The waiter was super nice, but I wouldn't expect anything different in the South. Every bit of the food was incredible. Even better than most NY restaurants I've been to. Peep the food pics and you'll see where it's at.

This is hands down my favorite Italian on the island, not only was their service fast and fantastic but they showed genuine care to questions or concerns. I can’t recommend this place enough for a fantastic meal.

what a lovely place. nice opportunity to sit outside if you like. small place and therefore i would recommend a reservation. we did not need one because we arrived at 8pm and this place closed 9pm (unfortunately). we had as a starter the calamari with the sauce beside as a dip (therefore the calamari are more crispy and not soggy). as main we had the seafood fra diavolo and the ragatoni a la vodka. i added some shrimp to the ragatoni and i fall in love! 3 points to think about it: 1. water in a plastic cup is a no go 2. bottle of beer without a glass is a no go as well 3. baguette with some olive oil would be benchmark. if i would be in italy i would rate this place between 3-4 stars just because of my point one and two. nevertheless, i can highly recommend this place because everything is about food first and than we talk about ambience.

My husband and I visit our family every year at their home in North Forest Beach. As restaurant owners and foodies, we always seek out special culinary experiences and new spots. We were very excited to try out the brand new Cafe al Dente in Coligny (steps away from our house) and were wildly impressed! The simple and clean yet chic interior was a much-appreciated upgrade from the previous restaurant in that location, Vine. The food was absolutely delicious! We are very particular about our Italian food - having grown up in Italian households in Massachusetts and traveled throughout Italy multiple times. We loved everything and tried almost half the menu including the meatballs, calamari, Shrimp Scampi, house salads, Eggplant Parmigiana, Chicken Milanese, the Market Fish special and Bolognese! Every dish was flavorful fresh and felt familiar yet unique. We have no doubt that Cafe al Dente will become a beloved gem in the Hilton Head culinary scene, and we wish Damien and his family the best of luck on their journey. We can only hope to secure a reservation when the rest of the island discovers this culinary treasure. Thanks Damien - it was great to meet you and best of luck! Jen and Blane PS. Phyllis and Chuck look forward to being regulars at table #7