A Delightful Pick (me) Up Menu from Al Dente!
Pick up only from Al Dente Enoteca & Sapori on Nicholson Street - we can't wait to see your friendly faces! Make sure to select the date of pickup from the options during check out for the freshest and most delicious food. Sergio's Corn and Lime Tortelli are back with vigour, as well as all our favourites. Scroll on, and happy eating!
Weekly Specials
Inspired by his Colombian heritage, Sergio decided to bring a common ingredient from his home to us at Al Dente in creating these little masterpieces! A sweet and gentle filling of Corn, Lime and Coriander - fresh and delicious - for you and your vegetarian friends to enjoy! If you're adventurous enough, head to your local fishmonger and pick up a little crab meat or lobster, to garnish this delicious pasta, and bring your dinner party up a notch! We hope you enjoy eating this one as much as Sergio enjoyed preparing it for you!
Savoury pastry in the shape of a fluffy half moon, stuffed with mozzarella, pomodoro and fresh basil. Crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy inside! We hand stretch sheets of fresh dough, and prepare them for you to fry or oven bake at home. Oozy, crunchy, delicious!
It would be rude not to! Our menu includes a traditional lasagne with beef and pork ragu (the pork makes it so sweet and soft), and a silky bechamel. Lasagne is such a family favourite - our version is classic with extra layers of love.
We've been working on this recipe for quite some time now and are so happy to share it with you! Davide's been building the rye sourdough mother, which he's aptly named "Ercole" (Hercules) since the start of Lockdown #1 last year. This focaccia is baked fresh every day in the Al Dente kitchen, and we use it in both our restaurant and sell it in Sapori. We are so proud of this one, and write this whilst munching on a piece of focaccia right now.
We crumb salty olives one by one, removing the pit and stuffing them with a beef and pork mince first, and adding a good amount of Pecorino in the centre too! We then roll them in egg and breadcrumbs and we pack them for you to cook at home! They're small, but delicious! The perfect addition to your Christmas antipasti, and we deliver them to you with a finger-licking homemade mustard mayonnaise!
Creamy, gooey burrata from our friends at That's Amore; this soft cows milk mozzarella ooze is perfect with a good glug of olive oil like Congedi or Frattali, a dash of our Al Dente Balsamic, and mopped up with our house baked focaccia. Buonissimo!
An iconic cuvée symbolising the excellence and high standards of Maison Collet, Brut Art Deco Premier Cru is subtle and elegant, with an exceptional charm. Exceptional assemblage of 7 Grands Crus and 13 Premiers Crus carefully selected. 40% Chardonnay predominantly from Vertus contributes freshness, tonicity and citrus notes. The Premier Cru of Villers-Marmery completes the assemblage and contributes the mineral dimension of the limestone terroir along with smoky touches. 40% Pinot Noir contributes richness and power thanks to historic Crus such as Aÿ, Hautvillers and Avenay-Val- d’Or blended with Crus from Rilly-la-Montagne, bringing tenderness and enjoyment. 20% Meunier from Ville-dommange completes the assemblage with roundness and suppleness.
Hailing from the sunny groves of the Mani Peninsula, southern Greece, Golden Groves olive oil is 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil, raw, unfiltered and certified organic. Made from koroneiki olives, a variety of olive native to Greece, this oil is full-bodied, peppery and deliciously verdant. The purity of this olive oil is obvious from its effervescent colour, which has been skilfully attained by locals whose reverence for the harvesting of this ancient food has spanned generations. Golden Groves Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the perfect accompaniment to any dish, morning or night. Drizzle liberally over your favourite focaccia, anoint your salads with its sublime richness and fry your favourite fillet of fish with this wonderfully pure oil that will elevate the taste and aesthetic of any dish.
There are 1000 ways to make these pretty filled pasta bonbons, traditional in Bergamo, close to Milan. Our version is filled with roasted veal, crisp pancetta, pear, sage and biscuits soaked in milk. NOTE: our Casoncelli doesn't come with a sauce included, but we recommend you purchase our Burnt Butter & Sage sauce as an accompaniment.
An impressively dark and dense Shiraz from the Barossa from a cult winemaking legend. One to tuck away into the depths of your cellar. 100% Shiraz. Dan Standish is absolutely a specialist in Barossa Shiraz - he lives and breathes the stuff, and he brings an ultra-selective and attentive approach to each he creates. The Schubert Theorem was a long time coming, taking 8 years for this cuvee to first come to fruition while he learned the intricacies of each section of the vineyard. Patience definitely proved to be a virtue here, as the final product is always a beautiful showcase of blue and black fruits, deeply and densely flavoured, laced with spice and earth. It's one to tuck away into the cellar and enjoy later on in its life.
We've slow-cooked beef until it falls apart then mixed it with its braising juices and herbs to create a succulent filling for supple tortellini. We're serving this pasta with a sauce of smoked, caramelised butter, included when you add our Beef Tortellini to your cart - it's delicious!
Snacking Specials
Filled Pasta - Meat & Seafood
Fresh Pasta
Traditional spaghetti? Not quite! We have infused this pasta with sweet, earthy saffron that gives it a beautiful bright yellow colour. Enjoy with any of our sauces or make a beautiful marinara with some seafood and fresh herbs!
Paccheri were invented by Sicilian sfogline (pasta artisans) to smuggle Italian garlic into Prussia during the Middle Ages. Prussian garlic was small & weak compared to the large, pungent, Italian cloves, so Italian farmers hid 4-5 cloves in each piece of paccheri and smuggled it across the border. Ours is infused with Squid Ink for a little extra Umami kick - try it with our 'nduja sauce and a little Yurrita tuna for one of my favourite weeknight meals!
Sauce & Ragu'
Slow-cooked vegetables in a white wine stock are combined with roasted nuggets of pork sausage to create a delicious and comforting ragu. We love this with our gnocchi and tagliatelle but it's a great accompaniment to any pasta. You could also partner it with polenta, rice or mashed potatoes.
Kangaroo ragu' Al Dente style! Savoury and sweet with a hint of spice, it's good for the soul!
This sauce has got you covered on the colder Melbourne nights! Warm yourself up to a plate of our tagliatelle with this rich, nutty, flavourful sauce. You could even enjoy it over the top of some soft buttery polenta and a nice sprinkle of Grana Padano. This sauce is not overly gamey tasting, and is beautiful paired with a glass of bold red wine. Enjoy!
Gluten Free
This gluten free lavosh is truly amazing! With a touch of sesame and salt, this beautiful crackers will be a favourite on your cheese board. **Gold Medal Winner - Australian Food Awards 2019**
Delicious gluten free biscuits made with almond flour and a touch of orange zest, trust us when we say these are unbelievably good! Chewy, citrusy and not overly sweet.. you'll love them! You might get lucky and enjoy them with your coffee next time you visit our Enoteca!
Battisti bronze-die Gluten-free artisanal Gnocchi Sardi pasta . Manufactured using only 100% Italian corn and rice, with no thickeners, additives, gums nor GMOs. Suitable for coeliacs and gluten intolerants.
Battisti bronze-die Gluten-free artisanal Casarecce pasta. Manufactured using only 100% Italian corn and rice, with no thickeners, additives, gums nor GMOs. Suitable for coeliacs and gluten intolerants.
Premium quality Italian-made gluten free pasta by Maidea, featuring a simple blend of rice and corn flowers, it is crafted and bronze extruded for an exceptional cooked texture and flavour. If you are following a gluten free diet this is a wonderful alternative for you to try! Vegan, gluten, soy, egg, nuts and dairy free.
Premium quality Italian-made gluten free pasta by Maidea, featuring a simple blend of rice and corn flowers, it is crafted and bronze extruded for an exceptional cooked texture and flavour. This pasta lives up to our real food philosophy. Beautiful texture that allows coeliac and gluten intolerant to enjoy a great quality Italian-made pasta. Serve it up with a delicious sauce and you have yourself a winner.
Premium quality Italian-made gluten free pasta by Maidea, featuring a simple blend of rice and corn flowers, it is crafted and bronze extruded for an exceptional cooked texture and flavour. Penne is one of the most popular forms of pasta in Australia and can be enjoyed with all kinds of pasta sauces as well as pasta bakes. Specifically formulated for coeliacs and gluten intolerant, this pasta performs well and tastes amazing. Bring part of Italy into your kitchen! Gluten and soy free.
Premium quality Italian-made gluten free pasta by Maidea, featuring a simple blend of rice and corn flowers, it is crafted and bronze extruded for an exceptional cooked texture and flavour. If you are following a gluten free diet this is a wonderful alternative for you to try! Vegan, gluten, soy, egg, nuts and dairy free.
Made with corn, brown rice and quinoa, this gluten free linguine is as close to the real deal as it gets!
With a shape similar to large earrings, Anellini are the gluten free reinterpretation of a classic Sicilian tradition. The right porosity and and roughness allows sauces to be absorbed, but they are also great for tasty baked preparations and in soups.
The great classic of long pasta in this gluten free recipe, made with corn flour, brown rice, potato and quinoa. It has been specially designed to give Coeliacs and the gluten intolerants the pleasure of a bronze-drawn pasta, as good as the traditional version. Ideal paired with both hot and cold dishes!
Made in Australia to bespoke recipes in small batches, these Larder & Co Gluten-Free Rustic Sea Salt Wafers are handmade with all natural ingredients. They make a great accompaniment to cheese boards and antipasti platters.
Oil
We love to make the most of wonderful produce, so with last seasons truffles we made a delicious oil. Use this on potatoes, popcorn, steak, pasta... you name it! Give the oil a good shake to get some of those beautiful strands of truffle out for the added flavoursome kick.
Limited Release, The 2021 JOSEPH First Run has been made using a small batch of greener olives picked at the very beginning of harvest. This low-yield crop is cold pressed and bottled immediately to capture the most intense characters of the new season. The result is a pristine oil with concentrated green banana and cut grass aromas; its crisp, fruit-driven flavors are followed by a clean peppery finish.
Italian extra virgin olive oil cultivated in the Sabina region, a God-blessed area between Lazio, Abruzzo and Umbria. The Carboncella Small Batch Release is cold pressed solely from 100% Carboncella olives. The taste is robust, yet impressively wide in the spectrum. Artichoke, cardoon and sweet botanic notes form the prelude to a spicy progression, where hints of white pepper emerge in a classy finale of bitter almond.
Sabina Dop is cold pressed solely from olives grown in a plurisecular grove in the Sabina region, between Lazio, Abruzzo and Umbria. With olive trees dated back to the 16th century, this is one of the oldest olive groves in the world currently in use for olive oil production. Complex taste, with a remarkable fruitiness and herbaceous notes in total balance with hints of artichoke, thristle and almond.
Frantoio is an Australian grown Italian varietal that has a sweet, fruity aroma with a hint of citrus. This is a medium-style oil that has notes of apple, walnut and fresh herbs. Smooth and creamy with a lovely peppery finish, it's ideal for frying and roasting, dressings or marinades. Use it for your homemade pesto!
This Olive Oil is 100% Australian grown, is cold extracted and combines the three classic characters of a great olive oil: fruitiness, bitterness and pungency.
Superior category olive oil obtained directly from olives. Non filtered goodness that you can enjoy on fresh bread, crostini, sauces and much more!
Butter, Jams, Honey
Our famous Al dente cultured balsamic butter is made by whipping our delicious Al Dente balsamic vinegar through luscious butter, with a nice sprinkle of sea salt. Create your own Al Dente experience by serving this alongside Davide's sourdough focaccia and our Red Label GPI 3 Gold Medals Balsamic Vinegar. Enjoy!
Quince paste is back! Sweet and full of aroma this paste is great with cheeses like Manchego, made from rich sheep's milk or Parmigiano Reggiano. Great with crusty bread or crackers, and can add a touch of sweetness to meat dishes.
Made with sweet french pears, a little sugar and lemon juice. These pears have a bright red skin, that we don't peel off when cooking them, that is why this jam has a lovely pinky hue.
Our fig jam is simply amazing. Sweet, spreadable deliciousness. You can enjoy it on toast or fresh bread, perfect on a cheese platter, and why not straight out of the jar. Try it!
Figs, figs and more figs! Another jar full of joy for you, delicious spread on a slice of toast or as a topping for your morning yoghurt. Caramelised to perfection, this is the ultimate jam for your sweet snacks. But it's also great with cheese!
A new addition to our pantry section of the menu! Delicious strawberry chutney that is perfect with cheeses, a juicy steak, roasted or braised meats. It's great on fresh bread or toast!
Delicious local honey from the legendary beekeepers at Rooftop Honey. A wonderfully Melbourne initiative, and a divine little pot of gold (honey)
Vinegar & Vinaigrette, Infusions
Our very own Al Dente Balsamic Vinegar, which we reduce just slightly with honey and spices like star anise, cinnamon & pepper. A slightly more viscous balsamic, perfect as a little drizzle over antipasti or a salad, or even as a dipping vinegar with our bread!
Al Dente Strawberry Balsamic, a beautiful twist to our original balsamic recipe. Lovely in your salads, on meats or why not .. even in a drink!
A fruity, delicate vinegar made with quince and Forvm Chardonnay Vinegar. Chef Andrea loves experimenting with different vinegars in the kitchen. This one's great as a delicate salad dressing - it's fennel season, so try this one with a bit of fennel and some citrus.
This vinaigrette is a beautiful addition to your salad as a dressing or on top of your cooked veggies! Sweet and sour, the way we like it!
Made from wine, this vinegar is bitter-sweet, with a smooth, delicate texture. Just a few drops are enough to improve all your dishes, specially for salads, sauces, soups, rices, macerating natural fruits or making a reduction on meat or desserts. Aged in Spanish oak barrels, this vinegar is sure to give your meals a distinctive Mediterranean vibe. Acidity 6.5%.
With a beautiful violet color, this vinegar shows a great freshness and fruitiness thanks its youth and because it has not aged in oak. Perfect for reducing and to give a touch of color to salads, sauces, desserts, natural fruits and plenty of dishes. Acidity 6%.
Agro di Mosto is an organic condiment, delicately sweet and sour, with a fruity, fragrant taste. The rich flavor of balsamic vinegar readily lends itself to salad dressings, gourmet marinades, and sauces.
Saba is an organic condiment obtained by slow cooking local grape must over a direct flame, until it is reduced to 1/3. It is rich and thick and with its perfect balance of sweet and delicate flavor and aroma, and a touch of sour, it will enhance both savory and dessert dishes making it an extremely versatile pantry staple.
San Giacomo is an aged organic condiment with a well-balanced, complex sweet and sour taste. Local grape must is cooked slowly over a live flame until it is reduced by 30% following the same method used by the ancient Romans 2000 years ago, and fermented in a medium barrel.
Balsamela is an organic condiment made from 100% organic apple juice. Made from a traditional local recipe, it has a sweet and sour flavour complemented by the aroma of cooked apples.
This vinegar is acetified slowly and naturally, never using heat, the flavors and aromas coaxed out artfully and patiently. After the vinegar is obtained, it is transferred to large Juniper barrels (as opposed to the traditional oak used by San Giacomo). This intense wood adds a new layer of flavor and aroma to the vinegar, certain spiciness and deep notes of incense. It’s never diluted with water – just pure, delicious fine vinegar. This particular vinegar is fantastic when paired with venison and other game meats, salmon dishes or even to drizzle as a surprising finishing touch to a drink. Acidity 7.80%.
Made with top quality red wine from Barbera and Croatina grapes (not diluted). Left to acetify naturally and refined for 6 years, resulting in an extraordinarily rich and complex vinegar, with well-balanced acidity, intense aromas and notes of fine brandy. Use this vinegar for your finest dishes – create vinaigrettes, drizzle onto braised or roasted vegetables, use it for chicken or pork marinades or to simply – and deliciously - season salads. Acidity 8,60%.
A non-traditional, malt vinegar made with an ancient method of acetification that amplifies the aroma of the malts, citrus fruits and spices. The result is a rich malt vinegar, complex and deeply flavorful, perfect to serve with fish and chips, fried foods or seafood. A live, unfiltered, unpasteurized vinegar. Acidity 5%.
The product with the Argento Label has usually been left to mature 6 or 7 years longer than the Aragosta Label Vinegar. This makes it more concentrated and softens the sensation of acidity, giving it a sweet and sour taste that is as gorgeous as it is complex, making it perfect for use straight out of the bottle uncooked but also with almost any first or second course.
Characterised by a rich perfume and an agreeable and rounded acidity, the “Medaglia d’Argento” is an aromatic product which, with its intensity, enhances the flavours of any dish. It can be used fresh or can be heated in cooking preparations. Aged in French oak barrels, from the 1900s with the addition of aged balsamic vinegar extracted from century old casks.
A classic of the Giusti family, “Il Classico” is a versatile product, used fresh or heated in cooking preparations. The good density and optimal balance between sweet and sour is characterised by overtones of mature fruits, licorice and black pepper.
Dedicated to the ancestor who created the recipe at the beginning of the 20th century, it is obtained from sweet, sun-dried grapes. The aromas and flavours of plum jam and red fruits intertwine with hints of honey and vanilla in a considerably dense and sweet product. It is perfect as a fresh dressing for various savoury or sweet dishes.
The “Quarto Centenario” celebrates the 400 years of the Giusti family production. Longly aged, it has a deeply aromatic flavour, with scents of ripe fruits and is accompanied by notes of tobacco, roasted coffee and hints of wood.
The ultimate pride and expression of the art of Giusti vinegars, the “Banda Rossa” was the personal gift from Uncle Giuseppe to family members. This elixir is of robust body and concentration, and is distinguished by its extraordinary complexity and rich bouquet of aromas. With notes of plum, black cherries and sweet spices, infused with the fragrances of ancient woods in which it was left to age, the taste is long lasting.
A favourite apple cider vinegar of ours, with the mother.
A favourite apple cider vinegar of ours.
A deliciously fragrant saffron infusion, made with Zar Taj Grade AAA Saffron by Friend & Burrell. Enjoy over the top of your vegetarian or seafood risotto and pasta!
Cheese
It's truffle season! Dig into a wedge of this delicious, earthy, aromatic cheese. Amazing grated on your favourite meaty or vegetarian pastas, HIGHLY recommend over the top of our Tortellini Cacio e Pepe Truffle (of course!).
Monforte is the flagship cheese of Section 28, handcrafted in very limited quantities from the best cow’s milk produced by the dairy. It is a raw milk, semi-hard cheese with a complex, but not overpowering flavour. It has an initially sweet, milky and fruity taste that is balanced by emerging brothy and roasted nut flavours with a subtle earthy undertone. Beautiful with a Gamay or Pinot Noir, and best enjoyed with a nice dried fruit or fruit paste.
This delightful Dutch cheese is matured for around 1 year. It has a soft, lingering creaminess and a touch of earthy nuttiness to the taste. The cheese is similar in style to an aged Gouda and is a very welcomed addition to our cheesey line up. We love this cheese in a fonduta (in fact, we serve it in our restaurant) with a touch of truffle, alongside some root vegetables like potato and beetroot.
This cheese is inspired by the ‘summer breeze’. The cheese has a crumbly and dense paste which is cream in colour. It has a wax rind and is aged in oak barrels under a blanket of hay which imparts it an aroma of a lush meadow. Vento d’Estate can be paired with red wine or Prosecco, can be enjoyed alone or with jams.
Pickles, Salt
A slightly sweet, slightly sour, classic Italian addition to any and all antipasti. Crack open the jar, serve it alongside some of our AD Marinated Olives, some good prosciutto, Larder & Co wafers, and a delicious bottle of North Cremant Rose. Heaven!
Cime di rapa, deliciously pickled with spices, olive oil and vinegar. Slightly bitter in taste, enjoy them straight from the jar or on a slice of buttered bread for the perfect snack or meal accompaniment!
With a delicate flavor, our cauliflower pickles can be enjoyed to garnish meats or sandwiches, it is also a fantastic addition to an antipasto platter or a cheese board. You could even try it in your pasta salad as a delicious crunchy addition, or in Asian-style dishes.
Sweet and sour recipe perfect addition to salads, or eaten as a savory snack straight from the jar. Can be enjoyed as a side with meats or vegetarian dishes, perfect on warm or fresh bread, alone or with cheese (of course). Try it also in your sandwiches or wraps!
Our pickled tomatoes are the perfect accompaniment with your roasts or better yet, straight from the jar! Nice and sour, you will love them alone or with cheese, and a thick slice of chargrilled bread! yum!
Our poached Quince has an intense sweet aroma and can be enjoyed as a snack straight from the jar, alongside cakes, cheese boards, muesli or sweet breakfast recipes.
We've taken the finest Mount Zero olives and marinated them in Mount Zero oil, garlic, chilli, thyme and bay leaves. We find it hard not to eat the whole jar in one go, and suspect you'll be the same...
A mix of the best seasonal Australian grown olives at Mount Zero. Always containing Kalamata and Wild olives, this mix may also contain Blonde Kalamata, Arbequina, Manzanilla and Ligurian olives (depending on availability). The variation in size, shape, color and flavor within this mix presents beautifully and offers something for everyone. Fantastic table eating option and also for marinating and presenting with your Aperitivo.
This salt is extracted from untreated waters, evaporated via solar and thermal energy. It's got very distinctive, really high quality mineral flavours.
Smokey sea salt! We strongly recommend you roast some potatoes or cook up a delicious steak to sprinkle this goodness all over.
Femme Nue Syrahvese mixed with sea salt. A delicious combination that we love to use as a dry rub on meats and fish, finishing salt on any dish including veggies, or just sprinkle a tiny amount on baked goods, pasta dishes and spice blends. That extra kick of flavor you did not know you needed!
Impossible not to love chilli! So we combined some dried chilli with sea salt and we strongly recommend you rub it on any meat before you're grilling, sautéing, or baking. You can toss it over roasted vegetables, season your favorite pasta just before serving, or finish any stir fry dish.
We love truffles! So we combined a little grated truffle with some sea salt and we strongly recommend you roast some potatoes or cook up a delicious steak to sprinkle this goodness all over.
Our white truffle salt is a combination of a little white grated truffle with some sea salt that you can enjoy on fresh egg pasta, polenta, sprinkle on top of a buttered toast or on fresh butter to add an extra kick, eggs, potatoes, and cheese. White truffle is smooth and more pungent compared to black truffle which has a more subtle flavor, with a heady musk aroma and a garlicky flavor.
Coffee, Nuts, Dry Fruit + Others
Italo Disco reinvents what a dark roast can be. All moody Moogs and syrupy synths, this blend brings deeply layered flavour with a sweet dark cup. This blend celebrates everything great about the heritage of Italian espresso—with the sourcing and roasting credentials of a specialty coffee roaster. Well-roasted and expertly crafted coffee, blended together with beans from Brazil and India, creating a bold yet accessible flavour, smooth and consistent.
Italo Disco reinvents what a dark roast can be. All moody Moogs and syrupy synths, this blend brings deeply layered flavour with a sweet dark cup. Created to bridge the gap between the traditional and new-school coffee drinker, Italo Disco celebrates everything great about the heritage of Italian espresso—with the sourcing and roasting credentials of a specialty coffee roaster. Blended together with beans from Brazil and India, this is a smooth and consistent coffee that forms a strong espresso flavour while staying prominent in any kind of milk drink. A bold yet accessible flavour.
Italo Disco reinvents what a dark roast can be. All moody Moogs and syrupy synths, this blend brings deeply layered flavour with a sweet dark cup. This blend celebrates everything great about the heritage of Italian espresso—with the sourcing and roasting credentials of a specialty coffee roaster. Well-roasted and expertly crafted coffee, blended together with beans from Brazil and India, creating a bold yet accessible flavour, smooth and consistent.
Our Go Nuts! are perfectly portioned snacking, whether at home or on the move.
Our Go Nuts! are perfectly portioned snacking, whether at home or on the move.
Our Go Nuts! are perfectly portioned snacking, whether at home or on the move.
Our Go Nuts! are perfectly portioned snacking, whether at home or on the move.
Our Go Nuts! are perfectly portioned snacking, whether at home or on the move.
Roasted and salted to perfection - perfect to eat on the go, or as part of antipasti or even alongside formaggio after eating a plate or two of Al Dente pasta!
250g of roasted, salted pistachios, conveniently cracked for ease of shoveling straight into your mouth, on the go, or as part of antipasti or formaggi after eating a plate or two of Al Dente pasta!
We could eat these by the handful especially when fresh peaches are out of season. These Somerset peaches have been hand picked & cut and sun-dried. They are super soft, like no other you have tried in the past. Serve with cinnamon and Greek yoghurt or in your daypack, these beauties are sweet and very delicious. Contains sulfites.
It's a big call but we'd say these are some of the best Australian dried pears you can get. These current season Duchess pears have been hand picked & cut and sun-dried. They are sweet, almost fragrant to eat and very delicious. Contain sulphites.
With a rich coloured skin, the Black Genoa's add a touch of decadence to any cheese platter. Hints of chocolate and red wine make them the perfect accompaniment to a strong Stilton, gooey cheese or a rich merlot. Add them to a mixed green salad with beef or make a pie. They are the perfect addition to your paleo friendly breakfast or a healthy snack on their own.
Pull up a pew and try these fancy River Ruby sun dried apricots from the Riverland. Perfect for snacks, a grazing platter or in your cereal bowl these premium apricots are high in fiber, potassium and iron. Contains sulphites.
Delicious Muscatel grapes from our friends at Tabletop Grapes in country Victoria. A small, family run business with such incredible produce. We love these muscatels on a cheeseboard next to some gorgonzola dolce!
Small rustic free range salami originating from Northern Italy. The reduced size of this cacciatore, meaning “hunter” in Italian, is aptly named for its portability, as hunters were known to carry it in their packs to eat whilst hunting. Seasoned with black pepper, garlic and spices, including a popular chilli piccante style – this versatile, dry aged salami can be served thinly sliced for sandwiches or toppings, or served as an appetiser with cheese and a dry white wine.
Preserved Fish, Caviar
These Pepus Baby Sardines are fished in Spain in the European autumn months, steamed and packed in vegetable oil. Delicious on crackers or bread, toss a few in a salad or in a pasta dish. And of course, straight out of the can.
These Pepus Mussels are grown on premium platforms and are selected by size. They are then fried in olive oil and prepared in a mild pickle. A delicious savory treat to have in the kitchen pantry.
This Spanish tuna is an excellent lunch option to have on hand, it makes a great addition to salads or pasta recipes, or simply eaten straight from the tin. All of the Pepus products consist of a selection of Spain’s best preserved seafood, presented in cases with beautiful photography that helps other cultures appreciate the wonderful quality seafood they have to offer.
These Cantabrian anchovies, sourced from Santona, are lauded as the 'best anchovy in the world' in terms of flavour and reputation. Fished in the heart of the Bay of Biscay, these fresh anchovies are maturated in salt for 8-10 months and marinated in extra virgin olive oil. Due to their salty, rich and tangy flavour, these Don Bocarte anchovies are delicious simply served on toasted bread with a sprinkling of bottarga.
These anchovies are incomparably good. Currently Andrea & Michelle's favourite midnight snack on a good piece of toast with a lot of butter. Or better yet, straight from the tin.
White tuna is known for its texture, smoother than the rest of its specie. We recommend it for salads, pies, toasts and sandwiches, omelets, pasta and rice. Try it on bruschetta, with tomatoes, fresh basil, olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt.
Everybody loves anchovies! Enjoy its delicious saltiness on buttery bread or sandwiches, with vegetables, in your favorite pasta sauces, on pizza, or toss them in your salad for an extra kick. You could even chop them finely and make a dressing or butter.
Condiments, Spices
Colatura di Alici is the famous contemporary version of what the Ancient Romans called garum – a highly prized condiment made from fermented fish (anchovies' heads, tails and entrails) which was widely used to flavour cooking. It is a dense amber liquid which has an agreeable umami fragrance. Colatura is commonly used in Southern Italian coastal regions to flavor pasta and rice dishes. Only a small amount is required to provide the famous flavor boost. It can be used to enhance other seafood ingredients, but also vegetable based sauces. But most often it is simply combined with garlic, olive oil and lemon zest to make a quick and delicious plate of spaghetti.
Crushed Garlic is a classic. With a great strong flavour, perfect for use whenever you need garlic! Whether it be on steak, in marinades, stews, pasta sauces and of course, garlic bread! One teaspoon equals approximately 1 clove of garlic.
Fresh flavour ready to use Australian grown ginger. Add to soups, stir-fries, marinades or wherever a recipe calls for ginger!
Fresh in flavour, ready to use straight from the jar. Great to use in tomato-based dishes, soups, stir-fries and marinades. 45% garlic, 10% ginger and 45% chilli.
Whole mustard seeds blended with spices giving a sharp taste. Ideal for all types of meat, on sandwiches, in sauces! Gives a zing and puts great colour into your salads and mayonnaises’!
A traditional French mustard originating from the city of Dijon. Pale in colour as it does not contain the husks. Perfect on your meats, spreads for sandwiches, great in dressings and mayonnaises.
A one way ticket to flavourtown! Delicious umami rich black garlic and tomato paste by the formidable Alice Zaslavsky. Made here in Melbourne. Fabulous on just about anything; Michelle's currently loving it on a thick slice of sourdough toast with some avocado in the morning. A little bit goes a long way with this little jar of yum.
If you have enjoyed our chilli paste before, we challenge you to try this new version now. Thick, delicious chilli paste perfect as a spread on fresh bread or on a warm slice of sourdough focaccia.. yum! A great addition to any of your pasta sauces or over the top of your favourite veggies. This chilli paste is now spicier than ever, try it if you dare!
Spicy Calabrian salami paste made with pork. Delicious tossed through cooked tagliatelle, or on some fresh crunchy bread, or even with delicious soft cheese like burrata or ricotta with crostini. Delicious, flavoursome, salty, spicy!
If you enjoy a healthy, flavorsome and spicy twist to your meal, our Italian Style Chilli is a must. Made with fresh Australian grown chilli and using their traditional Italian recipe passed down through the generations, this vegan friendly, gluten free condiment is like a kiss from Nonna. Italian Style Chilli is perfect with your pasta or spread in your panino. We also love it on meat, fish, eggs, veggies… it goes with everything! This is their HOT version, add 1 teaspoon to your meal if you love a little kick, or 2-3 teaspoons if you are craving the burn!
Made with fresh Australian grown chilli and using their traditional Italian recipe passed down through the generations, this vegan friendly, gluten free condiment is like a smack from Nonna. This Extra Hot Italian Style Chilli is ideal for mixing through pasta, soups, dips and can still be spread in your panino… if you dare.
According to Nonna, the Italian version of Olive Tapenade must include chilli. Using locally grown Kalamata olives this delicacy has been perfectly & carefully curated over the years. With just the right amount of herbs & spice, this gluten free, vegan friendly condiment is best used as a dip for the antipasto platter, spread on fresh bread and tossed through pasta.
This tomato sauce, is made from high quality Italian yellow tomatoes. This means the flavour is sweeter and milder in acidity than the traditional red tomato sauce.
Cherry tomatoes from Puglia. Specially grown in Puglia, in the south of Italy, these tomatoes are grown by passionate farmers under the Puglian sun, watered with salt water, and carefully selected and harvested, resulting in a truly recognisable and quality Italian product.
Whole, small, sweet tomatoes. Specially grown in Puglia, in the south of Italy, these tomatoes are grown by passionate farmers under the Puglian sun, watered with salt water, and carefully selected and harvested, resulting in a truly recognisable and quality Italian product.
They are the pulp of the tomato, in very fine and homogeneous pieces. They are the most suitable for lovers of long cooking and dense and tasty condiments. Specially grown in Puglia, in the south of Italy, these tomatoes are grown by passionate farmers under the Puglian sun, watered with salt water, and carefully selected and harvested, resulting in a truly recognisable and quality Italian product.
Diced & delicious tomatoes. Specially grown in Puglia, in the south of Italy, these tomatoes are grown by passionate farmers under the Puglian sun, watered with salt water, and carefully selected and harvested, resulting in a truly recognisable and quality Italian product.
A funky collision of condiment and booze - Gin Mayo packs a delightful little kick of gin, and is the ideal accompaniment to fries, a fish burger, a toasted sandwich... You name it!
La Chinata smoked paprika is a DOC product from La Vera, Spain. Before grinding, the sweet peppers are dried using the traditional method of oak smoking, resulting in an unmistakably smoky taste. Use it to flavor paella, soups, stews or sauces. It's great sprinkled on top of vegetables, and delicious with fish and seafood. Gluten free.
Rice, Flour, Dry Baked Items
Gli Aironi rice is the only one on the market which retains the bud during its processing stage. The bud (gemma) is a key part of the rice grain, and as the name indicates, the Gemma is rice that held on to its bud. A bud you can see, touch, and feel in all its fresh elasticity due to cells ready to generate a new rice sprout. Ideal for risotto and salads, excellent hold with well-shelled grains.
Riso Gigante is an ancient variety of Vercelli Rice. It is a variety which due to its organoleptic characteristics is very suitable for the preparation of risotto, combining an excellent resistance to cooking, with a remarkable aptitude for the absorption of seasonings and a good release of starch which means a soft consistency and an easy creaming of the risotto. Due to its characteristics this is a product of excellence.
This is a rough, young grain that has an ivory color and an intense aroma, and that keeps its elasticity when cooked. It is precisely this germ, its light external layer (that is not removed in this rice), that will give it that perfect al dente chewiness, because rice must be cooked “Al Dente”!
Black Barley is a delicious ancient grain that is low GI and contains high amount of protein, fibre, vitamin B6 and phosphorus. It offers a nutty taste and unique texture. The beauty of this grain is that it is hull-less and is the only cereal grain that does not require further post-harvest processing, you just soak and eat or cook from paddock to plate. Great in salads, braises and soups.
Fregola is one of Sardinia's most iconic foods and there is a long tradition of recipes using local ingredients, especially seafood, beans, meat sauces and various vegetables. It is also used in soups and for stuffings and once cooked and cooled can be made into salad. Fregola is similar in appearance to couscous, but it is in fact a pasta which is produced with coarsely ground semolina and water rolled into irregular pearls of pasta which are dried in the sun and then toasted.
Rich yellow, coarsely-ground polenta! In Lombardy it was traditionally served soft and warm with a knob of butter and accompanied with rich stews of beef, pork and game meats. In other parts of Italy it is mixed into the sauces and served quite liquid in texture. Alternatively, it may be allowed to cool into a solid form and then cut into portions to be grilled or fried. It can also be used to make biscotti and other sweets.
Taragna is a mixture of standard polenta and coarsely ground buckwheat flour. Traditionally, it comes from the Valtellina province of the Lombardy region. Corn and buckwheat are air-dried in the Moretti barns and then stone-ground to produce this traditional polenta. It is perfect when served warm with butter, creamy Taleggio cheese and sage, or layered with a rich ragú.
Taragna Polenta is yellow cornmeal mixed with coarse-ground buckwheat. It originates in Italy's Alpine region like the Valtellina in Northern Lombardy. This quick-cooking version takes just 8 minutes.
A 1kg bag of our Durum Semolina, for those who wish to experiment with pasta... HINT: we use whole eggs and egg yolks for that deliciously silky texture.
Pangrattato is a simple little touch that will absolutely transform your next dinner. Crispy, crunchy breadcrumbs flavored with sea salt and oregano that you can sprinkle over your finished pasta dish to add extra flavor, on top of pan fried or grilled vegetables, or any of your baked dishes to add some texture. You can even use it to crumb your schnitzels!
Made from Dench's classic white and grain sourdoughs, these dried crisp breads are ideal for cheese, dips and canapes.
One of Dench's most popular pantry items! Sweet & peppery crispbreads made with simple, delicious ingredients. Great with soft cheeses or spreads on your antipasto platter, or as a savoury snack!
These taralloni with fennel are like the classic tarallini, but bigger! Made with healthy ingredients and natural, processed according to tradition with the addition of olive oil. Crunchy and tasty at any time of day.
Al Dente house baked Crostini - the same we serve alongside our burrata in our Enoteca, and perfect for your burrata at home!
Chocolate & Sweets
Torta Sabbiosa is a traditional Northern Italian cake from Lodi. Sabbiosa, meaning "sand", refers to the crumbly, melt in your mouth texture of this beautiful cake. The buttery slice comes with a sauce of mascarpone cream and brandy, for a decadent and nostalgic sweet Italian treat! Small size is a single slice (a big one, at that) and large is a whole cake.
Babàs are mushroom shaped yeast cakes soaked in hard liqueur and sugar. Made with a similar dough to Brioche, these cakes are left to leaven three times before baking to ensure a light, fluffy cloud-like constancy. These Babàs are soaked in the finest rum. They are best served with lashings of cream or vanilla bean gelato. It is recommended that you turn the package upside down before opening to ensure all cakes are fully covered in the liquor.
Delicious mini babà cakes soaked in sugar and Strega, a herbacious yet sweet Italian liqueur.
A Southern Italian take on the Viennese classic Sacher Torte. We make ours with almond flour and decadent cocoa powder. It's delicately sweet, not at all too rich, served with a simple vanilla cream. Torta Caprese is the perfect after dinner slice to share with the family, or indulge in by yourself. Serves around 8, as a whole cake! Time to celebrate!
Wine
A sparkling citrusy, lemongrass-y drink with Vietnamese mint leaf, some sweet yeasty bread dough characters - contributing a sweet yeastiness. A faint lick of guava on a palate dominated by fresh pear and lemon/ lime Splice; the mousse is creamy, the acid refreshing. If sherbet were a drink, this would be da Sherbet bomb.
The Factor is predominantly from the Gomersal and Marananga sub-regions of the Barossa, providing dense texture and richness to the palate with subtle notes of olive tapenade, saddle leather and minerals. Ripe aromas of Satsuma plum, wild blackberries, dark chocolate and five spice entwined with a dark core of espresso roast, ripe mulberries and saltbush. Colour: deep purple, almost black. Aroma: intense black fruits such as satsuma plum, blackberry and boysenberry. Dark chocolate, roasted espresso and liquorice. Palate: plush, soft and textural with a deep core of fruits supported by gentle yet concentrated tannins and long acidity. Enjoy with meats such as beef, or a rich vegetarian meal.
Blistering off-dry Riesling from the Strathboogie Ranges. Where most producers now-a-days look for bone dry Riesling as their style staple, Mac isn't afraid of a little residual sugar. For him, it's all about getting finding the best balance for each wine, and with the tight granite soils of Strathboogie giving the fruit an intense minerality, Mac feels a touch of R/S puts this nicely back in balance. This is Mac's 'off-dry' Riesling with 22 grams of sugar that remains giving a lovely fruit weight to the palate whilst maintaining freshness. It's long, fine and full flavoured, something approachable now but also something that will definitely do well with some time in the cellar.
Rosé de presse of Pinot Meunier blended with Chardonnay & Pinot Noir from a small vineyard on the North face of Victoria’s Mount Macedon. Methode Champenoz, on lees for one year. No filtration or additives. Enjoy with food and friends.
2017 Circe Pinot Noir from the Mornington Peninsula. With aromas of wild strawberry and raspberry, musky perfume and some complex spices. Flavours of red cherry, strawberry and raspberry are primary and very pronounced on the palate. The mid-palate reveals more complex perfume and exotic complexity, which will develop further with bottle age. Fine-grained tannins and balanced acid support the length of palate.
Deeply aromatic, opulent and powerfully ripe. Plush tannins and layers of dark fruit deliver a robust palate and serious cellaring potential. The Shiraz Vioginer is a selection of the best Shiraz Viognier parcels, crafted from the Murrumbateman vineyard. It spent 18 months in oak, rather than its usual 12. Has a lovely freshness and purity with crushed berry aromas, plums, a musky floral thread, complexities of spice, dry herbs and understated smoky oak. It’s medium-bodied with a lovely silky texture, impressive intensity of lingering flavour and ripe, soft tannins in perfect harmony.
Andrea's favourite dessert wine. Before harvest, the best grapes are personally and exclusively selected by the family members, in order to make them dry naturally until February. Tessari’s sweet wine, Tre Colli, is a dream. The colour of honey. The nose is fragrant; dried fruit, raisins, summer white flowers and tiny amount of custard. Just the right amount of sweetness vs. dryness. Perfectly paired with lighter desserts and cakes, like our Latte e Caramello, or our Torta Sabbiosa!
A personal favourite after dinner sweet wine of Davide's... A semi-sweet fortified Durif. Perfect with dark chocolate or hard cheeses, served chilled or at room temperature. Drink within 14 days of opening.
Beer, Cocktails & Spirits
Nazionale is made with hops grown in Cussanio, just a few kilometres away from the Baladin brewery. An intentionally simple beer made with 100% Italian ingredients: Italian water, barley malt, hops, yeasts and two Italian spices (organic bergamot from Calabria and coriander) which combine to create harmony and originality. Light earthy, spicy hops with a slightly bitter and dry finish. All of Baladin’s beers are non-filtered, refermented in the bottle and non-pasteurized Baladin uses six strains of native yeasts (Lievita Madre) in their production. 6.5% alcohol
Nora is made with Kamut® (also known as Khorasan), an ancient un-malted grain which is twice the size of modern-day wheat and is known for its rich, nutty flavour. Kamut is also thought to be more easily digestible than modern wheat. The beer is seasoned with fresh ginger, orange peel and myrrh. The beer's aroma is floral, spicy and citrusy; and it tastes refreshing, with a honeyed citrus notes and tingling ginger heat on the finish. All of Baladin’s beers are non-filtered, refermented in the bottle and non-pasteurized Baladin uses six strains of native yeasts (Lievita Madre) in their production. 6.8% alcohol
Al Dente's Classic Negroni made with Rosso Vermouth, Campari & Gin. Ready to drink, just pour over some ice, and garnish with an orange. Serves two.
Another one of Scott's recipes, but again, we'll take it! This negroni is super floral and excitingly sweet on the nose, but finishes nice and bitter, just like a negroni should. Our favourite Saint Felix Bitter Citrus Aperitivo, combined with Cocchi Rosa Aperitivo and Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin. As Scott would say, "it's pretty bloody good". Serves two. Drink responsibly.
A little sweet, a little sour, and a lot delicious. We've combined limoncello (yum) with lavender infused syrup (double yum) and gin in one little bottle for you to share! These bottles serve 2 people, and contain 2.5 standard drinks. 18+ only. Please drink responsibly.
200ml bottle of our favourite Amaro! A mix of twenty-nine herbs, flowers, fruits and roots from Calabria's beautiful land, blended to provide an intense experience of pleasure: the bittersweet taste of oranges, the delicacy of orange blossom and chamomile, the intensity of liquorice, peppermint and aniseed.
House made Limoncello. The perfect after dinner drink!
Al Dente made strawberry liquor.
Soft Drinks & Non-alcoholic
Baladin's soft drinks are based on four original recipes that, for creator Teo Musso, symbolize four 'historical tastes' of an Italian childhood. For Cola, Baladin has gone back to the origin of the most famous of soft drinks. Cola is produced with Kola nuts a caffeine-containing nut of evergreen trees of the genus Cola, belonging to the same family as cacao and native to the tropical forests of West Africa. Baladin have used Kola nut from the Kola Slow Food Presidium in Sierra Leone and part of the revenues from sales of the Cola are donated to the Slow Food Foundation to support this project. Because this Cola is “the real thing” it has the natural occurring reddish colour, and the cola flavour is authentic and delicious. This is the way a real cola should taste. An infusion of kola nut from Sierra Leone, with brown sugar and lemon juice. No artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. An authentic, refreshing cola aroma and flavour.
The “cedro” (citron in English) is a large citrus fruit with a thick pith that is used widely in Southern Italy in desserts and cakes. This drink gets its delicious citrus aroma and flavour from an infusion of Calabrian citron from Diamante. It is bright and refreshing with a hint of sweetness and the lingering flavour of the citron fruit. All natural ingredients No artificial colour, flavouring or preservatives Based on historical Italian soft drink recipe
Treat this NON-alcoholic wine like an aromatic white wine. Toasted Cinnamon & Yuzu flavours lend themselves to balanced tartness with a savoury undertone. Subtle warming spices lead into a slightly bitter finish. Much sweeter on the nose than it tastes. NON WORLD is a Melbourne based team of food (and flavour) professionals, designed to expand non alcoholic drink options. An informed and uncompromised curation of flavours, for those who seek 0% alcohol beverages.
Treat this NON-alcoholic wine like a subtle red, a German Gose, or a Petillent Naturel. Floral lemon makes way for refreshing minerality, a light fermenty-fizz and a slightly bitter or dry finish. Think tart, native citrus, floral body and a light menthol aroma. NON WORLD is a Melbourne based team of food (and flavour) professionals, designed to expand non alcoholic drink options. An informed and uncompromised curation of flavours, for those who seek 0% alcohol beverages.
Merchandise
Our very own Al Dente t-shirts are now online!
Our very own Al Dente t-shirts are now online!
Our very own Al Dente t-shirts are now online!
Dress like a pro, cook like a pro, right? Thanks to our friends at Ace Chef Apparel! They've been our supplier of chef jackets and aprons since we started cooking last year.
Staples
Our Chilli oil is simple and very effective. Great to add an extra kick to any tomato based pasta sauce, or to drizzle a little over a good woodfired pizza. We've been loving it on our bacon & eggs in the morning, too!
Italians know that simple often means best - this burnt butter and sage sauce is the perfect herby, toasty dressing for filled pasta. You can also let it melt over grilled meats or potatoes for a luxe finish.
Cacio e Pepe will remain a staple in our home, and in yours. A simple pecorino and pepper fonduta is folded into golden semolina pasta to create a signature dish that we're sure you're going to love. NOTE: Our Tortellini Cacio e Pepe doesn't come with a sauce included, but we recommend you purchase our Burnt Butter & Sage as an accompaniment!
Simple is best when it comes to Italian food and it doesn’t come simpler or better than our rich napoli, with the natural sweetness of tomatoes, onions and a touch of garlic and basil. It’s great with any of our pastas.
Soft-centred Chocolate pudding: This delicious and impressive soft-centred pudding is an exciting collaboration between Andrea and you, the cook at home. It will be delivered part-cooked ready for you to finish in your own oven. Follow the instructions to create this molten marvel and feel like a skilled pastry chef in your home kitchen. It's amazing as is but you can also serve it with strawberries, cream or ice cream. A SMALL SERVE IS INTENDED AS 1 INDIVIDUAL PUDDING, A LARGE SERVE IS INTENDED AS 4 INDIVIDUAL PUDDINGS
This long, flat egg pasta is all about something simple and classic done as well as we know how. Serve our tagliatelle with our ragu, or a simple napoli.
A recipe we have all been waiting for! This Calabrian salami sauce will add a spicy touch to any of your pasta recipes, we highly recommend trying it with some of our spaghetti or gnocchi, in our Napoli Sauce or Pork Sausage Ragu. This will give any of your meals an incredible touch of flavour!
Like our Salsa pomodoro , but with the cherry on top! :) Made with whole cherry tomatoes. Delicious as a condiment for any of your pastas, lovely on a slice of hot bread with some of our Frattali olive oil and fresh basil, bruschetta style. Try this out!
Aged for a minimum of 9 months, the origin of Grana Padano dates back to the Cistercian monks of the Chiaravalle Abbey. From the polders of northern Italy, the cheese is produced with milk from free-range cows that are let to graze on fresh forage and silage. Full-bodied, this hard cheese delivers a savoury and nutty touch with a dense and somewhat flaky texture. Creamy, mild and with a lingering aftertaste, it can be enjoyed on its own or as an accoutrement to your dish. A heritage unmatched by most cheeses, Grana Padano is in a class of its own, unique in nuances of both taste and texture.
Thicker and richer than tagliatelle, pappardelle is a thick ribbon pasta with a nice bite. It goes brilliantly with wintry ragu - think mushroom, lamb or rabbit.
This is a traditional bolognese made with beef for body and flavour and pork for sweet softness. It's slow-cooked to meld the flavours properly just like nonna would do.
We're happily obsessed with making soft gnocchi that taste like potato not flour. These heavenly pillows don’t need a complex sauce - a little tomato, a drizzle of oil, a grating of cheese and dinner is done. Another option is a burnt butter, garlic and sage sauce. Of course, they are lovely with our lamb ragu too! You can serve the gnocchi simply boiled or lightly pan fry once cooked. FRESHLY FROZEN
When we make our slow-cooked ragu, the whole kitchen is infused with warm, comforting aromas. We are so excited for you to have the same experience. We use lamb shoulder because it falls apart after slow cooking, plus a little tomato, red wine and herbs.