Al Dente Enoteca Restaurant

Born in the thick of 2020, this Carlton enoteca rewrites the playbook on modern Italian finesse. Founders Andrea Vignali, Davide Bonadiman, and Michelle Badek deliver approachable fine dining with pure culinary sprezzatura. Forget decision fatigue—hand the reins straight to chefs Andrea and Davide for a phenomenal Chef's Selection. Melbourne’s dining obsessives constantly trade stories about the razor-sharp wine pairings and the kitchen’s masterful handling of unexpected proteins like kangaroo and duck. Expect a stellar Australian-forward wine list. Handmade pastas that absolutely demand you fare la scarpetta to catch every drop of rich bisque. Impeccable, warm-blooded hospitality. Whether swinging by for a relaxed lunch or an all-out celebratory dinner, save room for the ridiculously good sabbiosa cake. High-wire modern Italy, grounded in genuine warmth.