I consider myself a “foodie” and I love a quaint little place to have a good meal…Café Al Dente is not the place. I can get over the scotch tape posters on the glass, the Christmas wreath hanging in April; I can get over the green carpet, the tacky art on the walls, I can get over the fishbowl where you drop in your business cards or even the 70’s style lounge music…what I can’t get over is the food. On the internet I thought this place was going to be our hidden gem…what I got was gummy gnocchi. My goodness the gnocchi was horrible…homemade sure…bland light tomato sauce yes, gummy and at times raw dough…yes. Add on to that…a boring wine selection and warm wine to boot (red wine should have a slight coolness to it…it frustrates me when wine is served above room temperature) In addition, the lobster risotto was boring (I thought the lemon wedge on top would have added so much…guess I was wrong!) The sauce was watery and the risotto was inconsistent (some grains were hard while others were mushy). La Bottegga down the street on Main Street is wonderful or Tommy O’s! I think Downtown Vancouver has a ways to go…but I’m confident it’ll get there.\r
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I’m sorry if this review is harsh (I’m just one person…try it yourself) but I really couldn't finish my food. On the up side…the waitress was wonderful. I couldn’t ask for better service! I’m a stickler for detail…but you need to start off with good food…then work on the rest!\r
Pros: Service
Cons: Food and decor
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