Cafe Al Dente of New York is a small New York-style Italian restaurant in Coligny Plaza, the Hilton Head outpost of a Long Island original. The menu is built on handmade pasta and fresh seafood, the dining room is snug, and it is the plaza’s pick for a date night. It serves lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 4 p.m. every day, and a second location is on the way in Bluffton.

What to Order at Cafe Al Dente

Reviewers keep coming back to the short rib gnocchi, the chicken parmesan and the lasagna, and the burrata ravioli, the rigatoni and the corn tortellini in summer all get mentioned. The espresso martinis have a following of their own. Portions are generous, and the staff will scale some dishes down for children, though there is no kids menu. An early-dining menu runs from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Reservations

Book on Resy with the Reserve button above; reviewers say indoor tables fill quickly in season, and there is outdoor seating as well. Cafe Al Dente is at 1 N Forest Beach Drive, Unit A-5. For more Italian on the island, see Italian restaurants in Hilton Head, and for the rest of the plaza, the Coligny Plaza restaurants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Cafe Al Dente take reservations?

Yes, on Resy. Reviewers recommend booking in season because the indoor tables fill up.

What is Cafe Al Dente known for?

Handmade pasta, especially the short rib gnocchi, plus chicken parmesan, lasagna and espresso martinis.

Is Cafe Al Dente open for lunch?

Yes. Lunch runs from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and dinner starts at 4 p.m.

Is there a kids menu at Cafe Al Dente?

There is no kids menu, but reviewers say the kitchen will make smaller portions of some dishes.

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