In the heart of Rovinj, right next to its beautiful coast, the Al Dente restaurant was recently opened, a new gastronomic oasis that combines Italian and Mediterranean cuisine with local Istrian charms. After a successful business in Zagreb, Al Dente decided to expand its passion for food to the sea, offering visitors to Rovinj the opportunity to enjoy fresh, authentic flavors in an elegant setting.
The specialty of the restaurant lies in the handmade pasta that is made daily, using only the best ingredients such as organic eggs and durum wheat. The pasta is not dried, but freshly cooked, which gives it an irresistible homemade taste that brings many back to their childhood. In addition to pasta, Al Dente is also proud of its pizzas, which are a combination of the traditional Neapolitan style with recognizable thicker edges. Each pizza is made with carefully selected ingredients such as fior di latte mozzarella from small dairies near Naples, San Marzano tomatoes and fresh burrata, ensuring authenticity and quality.
The new location in Rovinj offers an expanded menu and a different concept from Zagreb's Al Dente, but retains the restaurant's recognizable philosophy, which is precisely the creation of an unforgettable culinary experience. The restaurant is more spacious, and the outdoor terrace offers a view of the sea and the charming architecture of Rovinj and the old tobacco factory. As part of the WMF, a special menu was available that we had the opportunity to try. Here's what we ate.
The appetizer that opened the Al Dente experience delighted with its unexpected but extremely harmonious flavor combinations. Homemade butter with forest fruits - a combination of natural sweetness and freshness and a creamy texture, clearly defined what awaits us. The lemon peels further enriched this butter with its aromatic citrus note, while the coarse salt perfectly accentuated each bite, providing a contrast to the sweet-salty combination. Along with homemade butter, homemade bread that literally melts in your mouth was also served. Soft textures with a crispy golden crust made it perfect for spreading, providing true pleasure from the very beginning.
For a cold appetizer, "Citrus Tango" - steak tartare with capers and citrus tones from beets. Tender and rich pieces of raw steak are carefully seasoned, while capers bring characteristic saltiness and spiciness, enhancing the entire flavor of the dish. The citrus tones of the beets give a refreshing and slightly sour note, creating a perfect balance with the meat and capers. This tartare oozes freshness while retaining depth of flavor, giving each bite a layered texture. Also served with homemade bread, this time made from buckwheat flour.
The main course, "Raspberry Embrace" consists of perfectly roasted duck breast with caramelized chicory, raspberry sauce and raspberry tapioca chips, a unique combination of sweet, bitter and crunchy. The duck breast, tender and juicy, brings a rich meaty flavor while the caramelized chicory adds a slight bitterness and sweetness that goes perfectly with the meat. Raspberry sauce adds fruity freshness and acidity, balancing the heaviness of the brisket, while crispy tapioca and raspberry chips add contrast and an aesthetic "stamp" to the dish.
Finally, for dessert we had the opportunity to try the olive oil cake with ganache and carrot gel and olive oil powder. Light but rich cake, with fruity notes of olive oil. The carrot ganache brings a creamy sweetness and an earthy tone, perfectly complementing the light flavor of the cake, while the carrot gel adds a fresh, juicy component with a hint of acidity.
Al Dente Rovinj is truly a place where Italian and Mediterranean cuisine meets local flavors, offering guests the opportunity to explore new gastronomic dimensions. Given the wealth of ingredients and attention to detail, every meal here is an experience, whether you're enjoying a light lunch or a sunset dinner. Kudos to the extremely professional staff, especially Darko.
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