London’s Hottest Food Trend Moves Into the City’s Most Happening Neighbourhood

A new handmade fresh pasta restaurant “born from the passion shared by a group of friends” led by Roman Filippo Gallenzi, called Al Dente has opened in London’s neighbourhood-of-the-moment, Fitzrovia.

Co-founder and director Gallenzi is described as a “very young entrepreneur from Rome.” Al Dente is his first venture in London, one for which he has employed Italian chefs to create recipes that “respect the true Italian heritage, with a young and vibrant twist.”

It replaces the Italian restaurant Salento Green Life, at 51 Goodge Street, just off Tottenham Court Road — offering “traditional recipes, and the right cottura al dente [firmness of cooked pasta], [which] will bring to London a whole new experience of the Italian signature dishes.”

Although Italian restaurants (specialising in pasta) might not be new; a new emphasis has been placed on housemade fresh dough, and in the emergence of Italian-inspired takeaway shops (pastifici), that double-up as restaurants.

In recent years London has welcomed the arrival of Padella, Pastaio, Flour & Grape, Palatino, Burro e Salvia, and, most recently, Lina Stores — which opened in Soho in May this year, a deli brand whose now-sister site has existed on Brewer Street since 1944.

“Our pasta laboratory is open for all those who want to discover the true heritage of artisanal handmade pasta, while enjoying a glass of wine in a vibrant environment,” the group behind Al Dente says.

More soon.

• Where to Eat Pasta in London [ELDN]