Right in the heart of Downtown Palm Springs is an authentic trattoria reminiscent of an establishment in Rome or Tuscany. The restaurant was all decked out for Christmas, which was so lovely. There is a small dining room inside and a pretty spacious outdoor patio with hear lamps.
Here’s What I tried:
Vodka Martini, the perfect amount of Vodka with a dash of vermouth and olive juice, just so amazing.
Pavette, 2024 – CA. Chardonnay, the perfect accompaniment with the seafood soup.
Focaccia with Bruschetta, just comes with your meal and is absolute delicious.
Salad:
Caeser Salad, with romaine lettuce, house made Caeser dressing, croutons, and Parmesan. a nice simple salad with parmesan cheese and croutons.
Soup:
Cacciucco Soup, this delicious soup has, mussels, clams, squid and shrimp, with a very delightful garlic tomatoes broth jam packed with garlic.
Risotto Tre Funghi, with a mix of mushrooms in a blend of white wine , garlic and parmesan. a nice smokey flavor, if you are a mushroom lover then this one is for you.
Tagliatelle Bolognese, with tomato and ground beef slowly cooked with Chianti, I love everything about this dish, the pasta and the sauce – really just out of this world.
New York Cheesecake made the traditional way, New York style with creme cheese. A nice thick cut with very fragrant strawberries.
Sorbet, with lots of berries, the perfect ending to my nice meal.
Al Dente Trattoria – A quaint cucina with a decidedly European atmosphere, has served Palm Springs and international clientele for over 30 years. Al dente proprietor Kendra Riccio and Executive Chef Oscar Cardenas present an extensive menu of pastas with homemade sauces, beef, veal, and fresh seafood entrées for lunch and dinner in a casual fine dining atmosphere. Located on historic Palm Canyon Drive, downtown Palm Springs, within walking distance to major hotels, convention center, shopping and casinos.
About the Riccio Family:
Richard John “Richie” Riccio, He was affectionately known to his family and friends as Jack Hammer. He was born November 14, 1931 to Benjamin and Rose Riccio in Bronx, NY. He married Patricia M. Tully on March 6, 1953 in Philadelphia, PA. He was a retired New York Police Lieutenant for 27 years. He moved his family to Palm Springs where he pursued his second career as a successful restaurateur of Riccio’s restaurant of 28 years. Riccio’s expanded into Al dente in Palm Springs, La Bella Cucina of Palm Desert and Riccio’s Steak and Seafood Palm Springs.
My tasting was pretty limited for whatever reason, if I had the opportunity to try more menu items, I am sure I would love every minute of it all. So come with a big appetite and try whatever pleases you, you will be happy you did.
Al dente Trattoria
491 N Palm Canyon Dr.
Palm Springs, CA 92262
(760) 325-1160
