Last night we had a group of 5 couples and ate on the outside patio. The atmosphere was great which is why I partly gave it 2 stars. After that nothing was up to par. While the waiter was nice the service was extremely slow with drinks water and bread. Once the food came out it went even further down hill. I got the fish of the day(mahi) and it was 2 thin pieces of greasy non flaky fish. I will say everyone at the table said their food was either ok or good. The duck confit was good The owner came out afterwards and asked how things were, I told him and he started making excuses. Unfortunately al di la has gone down hill and we will not be back.
Doug W.
Évaluation du lieu : 1 Charleston, SC
Feb. ’16: I’ve lived in Avondale since 2007, and have always loved Al Di La. But it keeps getting worse with each trip. During restaurant week I noticed portions were smaller, and the shepherd salad was different, in a bad way. This time I saw they had lasagna on the menu, which I love. I tried it. $ 16. It was so over-cooked it was mushy. I should have known that it was something that they wouldn’t cook-to-order. I sent it back and got the shepherd salad, which I’ve always loved. They’ve changed it to, and for the worse. The place is going down hill. New owners need to keep what is good there. [Update 4⁄16: I went there again and had a salad, which was ok. And they’ve taken the lasagna off the menu, which is a good move. Not sure about the food overall though. I’m kinda scared to try it again.]
Jessica B.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Charleston, SC
Gnocci probably made from the most talented Italian Grandma living in SC. They were the fluffiest melt in your mouth(literally melting in your mouth) delicious gnocci anyone could possibly ask for.
Carolyn M.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Birmingham, AL
Great ambience and service. We got there on the early side, but the happy hour at Triangle across the street pushes the dinner rush to later than normal – which was good for us. Their house-made focaccia was a great start to the meal, as well as the mussels and beef carpaccio that we ordered for the table. I got the seafood risotto special for my meal. The risotto rice was heartier than most, so I couldn’t even finish the small portion. Everything was absolutely delicious. Will definitely keep in mind for special occasions.
Will L.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Charleston, SC
Al Di La e’ Multo Bene! Our favorite Italian spot in Charleston. We always sit on the bar side, because it’s more laid back and most importantly you can only get the wood fired pizzas over there! As far as the pizzas are concerned my favorite is the duck confit with cherries. Every pasta I have ever tried here has been very very good, but the star in my opinion is the gnocchi. All of the pasta is made from scratch including the gnocchi, which is prepared with shrimp and cherry tomatoes. Another great thing about this place is the Resturant Week selections, they are the same menu items as always but at a better price. Same size and just as delicious! A great wine selection and tasty apps round off this place, but don’t forget dessert. Try some ricotta cheesecake or Tiramisu with a shot of lemoncello or amaretto liquor. Buon appetito!
Robert E.
Évaluation du lieu : 3 Bethel, CT
Sad to give them 3 stars. We visited Al Di La regularly 2002 – 2008 before we moved away from Charleston and always had great food and ambiance experiences. We know the previous owner(Runs Old Bull in Beaufort now) who made pasta daily from scratch. The menu is very similar and the dining room layout is very similar but brighter lit. You must have a reservation(we did) now or in the past. Fast forward to today and it is not as good. The bar was excellent. We had a few drinks before dinner and it was a happening scene. The dining room is brightly lit now and has white walls(a bright wallpaper) and it is just one big room with banquettes, tables, and booths. It is very very loud. You must nearly shout to converse. We ordered the Shrimp gnocchi(used to be amazing signature dish here) and it was mushy and not as tasty as we remember. We also ordered the duck and truffle oil confit /tagliatelle and it was ok. The beef carpaccio was very good. Our server was friendly and prompt. Prices are fair. 3 stars b/c it is not nearly as good as it was in the past. I know the old place was quieter even when busy(I think there were partitions in the main dining room in the past), the old place had romantic ambience but may have been too darkly lit for some tastes, and the food used to be sublime. Despite the menu being extremely similar the food is not nearly as well executed as when John Marshall ran this place.(That shrimp gnocchi is still very good at Old Bull in Beaufort where he oversees it) Still a cool scene and we will give them another try and maybe they were having an off night with the food.
Caroline N.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Charleston, SC
Al Di La is an Avondale gem. The food, service, and ambiance is top notch. I’m also a fan of the décor. It recently exchanged ownership, and Fabio, one of the new owners, is a delight. Pinot and Don at the bar are two people you must get to know. If Skylar is your waitress, you’re in for a treat. Same with Tessa. Thank goodness Fabio brought back the beloved porkchop. Do yourself a favor and order it — you won’t be disappointed! I also recommend the duck confit tagliatelle, lasagne, and risotto. The red wine sangria is made in house and fantastic. We also love the Super Tuscan. The bruschetta app is also great. The mussels app is also good, but I compare most mussels to Fat Hen’s(so good!). We’ve had most of their desserts and have always enjoyed them. The table bread is an olive oil type and it’s addicting! Bottom line: Al Di La offers amazing food, drinks, and service. You can’t go wrong with anything on their menu. The only thing I would ask(read: beg) is for them to bring back their white chocolate mousse.
Frank K.
Évaluation du lieu : 3 Charleston, SC
Two years later after the original review, and again new owners. Still decent. We recently tried the 2016 restaurant week special and it was OK. Same regular menu as in prior years. Tiny portion of tiramisu for the dolci course. Tasty. Pasta: Tonarelli with duck confit, very average – edible but undistinguished by a lot of flavor. Waited a long time for the main courses –at least 30 minutes– in a half-full room. Price w/a glass of wine for a couple is not exactly a bargain. Noise levels seem to have increased with the redesign of the place a few years ago and with bright lights, making this a less than intimate venue.
Valerie W.
Évaluation du lieu : 4 Charleston, SC
Previously I’d only been by for a glass of wine or drinks, but got to have a small sample of the food & was impressed. The ambiance is very romantic – but I’d always sat outside previously & it’s great for any occasion. Love that the salad comes with bread – I’m so easily won by good bread & dipping oil, ha! It was hard not to deduct a star – but would not for a single person. As mentioned in another review, the bartender did not seem as knowledgeable, nor attentive as I’d appreciate. Additionally, I was told my beverage would be at happy hour price & it was the same as the menu. ugh. Looking forward to trying more food & waitress service :)
Kyle B.
Évaluation du lieu : 3 Charleston, SC
Not sure if it is the new ownership or what but was mostly disappointed revisiting our neighborhood Italian restaurant last night. Happy hour food menu special no longer offered and bartender seemed to have no idea what happy hour offers were. Meatball special of beef and prosciutto was not very tasty and was dry. although sauce was great! Menu had some additions so tried the new pollo authentica dish. Chicken was overly flattened and over cooked leaving it very dry and flavorless. Scallops and risotto dish fared a little better. Overall though it felt like the once delicious spot has taken a step back… but still maintains that detached and unwelcoming atmosphere we’d become accustomed to… so there’s that! Not ready to give up on it quite yet… hope it gets better.
Jen P.
Évaluation du lieu : 4 Baltimore, MD
My sister has lived in Charleston for 10 years, and this was my first trip to Al Di La. The waiter mentioned that they were under new ownership for the last 2 months, so I don’t know anything about Al Di La before that, but now, it’s amazing! Every meal our party of 9 ordered was awesome. Lots of sharing of the lasagna, short rib, chicken, salads, etc. And being a birthday celebration we got dessert, and the ricotta cheesecake blew my mind! Everything was awesome. Also, our waiter was so friendly in a normal way, and went above and beyond to make our birthday person feel special. Thanks!
Ashlynn B.
Évaluation du lieu : 3 Port Orchard, WA
If you wanna know the truth, I’m not exactly fond of this place. I’ve been here several times, and every time I thought it was so-so. The last time I went I got the Asparagus Risotto. It was okay. I didn’t think the scallops had any flavor and the risotto seamed pretty a little too oily. Most likely won’t go back.
Francesca D.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Johns Island, SC
Coming from a self proclaimed Italian food snob(my father is an Italian chef up north, and my grandparents are from Florence) this spot gets 5 stars! I’m always hesitant to try out an Italian restaurant simply because I’m spoiled and used to my family’s cooking, and this place reminded me of home! I’m so glad one of my girlfriends and I gave it a try during restaurant week and I hope that the menu they had for that special is the same as what they normally offer. Now for the review: As stated, we did restaurant week. I opted for the 3 for $ 35 menu. It was a busy night, but we had a reservation and were promptly seated. We had a great table up top facing out to the dining room. Our waitress was very attentitive and had wonderful suggestions. I started with a nice glass of Prosecco and with a roasted beet salad 1st course. The dressing was perfect! Then opted for the Risotto with Scallops and asparagus. even more yummy! The tiramisu was heaven on a plate. I could eat that every night. The perfect combo of sweet and savory. We had a wonderful meal and service. The food quality was fantastic and we left feeling full but not too stuffed. I will be back!
Lauren C.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Charleston, SC
This is one of my favorite restaurants in Charleston, Al Di La has an authentic Italian feel and is quite romantic. I can never decide between the truffle/duck pasta dish or the homemade gnocchi with fresh local shrimp. Their menu is simplistically perfect and right on the nose. Everyone will be able to find something they love and you can’t visit just once!
Kathy D.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Cary, NC
We had a little trouble finding the restaurant but it was well worth it. We ordeed the figs wrapped in prosciutto, the caprice salad, the pork chop and the short ribs. Thanks short ribs were succulent and tasty tender meat. The mashed potatoes were delicious and our sever Kevin was outstanding making it a hit all the way around.
Anna H.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Mount Pleasant, SC
This place gives you a real Italian experience. With its family style cooking, romantic ambience, and great service this is the place to try! We started our meal with their savory mussels. The sauce that the mussels marinaded was so delicious I wanted to suck up all the sauce with my straw! My husband had the large fettuccine bolognese. It came piled on his plate! It was enough for two meals or people. The seasoning was perfect and the pasta was al dente! I selected the roasted eggplant with polenta and sautéed green beans. The roasted eggplant had minimal seasoning, but it’s simplistic flavor blended well with the cheese it was topped with and the buttery flavor of the polenta. I was quite pleased with my entrée! The beans were slightly overcooked because they were wilted, but still not lacking in flavor. They have a great wine menu that are mainly Italian wines. The service is also wonderful. They were all very helpful in answering our questions. If you are looking for a date night place or a place with authentic Italian experience, this is the place for you!
Tania W.
Évaluation du lieu : 4 Greenville, SC
Shannon provided Amazing service. She was personable and knowledgeable… We started with the carpaccio and asked for a hint of truffle oil drizzled over it. Amazing it’s a must ! Second course tomato basil soup another THUMBSUP. …DELICIOUS For dinner we decided on the ribeye and asparagus risotto with sea scallops. The scallops were the best, the risotto was less then desirable. It was not creamy it was very starchy and to me just over cooked no taste. . We paired our dishes with a yummy bottle of Sassomagno. It was heavenly. All in all we will come back in excited to try new things. I’d like to see something other then kale as a, side. How about beets or Brussel sprouts. .! Limoncello was very tasty
Kelly F.
Évaluation du lieu : 2 Charleston, SC
My car was egged at this location which completely ruined the experience. Not really sure why as I don’t have any offensive decals or anything of that nature, but beware of the parking here.
Lauton S.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Charleston, SC
Really awesome italian fare. This is one of my go to spots in west ashley. Best gnnochi in town, and best tiramisu as well. During restaraunt week they are the best deal to be found. Make a reservation as it can get busy or head to the bar for happy hour specials on food and drink. Go here, thats about it.
Amy Lauren S.
Évaluation du lieu : 4 Charleston, SC
I’m really thankful I gave Al Di La a second chance. My husband and I visited last week for a date night and I was more than happy with both our food, service, and the value. First, Al Di La is doing some great things for the community by raising money and awareness of autism. They’ve had some special menu items over the last few months where 100% of the profits from those dishes’ sales went toward autism charities. In addition, on certain nights of the week, they have donated a percentage to those charities. Second, the service the last time we went was outstanding. Our server did a great job explaining every dish to us, taking care of us, and also packaging our leftovers to go(the portions here are a great size for the price). We have also visited again with a Groupon deal and experienced the same great service. Third, Al Di La has some really good happy hour specials on dishes and drinks, including the gnocchi. The gnocchi is the BEST here! But, if you’re coming for dinner, you definitely want to make a reservation some nights. From now on, I’ll definitely consider Al Di La one of my go-tos for a nice meal in West Ashley. The only downside is the parking situation in Avondale, which really isn’t their fault, so we always park at the bank/Harris Teeter and walk over(good tip for anyone who doesn’t want to hunt for a street park or risk being towed).