
Al Dente at Go Shinjuku
Location: Japan, 〒160-0023 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishishinjuku, 1 Chome−25−1 Shinjuku Center Building, MB1F
Shinjuku, Tokyo
Al Dente is a long-established spaghetti speciality restaurant in the basement of Shinjuku Center Building, drawing lunchtime queues for its authentic Italian pasta dishes since the 1960s.
Al Dente is a long-established spaghetti speciality restaurant in the basement of Shinjuku Center Building, drawing lunchtime queues for its authentic Italian pasta dishes since the 1960s.
Al Dente Shinjuku Center Building is a dedicated spaghetti restaurant located on the MB1F level of the Shinjuku Center Building in Nishi-Shinjuku, operating under the Giraud Restaurant System group. The restaurant has built a loyal following over decades for its authentic Italian pasta preparations, with a menu that reads like a textbook of Italian spaghetti classics. Its location in the basement of one of Nishi-Shinjuku's major office towers ensures a steady stream of salarymen at lunch and a more relaxed atmosphere in the evenings.The menu is anchored by faithful renditions of spaghetti aglio e olio, bolognese, carbonara and an array of cream-based sauces, all cooked to a proper al dente texture. The kitchen takes its name seriously, and the pasta is consistently delivered with the firm bite that distinguishes competent Italian cooking from the overcooked norm. Portions are generous and prices are moderate, making it a reliable choice for a satisfying plate of pasta without the premium pricing of a full Italian restaurant.
Lunch hours run from 11:00 am to 9:30 pm on Monday to Saturday, with Sunday and holiday service until 8:00 pm, though last orders are 30 minutes before closing. The restaurant is a two-minute walk from Tochomae Station on the Oedo Line, and arriving before noon at lunch is advisable to avoid the queue that forms as office workers descend.
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Photo Gallery

Al Dente

Ai dente storefront exterior
A shop front with visible signage reading 'Ai dente' on the awning and wall. The entrance is flanked by stacked blue crates, metal kegs, and wooden stools outside. A digital menu board stands to the left displaying a scenic image. Posters are affixed to the window glass.

Al dente storefront entrance
Photo of the physical exterior entrance of a shop named 'Al dente', with visible signage above and on the glass door. A blue crate stack sits to the left, and a menu board is partially visible in the foreground showing food items like salad and mussels.

Al dente あるうどん亭 exterior
A shop front with a red sign displaying 'Al dente' and Japanese characters. Below the sign is a menu board listing spaghetti dishes, including tomato sauce and other options. A stack of beer kegs sits next to a trash bin. Posters on the window advertise promotions and LINE Pay discounts.

Al dente storefront exterior
A row of wooden stools lined up along the sidewalk outside a restaurant with 'Al dente' signage on the building facade and menu board displaying spaghetti dishes.

Aldeante Bar & Restaurant Exterior
Evening shot of a Japanese-style bar and restaurant storefront with green awning, wooden stools lined up outside, illuminated signage, and stacked beer kegs near entrance.

Al dente あるでん亭 storefront
A shop front featuring a red illuminated sign with 'Al dente' and Japanese characters, mounted above a menu board displaying spaghetti, antipasti, and beverage options.

Al denite storefront exterior
A brick-paved alleyway with a restaurant entrance featuring illuminated signage reading 'Al denite' in English and Japanese characters. A menu board stands outside displaying food images, while beer kegs and trash bins are placed near the door. Interior seating is visible through the open doorway.

Al dente storefront entrance
The image shows the exterior of a restaurant named Al dente, featuring a brick facade with green awnings and illuminated signage displaying both English and Japanese text. A menu board is mounted on the wall near the entrance, listing various dishes with prices in yen. Outside, there are promotional posters showcasing food items like noodles and grilled meats. The entrance leads into a warmly lit dining area visible through glass doors.

Al dente Pasta Platter
A table display of six dishes from Al dente restaurant, including pasta with bacon, clam chowder, green peas, and bruschetta.

Spring Special Menu Display
A close-up of a printed menu featuring three dishes with Japanese and English descriptions, prices in yen, and a small side dish option at the bottom.

Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil
A close-up of a single piece of bruschetta topped with diced tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and herbs, served on a small white plate with green rim details. The plate rests on a wooden table surface.

Dining Table with Peas and Menu
A wooden dining table set in a restaurant, featuring a bowl of green peas, a glass of water, a pitcher, condiments, cutlery, and menus on the wall.

Sapporo Beer Glass on Table
A glass of Sapporo beer with a thick foam head sits on a wooden table, surrounded by condiments and other drinks.

A-Frame Menu Board Outside Restaurant
An outdoor A-frame menu board displaying two pasta dishes with Japanese text, positioned on a tiled sidewalk near an entrance.

Bacon and Pasta Dish
A plate of pasta topped with slices of cooked bacon, garnished with herbs.

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
A plate of spaghetti topped with a generous portion of meat sauce, garnished with chopped herbs.

Green Peas and Beans Dish
A close-up photo of a bowl containing green peas and beans, garnished with herbs, served on a white plate with yellow trim.

Spaghetti with Squid and Lemon
A plate of spaghetti topped with grilled squid rings, garnished with nori seaweed flakes, and accompanied by a lemon wedge on the side.

Ham and Cheese Pasta
A plate of spaghetti with a creamy yellow sauce, topped with pieces of ham or bacon and garnished with chopped herbs.

Squid Pasta with Lemon and Nori
A plate of spaghetti mixed with squid rings, garnished with a lemon wedge and shredded nori seaweed.

Restaurant Table Setting
A close-up view of a wooden table in a Japanese restaurant. On the left is a glass of water and a holder with white paper napkins. In the center, on a metal tray, are condiments including soy sauce, chili oil, and a container of GABA powder. To the right sits a large brown thermos-style water pitcher. A set of silverware (spoon and fork) rests on a napkin in the bottom right corner. Three signs are visible on the wood-paneled wall: two green 'LINE Official Account' recruitment posters offering 10% OFF, and one smaller sign with text.

Bruschetta and Garlic Bread
A close-up of two small white plates on a wooden table, each holding a piece of toasted bread topped with toppings - one with garlic butter and herbs, the other with diced tomatoes and basil.

Beer and Water on Wooden Table
A glass of beer with foam, a glass of water, and a bottle of GABAN beer are placed on a wooden table next to a dark pitcher.

Clam Pasta with Dried Shrimp Topping
A close-up photo of a plate of pasta, likely spaghetti or linguine, mixed with numerous clams and topped generously with dried shrimp flakes. The dish is served on a white plate with green rim accents.

Restaurant Interior
The image shows the interior of a restaurant with wooden tables and chairs. There are menus displayed on the counter, along with condiments like soy sauce and sugar. The background includes kitchen equipment and framed photos on the wall.

Eggplant and Bacon Pasta
A plate of spaghetti with eggplant, mushrooms, bacon, and red chili peppers.

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
A plate of spaghetti topped with a generous portion of meat sauce, garnished with herbs. The dish is served on a white plate with green trim, placed on a wooden table. A small figurine is visible in the background.

Pasta with Bacon
A plate of spaghetti topped with crispy bacon strips and a garnish of parsley, served on a white dish with yellow trim labeled 'Al dente'. A glass of water is visible in the background along with other table items.

Beer and Drink Setup
A table setup featuring a Sapporo beer in a tall glass, a Birra Moretti in a stemmed glass, and a bottle of Birra Moretti L'Autentica. In the background, there is a water pitcher, cutlery wrapped in napkins, and part of a menu board with 'Spaghetti' visible.

Bread and condiments on a table
A close-up of two pieces of bread on a small plate, with a tray containing sugar, salt, and pepper shakers in the background. A glass of water and a pack of napkins are also visible.

Pasta with Egg Yolk and Bacon
A close-up of a plate of pasta, likely carbonara or a similar creamy dish, topped with a raw egg yolk and pieces of bacon. The pasta is coated in a light sauce, and the dish is garnished with herbs. The plate has the word 'dente' visible on its rim.

Stir-fried Greens with Ham and Corn
A plate of stir-fried greens, likely spinach or similar leafy vegetable, mixed with pieces of cooked ham and yellow corn kernels. The dish is served on a decorative ceramic plate with blue floral patterns against a yellow background.

Dish with Tomato Sauce
A close-up of a plated dish featuring a breaded item topped with a vibrant red tomato sauce and garnished with herbs, served on a white plate with green rim.

Autumn's Visit Menu
A hand holding a menu featuring two dishes with Japanese and English descriptions, including prices in yen.

Urban Courtyard with Staircase and Shops
A multi-level outdoor courtyard featuring brick architecture, metal railings, and a staircase leading to upper levels. Several people are visible sitting or walking on the ground floor. Shop entrances are present but no signage is clearly legible. A small menu board stands near the right side of the frame.

Restaurant Interior with Kitchen and Counter Seating
The image shows the interior of a restaurant or izakaya-style eatery. In the foreground, there is a wooden counter with several chairs arranged along it. On the counter, various items are visible including menus, condiments, and utensils. Behind the counter, there is an open kitchen area with stainless steel appliances, pots hanging on the wall, and shelves stocked with ingredients. Above the kitchen, there is a large collage of many small photographs covering the upper walls. The lighting is warm, creating a cozy atmosphere.

Beverages on a wooden table
Three glasses of beverages are placed on a light wooden table in what appears to be a casual dining setting. The central glass contains a golden beer with a thick white head, flanked by an iced tea or soda on the left and water with ice cubes on the right. In the background, a menu board is partially visible, displaying Japanese text and prices such as ¥1,680 and ¥1,730. A metal condiment container sits behind the water glass.

Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce
A plate of spaghetti served in a white bowl with green rim, garnished with parsley and topped with tomato sauce and garlic pieces. The dish is placed on a wooden table alongside a glass of water and metal containers.

Estate in Sicilia Menu Board
A digital menu board displaying two pasta dishes with Japanese and English descriptions, including prices.

Spaghetti with Bacon and Thyme
A plate of spaghetti topped with crispy bacon strips and garnished with fresh thyme, served on a white dish with green rim.

Urban courtyard view with modern buildings
A paved brick walkway leads to a lower-level outdoor seating area enclosed by low brick walls and metal railings. In the background, tall modern skyscrapers dominate the skyline under a clear blue sky.

Japanese Restaurant Menu Display
A close-up of a laminated menu page on a wooden table, featuring two main dishes with Japanese text and prices.

Anime-style Menu Board with Noodle Dishes
A close-up of a menu board featuring illustrated anime characters and colorful noodle dishes, including 'Arodon亭のナポリタン' priced at ¥1,780 and another dish at ¥2,280. Utensils are placed in front of the menu.

Tall Office Building Exterior
A low-angle view of a tall, modern office building with a grid-like facade and numerous windows. In the background, other high-rise buildings are visible under a clear blue sky. The foreground includes neatly trimmed hedges and brick pathways.

Green Peas Dish
A bowl of green peas with some visible pieces of what appears to be a vegetable or garnish, served in a white dish with green stripes on the rim.

Pasta with Squid and Nori
A plate of spaghetti topped with squid rings, nori seaweed flakes, and a lemon wedge on the side. The dish is served on a white plate with green trim.

Condiments and Menu at Restaurant
A close-up of a metal tray holding containers of white rice, red chili flakes, and salt shaker. In the background, a menu board with Japanese and English text is visible.

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce and Mushrooms
A plate of spaghetti topped with a generous portion of meat sauce, garnished with fresh herbs. The pasta is mixed with creamy mushrooms and red peppers, served on a white plate with green rim.

Iwate Prefecture Oysters Pasta Ad
A promotional poster stand outside a restaurant featuring two pasta dishes. The top half advertises 'Iwate Prefecture Oysters' with a photo of green pasta topped with oysters and greens. The bottom half promotes 'Domestic Black Wagyu Beef' with a photo of carbonara-style pasta with a raw egg yolk on top. Text includes Japanese characters describing the ingredients.

Shopping Mall Interior View
The image shows an interior view of a shopping mall, featuring a walkway with brick flooring and metal railings. Below the walkway, there are multiple levels with shops and displays. The lighting is bright, and the architecture includes large pillars and open spaces.

Salad Plate
A white plate filled with mixed greens, including lettuce and possibly spinach or arugula, placed on a wooden table. In the background, there are stacked bowls, a bottle of oil, and a metal container.

Iwate Prefecture Wagyu Pasta Menu
A close-up of a printed menu featuring two pasta dishes with Japanese text, including 'Iwate Prefecture Wagyu' and 'Domestic Black Cattle Wagyu', set on a wooden table with glassware in the background.

Stir-fried Greens with Corn and Meat
A white plate containing a stir-fry dish featuring dark leafy greens, yellow corn kernels, pieces of cooked meat (possibly bacon or ham), and translucent onions. The ingredients are lightly sautéed together on a wooden table surface.
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