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Innovating for a global palate since 1983.

Mounsif Ghninou owner of Al Dente’s, started his culinary journey in 1983 working in Boston’s North End as a chef in an authentic Italian restaurant.

In 1993 Mounsif and Adel Semmar opened Cafe Mediterraneo, a small 40-seat Italian bistro located on Fleet Street in downtown Portsmouth. 9 years later they expanded into adjacent space to bring the seating capacity to 65. The Italian bistro has been described as bringing the flavor of the North End to Portsmouth. In 1997 and ’98, Cafe Med earned Yankee Magazine’s Editor’s Pick award, and for five years it’s been No. 1, topping the “Best of the Best” list for Italian in a national independent survey.

After moving to Florida, owners Mounsif and Christine Ghninou decided to bring the flavors of Boston’s North End by beginning their culinary journey once again with Al Dente’s Ristorante Italiano.