An Ayrshire restaurant which cooks pasta the Italian way has been recommended as one of the country’s best.
Aldente in Ayr scooped a ‘highly recommended’ gong at the Scottish Italian Awards pipping giants in Glasgow and Edinburgh to a top three spot.
Their name derives from the prime condition for pasta to be cooked, with dishes cooked to the bite or as the Italian’s would say “to the tooth”.
And judges were impressed by the authenticity of the favourites pouring out of the kitchen at the Prestwick Road eatery.
Even more impressive is that Aldente’s stunning award comes after being open not even one full year, with the diner only opening in March.
Adopted Italian and co-owner Sunny real name Pushpinder Singh delved fell amore with Italian cooking after spending six years in the country.
Originally from India the chef has told of his pride after only embarking on his first diner eight months ago, with business partner Simrat pal Singh, 30.
Chef and co-owner Sunny told Ayrshire Live: “To be given an award so early on is just amazing.
“We only just opened in March, it’s our first ever restaurant. To have that recognition has made us feel like we are on the right track.”
Sunny who is originally from India, honed his skills in the city of Cremona, an hour's drive south of Milan.
It was there he found a deep passion for Italian food and of course pasta cooked to perfection.
Sunny said: “I loved the experience of Italy, many would expect me to open an Indian restaurant but I found a love for cooking pasta.
“When I decided to open a restaurant I knew it was going to be Italian.
“The biggest thing I learned was how to cook authentically.
“That is what Aldente is all about, it’s the best way to eat pasta.
“We do things a bit differently, we cook carbonara the traditional way, with just cheese and eggs, we also do risottos cooked with fresh ingredients.”
The authenticity of the dishes at Aldente has garnered rave reviews including the ‘highly recommended’ award which was handed out the glitzy bash at DoubleTree Hilton in Glasgow on November 27.
Sunny has become inspired by the feedback and has set his sights on one day opening a larger restaurant.
Sunny added: “I saw an opportunity to start my business in Ayrshire. I used to work at the North Beach Hotel at Indian Links in Prestwick.
“I know the area, and I thought it would be great to bring something different here.
“People really appreciate what we are doing, we’ve had some really positive reviews.
“I want to focus on improving this place and maybe one day find a bigger restaurant to move into.”
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