Dante's Creative Cuisine

Sitting at a table in Dante's, one would be hard pressed to allow the use of gold within the establishment to go unnoticed.

Dominating the interior, gold is embedded throughout the entire restaurant, creating an ambiance of class, luxury, and wealth.  Gold chandeliers hang from an ornate, bronzed gold tiled ceiling.  Shiny golden banisters line the walkways, reflecting the light from the chandeliers.  Each table has a golden, oil-burning candle, flickering on top of the stark white tablecloths.

Hanging on the building's original brick walls, local canvas paintings are available for purchase.  Foliage hangs from the ceilings and also creates boundaries within the restaurant, creating a smaller, more intimate setting. 

In contrast to authentic Italian design, Dante's interior design is not meant to detract from the quality of their food, but rather to enhance the luxurious aspect of the overall dining experience.

Dante's takes pride in the preparation of the meal, as is illustrated by the respective prices of each meal.  Each item on the menu is unique to the restaurant, and individually crafted, thereby justifying the higher then average price tag.



Featured in this review is a three course meal containing the Caprese Bruschetta for $8.95, followed by the Shrimp Scampi for $24.95, and culminating with the Chocolate Peanut Butter Stack for $4.50, all highly recommended by the black-clad waitress wearing an elegant, floor-length apron.



(left) Caprese Bruschetta, (above) warm fresh bread, (right) house salad with homemade Gorgonzola



The Caprese Bruschetta was a perfect starter.  Diced tomatoes, basil, olive oil and fresh Mozzarella is prepared on top of sliced Bruschetta bread.  There was a hint of garlic (I'm assuming a garlic butter was spread on the bread prior to the toppings), which was subdued by the strong flavor of the fresh basil.  With four pieces, the intent of this appetizer is not to satisfy hunger, but to make you hungry for more.

Warm bread followed the appetizer.  For dipping, the waitress prepared a balsamic vinegar, olive oil and garlic mixture at the table-side by crushing a fresh garlic clove and mixing it with the oil and vinegar.  This mixture created a unique taste that can best be described as sweet and tangy at the same time.

Prior to the arrival of the main dish, a house salad is served.  Mixed in with bed of fresh greens, Dante's creates their own house Gorgonzola dressing.  This rich and creamy dressing gives the salad a unique, almost sweet taste.

Following the house salad, the Shrimp Scampi was brought to the table.  Ordered "A la Dante's", jumbo shrimp were sauteed in butter, garlic, lemon and white wine, mixed in a garlic-cream sauce, and served over linguine.  Beautifully presented, a rosemary sprig rested on top of the bed of pasta, and gave the dish an authentic-like rustic aroma.  Each flavor in this smooth and creamy dish was discernable.  The basil contrasted the garlic in the cream-based sauce.  True to their name, the jumbo shrimp were large, plump and meaty.  They had a fresh taste, complimented by the garlic cream sauce they were bathed in. 

In an effort to gain a complete, well-rounded appreciation for Dante's, I inquired about a dessert menu.  Moments later the waitress appeared at the table carrying a tray full of samples of the desserts Dante's has to offer.  After explaining each item on the tray, she recommended the Chocolate Peanut Butter Stack. 

Presented on a plate covered in chocolate and caramel drizzle, this bar has layers upon layers of rich, decadent flavor.  At the base is chocolate cake (or brownie), topped with layers of peanut butter, crunchy wafers, creamy fudge, walnuts and a gooey caramel sauce.

The overall dining experience of Dante's is that of class and sophistication.  Dante's offers patrons an escape form the daily grind of life to a place of elegance and luxury, both with the decor of the establishment, as well as with the food prepared within.  Although anyone is welcome in this establishment of casual fine dining, this would be a restaurant I would reserve for special occasions. 

Dante's is the perfect environment for romantic occasions or special celebrations, not necessarily geared toward family outings or casual get-togethers.  For a unique, classic, and more refined dining experience, Dante's offers just that.  Dante's Creative Cuisine offers a dining experience not commonly found elsewhere in Great Falls.