Our Story
The inspiration for Al Dente Club began in the heart of a Neapolitan kitchen, where our founder’s Nonna prepared her legendary Spaghetti Napoli with Vesuvio cherry tomatoes. There were no timers, no distractions—just a deep, instinctive knowledge passed down through taste tests. Every few minutes, Nonna would call over one of her grandchildren to sample the pasta, testing if it was perfectly al dente. Naturally, the kids would compete for the honor of being the first to try.
This brand is a tribute to that Nonna, who embodied the art of Italian slow living—playing Scopa, napping in the afternoon, indulging in homemade Mediterranean meals, and sharing a secret sip of wine with her grandchildren when their parents weren’t looking.
Mission
At Al Dente Club, we’ve adopted this way of life. Our motto, dolce far niente—the sweetness of doing nothing—captures the heart of what we stand for. We celebrate the beauty found in life’s slow moments: the joy of lingering over a meal, the pause between activities, and the quiet contentment after a well-deserved nap. Like perfectly cooked pasta, life is best when savored slowly.
Our collection of 100% cotton pieces is thoughtfully crafted with this philosophy in mind. Inspired by the effortless elegance of vintage Italian summers, each piece is a reminder to savor life’s simple pleasures and slow down.
Vision
In October, we’ll be launching Live Al Dente, our podcast dedicated to helping you reconnect with life’s small joys. It’s an invitation to slow down, reflect on what matters, and rediscover the art of taking your time—whether it’s a leisurely meal with loved ones or simply indulging in a quiet moment for yourself. Let’s start romanticizing life and growing into our most authentic selves.
Our Founder
Sara Sofia grew up in Germany, the daughter of an Italian father from Naples and a Berber Moroccan mother. Raised in a rich blend of cultures, she found her passions rooted in diverse traditions and the beauty of simple living. With a background in psychology (B.Sc.) and a Master’s in Cinema Studies from the Sorbonne and Università del Sacro Cuore, Sara originally pursued a career in psychology before moving to Los Angeles in 2020.
Along with her husband, she co-founded Calming Spot in 2021, a wellness company in Santa Monica focused on sound baths, breathwork, and mental health. Now, Sara blends her love for Italian culture with wellness through Al Dente Club, inviting others to slow down and live in the moment.
