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Some Of The Best Italian Restaurants In Dublin

‘Mangia bene, ridi spesso, ama molto’- eat well, laugh often, love a lot.

More often than not, when you ask someone their favourite cuisine, Italian comes out on top. Dublin is full of authentic Italian restaurants, whether that’s a cosy spot with delicious classics, or sharing dishes perfect for those who want to live la dolce vita and try it all. From arancini to pasta or pizza, followed by some limoncello or a refreshing Aperol Spritz, here are our picks of the best Italian restaurants in Dublin.

Rosa Madre

Based in the heart of Temple Bar is the charming Rosa Madre. Seafood lovers unite for this popular spot. With fresh fish cooked to perfection, you’ll certainly get the Mediterranean feels here. Paired with their delicious handmade pasta, this is a great pick for a special occasion. If you like to celebrate loud, proud and in style, you’ll fit right in at Rosa Madre – every night is a celebration here.

Address: 7 Crow Street, Dublin 2

More info: rosamadre.ie

Il Vicoletto
il vicoletto italian restaurants in dublin

Il Vicoletto has been bringing the finest Central-Northern Italian cuisine to Dublin since the late 90’s, a real stalwart on the scene. Using the finest local ingredients, importing the best cheeses and oils from Italy, they bring that Mediterranean charm right to your plate. Fresh pasta and boutique wines are to be expected and artisan ingredients are at the core of what they serve. Choose from an array of mouth-watering classic dishes, like their spaghetti with Irish wild boar Ragu, but make sure to finish off with their Chef’s Pride Tiramisu.

Address: 5 Crow Street, Dublin 2

More info: ilvicolettorestaurants.ie

A Fianco

One for a long catchup with friends, A Fianco is a Vineria all about small plates served in a typical Italian fashion – with love and passion. Enjoy their regularly changing menu with some of their top class wines, where the food is chosen to let the wine to shine. If it’s antipasti and wine you’re after, A Fianco has you covered. Their relaxed atmosphere lets you sit back and watch the time go by, but make sure not to leave before tasting their Deconstructured Cannolo Siciliano – delectable.

Address: 6 Norseman Court, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7

More info: afianco.ie

Osteria Lucio
Italian Restaurants in Dublin

Owned by Chapter One’s Ross Lewis, stylish Osteria Lucio is always one to impress. Expressing a love between Irish and Italian food, you’ll enjoy whatever you try here, whether it’s antipasti, homemade pasta or wood-fired pizzas. Complexity is made simple at Osteria Lucio, with uncomplicated yet superb dishes made using seasonal ingredients to ensure maximum flavour. A spacious spot enclosed with exposed brickwork, this buzzy restaurant will certainly satisfy an Italian cuisine craving.

Address: The Malting Tower, Grand Canal Quay, Clanwilliam Terrace, Dublin 2

More info: osterialucio.com

Da Mimmo

A family-run restaurant, Da Mimmo demonstrates the core of Italian hospitality. Homemade wood-fired pizzas, delicious pasta and antipasti, you can guarantee a fuss-free experience here. This is a comforting spot where perhaps a rustic lasagne fits the bill, followed by a cannoli for good measure. With a range of great Italian wines to be paired with your dishes, you’ll feel right at home at Da Mimmo.

Address: 146 North Strand, Dublin 3

More info: damimmo.ie

Pala Pizza & Trattoria

The newest kid on the block, head down to Foxrock to Pala Pizza & Trattoria. Here you’ll find classic Roman pizza, where simple ingredients still shine through detailed techniques and care demonstrated throughout the cooking process. You’ll also find delicious fresh pasta, as well as deep-fried Mac and Cheese balls (see above) that have certainly piqued our interest. With a range of craft beers up for offer, this is certainly an exciting new addition to the Italian restaurant collection in Dublin.

Address: 3 Brighton Road, Foxrock Village

More info: palapizza18.com

Manifesto

Manifesto’s pizzas have won gold medals at the Pizza World Championships, so you know they’re guaranteed to be good. Chef and owner, Lucio Paduano, demonstrates his passion for creativity and quality food through the menus and wine list. Manifesto ensure that they make everything in house, from scratch, and can guarantee that their kitchen is 100% coeliac friendly. Pairing Italian and Irish flavours together, Manifesto still maintains the tradition of home throughout their dishes. No matter the pizza you choose, we’re sure it’ll taste gold medal worthy.

Address: 208 Rathmines Rd Lower, Dublin 6

More info: manifestorestaurant.ie

Cirillo’s

30-hour proved pizza dough makes for a flavourful experience, and that’s exactly what Cirillo’s has to offer. Finished off in a wood-fired oven, indulging in a slice here will feel as though you’re eating at a pizzeria in the heart of Naples. Paired with one of their regional, boutique Italian wines or a delicious Italian aperitif, a night at Cirillo’s will scratch an itch for Italian food.

Address: 140, Baggot St. Dublin 2

More info: cirillos.ie

Grano

An intimate restaurant in Stoneybatter and next door to the aforementioned A Fianco, Grano will make you feel like you’re in the heart of Italy. Fresh, natural ingredients are used to craft the most delicious dishes, maintaining the roots and traditions of Italian cooking. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch Mamma Roma making the pasta right in front of you. With a cosy, warm environment and friendly staff, you need to add this to the must-try list.

Address: 5 Norseman Court, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7

More info: grano.ie

Aperitivo

Get transported back to the 1950s with the Italian swing joint-inspired Aperitivo. Serving Cicchetti, which are Italian small plates, dine on an array of Italian bites; you don’t have to choose between carbonara and arancini – because you can have both! A stylish spot with a focus on tasty food and even tastier cocktails, you’ll feel like you’re in a Sicilian haven in this intimate restaurant.

Address: 47 Nassau St, Dublin 2

More info: aperitivo.ie

Al Vesuvio

In the heart of Temple Bar is the romantic Al Vesuvio. Located in an 18th-century vaulted brick and stone wine cellar, you’ll find an Italian experience to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re in the mood for a flame-baked pizza or some fine steak and seafood, you’ll enjoy a relaxed evening in this cosy spot in Dublin’s cultural quarter.

Address: Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, Dublin 2

More info: alvesuviopizzeria.com

Toscana

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre and cosy up at Toscana, where they bring the spirit of the Mediterranean lifestyle to you. Using their locally grown seasonal ingredients, they can guarantee you a dining experience like no other. An easy, go-to restaurant, the food at Toscana is no frills, just simple, delicious dishes. Whether you’re after pizza or pasta, you’ll be sure to find top notch food with friendly staff and a lovely atmosphere.

Address: 3 Cork Hill, Dame Street, Dublin 2

More info: toscanarestaurant.ie

That’s Amore

Based in Monkstown, we highly recommend going out of your way to try That’s Amore, if you manage to nab a booking. Not only is the food impeccable, you basically get dinner and a show here. The staff are always in the highest of spirits, singing Italian classics and playing the air guitar. They go old school, with bookings only being taken via phone, but that’s all part of this intimate spot’s charm. The pizzas are large and certainly ones we recommend sharing with your party if you’re ordering a few starters (which we encourage). With the specials changing daily, each dish is as delectable as the next. For starters, you must try the Melanzana alla Parmiagiana, and the Quattro Formaggi pizza is ooey gooey heaven. Finish off with the tiramisu and an espresso, to end your evening the way the Italians would.

Address: 107 Monkstown Road, Monkstown, Dublin

More info: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063537550581 / (01) 284 5400

Host

From handmade pastas to burrata, Host is all about ‘sharing is caring’. Everything is meant to be shared here, so opt for a mixture of their smaller plates and inviting fresh pasta. Pair it with one of the wines from their selection of small, natural winemakers, and sit back in this relaxed spot with a light and airy atmosphere. You’ll enjoy the Italian influence that Host has to offer, we’re sure of it.

Address: 13 Ranelagh, Dublin 6

More info: hostrestaurant.ie

Sprezzatura

Based in both Rathmines and on Camden Street, Sprezzatura are known for their delicious fresh pasta. Combining Italian ideas with Irish produce, Sprezzatura creates some iconic dishes that will have you itching for more. Smaller plates encourage diners to order a few things to try, so whether it’s arancini or their mouthwatering fonduta, we’re sure you won’t be visiting Sprezzatura just one time.

Address: 5/6 Camden Market, Dublin 8 and 223 Lower Rathmines Road, Dublin 6

More info: sprezzatura.ie

I Monelli

I Monello in Portobello is an authentic Italian restaurant in Dublin that focuses on the highest quality ingredients demonstrating Italian flavours. An inviting spot overlooking the Grand Canal, I Monello is headed by Head Chef and Owner, Ivano Addabbo. Chef Addabbo worked at various Michelin-star restaurants with a variety of cuisines, before starting up I Monelli in Dublin. Expect tasty pasta dishes, exciting starers and a delicious cocktail menu in this cosy spot.

Address: 1-2 Portobello Road, Dublin 8

More info: imonelli.ie

Terra Madre
terra madre

Terra Madre is a small, independent restaurant on Bachelor’s Walk. Hidden downstairs, it’s intimate interiors house some mouthwatering, authentic Italian food. With only a small number of seats, you’ll get the feels of a cosy Italian café. Friendly staff and fresh pasta await in this inviting spot, and make sure to finish off your meal with their homemade Tiramisu.

Address: 13a Bachelors Walk, Dublin 1

More info: terramadre.ie

Nanettis

You’ll feel right in Italy at Nannetti’s. A warm welcome to diners awaits, with friendly staff, stylish interiors with ambient lighting and above all, tasty Italian dishes. Whether it’s handmade pasta, creamy risotto or Saltimbocca Alla Romana, you’re sure to enjoy a delightful Italian feast at Nannetti’s.

Address: 22 Dawson St. Dublin 2

More info: nannettis.ie

Gigi’s

Letting the ingredients take centre stage, Gigi’s guarantees authentic Italian staples from their Antipasti to their Primi. Handmade pasta is freshly made daily, with produce that is sure to be the best of the best. An extensive wine menu awaits, with Italian wines chosen to represent each region’s best offerings. An enjoyable night will be had at Gigi’s.

Address: 53 Ranelagh, Dublin 6

More info: gigiranelagh.ie

Bar Italia

Based in Ireland for 23 years, Bar Italia is one of Ireland’s top-rated Italian restaurants. Using the lockdown period to nail down the perfect pizza dough, you can expect a 72-hour fermented dough that yields a delicious Pinseria Romana pizza. Handmade fresh pasta awaits too, paired with the finest wines to make for a wonderful experience. With daily specials, you’ll be spoiled for choice at Bar Italia.

​Address: 26 lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1

More info: baritalia.ie

Italian Restaurants in Dublin by Sara Abdulmagid

I’m a Palestinian who grew up in Cyprus and moved to Dublin in 2013, so I’ve had a mishmash of different cultures and cuisines surrounding me my whole life. I’m an avid foodie, and after realising that life as a lawyer was not for me, I studied media and became a radio host for Dublin City FM. I’m now writing for TheTaste full time, but I also have my own food blog where you can find a mixture of restaurant reviews and the occasional recipe. I talk a lot about being Palestinian; to be honest, I talk a lot in general. That’s why I did radio!

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