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Campo de Fiori

An unassuming exterior on a quiet lane opens into the cosy dining area of this small, family run and authentically Italian restaurant; with newspaper-covered walls, old wine cases and fishing nets creating an informal atmosphere, and menus that are extensive without sacrificing quality, the restaurant is likely to be busy most evenings.

Wide ranging choices includes a good selection of seafood, although it is likely that some options will be unavailable at any one time, and vegetarians are well catered for in the pasta selection.

All the meat is sourced from a local butcher, and is of exceptional quality: the grigliata mista, a plate of grilled beef filet, lamb and Italian sausage is particularly recommended.

There are also blackboard specials, a good selection of pizza, and the homemade dessert specials are a good choice. The wine list is exclusively Italian and features some excellent wines, some by the glass.

Service is informal but the Italian staff are clearly passionate about food and wine and keen to make suggestions.

This unassuming restaurant has a well deserved following, merited by the excellent quality of the food, the large choice of wine, and the enticing atmosphere.

*Shortly before the guide went to press an all day sister café/shop, Pinocchio, opened at the Luas Kiosk in Ranelagh, Dublin 6. (Tel: 01 497 0111; e-mail: info@pinocchio.ie www.pinocchiodublin.com)

Wed-Sat & Mon 5-10.30pm (to 11pm Fri/Sat); Sun 2pm-9pm. Closed Tue. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

Albert Avenue is roughly half way down the seafront road, Strand Road.