In a prime city centre location, directly opposite St Stephen’s Green, head chef Oscar Holgin offers an authentic Italian experience at Il Posto, in smart warm surroundings.
Diners arriving down a leafy flight of steps from the busy Dublin pavement are swiftly whisked into the restaurant, and the welcoming sight of a smart granite topped bar and wine displayed in floor to ceiling wooden racks.
Warm terracottas, polished wooden floor, soft lighting, and splashes of modern artwork make for a classy atmosphere in the Dublin restaurants dining area, and well turned out professional staff are quick to seat guests and offer menus.
Written in Italian (with detailed translations in English), the menu is promising, offering a full rang of appetising antipasti, pasta, fish and meat dishes.
Old favourites such as Bolognese or Vongole are there, but they sit alongside more interesting dishes – try the risotto with gorgonzola, spinach, soy beans and peas, for example.
Il Posto offers hearty, imaginative Italian food based on well-judged combinations of quality ingredients, simply presented and big on taste.
The wine list is exclusively Italian, with plenty of choice in the mid range, and also offering some special bottles for when the occasion demands.
This is not a budget outing – given the location, the setting and quality food, how could it be – but if you’re not in a rush and willing to pay a little bit extra for the experience, Il Posto offers well executed Italian food, served with style.
Seats 60 (outdoors, 10); children welcome before 8pm; L Mon-Sat, 12-2.30pm; 2 course value L €16; D Mon-Sat from 5.30pm; early dinner €20, 5.30-7pm. House wine from €23.50. Live music Wed, 7-9pm. SC 12.5% on groups 5+. Closed Sun; bank hols; 25, 26, 31 Dec. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
