La Dolce Vita

In a wide side street that creates an unexpected oasis just off bustling North Main Street in Wexford town, one of Ireland’s favourite Italian restaurateurs has a daytime restaurant and deli that is so popular with the locals that lunchtime hopefuls must arrive early, or be prepared for a long wait.

You’ll spot the trademark striped awning (and tables outside, in summer) and, through the big window, see a bright spacious eating area set up with smart tables and chairs, surrounded by shelves stacked with Italian goodies.

Good glasses and elegant tableware heighten the sense of anticipation - and so to Roberto Pons’s seriously tempting menus, in Italian with English translations, including home-made Italian bread with oil, fresh soup of the day, or risotto of the day. Excellent salads are offered and a range of pasta dishes.

Then there are some more ‘serious’ dishes, like grilled seabass with salmoriglio dressing or Italian sausage with lentils. Don’t leave without tasting at least one of Roberto’s lovely desserts too - a perfect pannacotta, orange & lemon tart perhaps and, of course, a classic tiramisu, with a really good coffee.

But, anyway, there’s still the shopping to do - all sorts of Italian treats, including wines (with plenty offered by the glass) are imported directly by Roberto and, should you be lucky enough to live nearby (or staying in self-catering accommodation), there’s even a short takeaway menu.