This pleasant neighbourhood restaurant off Lucan's winding main street is well positioned near the Italian Embassy, and has long been a reliable port of call for West Dublin diners.
Once through the rather dark and offputting entrance area, you will be pleasantly surprised by a bright, modern and well presented restaurant, where arriving guests are welcomed by friendly Italian staff who show you to your table promptly and present a comprehensive Italian menu, good bread and a delicious pesto.
This Dublin restaurants starters are mainly Italian – enjoyable examples include polpette con peperoncino (mini meatballs in a spicy red pepper sauce topped with Parmesan cheese), for example, and gamberi piccanti, a spicy dish of grilled fresh langoustine from Clogherhead in Co Louth, with chili and garlic.
As well as the regular pasta dishes, there’s an excellent choice of chicken, lamb, steak and fish. Or you might choose Creole tempura prawn and sirloin, prime Irish steak with jumbo prawns in a light batter.
Desserts are unusual – apple and coconut tart or perhaps a Kahlua and Toblerone cheesecake.
As is often the case in Italian restaurants, service is good, with friendly Italian waiters always ready to be of assistance.
House wine about €19.
*The Vault Bar is a small downstairs area (you have to brave the dark entrance area again to reach it or the toilets); it opens on Friday & Saturday nights and is available for private parties.
Live music in Vault Bar Fri-Sat night. Opening hours Tue-Thu 5-9.30pm, Fri & Sat 1-10.30, Sun 1-9.30pm Closed Mon.
