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L'Officina by Dunne & Crescenzi Kildare

Although it is in the Kildare Village designer shopping outlet, this outpost of the small chain of high quality Italian restaurants run by Dunne & Crescenzi (see Dublin entries) is the only Italian restaurant in Kildare town and attracts diners who may not necessarily be on a shopping spree at all.

Warmly lit and with lots of wood, the restaurant has a comfortable casual-chic ambience and is well-located within the village, with views of the Grey Abbey ruins, giving it a good atmosphere as a dining destination rather than just a place for a quick bite.

You may expect the usual Dunne & Crescenzi signatures - although simple, the food is based on the best authentic Italian ingredients, and it is consistently high quality that has earned these restaurants a loyal following: D.O.P. products (EU certified authentic artisan produce) are used, notably cheese, salumi (cured meats), olive oils and vinegar.

Open throughout the day, you can have anything from a wholesome snack (panini, bruschetta or their famous antipasti) to a relaxed dinner: among many delicious dishes offered, risotto con radicchio e salsiccia al vino rosso (risotto with radicchio, Italian sausage & red Tuscan wine) is one speciality.

The wine list is not a weighty tome – but well chosen, and offers many treats; very reasonably priced house wines are available by the bottle, half carafe or glass.

Seats 150 (also outdoor seating); children welcome (high chair); air conditioning. Mon-Thurs, 10-6pm (to 8pm Thurs), Fri-Sat, 10-10pm, Sun 10.30-6pm. House wine from €16. MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

Within walking distance of Kildare town, exit 13 M7.