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Pasta Fresca

This long-established Italian restaurant in the Grafton Street shopping area specialises in fresh pasta, and is known for its consistent standards; their popular all-day menu is based on good home-made pastas, thin-based crispy Neapolitan pizzas, a wide range of interesting salads with well-made dressings.

There are plenty of vegetarian dishes on offer - bruschetta rosso, with fresh tomatoes & mozzarella, for example, or fettucine al broccoli - and a speciality pasta salad (with Tuscan beans, sweetcorn, fresh vegetables, shaved Parmesan & house dressing).

A shorter list of grills includes fish of the day and several chicken dishes: their own Pollo Pasta Fresca, for example, is well worth trying, chicken breast filled with mozzarella cheese and spinach, wrapped in bacon, served with herby mashed potatoes and salad.

Evening menus offer a wider choice and shoppers and diners alike can also buy Italian groceries, fresh pasta and sauces made on the premises from their deli counter.

Seats 150 (outdoors, 20); children welcome; air conditioning. Open all day Mon-Sat, 12-11, Sun 1-10. D also á la carte. House wine from €19.95. SC discretionary. Closed 25 Dec, 1 Jan. Amex, Diners, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

Off top of Grafton Street.