In the centre of Drogheda, this bright, white basement restaurant bodes well, with colourful modern pictures on the wall, handsome solid pine tables and good leather banquettes and chairs.
The area is divided into rooms, allowing for a bar and a choice of ambience - a band area in one side offers cabaret and you can participate or not as liked; once you realise that the owners are members of the Sabongi family (George’s Bistro & Piano Bar, and Romanza at the Stephen’s Hall Hotel in Dublin...), including music in the mix is obvious.
Evening menus are quite extensive, offering a choice of antipasti, salads, pasta and meat and fish, with (as would be expected in County Louth) good steaks a particular strength.
By contrast, the choices for lunch may not seem very exciting but you could be in for a very pleasant surprise as (unusually) the dishes offered are likely to taste better than they sound: a pasta choice may be tagliatelli with smoked chicken, perhaps, which may not give a lot away but you may expect it to be well cooked and with a good herby sauce.
The pizza should also be excellent, the ham being chunky and obviously home cooked.
Reception is friendly (although there may not always be an offer to take coats) and service generally is prompt and pleasant – and, as there is evidence of someone in the kitchen with expertise, and knowledge of Italian food, this is a good choice when you’re in the mood for a taste of continental sunshine.
Seats 90 (private room, 8; outdoors, 20). L daily, 1-4pm (from 2pm Sun) & D Tue-Sun 4-10pm. Value L €8.95 1-4pm; early bird D €16.95/18.95 5-7pm. House wine from €18. Children welcome (high chair, childrens menu, baby changing facilities); air conditioning. Live music Thu-Sun 8-12pm. SC 12% on groups 6+. Closed Mon D. MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
