In a lovely, secluded location just off a busy street near St. Stephen's Green, this informal and perennially fashionable Dublin restaurants famous for its antipasto bar, piano bar and exceptionally friendly staff.
It's particularly charming in summer, as the doors open out onto a terrace which is used for al fresco dining in fine weather - and the Number Five piano bar, which extends to two floors, is also a great attraction for after-dinner relaxation with live music (Wed-Sat 9pm-3am).
Aside from their wonderful display of antipasto, an extensive menu based on Irish ingredients (suppliers are listed) is offered, including signature dishes such as risotto funghi porcini (which is not available on Monday), and involtini 'saltimbocca style' - pockets of veal stuffed with Parma ham, mozzarella and sage, braised in white wine and lemon sauce; good regional and modern Italian food, efficient service and great atmosphere all partially explain The Unicorn's enduring success - another element is the constant quest for further improvement.
There is always something new going on - the 'Unicorn Foodstore' round the corner, on Merrion Row, is a relatively recent addition to the enterprise, for example, also the Unicorn Antipasto/Tapas Bar - and there is now a bar menu in the piano bar, which is a fair indication of the popularity of this buzzing restaurant.
Many of the Italian wines listed are exclusive to The Unicorn: uniquely, in Ireland, they stock the full collection of Angelo Gaja wines and also the Pio Cesare range.
Seats 80 (private room 30; outdoor 30); not suitable for children after 9pm; reservations required; air conditioning. Open Mon-Sat, 12.30-11pm. Set 3 course L €23.50; pre-theatre D €24.50 5.30-8pm; also a la carte L & D. House wine about €23. SC discretionary. Closed Sun, bank hols, 25 Dec-2 Jan. Amex, Diners, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
