Located in an informal dining piazza to the rear of Dundrum Town Centre with al fresco dining alongside the fountains in the Old Mill Pond, the Dunne & Crescenzi family's former L'Officina has been reimagined by Sean Crescenzi (Crudo, Achara, Hera at Juno, Borgo...), emerging refreshed, as DIMMI trattoria moderna.
Designed in tune with the style of food service - simple, no-fuss, efficient - this Dublin restaurants buzzy atmosphere is as good as ever and, like all the family's restaurants, there's an impressive display of italian wines to lift the simplicity of paper place mats and minimal table settings.
As ever, staff are quick to greet and seat arriving guests and menus and wine list are promptly presented, along with an outline of the daily specials. The menu may noyt be long but there are plenty of Italian classics on offer including nibbles and starters like marinated Sicilian olives from Mount Etna, a terrific minestrone soup (with or without pasta) Antipasta Misto - and a flavoursome favourite that many come here especially to enjoy, Gambas, Grilled Whole Atlantic Prawns with Nduja Butter.
Further down the munu, favourites include a scampi risotto with creme fraiche,Tortiglioni 8-hour Ragu and Panzerotti ai Funghi Porcini, while home-made desserts include a Tiramisu worth travelling for - and some of Ireland's finest coffee.
Offering great quality at a fair price, terrific staff and loads of atmosphere, DIMMI was a hit from day one and no wonder.
