There’s something about Italian food that just hits differently—comforting, indulgent, and made for sharing. Whether it’s a bowl of silky tagliatelle, a slice of proper Neapolitan pizza, or a glass of wine paired with creamy burrata, Italian restaurants in Dublin know how to deliver.
The city’s Italian dining scene blends tradition and innovation, with cozy family-run spots, sleek modern bistros, and everything in between.
Best Italian Restaurants in Dublin
Rosa Madre, Dublin 2
Located in the heart of Temple Bar, Rosa Madre is one of Dublin’s top Italian restaurants, best known for its fresh seafood and authentic charm.
The menu highlights include the special champagne and Kelly’s Galway oysters, salt-crusted sea bass, lobster tonnarelli, and truffle ravioli, made with top-quality, locally sourced ingredients. With an extensive Italian wine list and occasional champagne sabrage, Rosa Madre is ideal for romantic dinners or special celebrations.
Pi Pizza, Dublin 2
Pi Pizza has become a go-to spot for some of the best wood-fired pizza in the city. Known for its 72-hour fermented dough and signature leopard-spotted crust, the pizzas are crisp, airy, and full of flavour.
The vibe at Pi is casual and energetic, with an open kitchen where you can watch your pizza crisp up in the roaring 500°C oven. It’s a great pick for a laid-back dinner with friends or a quick, satisfying bite in the heart of the city. Service is fast, prices are fair, and the pizza consistently lives up to the hype.
L’Enoteca di Napoli, Dublin 2
L’Enoteca di Napoli is a charming Italian wine bar and restaurant known for its cosy, intimate vibe. With a warm interior and a heated outdoor terrace, it’s a great spot for a relaxed dinner. The menu features wood-fired pizzas, homemade pastas, and a wide range of Italian wines—over 100 labels by the glass or bottle.
Popular dishes include the seafood linguine, rich carbonara, and crisp, thin-based pizzas, all prepared with a focus on authenticity. While the portions are on the smaller side and service can occasionally vary, the overall atmosphere and quality make it a favourite for casual catch-ups.
Bottega Toffoli, Dublin 2
Tucked behind Dublin Castle on Castle Street, Bottega Toffoli is an intimate, hidden gem where simplicity and authenticity shine. The space is intimate and unpretentious, with only a few tables, creating a relaxed and homely dining experience. The open kitchen lets you watch dishes come to life, adding a personal touch to the meal.
The menu is short and seasonal, focused on authentic Italian cooking with fresh ingredients. Wood-fired pizzas with chewy, charred crusts are a highlight, along with handmade pasta and simple, flavourful mains. It’s a great spot for those seeking honest Italian food in a low-key, tucked-away setting.
Grano, Dublin 7
Grano is a warmly casual yet refined Italian restaurant celebrated for its homemade pasta and seasonal cuisine. With just a few dozen seats, low ceilings and fairy-lit décor create a relaxed neighbourhood atmosphere.
The menu showcases simple yet deeply flavorful dishes—think cavatelli with venison ragu, spinach balanzoni, or pappardelle with wild boar—each crafted with high‑quality, carefully sourced ingredients.
Terra Madre, Dublin 1
Terra Madre is a compact, unpretentious Italian trattoria that exudes the charm of a traditional Italian home kitchen. With only around nine mismatched tables, stone steps lead you underground into a minimalist space where simplicity and warmth meet.
The menu is intentionally concise, revolving around homemade pasta, seasonal specials, and authentically sourced ingredients. Highlights include truffle ravioli, gnocchi with rabbit-and-pepper ragù, and Calabrian tomato pasta—each dish thoughtfully prepared to let high-quality ingredients shine
Da Mimmo, Dublin 3
Da Mimmo is a family-run Italian restaurant founded in 2010 that celebrates simplicity and tradition rooted in its Casalattico origins.
The intimate dining room features a brick pizza oven hand-built by a third-generation Neapolitan craftsman, setting the stage for a menu centered on wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and classic antipasti—all crafted with fresh, quality ingredients and paired with an extensive selection of Italian wines.
Osteria Lucio, Dublin 2
Set within the distinctive brick arches of The Malting Tower near Grand Canal Dock, Osteria Lucio brings together contemporary Irish warmth and traditional Italian culinary finesse.
The menu spotlights uncomplicated, ingredient-driven Italian fare, from antipasti like arancini and bruschetta to handmade pasta and signature dishes such as suckling pig al forno and wood-fired pizzas
Dunne & Crescenzi, Dublin 2
Originating as a wine shop, Dunne & Crescenzi has evolved into an all-day dining venue offering breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, with award-winning coffee served alongside.
The menu mixes traditional Italian staples with locally sourced Irish ingredients—think truffle ravioli, squid-ink fettuccine with octopus, or Irish Hereford beef fillet with Italian-style pesto.
Conclusion
Italian restaurants in Dublin blend tradition, flavour, and charm—perfect for pizza nights, pasta cravings, or cozy dinners with a true taste of Italy.
If you’ve ever experienced any of these restaurants in Dublin, let me know about your experience in the comment section.
