Did you know that October 17 is National Pasta Day? If you were looking for a reason to indulge in this hearty meal on a chilly day, this is it. Whether you are a carbonara gal or a lasagne-loving vegetarian, sometimes it feels like pasta is the glue that binds food lovers together. Here’s our top 5 picks …
Osteria Lucio, Grand Canal Quay, Dublin 2
The atmospheric Osteria Lucio is a treat, no matter what season you visit. The dishes are simple in theory, uncompromising in execution and made with seasonal ingredients that shine year-round. Pasta dishes range from a classic Rigatoni Pomodoro elevated with smoked burrata, tomato butter, pesto alla Genovese and crunchy pangrattato to the indulgent Spaghetti allo Scoglio with crab, cockles, baby squid, lobster sauce, tomato, basil and first pressed extra virgin olive oil. If a sweet treat beckons, both the tiramisu and the cannoli are great choices, while I would have to choose a creamy gorgonzola with fig chutney. Buttery bliss. www.osterialucio.com
Il Vicolo, Dominick Street, Co Galway
On a gloomy autumnal evening, it is almost impossible to beat dining at the charming Il Vicolo with its dramatic, candlelit interior. Originally an old mill, the building is home to one of Ireland’s best Italian restaurants. The food is contemporary Italian, with a wealth of local produce making the cut. The Tuscan meatballs with Grana Padano and grilled ciabatta do not disappoint, but pasta lovers will rejoice at dishes like the tagliatelle with lamb, nduja ragu and smoked, salted ricotta. Failing that, the classic spaghetti carbonara with black pepper and guanciale is a crowd-pleaser for a reason. www.ilvicolo.ie
Ristorante Rinuccini, The Parade, Gardens, Co Kilkenny
For those craving something slightly formal or special occasion-worthy, Restaurant Rinuccini in Kilkenny ticks all the boxes. In fact, Rinuccini is one of those places that can make any day feel like a special occasion. Starched linen tablecloths and clinking crystal are one fanciful way to celebrate National Pasta Day, and the €31.50 lunch menu is another. Feasting on dishes such as calamari e zucchini fritti with anchovy aioli followed by Cannelloni dello Chef stuffed with red wine braised beef and ricotta, oven baked in a fresh tomato sauce, should be mandatory for pasta lovers countrywide. Just add a glass of Chianti for the true, old-school Italian experience. www.rinuccini.com
Bar Italia, Ormond Quay Lower, North City, Co Dublin
Widely recognised as one of the best Italian restaurants in Dublin, Bar Italia is the place to go to for burrata, steaming bowls of pasta (with optional truffle), pinseria Romana and wine. Handmade pasta dishes to choose from include Strozzapreti alla Fiumicino, with smoked coley, monkfish, organic black garlic and datterino tomatoes, authentic carbonara and Strozzapreti cacio e pepe. Fresh truffles (season-dependent) are available to add on to many of the dishes, and the crunchy ‘pizza scrocchiarella’ with mortadella is worth visiting for on its own. www.baritalia.ie
Dunne & Crezcenzi, 14-16 South Frederick Street, Dublin 2
Eileen Dunne and Stefano Crescenzi are doing something right as the longevity of Dunne & Crescenzi is a testament to that. The South Frederick Street branch is the original (and my personal favourite), opening in 1999, and there is something delightfully pared back about dining there. Of course, there are a variety of pasta dishes to choose from, including a rich ravioli con manzo chianina e funghi cardoncelli (or beef and mushroom ravioli with pancetta, vine cherry tomatoes and Pecorino Romano DOP, to you and I) or try the tortellini di parmigiana with house pesto Genovese, 24-month Parma ham and burrata. Either way, you are unlikely to be disappointed and the ambience is appropriately authentic, with a hint of rustic. www.dunneandcrescenzi.com
Other great pasta places include Da Mimmo, Il Vicoletto, Terre Madre, Grano, Rosa Madre and Oliveto.
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