Delicious things come in small packages …
TACOS LUPILLO
THE ROOM A small, steamy space with a handful of high stools, Tacos Lupillo is a no-frills neighbourhood taqueria in an unlikely location. Nabbing a stool is like winning the lottery but it could be you, right? If it’s not your lucky day, Cleary’s Bar next door will provide both seating and drinks while you enjoy some excellent tacos to go.
ON THE PLATE Of course there are tacos, but there are also burritos, torta and nachos on the menu. Fillings run the gamut from al pastor, barbacoa, chorizo, piri piri chicken and vegan chorizo with extras such as pico de gallo, beans and guacamole. The hardest part is choosing what to go for but the wonderful thing about Tacos Lupillo is that you can (and should) order a vast selection and take leftovers home.
WHAT ELSE? Tacos Lupillo’s Lupi Bag (€50), contains everything you need to make your own Lupillo tacos at home. A second branch has just opened in Inchicore.
Tacos Lupillo, 53 Sarsfield Road, Dublin 10; 1 St Vincent Street, Dublin 8; @tacoslupillodublin
MARA
THE ROOM Previously known as The Old Couch Café in Waterford, Mara is an atmospheric, romantic space with just six much sought-after tables in a dimly lit room. The dark walls add drama and the overall effect is both elegant and urbane.
ON THE PLATE Mara offers a choice of à la carte or tasting menus which range in price from €55 to €100 per person. Chef Luis Martin’s cooking combines local, seasonal produce with influences from his Spanish heritage. Sample dishes include poached hake with salsa verde, carabinero (prawns) with pear and bisque and burnt Basque cheesecake. Listed in the Michelin Guide for Ireland, Mara is one to watch.
WHAT ELSE? Mara is open from 6pm-8pm, Thursday to Monday, and closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Book ahead.
Mara, 11 O’Connell Street, Waterford, 087 409 8227; www.marawaterford.com.
TOFFOLI
THE ROOM There are zero airs and graces at Toffoli, the low-key pizzeria located in the shadow of Dublin Castle. With just four tables, dining at Toffoli feels like you have just discovered a secret you hope no one else finds out about. The owner, Carlos, is about as hands-on as you can get, making and serving the pizza, serving drinks and chatting with diners. If you want a home-from-home experience, this is a very safe bet. And the pizza is great.
ON THE PLATE It’s all about the pizza at Toffoli. Previously, the menu included a daily pasta special but the menu has recently been streamlined. Choose from quattro stagioni (mushroom, ham, artichoke hearts, buffalo mozzarella), capricciosa (mushroom, pepperoni, ham, red peppers), Holy Toffoli (garlic, capers, olives, cherry tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella and smoked cheese) and other daily specials, all handmade with top quality ingredients.
WHAT ELSE? The opening hours at Toffoli can vary so make sure to call in advance, otherwise you might find yourself disappointed. Take it from someone who knows.
Toffoli, 34 Castle Street, Dublin 2, 01 6334012; @bottegatoffoli
MI CASA
THE ROOM A long, narrow room, Mi Casa is a great example of how to do a lot with a little space. On one side of the room, a bar counter flanks the wall, with high-top tables on the other side. The large window to the front has four stools that are perfect for solo diners, with views onto Queen Street.
ON THE PLATE The menu at Mi Casa is rooted in Spanish cuisine and some favourites on my last visit included shatteringly crunchy Catalan glass bread with tomato, olive oil and garlic, blistered Padron peppers, and prawns with chilli, garlic, olive oil and sourdough.
WHAT ELSE? There is a three dish minimum per person at Mi Casa for dinner, but I can confirm, this condition is easy to fulfill.
Mi Casa, 6 Queen Street, Dublin 7, 01 8174001; www.micasadublin.com.
BADAM
THE ROOM A “blink and you’ll miss it” establishment, Badam is so under the radar that finding it can be a challenge. Hiding under the railway bridge on Howth Road in Clontarf, it’s a minuscule, snug space that seats just 14 with one coveted booth for four. It’s the perfect spot for a cosy and intimate meal for two.
ON THE PLATE Established in 2021, Badam serves authentic Indian and Nepalese cuisine with all the usual suspects making an appearance. Interesting dishes on the menu include paneer lababdaar, squid churamura and bhindi masala.
WHAT ELSE? Badam serves a thali lunch on Sundays (€24.99) that includes one main dish, a side dish, rice and naan bread. An early bird menu is available from Monday to Thursday, 4pm-7pm.
Badam, 93A Howth Road, Dublin 3, 01 805 4700; www.badam.ie.