I was cravin’ Italian that badly I had no choice but to find the best pasta in Dublin… and I mean the rich, satisfying kind that’s as near as it gets to the original in Italy without spending airfare money.
From discreet trattorias tucked away down silent streets to bustling riverside eateries where pasta is treated like a work of art, Dublin’s Italian food scene is seriously on the ball. In the last few weeks, I’ve been twirling forks, mopping up sauces, and discovering pasta plates so good they deserve their own fan club.
Whether you’re into creamy carbonara, seafood-packed linguine, or rustic Sardinian recipes, this list rounds up the six pasta spots that absolutely nailed it.
Dolce Sicily
If you’re in the mood for the best and authentic Italian cooking in the heart of Dublin, Dolce Sicily on Anne Street South is a real treat. Rated 4.4 on Google (2,917 reviews) and equally loved on TripAdvisor (802 reviews), this cheery spot is known for its fresh pasta, heavenly desserts, and warm, welcoming service.
The moment I came in, I was greeted by Fabio, the kind of host who makes you feel right at home. The restaurant itself is intimate but beautifully set up, with a casual yet festive ambiance.
The pasta was simply wonderful… perfectly cooked and bursting with rich, real flavour. I’d always thought Dolce Sicily was about puddings alone, but the lunch menu is a hidden gem. Every dish appeared well-constructed using fresh, quality ingredients, and the puddings were as good as their reputation would suggest. With excellent coffee to top it all off, it’s the kind of place you’d happily sit around for hours.
If you love pasta, this is where you need to be. Arrive hungry, depart full, and don’t forget to save space for dessert. Phone +353 1 672 9215 or order over email at orders@dolcesicily.ie to book.
Dall’Italiano Restaurant Glasnevin
If you’re searching for the best pasta in Dublin, Dall’Italiano Restaurant in Glasnevin is a hidden treasure worth discovering. Sitting at an impressive 4.9 on Google (2,131 reviews) and 4.8 on TripAdvisor (152 reviews), this cosy, welcoming spot combines exceptional Italian cooking with genuine hospitality.
As soon as I entered, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. The owner himself came over to offer tips on how to best enjoy the food, saying, “This is not a restaurant, it’s a home,”… and that’s what it was. It’s casual but comfortable, perfect for a quiet night out or a stress-free night with friends.
I ordered the Carbonara, and my friend ordered the spicy salmon pasta. Both were big in size and absolutely delicious. Naturally, the tomato sauce within the pasta was to perfection, and the fried calamari to start was so good and crispy that I couldn’t eat the whole plate. We did have a tiramisu for dessert, and that was absolutely the best that I have ever had… creamy, rich, and not at all sweet.
For an unforgettable Italian dinner, which is like eating in someone’s house, this is where you should go. You can call +353 1 830 2549 to inquire about availability.
Bar Italia Ristorante
For anyone looking for the finest penne in Dublin, head to Bar Italia Ristorante on Ormond Quay Lower. With a sturdy 4.5 rating on Google (2,254 reviews) and 4.4 on TripAdvisor (1,008 reviews), it’s a modern Italian eatery by the river, renowned for its brightly hued interiors, colossal paintings, and authentic flavors.
I’d been considering trying it for years after hearing such wonderful recommendations, and I wish I’d gone sooner. The food was superb throughout. The calamari crostata and seafood pasta were superb, full of fresh, bright flavors. The restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients shone through in every bite. Kevin, our server, was friendly and helpful, adding to the friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
The pasta was cooked to perfection… the “cacio e pepe” and “fiumicino” dishes were rich, comforting, and hugely satisfying. One of the jewels was experiencing their pinsas… a lighter, Roman-style pizza that’s as delicious as it is unique. All of it was packed with flavor, with flavors that were rustic yet refined.
For great service, fresh-cooked ingredients, and intensely memorable Italian food, Bar Italia Ristorante delivers the stuff. Call +353 1 874 1000 for more details or to reserve.
La Caverna Restaurant and Wine Bar
If you’re looking for some of the best pasta in Dublin with a touch of romance, La Caverna Restaurant and Wine Bar in Temple Bar is hard to beat. Holding a 4.5 rating on Google (1,495 reviews) and 4.3 on TripAdvisor (1,219 reviews), this stylish Italian spot features charming brick walls and an 18th-century barrel-vaulted cellar, perfect for a cosy night out.
We ate here for the evening meal and were both stunned at the food and atmosphere. For our starter, we both had prawns and an Italian Caesar salad before progressing to two courses of pasta… fresh, full of taste, and just right in terms of proportions. They even presented us with a glass of champagne to celebrate our engagement while travelling, which was such a nice touch. Afrodita and Rachid cared for us wonderfully, so the evening was very special.
The Manzo pasta with penne was really unbelievable, and the tiramisu was the best I have ever had. The last time I visited, Rachid’s service was again warm and attentive, and it indicated that the manner in which you’re treated here is as memorable as the food. The ambiance is warm but vibrant, so returning here was easy… and we did, twice during a single trip.
For great pasta, warm service, and beautiful ambiance, go to La Caverna. You may call +353 1 670 3110 or email info@lacaverna.ie for a reservation.
Da Mimmo
For an authentic taste of Italy, go to Da Mimmo on North Strand Road. Rated 4.6 (1,768 reviews) on Google and 4.3 (528 reviews) on TripAdvisor, this small but beautiful restaurant is renowned for its pizza, pasta, and homemade-style Italian food consumed in a cozy, café-like atmosphere.
From the moment that we got there, the warm and inviting atmosphere set the tone for the evening. We started with prawns and an Italian Caesar salad… crunchy, flavorful, and nicely presented. The main courses were two pasta dishes that were excellent. Pasta was fresh, cooked to perfection, and abundant, something I particularly welcomed.
The highlight for me was the Manzo pasta with penne… rich, satisfying, and flavorful. We simply could not resist ending with the tiramisu, which was heavenly in its creaminess and poise, possibly one of the best I have ever had. The staff’s service rendered the whole experience even more enjoyable, leaving us feeling welcomed and valued.
If you are seeking delicious pasta in a relaxed setting with great service, Da Mimmo is sure to be worth a visit. For reservation availability, you can call +353 1 856 1714 or email at Rest146@damimmo.ie.
Wallace’s Asti
If you’re craving a real Sardinian flavor without setting foot outside of Dublin, Wallace’s Asti, then you’re in luck. Taste the best pasta in Dublin at Russell Street, another of Dublin’s best-kept secrets of pasta. This cozy, romantic restaurant is graded a good 4.6 on Google (1,370 reviews) and 4.4 on TripAdvisor (568 reviews), and locals and visitors alike flock to its homemade pasta, real tastes, and vast wine list.
Since we had already sat down, we were welcomed with the best of hospitality and a complimentary basket of bread served with oil and a sprinkle of vinegar. For starters, we started off with Vito’s cube and fried calamari… both drenched in oil and full of flavour. For the main dishes, we got fregola with seafood and another pasta, which I cannot remember the name of, but it was delicious nonetheless. Portions were generous, and freshness could be seen with every bite.
I loved the frutti di mare pasta… fresh, vibrant, and full of seafood… and the malloreddus alla campidanese, which was warm and satisfying. We finished off with a classic tiramisu that I’d go back for in a heartbeat. The wine list is excellent as well, and the servers are great at making recommendations.
If you’re planning to visit on a weekend, booking ahead is a good idea. Call +353 1 884 7500 or email asti@wallacewinebars.ie to check availability.
Finishing Up With The Last Slurp!
And there you have it… my summary of where to find the best pasta in Dublin, with each of the restaurants listed here providing Italian comfort food that’s every last forkful worth. Every restaurant mentioned here serves the kind of plates that make you linger a little longer, you know!
The shared thread? Fresh ingredients, plentiful portions, and cozy, down-to-earth service that makes the dish taste like it’s been personally prepared for you. The next time pasta craving strikes, choose one of these six gems, pour yourself a glass of wine, and twirl your way to a plate of pure Italian bliss… Dublin style.
After enjoying a hearty bowl of pasta, why not switch things up with Dublin’s best tapas? These small plates are perfect for sharing with friends and add a fun, social twist to your night out.
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