Catarina L.
Yelp
A fabulous gastronomic experience only let down by the overly noisy ambiance and crammed tables. This place is not to be missed, both the wines and the food are some of the best in Dublin.
After my first visit, only a couple of months since they had opened, I was afraid that the standards might have slipped a little, or maybe the food had gone down the same old predictable tastes that most other places around the city centre tend to cater for, but I'm more than happy to report that none of my fears came true.
The southern european/Mediterranean influences are still there, coupled with a careful and colourful presentation. They are not afraid of serving non-boring fish here! And they can get the simple things, like bread, exactly right, and pick some good olives and even some more out of the ordinary products, like cecina. They certainly did their research, if you need further convincing just take a look at the wine list. Also, if looking for vegetarian dishes, you won't be disappointed.
However, this small brilliant restaurant did fall prey to one of the most annoying things about dining out in Dublin - the rowdy diners. And while this might slip under the radar in other places, it's just impossible to ignore in such a confined space, when you have 4 other strangers sitting less than a meter from you, all trying to make themselves heard over the small groups sitting the other side of the room. Like I said, it's a small restaurant, and they try to make the most of the space.
Service is very friendly but sometimes clumsy, and depending on the time of the day/week, it may get too slow to bring out even just drinks.
My advice is definitely go and have some delicious food here, make sure to book as there aren't many tables, but avoid weekend evenings.