Think you need to jump on a flight to Italy for authentically prepared pasta? Think again. Dublin has much to offer in the way of Mediterranean cooking: from cute trattoria-esque eateries to restaurants where pasta is the only dish on the menu, we guarantee that you won’t be disappointed. While Dublin may not offer the same sunny climate as the south of Italy – what this city lacks in hot weather, it certainly makes up for in sumptuous carb-y offerings.

This place is just about as authentic as it gets. It’s a modest size and boasts a simple but fresh menu that has a real focus on quality ingredients. The dishes have all been passed down from the owner’s ‘nonna’ and are prepared with great care and attention. The pasta dishes here are the real stars of the show (think Gnocchi with Rabbit and Wild Mushroom Ragu and Black Truffle Ravioli) and despite the exquisite ingredients, prices are relatively low. Terra Madre never tries too hard, and the atmosphere is exactly like that of a trattoria in Italy – definitely not one to miss.

Located in what is known by locals as Dublin’s ‘Italian Quarter’, Wallace’s Taverna certainly knows what it’s doing when it comes to stunning pasta dishes. All of their pasta shapes are homemade daily by their chefs and there’s something to please just about everybody. For the veggies amongst us, you’ll find a pleasingly spicy Penne all’arrabbiata or an indulgent Tagliatelle dish full of Artichokes, Burrata and Confit Tomatoes. Meat and fish eaters won’t go hungry either – their Pappardelle with slow braised Lamb Ragout and Pancheri with Prawns, Peas and Mint Cream are two dishes to behold. Prices are reasonable and the service is five-star.

The pasta at Nannetti’s is light and carefully made and the flavours smack of seasonal freshness. You won’t be able to predict what pasta is on the menu here – offerings change according to what produce is best at certain points of the year. Most recently, they’ve had a delightful ‘Linguine Di Mare’ (with fresh Datterino tomato, Dublin Bay Prawns and Roast Pistachio) and a warming ‘Risotto Alla Zucca’ (a pumpkin riotto with aged Tuscan Pecorino Cheese, Roasted Pine Nuts and Sage oil). Stylish and chic and never compromising on flavour, Nannetti’s ticks all of our boxes.

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According to the owners, Grano combines “fresh natural ingredients, farmed using organic and biodynamic techniques to create a contemporary cuisine that respects the roots and traditions of Italian cooking”. Okay, we’ll admit, that sounds a bit pretentious – but don’t be put off! The food at Grano’s is second to none, and all of the staff make you feel right at home from the minute you walk in – despite the fancy environment. The food, as suggested, is brilliantly fresh – the pasta dishes teeter on the line of light and comforting excellently. Six pasta dishes make up the entire menu, but each one offers something special. Try their ‘Tajarin Al Tartufo Nero’ dish, complete with Butter, Parmesan and truffle, and thank us later!

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