Nannetti’s is bringing modern Italian to Dublin

A somewhat newcomer to Dublin’s gastronomy scene, Nannetti’s opened their doors in December 2020. Debuting with the goal to bring modern Italian cuisine, made with only the best and finest produce and ingredients, to Dublin.

With low mood lighting, a neutral clean colour palette, and simple decor, Nannetti’s was practically designed for romantic date nights and intimate catch-ups. You’ll find yourself in a cosy close table setting or a brown leather booth around the restaurant, and then be presented with the drinks list – a flute of Prosecco to start has never done us wrong.

The menu is compact, but holds everything you would need to have an Italian feast and hit all the right cravings. The pasta is made fresh daily, while the dishes change often to suit what’s in season.

To start, the calamari served with black garlic aioli is always a table-pleaser, as well as the saffron arancini with taleggio and parmesan aioli. A classic of the cuisine, aubergine parmigiana, makes an appearance, and then you also have the option of the antipasti for two, with a delectable selection of Italian cured meats and cheeses served with homemade bread. And this is the night just getting started…

Moving onto the main affair, Nannetti’s fresh pasta is the star of the whole show. We can not recommend sharing a few plates enough, giving you the chance to try as many pasta dishes as possible from the menu. Top picks include Nannetti’s fettuccine ribbons with Winetavern farm pork ragu and parmesan fondue, a deliciously silky and rich creamy sauce. Or the ravioli pockets stuffed with ricotta and potatoes in a Gorgonzola cream sauce, topped with honey and pine nuts for a more subtle hit of flavours. For risotto lovers, the butternut squash risotto is a hit, served up with scamorza cheese and topped with basil.

If pasta isn’t particularly your thing (sacré bleu!), Nanneti’s has you looked after with their main dishes. Although you won’t often find the same dishes on the menu on each visit, you can expect to see the likes of Saltimbocca alla Romana, veal cutlets wrapped in parma ham and served with fresh sage in a white wine sauce, or their Brasato di Manzo, slow-cooked beef in a creamy polenta.

A side dish never goes amiss when shared with the table, so order up a salad, a side of potatoes, and some Sicilian chopped aubergine to enjoy between bites of pasta. And of course, save room for homemade tiramisu!

On to the drinks, because what is an Italian meal without a tipple or two? Nannetti’s has an utterly harmonious wine list to go with your meal. Featuring more than 50 bottles to choose from, treat yourself to a Sicilian Inzolia, 2013 Marco Carpineti, or perhaps a Tuscan Ciliegiolo Maremma Toscana for something with a bit of depth.

If wine isn’t on the cards for you, Nannetti’s has a delightful cocktail menu with plenty of choice. Opt for a classic negroni, berry spritz, espresso martini, or amaretto sour, or try something a little more out of the book like the Blood Aperol with red vermouth and cointreau.

The friendly team will certainly help guide you to a match made in heaven when it comes to pairing your drinks, all you have to do is ask!

For a faultless date night, you can count on Nannetti’s! Whisk yourselves away to the Italian coast and revel in the Mediterranean atmosphere for an evening. Great food, tasty wine, and good vibes, what more could you need?

You’ll find Nannetti’s at 22 Dawson Street, Dublin 2. Make sure you book your table ahead so you don’t miss out!