Cala — Restaurant in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

It’s lovely having a tapas place in Dun Laoghaire, and we were excited for a long time for this place to open.

Atmosphere: Fabulous interior with azulejos on the bar and an eye for decoration and interior.

Food: Tapas means for me smaller bites, but a variety of things to try and share. The prices are a bit tough especially for vegetarians, who have only two choices on a very small menu overall (cheese board with 4 small slices of cheese for 10€ and a small portion of patatas bravas for about the same price). As food is the main point coming to a restaurant, I was frankly disappointed. My partner loved his meat dishes though. The bill we had was just too much at the end especially compared to other restaurants around, who offer a better quality/price/portion ratio.

Really hope to see the menu evolving by time and adding more options for vegetarians (and adjusting the proportions if the prices stay that high). Until then I cannot recommend it for vegetarians (and absolutely not for vegans) and will wait and see if the menu adds some more well know veggie tapas options...

Passed by here last night and went in on off chance they might have a table for 3. To my delight they did (I had tried to get in before but couldn’t) and I must say we had fantastic food. We had the jamon croquettes, the peppers and the patas bravas and they were all delicious, the patas bravas as good, if not better, than any I’ve had in Spain. The desserts are also top notch. My friend John is a regular visitor to the Basque Country and he said the flan was as good as any he’s had over there.

They have a great selection of wines too and Estrella Galicia on tap.

The restaurant itself is a lovely space, beautifully done out by owner David with lovely exposed brickwork and Spanish tiling at the bar counter where we sat. There is a lovely ambience and buzz in the place.

The staff were lovely and really welcoming and chef Paul (just back from 10 years working in Palma) came out to chat. His passion for his craft shines through and I can’t wait to go back again soon to sample more of his...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Dope Tapas, and I can confidently say it was one of the best culinary experiences I’ve had in a long time. From the moment we walked in, the service was nothing short of exceptional — warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. The staff went out of their way to make sure every detail of our meal was perfect, and their knowledge of the menu made our experience even more enjoyable.

Now, let’s talk about the croquette — absolutely outstanding. Perfectly crispy on the outside, and incredibly rich and flavorful on the inside. It’s one of those dishes that you dream about long after you’ve left the table. Every bite was packed with depth and balance, showing a real mastery in the kitchen.

If you’re looking for a place that delivers impeccable service and unforgettable food, Dope Tapas is the spot. Highly...