Bell Pesto Café — Restaurant in Dublin

I’m writing this after a really disappointing experience at this restaurant, one that feels unfair and, honestly, misleading.

My boyfriend and I came in planning to order just a starter and a main because I wasn’t too hungry. The menu clearly lists individual prices for each dish, so we assumed we could order a la carte. At the very bottom, there’s a vague note saying ”…3 COURSES €60”, but it doesn’t explain what’s included or that ordering more than one dish automatically triggers the set menu price. Neither the waitress told me that by taking two dishes I would automatically fall into the set menu, nor did she ask if I wanted the glass of prosecco mentioned at the top of the menu. Since she didn’t bring it or mention it, I assumed she understood I wasn’t taking the menu.

When the bill arrived, the waitress tried to charge us €60. I asked why, and she explained (only then) that ordering two dishes meant we “fell into the menu.” This makes no sense. If individual prices are listed, it’s logical to assume you can order individually. On top of that, the included prosecco was never brought to us, and dessert wasn’t even offered, so we didn’t get what’s supposedly part of the “menu.”

To make things worse, when I raised my concerns, the owner argued with me for 10 minutes instead of trying to understand my side. The waitress understood and eventually let us pay the price for the plates individually, but the attitude of the owner was scandalous.

On top of everything, the food this time was disappointing. The Triangolini in brodo was €29.90 for bland pasta in an oily, tasteless broth, with dry stuffing. At this price, you could easily get a nice piece of meat in any other restaurant, and it would feel far more justified.

It’s such a shame because we used to come here with friends in between work time once in a while because we liked the familial, homemade style of the food. Everything I had tried before was very good. The carbonara, the bolognese, even the pizza. I had their pistachio coffee, which I loved and told all my friends about. For me, if the food is just okay but the service is great, I’ll come back. But if the food is amazing and the service is disrespectful, I won’t come back.

The lack of clarity is unacceptable. If there’s a mandatory set menu, it needs to be clearly communicated, written clearly on the menu and explained by the staff when you order. Seeing individual prices and then being told you “fall into the menu” feels like a scam. Arguing with customers instead of showing respect is a surefire way...

Unfortunately, I am removing my good review to this place after a truly disappointing experience at Bell Pesto, a restaurant I used to enjoy and recommend. Its convenient location near work and reliable food made it a great spot to visit with friends and coworkers, but after this visit, it will be hard to return.

While the food itself was fine for me — I had the bolognese, a slice of pepperoni pizza, and shared a starter with my partner — the service and overall experience left a lot to be desired.

The issue arose when the bill arrived. Despite ordering from the menu’s clearly marked individual prices, we were charged €60 for a set menu we didn’t ask for. There’s a vague note at the bottom of the menu about a "3 COURSES €60" option, but nothing explains that ordering more than one dish automatically triggers this price. The waitress never informed us of this menu, nor did she ask if we wanted the prosecco or dessert supposedly included in the set menu. Since neither was served, we assumed we were paying the individual dish prices.

When I questioned this, the waitress explained that “if you order two items, you automatically fall into the set menu” — no matter what you ordered. I even took a picture of the menu to confirm, and honestly, I’ll let you judge for yourself: would you assume this meant you’d be forced to pay €60, even if you just ordered two small dishes? The lack of clarity feels misleading at best and unfair at worst.

While the waitress eventually adjusted the bill, the owner’s reaction was the most frustrating part. Instead of listening or addressing the confusion respectfully, she argued with us for some time, dismissing our concerns and doubling down on the unclear "set menu". This kind of attitude is unacceptable and unprofessional.

It’s such a shame because I’ve had so many good experiences at Bell Pesto in the past. I’ve enjoyed their food and told friends about dishes like their bolognese, carbonara, and even their pistachio coffee. But no matter how good the food is, bad service — especially when it feels unfair and dismissive — ruins the entire experience.

If there’s a mandatory set menu, it needs to be clearly and explicitly communicated, both on the menu and by the staff. Misleading pricing and confrontational service are not how you retain loyal customers. Sadly, after this visit, I can’t see myself coming back anytime soon. I’ve added a picture of the menu where they mentioned that if you order two items, you’d still need to pay €60. Take a look and judge for yourself—would you also ...

This is one of my favourite places to eat in Dublin, not just for Italian, but to eat out in Dublin, period.

I have been going here for ages now, and I have waited to do them a review which would do them justice. My brother discovered this place a couple of years ago when he moved into the area. We went in for lunch one day, and we had some great coffee some cracking panini sandwiches and one which became a firm favourite of ours, the garlic potatoes and pizza slice, and some cake.

Suitably filled, I resolved to return and have been back many times since then.

Breakfast is good, lunch is good, dinner is good. The wine is good.

One of my favourite things about this place is they change the dinner menu, roughly monthly, if memory serves. This seems to be based on presenting regional dishes from Italy, and also on what appears to be seasonal in food for the time of year. They manage to combine experimental and exciting with homely, comforting cooking. I still salivate at the tuna pie they had for starters recently. Just recently they've had a menu which had a goulash beef soup stew for starter, and a wonderful Arancini starter.

You'll get three courses for the very reasonable price of about €35. The seasonal approach means that I am by both turns disappointed at the end of the month, because I know the old menu is to be no more, but am also looking forward to the incoming menu that is to be.

On the dinner menu, they'll have a staple of three starters, three to four main course, and 2 desserts, though there are stacks of other treats you can select if you have a sweet tooth. One of the starters and mains will be a vegan option.

And what meal is not complemented with great wine? The last time I was there, we had the Nero D’Avalo, a succulent hearty drop which went down a treat with the meal. The white wine is all good there as well too. I recently had some with a fine pasta crab meat in tomato sauce evening special, superb, and they feature quite a selection of organic wines as well too. If you are in the market for an old-fashioned beer, you can have one of those too, Italian of course.

This place has become one of my firm favourites in Dublin. I look forward to visiting Enzo, Simona and team every time I'm in town. Here's to the next time, and I hope...