I Monelli — Restaurant in Dublin

Hi everyone, First time ever and definitely it won't be the last, to visit this hidden gem and truly Italian restaurant just in the South Side. I brought my son for a little celebration after his Junior exams. I can't believe I have been living 20 years in Dublin of which 9 years in Dublin South Side and I had to hear from my mum in Italy about " I Monelli " restaurant! My only regret is why did I stop going out for meals...perhaps I felt a bit disappointed of some Italian restaurants claiming to serve " Italian" but really nothing to do with the authentic Italian food! I was surprisingly pleased to be welcomed by the owner of the restaurant, Ivano! My son is Irish well half Italian too and I'm in Ireland since over 22 years but it was nice to just walk in an Italian restaurant and be able to speak Italian! All the waiting Team are Italian too and even if some of the Team who are from different nationality can speak fluently English and Italian too! The restaurant offer a very good variety of dishes to suit everyone tastes, also offering gluten free and vegan options. I'm the only vegetarian in my family since I was 15 years old so I was so happy to see so many options for vegetarians. The owner, Ivano is from Turin the main city in the Piedmont region, North West of Italy just like myself, I was born and grew up in Alessandria, another city in Piedmont region, so we really appreciate dishes with truffle and mushrooms, different cheeses. My son ordered in fact the " Tagliatelle al tartufo e funghi" and I choose a " Risotto ai formaggi con uva" very well presented dishes and fulfilling. We wanted to try the homemade desserts so we opted for classic "Tiramisù " and "Profiteroles" super delicious, next time we will try the starters and mains. You can tell the Chef uses fresh ingredients and high quality Italian products, directly imported from Italy. The restaurant was packed even if we got there quite late at 8.40pm, it was nice to see all kind of nationality, Irish customers, French, Germans, Spanish and Italians too, which it just proves that I Monelli restaurant is an authentic Italian restaurant. Funny that my mum was watching an Italian program in Italy called " Little Italy" where the presenter travels across the main cities in Europe, in search of the best Italian restaurants abroad and not surprised the restaurant " I Monelli" qualified 2nd place, to be honest the 1st place went to a very good Italian restaurant too but it's located in Dublin 1, North city centre and sorry after 10 years living in town, I rather stay on the south side of the city, cooler for nights out, better mix of people, safer and just nicer areas. The " I Monelli" restaurant is located in Portobello suburgh , between Rathmines and Harold's Cross, on the Canal. It is indeed an hidden gem because so easy to reach, walkable distance from Camden Street and Rathmines and from Harold's Cross neighbourhood, but yet in a nice quiet corner facing the canal. The area used be a bit rough years ago but Dublin South City Council done a great job in the past ten years, lots of cool pubs, restaurants, outdoor venues, hipster laid back vibe all around the Canal area. I would like to thanks so much Simone who served our table and Matteo and Giuseppe too, all Italians guys super nice with each customers and multitasking also multi languages speaking! Ivano is a great host, what a pleasure to see an owner working hard with the rest of the Team, to run his own business! You made Italy proud and just brought to Dublin, a taste of real Italian cuisine and atmosphere! We will be back ,defo! Grazie mille Bei...

Because a friend of mine recommended this restaurant, I booked a table for a Wednesday. I arrived ten minutes before my time. However, this was no cause for concern and, immediately, was guided to my table. I ordered penne with salmon and broccoli, which was on the menu. I must say that I was ready for the penne with salmon and asparagus but this dish, that is in one of the pictures, was not in the menu (the season?). White wine, bread, and tap water completed my order. Service was very quick, not only for me. Other tables were also rapidly served. The amount of pasta was more than enough for me and certainly bigger than other restaurants. The sauce was creamy with small bits of salmon and broccoli. Although the flavors were not completely integrated, the combination was nice. The strong feature of this dish is the texture of the sauce. It coats the pasta adding humidity and texture to it. Simultaneously, the sauce is not liquid, leaving almost no trace of it in the dish. The right texture for a good sauce. Wine (Sauvignon Blanc) was good. Its acid tone matches this dish very well. The bread was a little bit oily, but I understand that the cause is the type of dough instead of some unfortunate decision. In general, I recommend this place. People started to arrive early and it was almost full, which is a good sign given that fact that...

The worst Gastronomic experience of my life!! My wife and I booked for a Monday night around 8 attracted by the menu found on their website. We ordered a focaccia bread,prawns served in a reduction balsamic and strawberry sauce and fried calamari served with arrabbiata sauce The focaccia was old and completely dry,the fish 100% frozen and of really low quality. About the main courses,we ordered a ravioli(without salt)served with Prosecco,chilli and honey sauce(completely tasteless)and a pacchetto with seafood sauce(fish frozen and sauce without salt as well). When main courses arrived,they left us without cutlery for 5/6 minutes and we decided to take it from the table on the side. Second bottle of water ask more than 2 times and never arrived. When we asked the bill they charged us items never arrived(second bottle of water) and the lady who was in charge(probably manager or owner)offered us a limoncello and she was trying to explain that the problem was people didn’t come to work that day. Instead of taking responsibility for what happened she was looking for excuses and dumping blame on the boys. I will never come back,for no reason my wife and me work in a hospitality for a years(one on the floor and one as chef)but I have to say that it’s been By far the worst experience I've ever had in a restaurant. Poor quality of food...