Denizens of Dublin 7 can walk to this cool neighbourhood restaurant, but the pizzas are so good that plenty drive from further afield to get in on the action.
Simplicity is the key to Cotto’s success, from the low-key décor and simple logo to the pared-back furnishings and honest food. Large windows flood the room with light, while this buzzy spot is filled with the sound of couples, friends and young families enjoying the tasty, rustic fare made with care.
A sister of nearby Oxmantown Café, Cotto majors in pizza, but is open at weekends for brunch. A choice of seven imaginative dishes includes eggs shakshuka; wild mushrooms on toasted brioche and sausage roll of ham hock and white pudding with slow roast tomato and apple relish and pickles.
The pizza menu offers classic like Napoli with capers, anchovies and olives, and salami, ‘Nduja, jalapenos and mozzarella as well as more unusual combinations like fennel sausage with baby kale, ricotta and chilli oil or wild mushrooms, taleggio and truffle oil. Bases are papery and thin and they’ll happily provide boxes to take home any left-over slices.
Side dishes such as a light kohlrabi and cabbage slaw or fried aubergine with spiced yoghurt are delicious and a short but innovative dessert list completed the thoughtful menu.
Ten wines are offered by the glass or bottle and all are affordably priced and beer is served too. When you read the list of suppliers on the menu – bread from Arun Bakery, Cloud Picker Coffee, pork goods from Jack McCarthy, for example, you just know you’re in safe hands.
