Bywords for quality Italian food, Dunne & Crescenzi has brought its winning restaurant formula to the residents of Blackrock.
Housed in the former premises of Clodagh’s Kitchen, the restaurant has retained its original pale breezy décor, which is no bad thing. The stylish Nordic-meets-Nantucket colour scheme is enhanced by large, well-spaced tables, cosy booths and a bright interior that feels fresh and airy.
The website doesn’t offer any address other than Blackrock but the restaurant is in the Shopping Centre and can be accessed two ways. Approach from within the shopping centre and you’ll find a smaller room that feels and looks like a casual café. A better option is the private entrance, which overlooks the Rock Road. From here you’ll pass through the restaurant’s cosy little bar (perfect for pre-dinner drinks) which opens onto the lovely main dining room.
The menu features many D&C classics, from quality antipasti sharing boards to simple pasta dishes, an interesting pizza menu and great coffee. Each branch of D&C also offers dishes unique to that location; Blackrock’s Spagheti allo Scoglio – squid ink pasta with plump prawns, mussels and squid with cherry tomatoes – is one such dish that is really worth a detour.
Service is friendly and relaxed, with diners left to their own devices once dishes have been served. That means you’ll be topping up your own wine and water during the meal
The house tiramisu is delicious, as are the coffees. Dunne & Crescenzi’s reputation for wonderful wines ensures an innovative wine list with plenty of affordable and interesting choices.
This class outfit is a very welcome addition to the neighbourhood.
