Rosa Madre Authentic Italian in the heart of Dublin.
a review by Tapas Trail Dublin
Tapas Trail Dublin first came across this hidden gem two years ago under its previous incarnation as Caffe Italiano. We were out to celebrate as my wife Laura reticently got some very good news. Rosa Madre was the perfect choice. We stepped through the door to be greeted by Luca the ever friendly manager and owner. The change in atmosphere inside the restaurant was instantly recognizable. Caffe Italiano has grown up, spread its wings and hasn’t looked back.
Fresh seafood is the specialty, Luca and the staff know the produce in depth. Straight away we felt relaxed, you could feel the same relaxed atmosphere from the already full tables beside us. Luca arrived back to the table with a couple of complementary glass of procecco to start the celebrations. After a quick raise of our glass and the customary “Saluti” Luca reveals the specialties for the day and recommends to us some of his favorites.
His passion for quality of ingredients and the hands on process in sourcing the fresh goods and produce are evident. I decided to follow Luca’s recommendations and choose both starters and entrees from the specials board. Luca returned to us shortly after with a broad smile and pair of starters.
Laura chose Crostino Talli Di Cappero, Lardo di Colonnata a cured pork product, similar in taste and appearance to Pancetta, while Lardo di Colonnata is preserved in marble basins and considered to be the best in the world. The preserved Caper leaves are zesty and tangy with a lovely acidic edge and compliment the pork nicely. On Luca’s recommendation he pairs both our dishes with two of his personal favorite Olive oils.
My seafood starter was a relevation Capesante al forno (oven-baked scallops) – a hint of garlic, zest of fresh lemon with handfuls of finely chopped parsley leaves. Perfectly balanced with a pinch of sea salt, lightly dusted in breadcrumbs and baked. Going out on a limb, the most delicately balanced, tender and packed full of flavour I have ever experienced!
Rosa Madre named with a mother’s Love…
Rosa Madre is the most authentic Italian restaurant in Dublin. Located in the heart of Temple Bar, one of the most exciting and vibrant areas of Dublin with great shops, bars and many five stars hotels.
Rosa Madre specialize in fresh fish, delivered daily by local suppliers and we guarantee to always have the finest quality available. Their seafood cuisine is characterized by the simple quality of the catch. Placing their orders during the night, directly from the port where the fish is delivered to ensure they always get the freshest product available.
The Rosa Madre philosophy is all about the quality of the ingredients. Our restaurant specialty is fresh Calamari and Gamberi served with spicy spinach or the Carpaccio di carne Scottona. We also have a great selection of salami and Formaggi D.O.P. (Culatello, Burrata, Bresaola di Bufala).
For Pasta why not try our Lobster tonnarelli or our Ravioli al Tartufo made by our Chef from Pesaro, Francesco Mambelli. Luca.
Next time you are in Temple Bar and you think to yourself “I want something different” try this hidden gem. Rosa Madre won’t be hidden for much long.
Hopefully see you on our next Tapas Trail… #EatDrinkExplore
Paul & The Tapas Team
