Ah, Malahide. The lovely coastal town in North county Dublin with plenty of restaurants; most of which I have tried, some I have not. Like Il Sorriso, located on New Street. A little Italian that would easily be missed if you weren’t looking out for the sign. Another way to find it? It’s pretty much a stone’s throw away from Cape Greko (my last Malahide review) and a few steps away from Gibney’s, one of Dublin’s most famous pubs.
The restaurant is located upstairs, it’s small but in no way cramped. The chandelier and wooden beams are the focal point among simplistic decor.
I would describe Il Sorriso as casual dining; good simple Italian food made with care using excellent ingredients, and the wine list is good too.
Padellata di funghi – mushrooms sautéed with garlic, white wine, fresh cream and herbs
Insalata di pollo – Chargrilled chicken, cos lettuce, caesar dressing and parmesan shavings
We all chose homemade pizzas for the main course, which were really good served with chilli oil (such an inconspicuous bottle!) and portion sizes are generous. Other courses include pasta, steak, chicken, pork, and salmon for the fish fans. The service at Il Sorriso is particularly good – if you end up flinging your cutlery haphazardly while telling a particularly animated tale; fear not! By the time you pick it up off the floor, a light footed ninja-waiter will have it replaced with a shiny new utensil. Your water will be refilled without you noticing too. Total stealth.
Il Sorriso don’t have a website, but the menu can be viewed here. An Early Bird menu is also available.
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