Il Corvo

You'll find yourself on Drumcondra Road Upper, where this Italian spot has quietly built up a devoted following among locals who know their carbonara from their cacio e pepe. The kitchen here doesn't try to reinvent Italian cuisine – they just execute it properly, which is refreshingly rare in a city where too many places think adding truffle oil to everything counts as authenticity. The atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between neighbourhood comfort and proper dining out, making it equally suited for a midweek dinner or weekend celebration. Five days a week only, which tells you they're focused on doing things right rather than chasing every euro. Book ahead – Drumcondra locals guard this one jealously.