La Dolce Vita

Roberto Pons is suitably modest about his wonderful restaurant La Dolce Vita being known as ‘the best Italian in the country’. If people want to say that and as long as his customers are happy, he’s delighted. And there’s absolutely no reason why customers won’t be happy in this tucked-away jewel in Wexford town. Originally from the town of Bordighera in Liguria, Roberto has spent the last 19 years in Ireland, working in Dublin until 2003. He then arrived in Wexford with the idea of setting up a good Italian restaurant – but needed the right location and size. Trimmer’s Lane, off North Main Street and close to Selskar Abbey, proved to be exactly that. It’s easy to spot with its Italian flag-coloured canopies of green, white and red and outdoor tables. Inside, décor is simple and plain, with pale wooden tables and chairs. Shelves packed with Italian goodies line two of the walls; everything is for sale. Just some of these products are pastas, olives, preserves, chocolates, vinegars, mustards and of course, wines.

There’s a brisk morning trade with customers meeting for a chat over freshly baked biscuits or perhaps a scone hot from the oven, with homemade jam– Roberto bakes at the crack of dawn every day. Lunch begins at noon but this restaurant is so popular, there is often a queue outside, with customers patiently waiting, knowing they are about to have an excellent lunch. The menu is written in Italian with English translations. If you’re not too hungry, you might just have his Homemade Italian Bread with Oils or Fresh Soup; the Antipasto Misto, a plate of Italian salamis and meats, has enough for two to share. Main meals include four salads delicious salads, all very reasonably priced – Parma ham salad with Parmesan shavings or Tuna and Bean Salad. Homemade Italian sausage with braised lentils is seriously tempting as is rose veal liver with onions and thyme sauce. Are Italian restaurants judged on the quality of the pasta? If so, La Dolce Vita lives up to its reputation. Homemade Tagliatelle alla Bolognese, Orechiette with Prawns and Courgettes, Linguine with Roasted Vegetables, this just one of the vegetarian options on the menu.

Relax with a glass of wine – if time doesn’t allow a full bottle, there are 20 available by the glass. We tried the crisp Roero Arneis, from Piemonte but there are wines from all regions of Italy here. And dessert is a must! We sampled a perfect Panna Cotta and a Tiramisu that was light and the best ever tasted. Of course, there’s good Italian coffee to accompany dessert.

Although Roberto is chef/proprietor, he is regularly to be found sitting at one of the tables, having a chat. Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, he always seems to have time to make sure his customers are happy – though time doesn’t allow this in the middle of a busy lunch. And the best news is they are now open in the evening on Fridays and Saturdays until about 10pm. Many of the dishes on the menu are available to take away as are the products on the shelves.

Contact Details

To Contact a Member Directly, please click on the email or website below

6/7 Trimmers Lane
Wexford
+353 (0) 53 9170806
Email: bigpons@eircom.net

 

Print this page »

Map and Directions »

 

Facilities