Russo’s Ristorante Italiano
18 Dame Street, Dublin 2
T: 01 611 1706
W: russosdublin.com
Review by dasher©2011
This time last year dasher reviewed The Italian Corner Restaurant on the Quays in Dublin, I was impressed at that time with both service and cooking. The Italian Corner is a family run restaurant and is under the direct management of proprietor, Danny Byrne. Danny founded the restaurant in 1999, and since then the restaurant has gone from strength to strength.
Danny’s philosophy is to serve people the best possible food with a friendly, caring approach, in clean, pleasant and relaxing surroundings. Eating out should be a memorable and enjoyable experience, says Danny. The whole experience should be satisfactory, from the genuine warm welcome, the quality of the food, the ambience, the service and the hygiene to the value for money being offered.
When I learned that Danny Byrne had expanded his business interests to include Russo’s Ristorante Italiano, at 18 Dame Street, Dublin 2, I decided that I must find out for myself if the central traits of The Italian Corner Restaurant had been carried over to Russo’s.
It is important to understand that in the new economic dispensation, restaurateurs operating in our capital city are faced with a tidal wave of high rents, sky-high insurance, utility costs and to a lesser degree wages. Trying to run any business in the capital right now is akin to a juggling act, trying to keep the books balanced while at the same time offering customers value for money and world class service.
Greeting
On Friday 2nd September 2011, at approx. 6.30pm, dasher arrived with a guest to Russo’s Ristorante at 18 Dame Street, Dublin 2. Upon entering Russo’s the evening trade was beginning to gain momentum. The meet and greet was warm and welcoming.
Dasher and his guest were shown to a seat near the window; the menu was properly explained including the Early Bird menu. A jug of fresh water was placed on the table, dasher and his guest were asked if they would like a candle light on their table and they were happy to oblige.
Dasher and his guest were given good-time to peruse the menu and then orders were taken. The starter, main and dessert were correctly placed, one can often feel pushed out by overzealous front of house staff.
The food matched the high standard of service; dasher enjoyed freshly made carrot soup with crusty bread, while his guest enjoyed a fountain of mussels dripped in a cascade of homemade sauce.
Dasher enjoyed an 8oz char-grilled steak for his main course, the steak melted in the mouth and was complemented in taste and texture by the sauté mushroom dressing. Dasher’s guest enjoyed true Italian pasta in a mouth-watering homemade sauce.
For dessert, dasher reverted back to his childhood with a tall glass of ice-cream delights, whose taste combinations left dasher feeling satisfied and contented. Dasher’s guest enjoyed freshly baked Bailey’s cheese cake, its satisfaction was reflected in the crystal clean plate left by dasher’s guest.
Tea and coffee were presented in a timely fashion and brought to an end what was a culinary delight.
Décor
Russo’s Ristorante is tastefully presented with a minimalist outlay.
The Rest Room
The bathrooms were clean and well presented. The bathrooms were functional and well serviced.
Ambiance
Russo’s does not pretend to be a little part of Italy; it is a true Italian Ristorante.
The Bill
As dasher had taken advantage of the Early Bird menu and had not purchased any drinks the total Bill was just under 50 Euros for two, a reasonable price for world class service and fine dining.
Dasher was impressed by the presentation of a business card and specials leaflet upon departure.
Other Deal Options
Early Bird Menu 4-7.30pm
Choose from entire A La Carte Menu
2 courses – 19.95
3 courses – 24.95
Late Bird Menu 9.30pm – 11.00pm
2 courses – 15.95
3 courses – 19.95
Plus FREE Glass of wine/bottle of beer
Group Deal
Booking of 10 people – 1 person Eats FREE
Booking of 20 people – 2 people Eats FREE
Organiser of Parties of 20 or more entitled to Bottle of Bubbly FREE.
10% Discount voucher presented upon departure for future visits.