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Best Pasta in Dublin | Toni Italian Restaurant, Temple Bar
- Patrick Gallagher
- Mar 5
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 23
When you think of Italian food, what comes to mind? If your answer is a delicious, steaming plate of fresh pasta, you’re in the right place! At Toni, we make our pastas from scratch daily, using only semolina and water - the way it has been done for generations. From hand-rolled dough to mouthwatering sauces, every dish is made with love, tradition, and a sprinkle of magic. This results in the best homemade pasta in Dublin.
So you've searched “pasta restaurant near me” or “best pasta in Dublin” and here we are—Toni :)
If you’re here, it’s because you want good food, good wine, and good vibes.
And lucky for you, our little Italian restaurant in Temple Bar, Toni, provides.
A True Taste of Italy
If you’re looking for an authentic Italian restaurant in Dublin and somehow haven’t found Toni yet, that’s crazy.
We're the spot with the red and white stripes you keep saying you've gotta try.
We're the little Italian trattoria tucked off Fleet St, in Temple Bar, Dublin.
The hidden gem, nestled amongst some of the best Italian restaurants in Dublin, where each dish reflects the rich heritage of Italian cooking, serving wines to match and spritzes that really hit the spot.
Closest Italian food I've had since my trip to Italy. Loved the red wine recommendation!
The Art of Making Fresh Pasta
Why Fresh Pasta Stands Out
What makes fresh pasta so special? For starters, it has a soft, silky texture that soaks up sauces like a dream. Unlike store-bought pasta, it’s made with simple, high-quality ingredients—just semolina, water and a little bit of Italian know-how. No preservatives, no unnecessary extras—just pure, delicious pasta.
At Toni, we take our pasta seriously. Every batch is made fresh, ensuring that when it hits your plate, it’s at its absolute best. Whether you’re twirling a forkful of tagliatelle or scooping up a creamy bite of rigatoni, you’ll taste the difference in every bite.
Ingredients That Make a Difference
The secret to great pasta starts with great ingredients.That’s why we work closely with our Italian suppliers to bring all the ingredients from Italy to Ireland. And because we believe in real, authentic flavours, we skip artificial additives and focus on quality.
We also source some of the finest Italian cheeses, oils, and seasonings to ensure every dish is bursting with flavour. From rich Grana Padano to fragrant Extra Virgin Olive Oil every ingredient plays its part in making our pasta unforgettable.
Toni’s Time-Honoured Pasta Recipes
Signature Dishes You Must Try
Our menu is packed with pasta perfection, but if you’re not sure where to start, let us help!
Firstly, fresh pasta deserves the best sauces. Our sauces? Made in-house from Stefano’s grandmother’s treasured recipe book. These delicious dishes are created by infusing traditional recipes with a contemporary flair. From our rich and slow cooked Bolognese, to the original carbonara sauce made with pasteurised egg yolk, crispy guanciale, Pecorino Romano DOP cheese, and a touch of black pepper.
Orecchiette al Pomodoro - this dish truly captures the essence of TONI, our chef's signature Orecchiette pasta with cherry tomatoes, basil and our house-made tomato Italian sauce. Best topped with creamy Apulia burrata and drizzled with Organic Sicilian Extra Virgin Olive Oil. One bite, and you’ll be transported to a sun-drenched terrace in Southern Italy.
Tagliatelle Al Bolognese Ragu - – A slow-cooked bolognese ragu paired with our hand-cut egg tagliatelle pasta, topped with parmesan cheese. It’s hearty, rich, and packed with flavour.
Spagettini Alfredo with Mix Mushroom – Our signature Alfredo sauce is creamy, cheesy, with mixed sautéed mushrooms, a touch of truffle oil and oh-so-comforting. A must-try for fans of indulgence.
Each dish is made fresh to order, so whether you’re in the mood for something classic or something new, we’ve got you covered.
Check out our full pasta selection here
A Glimpse Into Our Pasta-Making Process
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes? At Toni, pasta-making is an art form. Our Team behind the scenes at Toni is proudly Italian.
Our Executive chef is from Puglia, while another of the team brings over two decades of experience from the beautiful Lake Como. Our Italian Chefs having traveled and lived in many countries, want to bring diverse influences to every dish. Each dish is made with skill and passion, using the freshest ingredients, to bring you great Italian food.
Step 1: Mixing and Kneading the Dough
On a clean (wooden surface is preferred) the semolina is mounded into a large circle. A well is created in the center, large enough to hold the “room temperature” water. This is then mixed and kneaded to create a smooth, elastic dough.
Step 2: Rolling and Shaping
Then, after a little resting time (because good things take patience), we roll, cut, and shape the pasta by pasta machine or by hand. Different cuts are made for different dishes— From delicate strands of spaghettini to our ribbed Pennette rigate, or even our Head Chef's hometown shape: Orecchiette (Ear’s shape pasta). Because, just like wine, pasta shapes need to be perfectly paired with their accompanying sauces for the best flavour and texture. That's why at Toni, we always suggest to not change the shape of the pasta as the texture and shape work together with the sauce to enhance the flavour and overall dish.
Step 3: Drying and Cooking
Unlike dried pasta, fresh pasta cooks in just 2-3 minutes. The texture remains tender yet slightly firm (al dente), absorbing the flavours of the sauce beautifully. It’s all about finding the perfect balance of taste and texture, and trust us—we’ve got it down to a science.
Why We Might Be Dublin’s Best Italian Restaurant
We’re not the ones to brag, but more and more locals and visitors are calling Toni one of the best Italian restaurants in Dublin. Why? Because we stick to what matters—fresh ingredients, time-honoured recipes, and dishes made from scratch every single day.
From our cozy home in Temple Bar, we serve silky pasta, rich sauces, and comforting Italian flavours that feel like a warm hug. Whether you're searching for the best pasta in Dublin, or just want a no-fuss, full-of-flavour meal, we’ve got your table ready.
Quality Ingredients Sourced with Care
We don’t just throw ingredients together and call it a day. Every element of our pasta, from the semolina to the final sprinkle of Parmesan, is carefully chosen for its quality and authenticity. We work with trusted local suppliers to bring you the best flavours, straight from Italy to your plate.
A Dining Experience to Remember
At Toni, dining is more than just eating—it’s an experience, La Dolce Vita. The moment you step through our doors, you’re welcomed by the warm, inviting aromas of fresh basil, slow-simmered sauces, and perfectly cooked pasta.
Our friendly staff is always ready to help you find the perfect dish (and maybe a great wine pairing to go with it). Whether you’re here for a family dinner, a date night, or just because you’re craving some seriously good pasta, we promise you’ll leave happy.
Don't just take our word for it. See what some of customers are saying: Home
Visit Toni for the Best Pasta in Dublin
If you’re looking for the real deal when it comes to fresh pasta, Toni is the place to be. Our passion for Italian cuisine shines through in every dish, making every bite an experience worth savouring.
So, what are you waiting for? Book a table, bring your appetite, and let’s make some pasta memories together!
Contact Us today to make your reservation.
GRAZIE & A PRESTO
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