Etto
A tiny, much-loved Italian-leaning wine bar and restaurant on Merrion Row, famous for big flavour out of a small kitchen.
The call
Worth it if you only have one day and you are traveling as a couple.
Why
- 01
Buzzy, narrow and convivial, with chalkboard plates and a smart wine list.
Our read - 02
It punches far above its size and is a Dubliner's go-to for a great meal without the fine-dining freight.
Our read
Is it a fit?
Go if
You only have one day
Even on a tight schedule, Etto earns the hours.
You are traveling as a couple
As a couple, Etto works.
You are traveling solo
Solo, Etto works.
Food is a reason to travel
For food & drink, Etto delivers.
Think twice if
You are traveling with kids
With kids, give Etto a miss.
You are watching the budget
On a budget, weigh it — Etto isn't cheap for what it is.
You are planning for two
For romance, Etto is hit or miss.
The night matters
For nightlife, Etto is hit or miss.
The plates that decide it
- Cacio e pepe agnolotti — the standout pasta, and the reason regulars keep coming back
- Crispy potatoes with pecorino custard — the cult side everyone orders alongside the small plates
- A glass from the by-the-glass list — the wine programme is a real draw
Plan it well
- Cost
- Mid-range; small plates add up quickly
- Allow
- 1.5 hours
Sources and method (2)
- Listed in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide (standard listing). It held a Bib Gourmand from 2014 but lost the Bib in the 2019 cycle — it is no longer a current Bib Gourmand. guide.michelin.com ↗
- A compact seasonal bistro/wine bar on Merrion Row, just off St Stephen's Green near the National Gallery. thingstodoindublincity.com ↗