12 Fownes Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2.
La Caverna is a wonderful little Italian restaurant, situated in the heart of Temple Bar. Run by Dan Balau for the past six years, he has transformed this 300 year old building which used to be The Wine Cellar into a contemporary restaurant over three levels. They have left the exposed brick work all down one side which gives real character and placed loads of tea lights into the wall on the other side creating a truly intimate atmosphere.
Walking up Fownes Street towards La Caverna you will first see two large flaming torches on the outside of the building. When we entered the restaurant we were welcomed and seated at a window table. Much to my daughters delight in the centre of the table was a built in fish bowl with two gold fish which gave her no end of amusement.
The menu choice was extensive with a selection of European and Italian dishes. It’s divided between appetizers, chef’s recommendations, pasta & pizza. The starters range from €4.95 to €8.95 with traditional soups, Caesar salad, prawns or mussels. Some of the chef’s specials were the usual choice of steaks, as well as several variations on lamb and venison shank or steak, and a classic chicken Marsala. All main courses range between €10 for some of the pastas and pizza up to €28.00. Some of the choices on the pasta menu were the usual of carbonara, Bolognese or tortellini and one or two more special like black tiger prawns in a garlic broth while there is a large selection of pizza.
Turning to the wine list, we decided to run with carafes, which is a lovely way of having more than a glass but not having to drink a full bottle. I went with a really fruity Pinot Grigio while Fred had a rich Merlot, both priced at €17.00. The selection is divided between house reds and whites, a selection of rose and champagne and then a full selection of reds and whites. There is a good spread and prices start at a very reasonable €21.
First up, both Fred & Keisha chose the traditional tomato based minestrone oozing with flavor, which was delicious, while I had a deep fired Brie salad served with a chunky cranberry sauce, an oldie, but a goody. For our main courses I chose one of the signature dishes, La Caverna Garlic Chicken which is a chicken Kiev of sorts, a breast of chicken filled with garlic and herb butter and golden fried in breadcrumbs served with garlic potatoes. Keisha had the fish and chips; chunky homemade chips served in a cone with cod fried in a light batter and Fred thoroughly enjoyed roast honey glazed duck served on a bed of champ with blackberry and rosemary sauce.
We were really enjoying our choice of wine and food we spent over three and a half hours and even ventured onto the dessert menu where I shared a homemade apple crumble and my daughter selected the ice cream. All desserts are homemade and really taste like something granny would have cooked when you were growing up. I couldn’t understand how the time passed so quickly, but La Caverna is relaxed and welcoming and we’ll go again.
