Paulie’s pizza is Dublin’s own Neapolitan style Italian pizzeria. Its authentic style brings real Italian pizza to the Dublin docklands since opening in 2010, and has been packing them in ever since. Paulie’s is a spin-off from Juniors, a New York style deli located almost around the corner that has a veritable stampede at lunchtime for their rolls and sandwiches, and which hosts an Italian cafe menu at night time.
Outside is a tented terrace to keep out the cold, while inside it’s fast moving, buzzy and has a touch of Brooklyn. The interior is trendy and messy and the crowd varies from 20 to 70. The music is loud but not too loud, cocktails are served upstairs, and the staff move through the throng with some ease, looking very relaxed in spite of the packed tables and hungry diners. It’s possible to the hectic and chilled at the same time apparently.
The menu delivers everything you would expect from an Italian style café. Starters vary from antipasti plates, bruschetta, and classic Carpaccio. Pastas include a linguine Vongole and a classic Bolognese. There is a touch of the America here and there as well; Mac ‘n cheese is a house specialty. Paulie’s also offers fancy cocktails and a selection of beers and it’s an interesting combination of classic Italian dishes and drinks clearly influenced by the owner’s love for New York.
The biggest and most important part of the menu is the pizza section, divided into classic Italian and New York style pizza. They are all made the classic Italian way; Caputo ‘00’ flour, only San Marzano tomatoes are used and the pizza is cooked in a wood fired oven.
We decided to focus purely on the pizza and go for a classic and a special. The pizza arrives incredibly fast and is eye catching; slightly black edges but not burned. The dough looks how it tastes; soft and vibrant but cooked. The pointy part of the pizza slice falls when you pick it up, and the tomato sauce is sweet and garlicky. Pizza is a national treasure in Italy and Paulie’s take on it is very close to how any Italian pizza should be.
Classic Bianca (shaved parmesan, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, prosciutto and rocket) was soft, creamy, salty and sweet, while the hot Zoe special (tomato sauce, chilli, peppers, spicy salami) packed a punch, but the chilli didn’t overpower, and a half time swap of some slices gave us both a best of both worlds meal.
For some reason more and more crispy flatbreads are popping up as pizzas in Dublin and it is reassuring that Paulie’s will be there to defend and deliver a true Italian taste. Paulie’s is a must go for any pizza lover in Dublin!
Check them out at Paulies.
Review by Daan Suijlen.
