Review
Alvito’s Restaurant is in the middle of Leixlip village, occupying a corner site where the road in from Clonee joins the Main Street. Inside it is contemporary and bright; large windows provide plenty of light, the wooden floors and tables are light in colour and the walls have murals of families sharing food around the dinner table; even if the family in question is Tony Soprano and the gang. It’s causal and fun, and doesn’t take itself too seriously.
The restaurant is owner and run by Sabrina Macari and her husband Peter, The surname may be familiar; the family have been involved in the food business in Ireland for years, and Alvito’s is a well run and popular spot for an evening out.
The menu is quite long and list about a dozen starters; they are not all Italian, so you will find staples like chicken wings – in fairness who doesn’t like chicken wings – or mini lamb burgers with a mint and coriander yoghurt. There is also a choice of bruschetta, prawns in chilli and garlic and polenta cake with chorizo.
There is also a large pasta section, and if you like the portions can be served as starters. Pizza’s figure large, with a selection of Italian classics and some New York style offerings like the Hawaiian or Americana. The meat and fish section offers a varied selection from bangers and mash, a home made burger, fish and chips or more traditional chicken Siciliana, sea bass with lemon and dill, or Maiale Alvito’s; a take on Saltimbocca.
I ate like an Italian; that is to say pasta as a starter and then the main course. The ravioli is homemade, and I got three large ravioli stuffed with prawns and shellfish and served with a delicate cream sauce. The pasta was perfectly cooked, the whole dish light and delicious; this was a good start.
The Maiale Alvito’s is thin pieces of veal, with Parma ham and sage, pan-fried and cooked in an apple and smoked cheese sauce. It was served with small potatoes sautéed with rosemary and a generous portion of nicely cooked vegetables.
A small tiramisu in a shot glass – one of a selection of half a dozen on offer – finished the meal off nicely, and priced at only €3.50, it’s a very affordable treat.
Alvito’s offer a set menu Tuesday until Saturday offering two courses for €18.95, or three for €20.95. We liked Alvito’s, it’s fun, the food is good, prices reasonable and the staff are friendly and good at their jobs.
