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Dublin › Temple Bar › Cafe Topolis
Cafe TopolisB+Worth Trying
37 Parliament St, Temple Bar, Dublin Southside, Co. Dublin, D02 NY92, Ireland
· Italian restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (1316 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Cozy Temple Bar Italian with reliably tasty pizzas and pastas, friendly service, moderate prices, but occasional slow pacing, mixed desserts, and no alcohol license surprise for some.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Cafe Topolis delivers reliable Italian comfort with strong food quality in pizzas and pastas, supported by genuinely friendly service. However, variable desserts and occasional off nights prevent grade A territory, and service pacing lags during peak hours. The cozy Parliament Street location appeals to casual diners seeking straightforward Italian without pretension.
Restaurant Summary
Tucked on Parliament Street, this spot feels warm and cozy rather than flashy, with a steady buzz from pizza ovens and chatty tables. Service is often genuinely friendly and helpful—one guest raved about a server guiding them to the right dishes—though pacing can lag when the room is full. The cooking leans traditional Italian comfort: crisp-edged pizzas, creamy carbonara, and seafood linguine that several diners called top tier. Most plates deliver straightforward flavor over showmanship; desserts divide opinion and a steak splurge drew pushback. Note that some recent guests reported no alcohol license, so plan accordingly. Families do well here thanks to kid-pleasing pizzas, simple pastas like penne ragù, and generous portions; a kids menu was mentioned by one weekend lunch party. If little ones are sensitive to noise or heat, aim for earlier hours or ask to avoid the warmest corners downstairs.
At a Glance
- Tasty pizzas and pastas with standout seafood linguine
- Friendly, welcoming service and cozy ambiance
- Service pacing can be slow at peak times
- Desserts and a few mains are inconsistent
- Recent reports of no alcohol license; confirm policy before booking
What Sets It Apart
- central_Temple_Bar_location
- cozy_basement_seating
- value_set_menu
What People Love
- Comforting Italian flavors
- Warm, personal service
- Cozy, intimate setting
- Good value set menu and fair pricing
Points of Concern
- Service delays of 20-25 minutes to order and for mains during busy times
- A few dishes miss the mark (carbonara off-flavor, amatriciana polarizing, desserts underwhelming)
- Seating rigidity and occasional mishandled issues reduce goodwill
- Recent guests report no alcohol license; BYO expectations vary
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost€36-48 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For vegetarians, try Quattro Formaggi pizza (€17) or Linguini alla Primavera (€14.50)
- Seafood fans: Linguini ai Frutti di Mare (€20) or Risotto di Capri (€25)
Perfect For
- Casual date night in Temple Bar
- Pre-theatre pasta and pizza
- Group catch-ups on a set menu
- Family dinner with kid-friendly options
Location Insights
Area: Busy central entertainment district with pubs, tourists, and locals; lively streets and high foot traffic.
Safety: Generally safe with constant footfall; standard city-center caution late at night.
Nearby: Near River Liffey, pubs, shops, and other eateries; popular pre- and post-theatre and nightlife corridor.
Temple BarTemple Bar is Dublin's famous cultural quarter, renowned for its lively atmosphere, pubs, restaurants, and street performances. It attracts a mix of visitors seeking entertainment and dining experiences, with a strong emphasis on social and nightlife activities.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–22:00
Tuesday12:00–22:30
Wednesday12:00–22:30
Thursday12:00–23:00
Friday12:00–23:30
Saturday12:30–23:30
Sunday12:30–22:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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