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Forno 500B+Worth Trying

Name: Forno 500
Address: 74 Dame St, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 PY80, Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
Rating: 4.4

74 Dame St, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 PY80, Ireland · Italian restaurant, Neapolitan restaurant, Pizza restaurant · 4.4/5 Google (2793 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Lively Temple Bar spot for authentic Neapolitan-style pizza and crowd-pleasing Italian plates; good service and cozy vibe, with occasional policy/pricing gripes and some inconsistency beyond the pizzas.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Forno 500 delivers exceptional Neapolitan pizza with proper texture and bake that earns devoted regulars, paired with friendly, efficient service that handles crowds well. However, inconsistent execution on dough and secondary dishes and tight seating with peak-hour time limits prevent grade A territory. The Temple Bar location and strong loyalty base make it a solid neighborhood favorite, though not among Dublin's premier dining destinations.

Restaurant Summary

In the heart of Temple Bar, Forno 500 feels warm and bustling—a compact room where servers move quickly and the oven turns out pies with lively char. Guests describe upbeat, friendly service that keeps the pace on busy nights, with one diner saying the team was "kind, attentive and always smiling". Expect a neighborhood-meets-city-center vibe: cozy booths, quick turns, and a steady flow of pre-show diners. On the plate, the cooking leans classic Neapolitan and Italian comfort rather than flashy fusion—think crisply baked pizzas, generous lasagne, and well-loved calamari. Regulars nudge newcomers toward Margherita or Diavola as never-miss orders, while pastas and starters satisfy without stealing the spotlight from those pies. Pricing aligns with the location, and portions run hearty; a few guests mention soft drink sticker shock and occasional inconsistencies, but most leave pleased and planning a return. Families do well here. Pizza, Bolognese, fries, and simple salads keep kids happy, and one review noted coloring pages offered for little ones. The menu lists several vegetarian options and a vegan pizza with optional vegan cheese, so varied diets can find something. Space is tight, so book ahead if arriving with strollers or a crowd, and note that time limits can apply during peak hours for a smooth experience.

At a Glance

Best-in-class Neapolitan-style pizzas praised for texture and bake
Friendly, efficient service handles crowds and large tables well
Occasional inconsistency on dough, lasagne, and desserts
Peak-time policies (time limits, set menus) can feel rigid
Central Temple Bar prices; soft drinks and add-ons add up

What Sets It Apart

authentic_neapolitan_bake
cozy_city_center_setting
strong_repeat_local_following

What People Love

That first bite of a properly baked Margherita
Hearty portions that feel generous
Servers who keep big tables on track without fuss
A cozy room that feels lively but welcoming
Reliable Diavola spice and smokiness

Points of Concern

Pricing is genuinely central-city with soft drinks around €4 per glass (post-mix reported)
Pizza and veg lasagne can be inconsistent on busy nights (occasional underbake or watery sauce)
Holiday and event periods may enforce set menus and table time limits
A few service missteps reported, including inflexibility and reservation mix-ups

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost€36-52 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

For vegetarians: Margherita DOP, Caprese pizza, Arancini, Minestrone
For spice fans: Diavola or Piccante
For seafood lovers: Calamarata alla Napoletana or Seabass (mains)

Perfect For

Pre-show dinner near Dublin Castle and Temple Bar venues
Casual date night with shared pizza and wine
Family meal with kid-friendly Italian staples
Group catch-ups where fast, friendly service matters

Location Insights

Area: Touristy, lively Temple Bar corridor with heavy footfall, pubs, and casual dining; draws locals and visitors.

Safety: Busy, well-lit nightlife area; typical city-center crowds and noise, generally safe with standard urban awareness.

Nearby: Steps from pubs, music venues, and shops; near Dublin Castle and cultural attractions; pre-show dining common.

Temple BarTemple Bar is known as Dublin's cultural quarter, famous for its lively pubs, restaurants, and arts scene. The dining environment is diverse, ranging from casual eateries to trendy bars, attracting a mix of visitors looking for authentic Irish experiences and international cuisine.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday12:00–22:30 Tuesday12:00–22:30 Wednesday12:00–22:30 Thursday12:00–22:30 Friday12:00–23:00 Saturday12:00–23:00 Sunday12:00–22:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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