QUICK-FIRE SUMMARY
Vibe Check
Where fresh seafood meets candlelit romance, with just enough Italian charm to make you forget you’re in Temple Bar.
Cost For Eats
€112
Cost For Booze/Drinks
€69
Booze-Free Options?
None besides soft drinks unfortunately
Vegetarian Options?
Good for pescatarians, true veggies or vegans will struggle here
Highlight Dish
Tams – Spaghettoni with clams
Richie – Pasta with lobster
This spot is great for…
First dates, 12th dates, special occasions, treats, family gatherings, or a solo spot to slink away in the shadows with a bottle of cab sav
If you want to book a table head to…
Head over to their website
Where you’ll find them
7 Crow St, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 YT38
DISH THE DETAILS
Tucked into the madness of Temple Bar, where tourists stumble and street performers hustle, Rosa Madre offers something legitimately special: an authentic Italian seafood experience that’ll make you forget you’re in Dublin entirely. Since 2015, this spot has been serving up seafood so fresh it practically jumps onto your plate, alongside pasta that would make an Italian grandmother weep. It’s not just dinner; it’s a full-blown affair.
Let’s cut to the chase: this place oozes romance. Not the tacky, roses-and-champagne kind—the real deal. Soft lighting, intimate tables, and an atmosphere that practically dares you to linger over that second (or third) bottle of wine. Rosa Madre knows exactly who it’s for: couples looking to impress, seafood enthusiasts with standards, and anyone who wants to feel like they’ve escaped Dublin without leaving the city. First date or fifteenth anniversary? Doesn’t matter. You’ll look brilliant either way.
The Location
You’ll find Rosa Madre on Crow Street, right in the heart of Dublin’s Temple Bar. Yes, Temple Bar—touristy, chaotic, occasionally a bit mad. But Rosa Madre somehow rises above all that noise, offering a refuge from the hustle and bustle just outside its door. Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by a space that’s intimate without being cramped, lively without being overwhelming. It’s the kind of spot that feels like a secret, even though it’s wildly popular.
The Food
Now for the star of the show: the food. Rosa Madre doesn’t mess around with seafood. Fresh fish arrives daily from local suppliers, and you can taste the difference immediately. The menu reads like seafood poetry—oysters that taste like the ocean distilled into perfection, tuna tartare that’ll ruin all other versions for you, and prawns so good you’ll contemplate ordering a second round before you’ve finished the first.
And the pasta? F**king exceptional. Handmade, cooked to textbook al dente, and paired with seafood in ways that feel both indulgent and inevitable. The spaghetti with lobster isn’t an option; it’s a requirement. Order it. Thank me later.
The Service
What elevates Rosa Madre from great to unforgettable is the service. Not just good service; Italian-style service. The staff genuinely care about your experience, offering recommendations with actual enthusiasm rather than rehearsed scripts. They nail that elusive balance: always there when you need something, completely invisible when you’re deep in conversation. It’s a rare skill, and they’ve mastered it.
The Verdict
Rosa Madre is an experience. From the cosy, romantic setting to the impeccable service and the seafood to literally write home about, this is a spot that earns its glowing reputation. Whether you’re a Dublin local or just visiting, it’s well worth a trip to Crow Street.
So, if you’re looking for the perfect date night spot or just want to treat yourself to some of the best seafood in the city, Rosa Madre is calling your name. And honestly, who could say no to that?
THE ALPHABET DINNERS JOURNEY CONTINUES NEXT MONTH…
Next month we are going international for “S”…where could it be?!
Cheers, crew! 🥂
WANT TO FOLLOW ALONG ON OUR NIGHTS OUT?
You can follow all the craic on Instagram where I am going to be looking for recommendations, shout outs, sharing updates and who knows…maybe running a few competitions along the way. Join us here.
