New Italian restaurant Il Folletto on Quay Street really is little Italy in the heart of Galway. As you walk in the door straight away you are transported to a warm summer’s evening in southern Italy. The traditional rustic appearance and precise attention to detail really is something to behold. Nothing has been left to chance in creating a warm inviting homely Italian welcome. From freshly imported Italian cured meats, cheese, and pastas to full bodied or lightly fruity Italian wines from the extensive wine menu, everything is the real deal. Even the staff are Italian!
Every item on the menu is planned and researched to perfection bringing to Ireland the absolute best of Italian food that has never been experienced in an Irish restaurant before.
Il Folletto (formerly Pierre’s at 8 Quay St ) has been a decade in the planning and came to fruition through the passion and vision of co-owners Roberto Basso and Vetina Tobin. Roberto is also the head chef in Il Folletto and Vetina owns successful catering company Pollaci catering. Their joint goal was to bring the traditional regional Italian food they grew up with to Ireland. Roberto trained in culinary college in Milan and worked with many different world cuisines and travelled extensively perfecting his skills. Roberto was drawn back to his roots and wanted to share a side of Italian cooking that so few outside of Italy are ever lucky enough to try and lucky for us has brought that talent to his Quay Street restaurant. Vetina, also an accomplished che.f gained her love and passion for Italian cuisine from her Sicilian mother who taught her traditional recipes from the region throughout her childhood.
Try the “Orecchiette Alla Pugliese” or Pappardelle Al Ragu D’Anatra” and prepare yourself for a taste of Italy you will not forget. For dessert try one of the many traditional homemade Italian desserts. Roberto’s tiramisu is unrivalled with even renowned food critic Paulo Tullio once calling it “The best tiramisu I have ever had.”
The prices have been kept very competitive to give everyone a chance to sample this fabulous cuisine. The lunch menu manages to serve homemade pastas, traditional Italian Panini’s and main courses for under €10 served with tea or coffee. Try the new “Recession Special” of two courses and a choice of a soft drink, tea, or coffee all for €9.95. This includes the homemade soup of the day and your choice of a traditional Italian panini or main course for less than a tenner! The extensive wine menu has something for everyone! The restaurant seats 70 so Il Folletto will happily cater for large groups and bookings. For details or reservations phone 091 566 066.
Il Folletto opens seven days a week for lunch and dinner 12pm till 3pm and then 5.00pm-10.30pm a la carte
