Il Folletto, the much loved Italian restaurant on Quay Street, has undergone a revamp of both interiors and menus. A contemporary rebrand and relaxed but modern approach to the interiors has given a renewed energy to the popular restaurant.
Owners Roberto Basso and partner, Vetina Tobin both of Italian origins, have successfully fused Italian culture and tradition with fresh modern styles to create a restaurant that reflects its proud Galway history and its quality Italian food. “We wanted to enhance the space we had, keeping the character of the restaurant but refreshing it though the use of Mediterranean colours and light,” says Vetina. “I think we have achieved this and feedback so far has been wonderful. With the recent sunshine, our outdoor seating area really adds an Italian summer feeling.”
Roberto’s style of cooking is influenced by his Italian roots and recipes that have been passed down through the generations. He was brought up in Milan in his family’s ‘Pasticcini‘ bakery, where the pastries and desserts were renowned. He brings a passion for combining authentic Italian ingredients with local produce into his new menu at Il Folletto. While he enjoys recreating traditional Italian recipes with his own modern touch and contemporary presentation, he believes strongly in sticking to the original ingredients and method of cooking in order to create original Italian dishes with modern bistro style.
“It is important to me that through our range of both the rustic and modern style dishes, that the history behind the region they originate is adequately reflected,” said Roberto. “We like to produce classic Roman food like spaghettti alla carbonara with a traditional recipe, while our cannelloni al salmone uses Connemara salmon. Modern Italian dishes such as the scaloppine al prosciutto e fontina creates an Irish Italian fusion partnering local veal with parma ham and a marsala sauce.”
His partner and co-owner Vetina Tobin’s love of Italian food can also be traced back to her family’s origins. Although born and raised in Galway, Vetina’s Sicilian mother ensured that her daughter was made aware of her origins with hearty rustic Italian dishes.
“We have created a whole new space in Il Folletto through the use of bright fresh colours,”she continued. “We were mindful of respecting and highlighting the incredible history of the building while creating a warm inviting space for people to relax over a prolonged ‘aperitivo’ or enjoy a family gathering in our private dining area.”
Like Roberto, Vetina believes in simple quality ingredients and big flavour. Her knowledge of Italian cuisine has also been strengthened through the years by time spent in the north of Italy. At Il Folletto she manages the front house of the business and leaves the cooking to Roberto.
Il Folletto has launched its fresh new look at Number 8, Quay Street. To celebrate the all new look, diners during the month of July will be treated to a chilled glass of Italian Prosecco. Il Folletto is open for lunch everyday from 1pm to 4pm and serves a la carte from 4pm to 10.30pm. Get in for a great value early bird menu of two courses, starter and main course, for €16.95 which is served until 7pm.
For more information see www.ilfoletto.ie or phone (091 ) 566 066.
