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CUISINES
Italian, Neapolitan, Campania, Southern-Italian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
features
Does this restaurant have a full bar?
Details
CUISINES
Italian, Neapolitan, Campania, Southern-Italian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Table Service
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4.5
157 reviews
Excellent
126
Very good
14
Average
8
Poor
9
Terrible
0
POC-CW
Johnstown571 contributions
Aug 2021 • none
We visited Caffe 500 for dinner this evening. The staff were very friendly and welcoming. It’s a small restaurant so best to book in advance. I had the spinach & ricotta ravioli while my wife had the margherita pizza for mains. Both were nice but the pizza was especially lovely and incredibly reasonably priced at €9. We shared a very nice tiramisu for dessert. My wife really enjoyed her glass of Prosecco which was also very reasonably priced. If we’re in the area again, we’ll happily return.
Written 8 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pahef
Kildare286 contributions
Jan 2020 • family
Lovely small italian restaurant in carlow. Limited no of table so best to book. Just pasta and pizza on the menu but loads of choices. We had starters of bruschetta garlic mushrooms and mushrooms stuffed with blue cheese. So large and very tasty
Pizzas are huge. Sorry we didn't share. Pasta had too much cheese for my taste but lovely. Limited wine and beer list but it's only a small place. House red and white and a couple of really nice choice bottles. Couldn't manage desert -too stuffed. Will definitely go back and would reccommend it highly
Written 7 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CoraHennessy
Kilkenny51 contributions
Jan 2020 • family
We went to this fabulous eatery on Sunday with our two babies. I love Italian food and everything Italian but I don't often eat it in Ireland as I don't like to be disappointed. Everything about here I lived the restaurant and decor and in particular Luca. He is so warm and kind. He would make you want to return even if you did not totally love the food. We look forward to going back again soon. Thank you
Written 15 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hugh M
Wicklow6 contributions
Jul 2022 • couples
Went for lunch at this restaurant today, we ordered the antipasti to share - it was miserable. The meat was tasteless, two slices of cheese, one piece of bruchetta on a very sad bed of rocket. Priced at €14. We ordered bread for the table…four very small slices…the olive oil and balsamic came in sachets. We gave up and left, female service wasn’t great either. Definitely won’t be returning…
Written 9 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marco Banana
Dear Hugh, thank you for your review. We are always happy to receive feedback from our clients when they are honest and through, as it helps us to improve daily our offer and service. I would like to clarify some important aspects of your reviews. The Tagliere 500 is one of the most popular dishes here at Caffè 500 for the top quality staples we use in it. The platter is made of cured meats and matured cheeses coming directly from some of the areas in Italy where these products have been designated by the EU as Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). This designation certifies these areas of origin and the uniqueness of the processing techniques, so you can be sure to eat a product which you won’t fine elsewhere and which is made according to specific quality standards, so the meat you had is really full of flavour. But we understand that there’s no disputing about taste.
The platter you ordered contained: a 18-month aged San Daniele (this ham contains only three ingredients: selected Italian pigs thighs, some sea salt and the special climate of San Daniele of the famous Friuli Venezia Giulia region, where it is produced), a matured pecorino (made of pure sheep’s milk), and artisan salami. As you can see not only do we use the best quality products possible, but we try to offer our clients staples which are healthy and awarded.
In relation to the bread, we bake it every day with flours coming from the best brands and the dough is let proof for hours in order to get a bread which is light and at the same time packed with flavour. Our customers love it.
You occupied your table for an hour expecting to leave sated after getting only a starter and paying just € 14, which is a price you won’t even pay in Italy for what you ordered. Besides, in your message you speak about more people sitting at your table, whereas it was only you, so you had ordered only 1 Tagliere. We also have the Tagliere for 2 people sharing, you just need to ask for it and we are happy to meet your requests.
Thanks again and regards.
Written 10 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mr.Z
Ireland104 contributions
Aug 2022 • none
Best Italian cuisine in Carlow. Dishes are simple but really high quality. We tried it before Covid and for some reason (unknown) we never came back so we decided to give it another go and instantly we became regular customers. Pizza dough is a work of art, pasta in never overcooked, coffee is nice and the Big Boss - Luka, who is always around the till is a gentleman and give " real" Italinan feel to it. Bravo!
Written 12 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
#Freddie Travel
Dublin2 contributions
Apr 2024 • family
Went here with my 5 year old daughter last night. We didn’t have a book lovely lady behind the counter said she could give us a table but needed it back in 1hr 30 mins. It was Saturday as 5.15 that was perfect.
When seated I asked the Male waiter for a children Menu and was told no they don’t have one and they do small portion of pasta. I asked about a pizza and was told no only pasta small portion. He was very rude.
I went a head and ordered my daughter a pepperoni pizza. The lady waitress gave her a small plate as the size of the was enough to turn her off. When I lifted a slice of pizza all the toppings fall off on the to plate. It was very poor quality. She only picked at some of the pepperoni.
I order the lasagna, which was completely tasteless. All food was hot, the restaurant was busy, I was very annoyed at how our meal went considering it seemed a popular spot.
A suggestion to this restaurant to have a kids menu or even offer a small pizza for the kids. Italian restaurant with no kids size pizza! Also I’ll just add there was another two children in the restaurant at this time and another 2-3 came in during our meal.
Written 4 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AbbeyTraveller
Dungarvan34 contributions
Sept 2022 • friends
A group of eight of us recently ate here and were absolutely blown away by the quality on offer. There’s a fantastic selection in terms of food and every dish was delicious, with very generous portions too. The wine list was excellent. A special mention to the staff who were extremely helpful and made the evening fun. Will make a concerted effort to return when we’re back in the Carlow area.
Written 6 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CodeBlack7
Cobh23 contributions
Aug 2020 • family
Outstanding authentic family food served in a great little restaurant full of character and characters. Excellent family recipes on a very expansive menu. Great portion sizes to share.
Written 12 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Murster1
Dublin14 contributions
Feb 2022 • couples
It was my first time visiting Caffe 500 and it surely didn't disappoint. The food is amazing - I had a pizza which was a real authentic Italian pizza which is of course the best kind. The service was brilliant and all staff are very friendly. The food was also reasonably priced which was an added benefit! I have since ordered many take away pizzas from Caffe 500 (more than I should admit) as it was genuinely so so good.
Will be back again!!! 🤤
Written 2 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lily8729
10 contributions
Feb 2022 • friends
Caffe 500 is incredible. The food is so delicious and authentic, the service is warm and attentive and the overall feel of the restaurant is comfortable and welcoming. Cant wait to be in Carlow to go again! My friends and I had a wonderful time.
Written 27 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kaitlin M
1 contribution
Jul 2022 • couples
Absolutely love the gluten free pizza from Caffe 500! Most pizzas can be made with a gluten free base. Gluten free pasta available too. I have coeliac disease and haven't had any issues thus far. Good spot for great GF options in Carlow.
Written 2 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard O
42 contributions
Oct 2024 • couples
Warm welcome, was busy and had a lovely ambiance. Ordered pasta and a pizza with a side salad and a bottle of rose, food was hot and tasty, staff were very friendly and attentive. Would definitely recommend.
Written 12 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SLorjames
11 contributions
Jan 2025 • couples
My husband and I were doing a day trip to Carlow today (Jan 15), to visit the exhibitions at VISUAL and had been so disappointed with the on-site restaurant when we were there last year, that I did a bit of research to find another restaurant nearby. I wasn't disappointed! Though we only each ended up having a pizza, we had both perused the menu and were impressed by the number of things that sounded delicious (starters, pastas, calzones). The desserts were visible in a refrigerated case near our table and they looked fantastic, but we were both too full from the yumminess of the pizzas to have anything else. Next time! There will definitely be a next time as we loved the place. Service was also wonderful, by what I expect is a family-run place as I could hear the melodic sounds of Italian as the young staff spoke (quietly) to each other.
Written 15 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John Griffin
Carlow11 contributions
Apr 2024 • family
Had Caesar salad and tiramisu. The salad was a very lazy attempt and served in a crazy small round bottom wooden bowl. It couldn’t be eaten from the bowl without tipping it over the table. I asked for a plate and transferred it to that. That’s when I discovered the laziest attempt at a Caesar salad that I have ever seen. It was a head of lettuce chopped into 3-4 sections. Placed in lumps in the bottom of the bowl, covered in a thick mayonnaise based dressing, a sparse sprinkle of bacon, very little chicken and sourdough bread chunks untoasted. A few shavings of of Parmesan and that was it. No attempt to season it. Zero attempt to toss the salad and no room to do so in the small wooden bowl.
The tiramisu came in a glass cup and was more like a layered custard with very little mascarpone, savoiardi or coffee. It was mostly liquid.
The pizzas and pasta had by the rest of my family looked good. The restaurant was comfortable and had a pleasant atmosphere. The menu is quite limited especially if you are not into pasta and pizza. I know it’s an “Italian” style restaurant but it needs to up its game to Italian standards throughout the menu, traditional Caesar and tiramisu would be a good start. You don’t need to deconstruct them. The service was very good and the staff were pleasant. It was my first time there, but my extended family have been many times and enjoyed it. I won’t be rushing back with them. Two others had the Caesar and really struggled with it too.
Written 4 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marco de Felice
We are sorry that you did not like the Cesar and the tiramisu, very popular dishes in our restaurant .. about our menu, it is based on pasta and pizza (18 different types of pasta and 16 of pizza) so if you are looking for more, you are in the wrong restaurant ...
Written 6 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Madison F
1 contribution
May 2024 • family
Holy MOLY! Best pizza I've had since I was in Italy last summer. Extremely fast and wonderful service and the pizza was AMAZING! I got gluten free pizza and the crust was so soft. Also one of the best made aperol spritz's I've had in quite a long time. 10/10 recommend if you're getting sick of potatoes and beef! ;)
Written 15 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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