Foxy Bistro is a neighbourhood Italian restaurant on Brookvale Road in Donnybrook, bringing a contemporary take on familiar Italian cooking to this leafy south Dublin neighbourhood. Recently rebranded from Foxy Lounge under new ownership, the restaurant now describes its approach as Italian soul with European flair, with a menu built around comforting classics, quality ingredients and dishes designed to be shared.
The menu starts with Italian favourites including bruschetta, crispy truffle arancini, burrata with Prosciutto di Parma and chilli and garlic prawns. Pasta is a central feature, with dishes including penne arrabbiata, spaghetti al pomodoro, carbonara, tagliatelle with salmon and linguine with prawns and mushrooms. There’s also a selection of 48-hour-fermented pizzas, including burrata, Prosciutto e Rucola and a spicy nduja and burrata version.
For something beyond pasta and pizza, the menu includes Irish prime striploin and rib-eye, confit duck leg, eggplant parmigiana and a grilled cauliflower steak with vegan potato purée and chimichurri. Desserts stick to Italian and European classics, including tiramisu and affogato, alongside crème brûlée, lemon and ricotta cheesecake and vegan chocolate mousse. Vegan and gluten-free options are available.
The restaurant has a casual but polished feel, with a main dining room alongside a garden and front garden seating. Its atmosphere is described as cosy and romantic by recent diners, making it suitable for date nights as well as relaxed meals with friends and family. Children are welcome, while the restaurant also offers private parking across the road on Donnybrook Road.
Foxy Bistro serves lunch from Wednesday to Sunday and dinner Wednesday to Friday, with longer hours on Friday and Saturday evenings. Reservations are available, while takeaway and delivery are also offered.
With its Italian-focused menu, outdoor seating and relaxed neighbourhood setting, Foxy Bistro is well suited to everything from a casual pasta lunch to a more leisurely dinner over pizza, wine and tiramisu.