AN EXCELLENT RESTAURANT
iMONELLI AUTHENTIC ITALIAN RESTAURANT [1-2 PORTOBELLO ROAD IN DUBLIN]
iMonelli is an authentic Italian restaurant located at 1-2 Portobello Road, Dublin 8, situated in the city's characterful Portobello neighbourhood near the Grand Canal.
The Name
The name iMonelli (pronounced ee-moh-nelly) is an Italian term. It translates to English as "the rascals," "the scamps," or, more affectionately, "the cheeky boys."
Restaurant History
The restaurant is co-owned by Head Chef Ivano Addabbo and Gianni De Santis. Chef Addabbo, who was first inspired to cook in his grandmother's kitchen, brought a wealth of international experience to Dublin, having previously worked in Michelin-starred restaurants and 5-star hotels around the world.
iMonelli was not always in its current location. It was previously located in the nearby suburb of Rathgar before moving to its present spot on Portobello Road around 2017. The restaurant has built a strong reputation for its authentic, high-quality Italian cuisine, earning accolades such as "Dublin's Most Authentic Italian Restaurant" at the 2019 Love Italian Life awards.
Building and Area History
While specific records for the exact building at 1-2 Portobello Road are not widely publicised, it sits within one of Dublin's most historic districts. The story of the building is intrinsically linked to the development of the Portobello neighbourhood.
The Grand Canal: The area's development began in earnest in the late 18th century, tied to the construction of the Grand Canal. The nearby Portobello House, built in 1807, was originally a hotel serving as the last stop for passengers arriving in Dublin via canal barge.
Origin of the Name: The name "Portobello" was adopted for the area following Admiral Edward Vernon's capture of the Panamanian town of Portobelo in 1739. This victory was celebrated across the British Isles, with many places, including Dublin's Portobello and London's Portobello Road, named in its honour.
"Little Jerusalem": From the late 19th century, the area saw an influx of Ashkenazi Jews fleeing persecution and pogroms in Eastern Europe. So many families settled in the streets and houses of Portobello that the neighbourhood became affectionately known as Dublin's "Little Jerusalem" for several decades.
Therefore, the building housing iMonelli is part of a streetscape that has witnessed significant chapters in Dublin's social and architectural history, from its origins as a canal-side suburb to its time as the centre of the city's Jewish community.
iMonelli is an authentic Italian restaurant located at 1-2 Portobello Road, Dublin 8, situated in the city's characterful Portobello neighbourhood near the Grand Canal.
The Name
The name iMonelli (pronounced ee-moh-nelly) is an Italian term. It translates to English as "the rascals," "the scamps," or, more affectionately, "the cheeky boys."
Restaurant History
The restaurant is co-owned by Head Chef Ivano Addabbo and Gianni De Santis. Chef Addabbo, who was first inspired to cook in his grandmother's kitchen, brought a wealth of international experience to Dublin, having previously worked in Michelin-starred restaurants and 5-star hotels around the world.
iMonelli was not always in its current location. It was previously located in the nearby suburb of Rathgar before moving to its present spot on Portobello Road around 2017. The restaurant has built a strong reputation for its authentic, high-quality Italian cuisine, earning accolades such as "Dublin's Most Authentic Italian Restaurant" at the 2019 Love Italian Life awards.
Building and Area History
While specific records for the exact building at 1-2 Portobello Road are not widely publicised, it sits within one of Dublin's most historic districts. The story of the building is intrinsically linked to the development of the Portobello neighbourhood.
The Grand Canal: The area's development began in earnest in the late 18th century, tied to the construction of the Grand Canal. The nearby Portobello House, built in 1807, was originally a hotel serving as the last stop for passengers arriving in Dublin via canal barge.
Origin of the Name: The name "Portobello" was adopted for the area following Admiral Edward Vernon's capture of the Panamanian town of Portobelo in 1739. This victory was celebrated across the British Isles, with many places, including Dublin's Portobello and London's Portobello Road, named in its honour.
"Little Jerusalem": From the late 19th century, the area saw an influx of Ashkenazi Jews fleeing persecution and pogroms in Eastern Europe. So many families settled in the streets and houses of Portobello that the neighbourhood became affectionately known as Dublin's "Little Jerusalem" for several decades.
Therefore, the building housing iMonelli is part of a streetscape that has witnessed significant chapters in Dublin's social and architectural history, from its origins as a canal-side suburb to its time as the centre of the city's Jewish community.
THE STORY