It’s no secret that I am a foodie, and when I come across a restaurant, bistro, café or eatery of any sort that I really enjoy, I go again. And again. And again. And again. This is what happened after the first time I visited Parrilla, Ranelagh, because the food and service is just that damn good!

Located at the top-end of the main street in Ranelagh, Parrilla at 7-9 Sandford Road is an incredible Mexican restaurant, delivery authentic flavours, small plates, large plates and very tasty cocktails. I know that saying Parrilla is the best Mexican restaurant in Ireland, let alone Dublin, is saying a lot.

Described as “poised to revolutionise the city’s food scene with an enticing blend of upscale Mexican cuisine and vibrant ambiance”, I wholeheartedly agree. Let me tell you why.

FOOD

I’ve now dined at Parrilla four times since March of this year, with a fifth booking already set in stone for August. I’ve known Jules Mak for a good while now since my days at TheTaste and then DublinTown, and having dined at Mak at D6 (the brilliant dim sum restaurant run by Mak brothers Ricky & Jules since 2012), and combined with David Fox‘s skills, I knew that only good things could come out of Parrilla.

On my first night with a friend, I geniunely wanted to order everything.

Everything.

E V E R Y T H I N G!

But I’m not that indulgent, so we ordered a few bites and tacos to share, and kept the margaritas flowing. That first experience was sublime, notably the Beef Empanada, which could be one of my favourite dishes I’ve ever eaten. The unctuous flavour of beef barbacoa mixed with cheeky cheesy mozzarella, accompanied by a classic chimichurri and chipotle mayo. YUM! It’s so damn good that the Beef Empanada won the 2nd Place Best Dish Award at the recent 2025 Best in Taste Awards.

The Chips & Guac are truly perfect, with crisp corn chips and salsas that give subtle and less subtle heat. I could chow down on the Padron Peppers all day long, while the Fish Tacos have perfect batter, freshness, accompanying flavours – and you get two, which makes it an ideal sharing plate.

As mentioned I’ve been a few times since, to report on just a few more dishes, (because obviously I’m making my way through the whole menu). If you enjoy a seafood kick, order the Tuna or Crab Tostada, served on a crisp taco alongside all the delicious toppings and a chipotle mayo with a hint of spice. Or go for the Gambas, which are so juicy, fresh and full of flavour, and you get a bigger portion than you’d expect (five Dublin Bay Prawns. Yes, five!). To top it off, they’re served with a big square of foccacia to mop up all the delicious juices (a combo of jalapeño & habanero butter and coriander oil). So. Good.

Hella good vegetarian options include the Piña Caramelizada that serves you pops of caramelised pineapple with all the little touches, while the Jalapeño Croquettes and the potato Empanada will likely leave you salivating til your last bite.

Enjoy a good taco? Well, I’ve tried almost all of them for research purposes not only because I love them. The Tinga de Pollo Tacos (shredded spiced chicken) brings in sweetness with pineapple, the Aubergine Tacos are ideal for vegetarians and veg-lovers, the Duck Carnitas Tacos are a treat to share with one or two others and the aforementioned Fish Tacos are perfect. I’ve yet to opt for the table-sharing Côte de Boeuf, but give it time…

Now if you’re ravenous, partial to large portions and/or don’t like to share small plates (why though?), then the Grill selection off the menu is for you. I’m lucky my family do like to share as the Grilled Carne Asada Steak is as big on flavour as it is on the plate, and worth every cent. Succulent, moist beef that’s been beautifully aged with all the right Mexican flavours. On a similar note, the Pork Birria Ribs are a simply delicious serve, with the most unctuous sauce. You might need a bib for that one though!

And if all that wasn’t enough, I’ve had all of the Sides: The Parrilla Potatoes are divine and plentiful; the Parrilla Broccoli are cooked to perfection with a tasty feta dressing (and broccoli is my favourite vegetable ALT!); the Red Rice is simple and slightly spicy; and the Charred Corn is ideal for a fresh bite. They all compliment any of the other menu dishes too. It’s basically just a match-made-in-heaven kind of menu.

COCKTAILS

As for the cocktail offering, if you like margaritas you will enjoy what the Parrilla mixologists have up their sleeves. They have 9 on the Margaritas list alone, of which I’ve enjoyed a few glasses of the classic Margarita, Spicy, Verdita and Paloma. On my most recent visit for my birthday, I also nabbed the Pistachio Mai Tai, which can easily be your dessert at the end of the meal. Cocktails at Parrilla are strong, perfectly mixed with complimentary flavours, and delicious salt rims for all the margarita lovers!

My friends and family have all enjoyed the cocktails they’ve ordered too, and of course there are other non-mixology drinks from beers and wine to coffee, and they can make mocktails too – only if you ask nicely though.

They also have a little drinks corner for customers who are still enjoying themselves, and not yet ready to leave, and still have a few more drinks they’d like to try out. It is subject to availability, but do ask your server if it tickles your fancy to stay that bit longer and order a few more cocktails.

So, you’re booking in right?

I highly recommend opting for 2-4 dishes from the Bites and Tacos section per person, order at least one Chips and Guac per two people, and definitely come hungry. You can order more as you finish off plates (I have definitely done this during my visits – no shame), though if you did order a little more than your tummy can handle, ask for your leftovers to be taken home. Your midnight munchies will thank you later.

Nirina xx