The restaurant closed due to unsustainable costs, warning that a city’s food scene can suffer when the hype for “new” openings overshadows the value of proven excellence
Wallace Taverna via Instagram
One of Dublin’s most long-standing Italian restaurants Wallace’s Taverna is closing.
The eatery has been located in Dublin’s Italian Quarter and overlooking the River Liffey since 2005. In a post announcing the closure, they said each of their 21 years in business has been “unforgettable.”
They cited “rising costs” as the reason for the closure and said that “continuing is no longer sustainable” with “constant increases.” They added that long-standing, high quality restaurants are often overlooked due to new openings, and that consistent excellence is what keeps a city’s food scene alive, not just brand new ventures.
In a post to Instagram, Wallace’s Taverna reflected on their many years of service to Dublin’s appetites, and shared their gratitude to their customers.
“There are words you hope you will never have to write, and this is one of them. After 21 unforgettable years, Wallace’s Taverna is closing its doors for the final time,” they said.
“What stood here was never just a restaurant, it was a home, shaped by laughter, long conversations, shared tables and the quiet rhythm of people returning again and again. Because of you, it became something far greater than we ever imagined.”To everyone who joined us for a meal, a glass of wine or simply a moment of warmth, thank you. To all the staff who were part of this journey, your passion and care built the true soul of this place. And to the Italian community who stood by us from the beginning, we carry your support with deep gratitude.”
Wallace Taverna via Instagram
They added that continuing in the current climate of rising costs has made running an independent business very difficult. The post continued: “For some time now it has become harder and harder to continue. Rising costs, constant increases and an environment that leaves very little margin for places like ours have brought us to a point where continuing is no longer sustainable. We have chosen to close with dignity, rather than slowly lose what made this place special.”
They added that sadly, with many closures of beloved eateries across Dublin, long-standing restaurants become visible only when they are about to disappear.
“This is for those who shape how the food world is seen and told, critics, influencers, publications and people within the hospitality industry. Too often, long-standing restaurants become visible only when they are about to disappear. The focus goes to what is new and trending, but a city is also built on places that endure quietly over time.
Wallace Taverna via Instagram
“When so many restaurants are closing, it is worth asking whether being overlooked plays a part too. There are many places that show up every day with dedication and identity, yet remain outside the conversation. This is not a complaint, but an invitation to look closer, sooner, and more often.”
Venues Sfuso, Cagliostro and Wallace Asti are no affected by the closure of Wallace’s Taverna.
“We will now focus on our other venues, Sfuso, Cagliostro and Wallace Asti, but a part of us will always remain here. Saying goodbye to mamma Taverna is not easy. Thank you for every moment, every memory. This is not just a farewell, it is a thank you.”
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