The Unexpected Joy of Pickosito: A Mexican Gem in Dublin’s Heart
There’s something about walking into a restaurant and instantly feeling like you’ve stumbled into a culinary sanctuary. That’s exactly what happened when I stepped into Pickosito, a Mexican eatery tucked away in Dublin’s North Lotts. From the moment I saw Iris Gaspar meticulously rolling dough at the counter, I knew this wasn’t just another restaurant—it was an experience. Personally, I think there’s a magic to watching food being made by hand, a reminder that dining out can be about more than just eating; it’s about connection and craft.
A Tale of Two Chefs and a Misunderstood Cuisine
Pickosito was born in 2024, the brainchild of Edlyn Garcia Morán and Raquel Hernández Rodríguez, two women from northern Mexico. What makes this particularly fascinating is how their roots in Coahuila shape the menu. Northern Mexican cuisine is often overshadowed by its central and southern counterparts, but it’s a world unto itself. Beef, not pork, takes center stage, and wheat tortillas replace corn—a detail that I find especially interesting because it challenges the monolithic idea of ‘Mexican food.’ Food writer Diana Kennedy spent decades arguing that Mexican cuisine is a mosaic of regional traditions, and Pickosito’s menu is a testament to that.
A Menu That Demands Exploration
The menu is a masterclass in balance, blending northern Mexican staples with classics from other regions. One thing that immediately stands out is the generosity of the portions. My daughters, who first raved about Pickosito, warned me about the serving sizes, and they weren’t kidding. The nachos especiales, for instance, are a feast in themselves, layered with queso, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa verde. What many people don’t realize is that nachos, when done right, can be a dish of nuance—and these are done very right.
The Heart of the Matter: Tortillas and Fillings
If you take a step back and think about it, the tortilla is the unsung hero of Mexican cuisine. At Pickosito, the house-made flour tortillas are a game-changer. Warm, pliable, and perfectly salted, they elevate every dish. The chorizo tacos, for example, are a revelation. The chorizo, spicy and sharpened by lime, pairs beautifully with the tortillas. It’s the kind of dish that makes you pause and appreciate the simplicity of great ingredients.
For vegetarians, the tacotón chilli sin carne is a standout. Filled with caramelized onions and a soy mince chilli that’s both hearty and flavorful, it’s a dish that even meat-eaters would enjoy. This raises a deeper question: why do so many restaurants treat vegetarian options as an afterthought? Pickosito proves that plant-based dishes can be just as satisfying as their meaty counterparts.
The Burrito Percheron: A Meal in Itself
Then there’s the burrito percheron, described on the menu in bold capitals as ‘everyone’s favorite.’ Packed with carne asada, guacamole, bacon, refried beans, and grilled onions, it’s a meal in itself—and then some. What this really suggests is that sometimes, excess is exactly what we need. In a world where portion sizes are often skimpy, Pickosito’s generosity feels like a rebellion.
The Mole That Stole the Show
The enmoladas, tortillas filled with shredded chicken and topped with a glossy mole sauce, are another highlight. Mole is one of those sauces that’s easy to get wrong, but Pickosito’s version is a masterpiece. Rich, complex, and slightly smoky, it’s a reminder of how deeply layered Mexican cuisine can be. From my perspective, this dish alone is worth the visit.
The Broader Implications: Why Pickosito Matters
What makes Pickosito more than just a great restaurant is its ability to challenge preconceptions. It’s not just about serving Mexican food; it’s about educating diners about the diversity of Mexican cuisine. In a city like Dublin, where Mexican options are often limited to Tex-Mex clichés, Pickosito feels like a breath of fresh air.
The Final Verdict
At €101.40 for four people, including drinks, Pickosito is a steal. Yes, the chicken and pork aren’t free-range, but the quality of the food more than makes up for it. Personally, I think the real value lies in the experience—the warmth of the space, the authenticity of the flavors, and the sense that you’re part of something special.
If you’re looking for a restaurant that’s both comforting and surprising, Pickosito is it. It’s not just a meal; it’s a journey. And in a world where dining out can often feel transactional, that’s something to celebrate.
Takeaway Thought: In a sea of generic eateries, Pickosito stands out as a reminder that food, at its best, tells a story. And this is one story I’ll be revisiting—again and again.
